Machu Picchu Circuits: Touring Machu Picchu is an exhilarating venture with unrivaled views and stunning terrain. With the new routes announced for 2024 and 2025, your trip just got even more thrilling.
These exciting new tour circuits began on 1 June 2024 and offer a more personalized experience for travelers seeking a truly authentic adventure.
Here is everything you need to know for your Peruvian trek.
Brand-New Routes to Lovingly Preserve the Past
The new circuits introduced this year were designed to create a more personalized experience for adventurous travelers. They have been thoughtfully planned to reduce the negative effects of mass tourism in the region.
These brand-new routes oblige visitors to be more precise in their vacation planning efforts. They will be required to make several decisions ahead of time, including the type of experience they want, the date and time, and exactly which circuit they plan to take. This planning method allows each visitor to see Machu Picchu without the overwhelming crowds.
How Far in Advance Should I Book My Trip?
Route availability will be based on popularity, with some needing to be booked as soon as possible while others may be available up until the last minute. While these new paths do necessitate more research on the traveler’s part, they will help to preserve the majesty of the archeological site in the long run by reducing the amount of wear and tear on the ancient paths and buildings.
2025 Machu Picchu Circuits for Your Trek One Of The Seven Wonder Of The World
In June 2024, three new circuits, each with its own maze of sub-routes that provide visitors with unique experiences, became available to the public. Travelers can customize their journey based on their personal interests, whether that be the Incan sites, views of the Sacred Valley, or everything in between!
Combined, the circuits and sub-routes account for ten different route options. Six options are available year-round, while the remaining four are only available during peak season (1 June to 15 October). Each circuit offers a distinctive panoramic view and a designated route that gives adventurers the opportunity to explore different parts of this majestic, ancient city.
Can I Walk More Than One Machu Picchu Circuit Per Day?
If you are interested in completing more than one Machu Picchu circuit in a single day, you are very welcome to take on that picturesque challenge. However, you will need to buy different tickets for each circuit and ensure you plan your timing perfectly, as entry times will be strictly enforced.
Let’s explore the different options for your upcoming journey:
Circuit 1: Panoramic Circuit
Circuit 1 gives voyagers a brand-new way to see the wonders of Machu Picchu. The panoramic circuit offers winding paths leading to breathtaking views and access to hidden spots that most tourists do not get a chance to see.
With four different sub-routes, each with its own inimitable view of the ancient city, circuit 1 allows travelers to enjoy Machu Picchu from various angles while managing foot traffic to preserve the integrity of the site for generations to come. Choose from a calm, leisurely trail or a more adventurous hike.
Sub-Route 1A:
Route 1A involves an exhilarating hike up Machu Picchu Mountain, one of the highest points in the entire archeological site. Your physical efforts are rewarded with the most magnificent views imaginable. We recommend this path for those who are seeking a challenge and want an aerial view of the spectacular terrain below.
Start Times: 7:00 am and 9:00 am
Availability: Year-round
Duration: Approximately 4 hours roundtrip
Difficulty: A bit challenging, depending on your physical condition
Sub-Route 1B:
Route 2B takes you along the upper terrace path, which is significantly less steep but no less exciting. Full of scenic spots, this route is ideal for capturing memorable photos without requiring as much strain as the other trail options.
Please note that while this route offers gorgeous panoramic views from the upper terrace, it does not include the urban area of Machu Picchu.
Start Times: Every hour from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm
Availability: Year-round
Duration: [time]
Difficulty: Less strenuous, suitable for most activity levels
Sub-Route 1C:
Available only in the high season, route 1C begins on the upper terrace and leads to the Sun Gate (Intipunku), the traditional entryway for those arriving from the Inca Trail.
This route does not cover the city’s urban areas, but you will enjoy magical views along the way.
Start Times: Every hour from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm
Availability: High season only
Duration: 4 hours
Difficulty: Less strenuous, suitable for most activity levels
Sub-Route 1D:
Route 1D is for the true adventurers at heart. Take the Puente Inka route to witness the marvels of ancient engineering in the region. Every step on your journey tells the tale of the majesty of Machu Picchu.
You’ll start on the upper terrace and cross the Inca Bridge, where you’ll see the beauty of the Vilcanota River. This short yet highly scenic walk is bursting at the seams with historical and cultural significance.
Start Times: Every hour from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm
Availability: High season only
Duration: 4 hours
Difficulty: A short, leisurely walk – suitable for most activity levels
Circuit 2: Inca City Circuit
Circuit 2 offers a present-day journey back in time. These routes allow you to wander through ancient city spaces – seeing the authentic houses and key locations that were of significance to the Inca people.
This circuit has two different sub-routes, each designed to show of the true beauty of the ancient archeological site.
Sub-Route 2A:
Route 2A is a classically designed route perfect for first-time travelers wishing to see the critical points of interest in Machu Picchu.
Winding paths lead you through the main areas, stopping at famous spots such as the Temple of the Sun and the Room of the Three Windows. The upper terrace path allows you to capture a classic panoramic photo of the city. Then, you’ll stroll through the urban areas, passing by the main square before you reach the Sacred Rock.
Start Times: Every hour from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm
Availability: Year-round
Duration: 4 hours
Difficulty: Less strenuous, suitable for most activity levels
Sub-Route 2B:
Sub-route 2B takes the lower terrace path and allows you to explore the urban area more deeply. It is very similar to the classic route but offers a different angle for your spectacular panoramic shot.
You’ll still pass through the main square and the Sacred Rock, but on this path, you’ll get much closer to the beautiful nature in the region. This walk is more peaceful, as you commune with nature and enjoy less crowds.
Start Times: Every hour from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm
Availability: Year-round
Duration: 4 hours
Difficulty: Less strenuous, suitable for most activity levels
Circuit 3: Royalty Circuit
Circuit 3 is an adventure fit for royalty. You’ll traverse the grander spaces of Machu Picchu, guided along the path where ancient leaders once ruled, promising a truly remarkable journey that you’ll never forget.
This circuit strikes the perfect balance of history and adventure, including the challenging but extraordinary climb up Machu Picchu Mountain. This route is the ideal choice for travelers seeking a genuine connection to the past.
Sub-Route 3A:
The Huayna Picchu Mountain sub-route 3A is for the ultimate thrill-seeker. You’ll start in the lower region of Machu Picchu and see the Temple of the Sun, the Inca Palace, the Fountain Sector, and a portion of the industrial sector as you work your way up the mountain.
Climbing this challenging peak involves steep, narrow stairs and is not for the faint of heart. However, it is worth the effort as the top of the mountain makes you feel like you can reach high and touch the sky.
Start Times: 7:00 am and 9:00 am
Availability: Year-round
Duration: [time]
Difficulty: It can be quite challenging, depending on your physical condition
Sub-Route 3B:
Sub-route 3B covers most of the remarkable sites covered on sub-route 3A without the challenging mountain climb. This path is perfect for travelers who wish to see the highlights, such as the Temple of the Sun and the Sacred Rock, without strenuous physical effort.
Start Times: Every hour from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm
Availability: Year-round
Duration: [time]
Difficulty: Less strenuous, suitable for most activity levels
Sub-Route 3C:
Sub-route 3C requires a great deal of physical effort, but it is worth every drop of sweat for the unique and picturesque perspective you’ll be rewarded with. You’ll hit the high points of the archeological site and visit the Great Cave, a sight you won’t want to miss.
Start Times: Every hour from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm
Availability: High season only
Duration: [time]
Difficulty: A bit challenging, depending on your physical condition
Sub-Route 3D:
The Huchuy Picchu sub-route 3D is only available in the high season. It takes you to the jaw-dropping summit of Huchuy Picchu. This path is less strenuous than the Wayna Picchu climb but still packs a lot into the journey—passing the Temple of the Sun and the Sacred Rock. Enjoy the gentler inclines and extraordinary views on this route.
Start Times: Every hour from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm
Availability: High season only
Duration:[time]
Difficulty: Less strenuous, suitable for most activity levels
Traverse Machu Picchu with Local Experts for an Unforgettable Adventure
What better way to dive deep into the heart of Machu Picchu than partnering with Action Peru Treks? We are the only indigenous tour company in Peru, specializing in crafting authentic experiences that celebrate the timeless beauty and intriguing allure of Peru’s ancient lands.
We stand by our mantra, “Action accomplishes a purpose,” as we tailor your experience to provide a thrilling journey under expert guidance. Become the explorer you’ve always dreamed of as you hike along the legendary trails of Machu Picchu. With our local roots firmly planted in the rich Peruvian heritage, your trip is certain to strike the right balance of history, stunning terrain, and hidden local gems.
For a more personalized experience, our dedicated team of local experts will thoughtfully curate a bespoke itinerary perfectly tailored to suit your and your group’s needs and desires. Connect with us today to take the first step on your enriching journey to a Peruvian adventure.