Circuits to Visit Machu Picchu 2027: Traveler’s Guide Today

Kondor Path Tours has prepared this updated 2027 guidebook about Machu Picchu, an Inca city everyone wants to know about. No photo or description can capture this experience. We’ll see if a first impression is enough. A city that is perfectly nestled between two craggy mountain peaks. Read this 2027 travel guide to Machu Picchu.

The Complete List of Machu Picchu Circuits in 2027

This updated guide explains all Machu Picchu circuits, routes, and 2027 entry schedules to help you choose the best option for your visit.

The Machu Picchu circuit system was updated in 2027 with new routes, schedules, and visitor limits. Here is a complete breakdown of all available circuits and how they work.

The Ministry of Culture of Peru and the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu updated the information on May 20, 2027.

CIRCUIT 1
- Machu Picchu Mountain Route or Ruta Montaña Machupicchu (Circuito 1: Route 1-A)
- Upper Terrace Route or Ruta terraza superior (Circuito 1: Route 1-B)
- Inti Punku Route Inca Sun Gate or Ruta Portada Intipunku (Circuito 1: Route 1-C)
- Inca Bridge Route or Ruta Puente Inca (Circuito 1: Route 1-D), high season
CIRCUIT 2
- Designed Route o Ruta Clásica Diseñada (Circuito 2: Route 2-A)
- Lower Terrace Route or Ruta Terraza Inferior (Circuito 2: Route 2-B)
CIRCUIT 3
- Huayna Picchu Route or Ruta Montaña Wayna Picchu (Circuito 3: Route 3-A)
- Designed Route or Ruta Realeza Diseñada (Circuito 3: Route 3-B)
- Great Cavern Route or Ruta Gran Caverna (Circuito 3: Route 3-C), high season
- Huchuy Picchu Route or Ruta Huchuy Picchu (Circuito 3: Route 3-D), high season

The Ministry of Culture began selling tickets to visit Machu Picchu during the high season from May 1 to October 15, 2027, and December 30 to 31, 2027.

In 2027, Machu Picchu’s daily entry capacity will increase from 4,500 to 5,600 visitors, with three circuits and 10 new routes.

For this high season, there is a tolerance of thirty (30) minutes for entry to Machupicchu in the low season and forty-five (45) minutes in the high season (it is being increased by 15 more minutes for entry). After this period, the visitor will not be able to enter the Machupicchu llaqta, except for causes of force majeure or duly proven fortuitous event,” the protocol states.

Circuits to Visit Machu Picchu 2027: Traveler’s Guide Today

Overview of Machu Picchu Circuits (Quick Comparison)

Circuit 1 (Panoramic Routes)

Best for views, photos, and complementary visits. Does NOT include full citadel access.

Circuit 2 (Classic Machu Picchu Experience)

The most complete and recommended route. Includes the iconic viewpoint and main archaeological sectors.

Circuit 3 (Royalty & Mountain Routes)

Ideal for hikers and alternative perspectives like Huayna Picchu or Huchuy Picchu.

Which Machu Picchu Circuit Should You Choose?

Best Circuit for First-Time Visitors

Circuit 2-A or 2-B offers the most complete Machu Picchu experience with the classic view.

If this is your first time visiting Peru, explore our
Machu Picchu tours from Cusco
with train tickets, guided circuits, and expert local assistance included.

Best Circuit for Photography

Circuit 1-B provides the iconic panoramic view from the upper terraces.

Best Circuit for Hiking

Circuit 3-A (Huayna Picchu) or 3-D (Huchuy Picchu) is perfect for adventure travelers.

Adventure travelers can also explore our
Inca Trail tours
for multi-day hiking experiences ending at Machu Picchu through the ancient Inca routes.

If you are still comparing itineraries, explore our

best Machu Picchu tours from Cusco

to find the ideal experience based on your travel style, available time, and preferred circuit.

Best Circuit for Short Visits

Circuit 3-B allows a shorter visit focused on key archaeological sectors.

👉 Complete travel guide:

Machu Picchu Travel Guide

👉 Entry rules:

Machu Picchu Entry Rules 2027

Best Machu Picchu Circuits in 2027 (Expert Recommendation)

Choosing the right Machu Picchu circuit depends on your travel style, time, and expectations. Here are the best options based on real traveler experience.

There are ten new circuits to visit Machu Picchu! The best circuits are:

CIRCUIT 2 or Inka City Circuit:

Circuito 2: Route 2-A: Designed Route (with the classic view of Machu Picchu).
Circuito 2: Route 2-B: Lower Terrace Route (with the classic view of Machu Picchu)

CIRCUIT 3 or Royalty Circuit

Circuito 3: Route 3-D: Huchuy Picchu Route (without the classic view of Machu Picchu). To have the classic view, you would have to add a new entrance ticket, which is CIRCUIT 1 or PANORAMIC (Circuito 1: Route 1-B: Upper Terrace Route)

Formula:

Circuito 3: Route 3-D + Circuito 1: Route 1-B
Circuito 3: Route 3-D + Circuito 1: Route 1-D

CIRCUIT 3 or Royalty Circuit

Route 3-A: Waynapicchu Route: Visit Machu Picchu through the citadel’s center! But if you require the classic view of Machu Picchu, you would have to add the following ticket:

Formula:

Circuito 3: Route 3-A + Circuito 1: Route 1-B
Circuito 3: Route 3-D + Circuito 1: Route 1-D

Detailed Guide to Each Machu Picchu Circuit

CIRCUIT 1 or Panoramic

Note: IT IS NOT ALLOWED to enter Machu Picchu ruins!

The purchase of the entrance ticket through the panoramic circuit would be more like a complement to the visit to Machu Picchu, to have another type of photographic perspective and visit the surroundings of Machu Picchu, or in case the visitor is buying the Huayna Picchu ticket and requires the classic view of Machu Picchu from the house of the Inca watchman.

Route 1-A: Machupicchu Montaña Route

Only to Montaña Hike

Maximum stay time: 7 hours

Route 1-B: Upper Terrace Route

Classic view of Machu Picchu only.

Maximum stay time: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Route 1-C: Inti Punku Route (Inca Sun Gate)

Only to Inti Punku Hike

(Available only in high season: From June 1 to October 15, 2027, and from December 30 to 31, 2027.)

Maximum stay time: 4 hours

Route 1-D: Inka Bridge Route

Only to Inka Bridge Hike (It has the classic view of Machu Picchu)

(Available only in high season: From June 1 to October 15, 2027, and from December 30 to 31, 2027.)

Maximum stay time: 3 hours

CIRCUIT 2 or Inka City Circuit

Note: The entrance ticket allows you to enter the Machu Picchu ruins and see the classic view of Machu Picchu from the Inca Watchman’s House.

Route 2-A: Designed Route (with the classic view of Machu Picchu)

The best route to visit and explore Machu Picchu with the classic view of Machu Picchu from the vicinity of the Inca Watchman’s House

Maximum stay time: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Places to visit:

Upper Platform
Dry Pit, Tectonic Fault
Viewpoint of the Temple of the Sun
Granite Chaos
Square of the Temples
Intiwatana Pyramid
Sacred Rock
Twelve Opening
Eastern Deposits
Water Mirror Set
Temple of the Condor
Pisonay Square
Archaeological Reserve

Route 2-B: Lower Terrace Route or LLAQTA CIRCUIT (with the classic view of Machu Picchu)

This incredible circuit covers almost all of Machu Picchu, with the classic view of Machu Picchu from the Inca terrace just below the Inca watchman’s house.

Maximum stay time: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Places to Explore:

Dry Pit, Tectonic Fault
Viewpoint of the Temple of the Sun
Granite Chaos
Square of the Temples
Intiwatana Pyramid
Sacred Rock
Twelve Opening
Eastern Deposits
Water Mirror Set
Temple of the Condor
Pisonay Square
Archaeological Reserve

CIRCUIT 3 or Royalty Circuit

Route 3-A: Waynapicchu Route (a classic hike to have the best view of Machu Picchu and the surroundings from the Wayna Picchu summit)

Maximum stay time: 6 hours

Visits:

Temple of the Sun
Inca House Set
Sacred Rock
Twelve Opening
Eastern Deposits
Water Mirror Set
Temple of the Condor
Pisonay Square
Archaeological Reserve

Route 3-B: Designed Route

No access to the summit of Huayna Picchu! It provides access only to the center and left side of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

Maximum stay time: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Visits:

Temple of the Sun
Inca House Set
Twelve Opening
Eastern Deposits
Water Mirror Set
Temple of the Condor
Pisonay Square
Archaeological Reserve

Route 3-C: Great Cavern Route

You can access the center and right side of Machu Picchu without a classic view! Then, continue towards the Great Cavern, better known as the Temple of the Moon of Machu Picchu.

(Available only in high season: From June 1 to October 15, 2027, and from December 30 to 31, 2027.)

Maximum stay time: 7 hours

Visits:

Temple of the Sun
Inca House Set
Sacred Rock
Twelve Opening
Eastern Deposits
Water Mirror Set
Temple of the Condor
Pisonay Square
Archaeological Reserve

Route 3-D: Huchuy Picchu Route

It does not have the classic view of Machu Picchu because you enter through the center of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu! But at the other end of Machu Picchu, 20 minutes away, the Huchuy Picchu viewpoint offers another photographic perspective; we recommend it.

Maximum stay time: 3 hours and 30 minutes

Visits:

Temple of the Sun
Inca House Set
Sacred Rock
Twelve Opening
Eastern Deposits
Water Mirror Set
Temple of the Condor
Pisonay Square
Archaeological Reserve

Circuit Number 5 To Machu Picchu (After the Inca Trail Hike)

The Ministry of Culture continually adjusts the circuits to avoid overcrowding at the Inca citadel and preserve the area’s archaeological heritage. We don’t know when a new Inca Trail circuit will be available for reservations. For more details, follow our publications; we will keep you informed. This trail is what the new Circuit 5 will look like.

Approximate walking time: 1.5 hours

Places worth seeing on this route:

Qolcas
Agricultural zone
Water channel
Dry well
Temple of the Sun Complex
Casa del Inca Complex
Water sources
Set with three sleeves
Pisonay Square
Archaeological reserve

Additional Mountain Routes and Highlights

Huayna Picchu

The name Huayna Picchu means “new mountain” in Quechua. It rises 2,671 meters above sea level, and Inca buildings and terraces surround its summits, with a sanctuary at its base: the Temple of the Moon. The climb takes 50 minutes to an hour and requires a hair-raising, complex ascent along a narrow path and through a cave-like tunnel.

Steep granite steps at the top lead to the edge of the abyss. The hike begins at the sacred rock at the sanctuary’s north end. Only 200 visitors are allowed per day in four shifts: the first from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m., the second from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., the third from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and the fourth from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. (Note: visitors are not allowed to enter the Citadel after completing this walk).

Huchuy Picchu Mountain

Its Quechua name, Huch’uypicchu, means “small mountain.” At 2,496 meters above sea level, this peak, located very close to the imposing Huayna Picchu, is just that.

Despite its relatively short distance, the moderate summit hike offers impressive views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding cloud forest. The 1.9-kilometer walk takes between 45 minutes and an hour. From the checkpoint, the hike loops along the lower trail over the eastern terraces, ascends the summit, and exits again via the upper Inca terraces.

The number of visitors per day is limited to 200, divided into nine shifts, with the first shift from 6:00 to 7:00 and the last from 14:00 to 15:00 (note: visitors cannot enter the Citadel after this tour).

Machu Picchu Mountain

At 3,061 meters above sea level, the Quechua name of this highest peak at the southern end of the Sanctuary means “old mountain.”

The climb is technically less demanding than Huayna Picchu, but it’s longer and less strenuous. It usually takes 90 minutes to hours to reach the summit.

However, at several points, this hike offers unparalleled views of the Inca citadel framed by Huayna Picchu, with the Urubamba River winding in a horseshoe curve below.

Once at the top, you will have a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. The hike begins above the thatched guard house on a marked stone path that leads to Inti Punku. Daily visitors are limited to 400, in two shifts: the first from 6:00 to 7:00 and the second from 8:00 to 9:00.

Inca Bridge at Machu Picchu

As with Huayna Picchu and Mount Machu Picchu, the trail begins with a guard post where you must sign in and out. However, the hike is free for visitors with tickets for routes 1 or 2. It is a relatively easy, though unsteady, hike. The Inca Bridge takes 20–30 minutes to reach via a winding cloud-forest trail.

The road narrows and offers spectacular views of the river valley and surrounding mountains.

But it is a beautiful sight. Four tree trunks lie loose in a six-meter gap in a section of the road planted into the steep mountainside. This “drawbridge” let the Incas control access and keep unwanted guests from sneaking in from the Aobamba Valley to the west.

Inti Punku (Gate of the Sun)

These ruins, located at an altitude of 2,700 meters, are the endpoint of the Inca Trail and offer hikers a magnificent first view of Huayna Picchu and the superb stone citadel that sprawls across the mountain’s saddle. Visitors to Machu Picchu can also enjoy this iconic view during the day.

It takes 45 minutes to an hour to climb Inti Punku from the sanctuary, leaving the guardhouse to the left of the upper terrace.

Inca Trail Access to Machu Picchu

For years, Inca Trail permits let hikers arriving through Inti Punku (Sun Gate) re-enter the Machu Picchu sanctuary and access the upper terraces.

This spot offered another chance to enjoy the iconic panoramic view of the plaza, with Huayna Picchu in the background, and to explore the main sights.

This circuit changed in June 2022, with a new policy restricting hikers to terraces and lower sanctuaries on routes 1 and 2. Classic Inca Trail hikers no longer have the right to re-enter the covered area after leaving it. Short Inca Trail hikers can return the next day from Aguas Calientes using CIRCUIT NUMBER 5, EXCLUSIVE FOR HIKERS OF THE INCA TRAILS PERU.

However, all Inca Trail hikers must purchase an additional ticket to return to the top of the sanctuary and hike routes 1 or 2.

👉 See full packing list here:

What to bring for Machu Picchu

LIST OF NEW MAPS TO VISIT MACHU PICCHU FROM JUNE 1, 2027

Route 1-A: Machupicchu Montaña Route Map

Route 1-B: Upper Terrace Route Map

Machu Picchu Route 1-B: Upper Terrace Route Map

Route 1-C: Inti Punku Route Inca Sun Gate Map

Machu Picchu Route 1-C: Inti Punku Route Inca Sun Gate Map

Route 1-D: Inca Bridge Route Map

Machu Picchu Route 1-D: Inca Bridge Route Map

Route 2-A: Designed Route Map

Machu Picchu Route 2-A: Designed Route Map

Route 2-B: Lower Terrace Route or Llaqta Circuit Map

Machu Picchu Route 2-B: Lower Terrace Route or Llaqta Circuit Map

Route 3-A: Huayna Picchu Route Map

Machu Picchu Route 3-A: Huayna Picchu Route Map

Route 3-B: Designed Route Map

Machu Picchu Route 3-B: Designed Route Map

Route 3-C: Great Cavern Route Map

Machu Picchu Route 3-C: Great Cavern Route Map

Route 3-D: Huchuy Picchu Route Map

Machu Picchu Route 3-D: Huchuy Picchu Route Map

With the new “Regulations for Sustainable Use and Tourist Visits for the Conservation of the Inca Llaqta of Machu Picchu,” the complex now has these new routes.
All people entering Machu Picchu must respect and follow these circuits.
Visitors and guides must strictly follow these circuits, which will continue to be modified to preserve Machu Picchu.
For this reason, we would like to inform you about the new regulations and routes with Kondor Path Tours.
Join us to learn more about Machu Picchu and new ways to visit the Inca citadel.
Learn about the new tours to visit the Inca city of Machu Picchu. About the unique tours, New ticket sales, alternative routes, and Rules to follow

Find the Best Machu Picchu Tour for Your Circuit

Choosing the right circuit is only part of the experience. Explore our top Machu Picchu tours, each designed to match your route and travel style.

Need help choosing the ideal itinerary? Compare our most popular Machu Picchu tours by circuit availability, hiking preferences, train experience, and trip duration.

Adventure travel packages along the Inca Trail, Lares, Salkantay, Choquequirao, Ausangate, and more. Book extra tickets for one of the best ways to visit Machu Picchu on your next 2027 vacation.

NEW TICKET SALE: Once you access the official government website:
https://reservas.machupicchu.gob.pe/inicio, you will see that new tickets are available.