Machu Picchu Tickets: Official Entrance Options, Prices & Circuits
Compare Machu Picchu tickets for the official Circuit 1, Circuit 2 and Circuit 3 routes. Each circuit offers a different experience, from panoramic viewpoints and the classic Machu Picchu photo to the main archaeological sectors and mountain hikes.
Circuit 1: Panoramic
Best for panoramic viewpoints, classic photos and upper-sector routes.
Routes: 1A · 1B · 1C · 1DView Circuit 1
Circuit 2: Classic
Best for first-time visitors who want the classic Machu Picchu experience.
Routes: 2A · 2BView Circuit 2
Circuit 3: Royalty
Best for the lower citadel, royal sector and mountain-route combinations.
Routes: 3A · 3B · 3C · 3DView Circuit 3
Circuit 1: Panoramic
Circuit 1 is designed for visitors who want the widest panoramic views of Machu Picchu and access to the upper terraces overlooking the Inca citadel.
Machu Picchu Mountain - Route 1A
This ticket includes the upper panoramic sector and access to Machu Picchu Mountain, located approximately 3,082 meters above sea level.
The complete mountain hike and return can take approximately four hours and offers some of the widest views of the sanctuary and surrounding Andes.
Upper Terrace - Route 1B
This ticket provides access to the upper terraces where visitors can enjoy the classic postcard-style view of Machu Picchu near the Guardian's House sector.
This is a strong option for visitors whose main priority is panoramic photography rather than touring the lower archaeological structures.
Sun Gate or Intipunku - Route 1C
This route combines the upper panoramic sector with the historic Sun Gate, or Intipunku, the original entrance to Machu Picchu for travelers arriving along the Inca Trail.
This route is offered seasonally from June through October 15.
Inca Bridge - Route 1D
This route combines the upper panoramic sector with the Inca Bridge trail, one of the most interesting examples of Inca engineering around Machu Picchu.
This route is offered seasonally from June through October 15.
Circuit 2: Classic
Circuit 2 is the most popular Machu Picchu circuit for many first-time visitors. It combines iconic views of the Inca citadel with access to important archaeological areas inside Machu Picchu.
There are two closely related routes: Route 2A Classic and Route 2B Lower Terrace. Both are designed for travelers who want the classic Machu Picchu experience and access to many of the principal Inca structures.
For a more detailed comparison, visit our Machu Picchu Circuit 2 guide.
Classic Route - Route 2A
Route 2A includes the classic Machu Picchu viewpoint and continues through important urban and religious sectors of the citadel.
Visitors can see areas associated with the Temple of the Sun, Main Temple, Temple of the Three Windows, Sacred Rock and other significant Inca structures.
The route takes approximately two hours and thirty minutes and is considered one of the most complete options for experiencing Machu Picchu.
Lower Terrace - Route 2B
Route 2B offers a very similar classic Machu Picchu experience, combining an iconic viewpoint with access through the urban and religious sectors of the sanctuary.
It is another excellent option for first-time visitors and takes approximately two hours and thirty minutes.
Circuit 3: Royalty
Circuit 3 focuses on the lower sector of Machu Picchu and many of the structures associated with the Inca royal and religious areas. Depending on the ticket selected, visitors may also combine the lower citadel route with a mountain hike or longer archaeological trail.
For additional route information, see our Machu Picchu Circuit 3 guide.
Huayna Picchu Mountain - Route 3A
This route combines the lower Machu Picchu sector with access to Huayna Picchu Mountain.
The Huayna Picchu hike is physically demanding and offers elevated views over the sanctuary and surrounding mountains.
Royalty - Route 3B
This route focuses on the lower royal and religious areas of Machu Picchu and does not include an additional mountain hike.
It is suitable for visitors who want to experience the lower citadel while avoiding the more demanding mountain routes.
Great Cavern - Route 3C
This seasonal route combines the lower Machu Picchu sector with the longer hike to the Great Cavern, also known as the Temple of the Moon.
This route requires considerably more walking and is intended for visitors seeking a longer hiking experience.
Huchuy Picchu Mountain - Route 3D
This route combines the lower sector of Machu Picchu with the shorter climb to Huchuy Picchu Mountain.
How to Choose the Best Machu Picchu Ticket
Choosing the right Machu Picchu ticket depends on what you most want to experience during your visit.
- Circuit 1: best for panoramic viewpoints, upper terraces and photography.
- Circuit 2: best for a first visit and the classic Machu Picchu experience.
- Circuit 3: best for the lower royal sector and mountain-route combinations such as Huayna Picchu.
If you are still unsure, compare the complete Machu Picchu circuits before selecting your entrance ticket.