Choosing the best Walking routes at Machu Picchu

When you visit Machu Picchu, there are 10 routes (tickets) to choose from. Our guide explains all the options so you get the best experience as you explore this ancient wonder of the world.

To help protect the Machu Picchu archaeological site, the Peruvian authorities now have 10 walking routes and sub-routes (or circuits or sub-circuits as they are known) to better manage the large numbers of people who visit the site every day. 

When you travel with Veloso Tours, we always recommend you stay overnight, so on the day you arrive at Machu Picchu, you can take one of the routes that explore within the site and depending on your mobility and energy levels, another that gives access to the ruins and scenic attractions outside the main site. You can then re-visit the site the next day, choosing the entrance ticket suited to your interests. If you book well in advance, availability for your preferred routes should be available.

Walking routes within the Machu Picchu site

Circuit 2 - Designed Classic Route

This route is perhaps the most recommended route. You can take the iconic photo of Machu Picchu from a platform below the Guardian’s House, known as ‘Circuit 2’. The route then continues through the urban and religious sector of Machu Picchu, where you can explore places such as the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor (or the Water Mirrors), the Water Fountains and the agricultural sector.

The time allowed for this route is a maximum of 2 and 1/2 hours.

Circuit 2 - Lower Terrace Route

This sub-circuit offers a slightly shorter route but also allows you to get the classic photo of Machu Picchu from a lower terrace. After taking the best photos, the tour continues through the urban and religious sector, where you can explore the main Inca temples and enclosures, such as the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor (or the Water Mirrors), the Water Fountains and the agricultural sector.

This circuit also has a maximum duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes and is highly recommended.

Circuit 3 - Designed Royal Route

This tour focuses on the royal buildings located in the lower part of the Inca city. It starts with a breathtaking view of Machu Picchu from the agricultural sector. After taking your best photos, the tour continues to the religious sector, where you can explore important Inca temples and enclosures such as the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Sacred Rock and the Temple of the Condor.

The maximum time for this circuit is 2 and 1/2 hours.

Circuit 1 - Upper Terrace Route

This ticket enables the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu from the Guardian’s House viewpoint. There is a stunning view of the archaeological complex, including the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Intihuatana and more, although it does not allow you to tour these constructions. The maximum time allowed is 2 and 1/2 hours.

Walking routes giving access to the mountains and sites outside the Machu Picchu site

You can also choose from a range of tickets that explore the main site and give access to scenic or historical sites nearby. Please note some of these routes go require a good level of fitness.

Circuit 1 - Machu Picchu Mountain Route

This circuit also offers the opportunity to take the classic postcard photo from the viewpoint of the Guardian’s House, with panoramic views of the main Inca structures. In addition to this tour, it allows access to the Machu Picchu mountain, located at 3,082 meters above sea level.

The total time allowed around the mountain is 4 hours. This circuit is restricted to visitors over 18 years old and the maximum duration of the tour in Machu Picchu is 1 hour.

Circuit 1 - Inti Punku Route

This route allows you to take the classic pictures from the viewpoint of the House of the Guardian, accessible after a 15 to 30 minute walk up stone steps. It also allows access to Inti Punku (Sun Gate), the original entrance to Machu Picchu during the Inca period, located at 2,745 metres above sea level.

The complete tour to Inti Punku takes approximately 2 hours and is open to visitors of all ages. This circuit is closed in low season (16 October to 31 May).

Circuit 1- Inca Bridge Route

This route includes the classic view from the viewpoint of the Guardian’s House and allows access to the Inca Bridge, located on the eastern edge of Machu Picchu, towards the gateway to the Amazon sector. The total duration of the walk to the Inca Bridge is approximately 1 hour.

This circuit is closed in low season (16 October to 31 May) and is only permitted for visitors over 18 years of age. The maximum duration of the visit at the Machu Picchu site is 2 hours.

Circuit 3 - Waynapicchu Route

This route allows you to visit the buildings of the Inca royalty in the lower part of Machu Picchu, with a view from the agricultural sector similar to the classic postcard view of the Guardian’s House sector. In addition, you can tour the religious sector of Machu Picchu and explore temples such as the Temple of the Sun and the House of the Inca.

This tour within the Machu Picchu site takes approximately 1 hour. You can then hike to the top of Huayna Picchu mountain, which takes up to 3 hours. This option is only available for people over 18 years old.

Circuit 3 - The Great Cavern Route

This route includes a visit to the Inca constructions in the lower part of Machu Picchu, with views from the agricultural sector. It also allows you to explore the Great Cavern or Temple of the Moon, located in the Huayna Picchu mountain.

The tour of the lower part of Machu Picchu takes approximately 1 hour, and the hike to the Great Cavern takes up to 4 hours. This option is only available for people over 18 years old and is only offered in high season (1 June to 15 October).