Machu Pichu is the spectacular Incan citadel in the Andes Mountain range and it is on everyone’s travel bucket list. The place is so famous that it became quite overcrowded and something must have been done to limit the amount of visitors. When I first visited the site many years ago, I just had to pay the entrance fee to the reserve. Already back then hiking to the mountains above the Machu Pichu ruins was restricted but free of charge. That meant I had to hike up at a good pace because the access to Huayana Pichu was given on the basis of first comes first served. In 2019 the Peruvian government found a more efficient way of preserving this spectacular archaeological monument. Nowadays you can buy the tickets to Machu Pichu far in advance and the place is divided in 5 different circuits and of course there is a daily limit of visitors. This step was really needed in order to preserve the beauty of the place and avoid overcrowding. Still, some travellers complain that the explanation of the circuits offered on the official website is not fully comprehensible. Therefore I will try to make it easier for you and guide you through the choice of the right ticket.
First of all I would like to point out that if you are planning to spend more than one day visiting the ruins you have to remember that there is only one hotel at the top, namely next to the entrance. Being the one and only hotel here it’s obviously not for those of you who have a limited budget. If you can afford it it’s absolutely worth the money and you can book directly on their website https://www.belmond.com/hotels/south-america/peru/machu-picchu/belmond-sanctuary-lodge/
If you are planning on cheaper solutions, you can find them only in Aguas Clientes so if you are planning more than one day it means you have to hike down and then up again the next morning. No, you cannot camp at the archeological site. It might seem obvious but you would not believe how many people ask this question every day. In case of multiway visit you will have to buy multiple tickets, there is no such a thing as one multi-day ticket. You have to buy the tickets for the precise day and time so if you are planning to hike up one of the mountains, remember to calculate the correct time of the arrival to the beginning of the hike.
Here comes a quick explanation of the ticket types:
The best way to buy your tickets for Machu Picchu is from the official government website www.machupicchu.gob.pe.
When purchasing the ticket you may notice that there is only one general entry pass called the “Llaqta De Machupicchu.” Any additional tickets are specifically tailored for those interested in hiking up one of the mountains or visiting the Inca Bridge. These tickets mention the mountain (for example Huayana Picchu) and the circuits that conduct to the beginning of the trail leading to the top of the mountain. So if you are not planning to climb the mountains or visiting the Inca Bridge, the choice is easy: ticket “Llaqta De Machupicchu. In fact, a great majority of travellers buy the Llaqta De Macchupicchu ticket. It has the highest number of tickets available and allows you a complete freedom to walk one of the four circuits. It covers basically the whole area of the ruins but does not give you the access to climb the three iconic mountains: Montaña Machupicchu, Montaña Huayanapicchu, Montaña Huchuypicchu. All the other tickets indicate the designated path for your visit which means that you will be allowed only on that specific circuit. For each type of entry ticket to Machu Picchu, you must reserve a specific entry time and adhere to the allotted hour; failure to comply will result in denied access to the site. Keep in mind that with a general entry ticket (Llaqta de Machupicchu), you are permitted to stay in the site for four hours, or seven hours if you have a mountain hike ticket. Although it’s common for no one to monitor your duration, I recommend adhering to the times on your ticket. As mentioned earlier, these limits were implemented not only to reduce overcrowding but primarily to preserve the integrity of this exceptional place.
Let’s see in detail what every circuit offers.
Circuit 1: A short loop
Distance: 1.8km
Elevation: 100m
Difficulty: easy
Duration: 2 hours
Description: This circuit grants you access to all the ruins, commencing with an ascent along steep steps. Upon reaching the top, you cannot miss the sign indicating the superior platform (platforma superior) to the left and the lower platform (platforma inferior) to the right. If you want that iconic picture, go left. The trail ascends further through a small bamboo forest until you reach the upper area and the Sun Gate. From here, you will climb right up a set of stairs, then pass the junction for the Machu Picchu Mountain hike. The trail continues and you will have endless photo opportunities, one of them at the entry point of the Inca Bridge and along the terraces. The path follows alongside the terraces before reaching the city gate on the lower section of the site, where the principal buildings of Machu Picchu are situated. Circuit 1 gives you the possibility to explore the Temple of the Three Windows and then descents towards the courtyard with the lone tree. Finally, the route leads back towards the site’s exit via the bottom terraces, affording captivating views of the mountains, valley, and Aguas Calientes. Below the map.
Circuit 2: All round circuit
Distance: 2.2 km (extra 1.2km if you buy the Inca Bridge ticket)
Elevation: 100m
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 3 hours
Description: Circuit 2 is considered the most complete trail. The trail starts with the same stairs (elevation gain of 100m) as the circuit 1 and basically covers exactly the same path until the Temple of Three Windows. At this junction, Circuit 2 diverges from Circuit 1 and leads to the Pyramid de Intiwatana. You will be able to admire a series of terraces culminating in what initially appears to be an odd stump but actually this is one of the most significant sculptures for the Inka culture who used to pay a huge reverence to the sun. At this point you can go down to the workers’ area of Machu Picchu. Initially, you’ll encounter two buildings with a massive stone in the courtyard, designed to resemble the ridge lines of the mountains behind. With the right perspective, the resemblance becomes evident. Continuing along the path, you’ll pass between more buildings before arriving at the Temple of the Condor. Here, you’ll admire a carving of a condor on the floor, with a wing-shaped rock or wall behind it. Finally, the circuit leads you past the courtyard with the lone tree and across the terraces to the exit.
Circuit 3: The shortest circuit
Distance: 850m
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 90 minutes
Description: It is a short walk to the Temple of the Sun, Casa Del Inka (Royal Residence) and Temple of the Condor, and it’s leads you to the beginning of the trail to Machu Picchu Mountain. I advise you to buy the tickets for this circuits only if you are planning to go up to the Machu Pichu Mountain. It’s really a small walk and you don’t get to see much of the ruins but it’s a great choice if combine it with the general ticket. This circuit starts from the lower entrance and weaves between a couple of buildings before opening out to a view of the lower agricultural terraces and a good view of the workers section of Machu Picchu, with Huayna Picchu behind. From here, the trail follows the terraces to a junction for the Temple of the Sun and the Royal Residence (Casa Del Inka) which you can visit. You get towards the exit by walking through the lower terraces.
Circuit 4: The lower route
Distance: 1.6km
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 2.5h
Description: This circuits allows you to see all the ruins in the lower part but doesn’t take you to to take the pictures from the upper terraces. If you are not fit enough to climb many stairs, this is the right trail for you. On the other side, if you are a hiker you will enter through this trail to climb up the Huayana Pichu Mountain or the Huchuy Mountain. This circuit begins at the lower entry point. You’ll walk past the viewpoint and lower terraces and arrive to the Temple of the Sun and Casa Del Inka. From here the trail goes up towards the Temple of the Three Windows and you will have the opportunity to visit the Pyramid de Intiwatana. Then the trail continues onwards to the Roca Sagrada (Sacred Rock) and heads back next to the Temple of the Condor and further on towards the exit.
Which one should you choose?
I have opted to buy the general ticket and add the circuit 3 plus Machupicchu Mountain ticket. One day visit was enough for my second trip to this site. I hiked up early in the morning and arrived at the entrance at 6.00 am. After visiting the ruins (I followed circuits 2) I left the site and re-entered at 10.00 am to follow the circuit 3 and climb the MachuPicchu mountain. However the choice is obviously up to you: are you fit enough to hike up one, two or all three mountains? Or do you prefer to walk on mostly flat terrain? There’s no perfect circuit at Machu Picchu, it’s really all up to you. If you’ve bought only a general entry ticket, then I recommend Circuit 2. It’s the most complete of all circuits and has stunning views (great for pictures). If you’re only here for the views from the upper part of the site, then you can also pick Circuit 1. For those who don’t want to do the uphill part of Machu Picchu then Circuit 4 is the way to go. This is the flattest circuit that takes in the main ruins at Machu Picchu. When buying the general ticket entry you can choose among circuits 1,2,3 or 4. As said, really up to you.
Let’s recap the tickets that you can buy:
Llaqta de Machupicchu (Circuit 1, 2, 3 or 4)
Type of ticket: General entry
Time slots: 10 time slots, first entry from 6am, last entry 3pm
Tickets per slot: 340
This is the perfect ticket to buy if you don’t want to hike up the mountain and visit just the ruins. You can also combine it with the “Mountain” tickets like Circuito 4+Mountain or Circuit 3+ Mountain and visit the ruins and climb the mountain during one full day visit. The general ticket allows you to stay in for 4 hours. It’s the most popular ticket and sells out quickly especially the morning slots.
Circuito 1 o 2 + Puente Inka
Type of ticket: Circuit 1 or 2 + a short walk to Inca Bridge
Time
Slots: 9 slots, first entry from 7am, last entry 3pm
Tickets per slot: 40
Trail Difficulty: Easy
It’s the only ticket that gives you the access to the Inca Bridge (not just seeing it but actually walking through it). Otherwise the Inca Bridge would be accessible only by completing the Inca trail.
Circuito 4 + Montaña Huayna Picchu
Type of ticket: Circuit 4 + the hike to the Huayana Picchu Mountain
Time slots: 4 slots, first entry from 7am, last entry 10am
Tickets per slot: 100
Trail
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation gain: 360m
If you are a hiker or if you are at least a little bit fit and accustomed to the altitude in the Andes, then you cannot miss the hike to the top of Huayana Picchu. The views from the top are stunning and it’s a unique experience to admire the ruins from above. It’s a demanding ad steep trail but still very popular so buy your tickets in advance and cross your fingers for a good weather because if it is cloudy you will not see anything unfortunately. If you buy only this ticket, you will not be able to see the upper terraces of the Machu Pichu ruins. The best way is to combine this ticket with the general entry ticket.
Montaña Machupicchu + Circuito 3
Type of ticket: Circuit 3 + Machu Pichu Mountain
Time
Slots: 3 slots, first entry from 7am, last entry 9am
Tickets per slot: 100
Trail Difficulty: Hard
Elevation gain: 650m
If you are a regular hiker I would strongly advise you to go up this mountain. The views fro the top are an unparalleled beauty. Machu Picchu Mountain is hard to climb but it’s absolutely forth it. Not so many people decide to buy this ticket so you can wait until some days before and buy it if the weather forecast is good. On a cloudless day you will be able to admire the surrounding valleys and snow capped mountains. Obviously the view of Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu in the background is simply unique. A big plus of this ticket is also the possibility to visit the Guardian House which is not accessible on a general ticket.
Circuito 4 + Montaña Huchuypicchu
Type of ticket: Circuit 4 + Mountain Huchuypichu
Time slots: 5 slots, first entry from 7am, last entry 11am
Tickets per slot: 100
Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 100m
Not many visitors decide to hike Huchuypicchu Mountain which means the trail is one of the less crowded and usually you will not have problems to acquire this ticket. I advise you to buy it in combination with the general ticket and yes, climbing this “little” (Huchuy in Quechua means small) mountain is totally worth the effort. It’s the smallest among the three mountains but it’s still 2,497 mass (8,192 ft) so the views from the top are fantastic. As you ascend this trail, you are surrounded by lush vegetation, Inca ruins, and the general magic of this exceptional place. It is a relaxed and easy hike along an Inca staircase. It is the easiest and the shortest of the three hikes within the national park of Machu Picchu. This is also the best choice if you are travelling with young children or you are not fit enough to climb Huayana or Machu Picchu Mountains but you still want to see the ruins from higher altitude. As said, it’s worth to buy this ticket in combination with the general ticket. Otherwise circuit 4 alone is not enough to see much of the ruins.
Nomadlytics 
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