New Circuits to Machu Picchu: Starting June 1, 2024, 5600 visitors per day will be welcomed

Welcome to the new era of exploration at Machu Picchu! As of June 1, 2024, adventure and history enthusiasts have one more reason to get excited: the opening of new circuits at Machu Picchu that will allow a good number of visitors per day to explore this archaeological gem of the Peruvian Andes comfortably.

Imagine walking the same paths that ancient Incas trod centuries ago, surrounded by lush nature and breathtaking landscapes, providing the opportunity to explore its fascinating ruins and panoramic views comfortably and without crowds.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or eager to return to discover new corners, the new circuits to this Sanctuary promise an unforgettable experience for all who seek the magic of the ancient and the sublimity of the natural. With renewed infrastructure and enhanced security measures, your journey will be full of comfort and tranquility, allowing you to fully enjoy every moment at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Join us on this exciting journey to the heart of the Peruvian Andes and discover why this wonderful place remains a must-visit destination on every adventurer’s travel wishlist. From the imposing ruins of the citadel to the breathtaking panoramic views, every step you take will bring you closer to the hidden history of this legendary place.

Are you ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime? Then get ready to explore the new circuits of Machu Picchu and discover a world of wonders awaiting you high in the Peruvian Andes! Keep reading to find out more.

Increase in Machu Picchu‘s Capacity

Starting June 1, Machu Picchu will have new circuits and the capacity will increase to 5600 visitors per day during high season, knowing that the high season starts from June 1 to October 15, 2024, and from December 30 to December 31, 2024 (New Year’s Eve), as stated in a resolution from the Ministry of Culture of Peru published in the official newspaper ‘El Peruano’.

Ministerial Resolution No. 000207-2024-MC signed by the Minister of Culture, Leslie Urteaga, specifies that as of June, new tourist visit circuits to the archaeological site located in the jungle area of the Cusco region, in the south of the country, will come into effect.

It is also indicated that ticket purchases will be made through a new platform starting from June 1 of this year. It should also be mentioned that the first circuit includes the Machu Picchu site and the second adds the site known as Puente Inca. In both cases, there are different routes to choose from depending on the available capacity.

New Tourist Visit Circuits to Machu Picchu

Circuit 1 or Panoramic Circuit

Circuit 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain Route

This circuit takes you to Machu Picchu Mountain, offering impressive panoramic views of the Inca citadel and its surroundings. It also allows you to take the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu from the Guardian House sector.

• From this viewpoint in Machu Picchu, you have a panoramic view of the main Inca constructions: the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Intihuatana, and more. However, this ticket does not allow you to visit these Inca constructions.
• This circuit takes a maximum of 1 hour. Visitors can take their desired photos from this spectacular viewpoint.
• In addition to this circuit through Machu Picchu, visitors can access the circuit through Machu Picchu Mountain, which leads to the highest part of the Inca city (the mountain is at 3,082 meters above sea level).
• The visit time for Machu Picchu Mountain, for the round trip, is approximately 4 hours.
• This circuit through Machu Picchu Mountain is only allowed for visitors over 18 years old.

Circuit 1-B: Upper Terrace Route

The basic ticket to get the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu from the Guardian House sector.

• This ticket allows you to appreciate the archaeological complex from a great viewpoint: the Guardian House viewpoint.
• From there, you can see constructions such as the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Intihuatana, and more. However,  this ticket does not allow you to visit these Inca constructions.
• This circuit takes a maximum of 2 hours and 30 minutes. Visitors can take their desired photos from this spectacular viewpoint.

Circuit 1-C: Intipunku Gate Route (available only in high season)

• This circuit also allows you to get the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu from the Guardian House viewpoint. To get there, you must walk up stone steps for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the visitor’s physical condition.
• From the Guardian House viewpoint, you have a panoramic view of the main Inca constructions: the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Intihuatana, and more. However, this ticket does not allow you to visit these Inca constructions.
• This circuit takes a maximum of 1 hour. During this time, visitors can take their desired photos from this spectacular viewpoint.
• In addition to this circuit through Machu Picchu, visitors can access the circuit through Intipunku (Sun Gate), which leads to the original entrance gate to Machu Picchu during the Inca period (it is at 2,745 meters above sea level).
• This circuit is closed in the low season.
• The visit time to Intipunku, for the round trip, is approximately 2 hours.
• This circuit through Intipunku is allowed for visitors of all ages.

Circuit 1-D: Inca Bridge Route (available only in high season)

• This circuit also allows you to get the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu from the Guardian House sector.
• From this viewpoint in Machu Picchu, you have a panoramic view of the main Inca constructions: the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Intihuatana, and more. However, this ticket does not allow access to the urban and religious sector to appreciate these constructions up close.
• This circuit takes a maximum of 2 hours. Visitors can take their desired photos from this spectacular viewpoint.
• In addition to this circuit through Machu Picchu, visitors can access the circuit through the Inca Bridge, which leads to the eastern limit of the Inca city, where the access gate to the Amazon sector is located.
• The round trip to the Inca Bridge takes only about 1 hour.
• This circuit is closed in the low season.
• This circuit through the Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu is only allowed for visitors over 18 years old.

Circuit 2 or Inca City

Circuit Route 2-A: Designed Route

• This circuit also allows you to get the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu but from a lower platform than the Guardian House. This route through the archaeological site is called ‘Circuit 2’.
• After getting the best photos, the route continues in the urban and religious sector of Machu Picchu. Visitors will have the opportunity to see: the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor (or Water Mirrors), the Water Fountains, and the agricultural sector.
• This circuit takes a maximum of 2 hours and 30 minutes. It is the most recommended and complete circuit within Machu Picchu.
• This ticket does not offer any additional hike to the Machu Picchu mountains.
• The circuit is allowed for people of all ages.

Unforgettable Photos

From this route, you will have unique opportunities to capture impressive images. The play of light and shadows on the stones, the lush greens, and the mountainous peaks will leave you breathless.

Route 2-B: Lower Terrace Route

It is perfect for those curious travelers who want a complete and detailed experience. Here, you can appreciate the Incas’ agricultural engineering and how they cultivated their food on the mountain slopes. Listen to the wind, feel the mountain’s energy, and let yourself be carried away by the magic of this place. This circuit is a slight variation of the 2-A route (designed route). Included Attractions

Agricultural Terraces: Appreciate the Incas’ agricultural engineering and how they cultivated their food on the mountain slopes.

Panoramic Views: From the terraces, enjoy panoramic views of the citadel, the Urubamba River, and the surrounding mountains.

Hidden Details: Explore the carved stones, niches, impressive water channels, and stairs.

Time to Reflect: The route is less crowded, allowing you to connect with the environment and feel the magic of this place.

Circuit 3 or Royalty Circuit

Circuit 3-A: Wayna Picchu Route

• This circuit goes through the granite stone buildings made for the Inca royalty. These are located in the lower part of Machu Picchu. In the agricultural sector, the ticket allows for a photo similar to the classic image obtained in the Guardian House sector (not included).
• Besides this photo in the agricultural sector, the circuit allows you to visit the lower part of the Machu Picchu archaeological site with constructions such as: the Temple of the Sun, the Inca House, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, and more.
• This circuit through Machu Picchu takes approximately 1 hour. Additionally, visitors can hike to the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain, which takes a maximum of 3 hours. Access to this mountain is only allowed for visitors over 18 years old.
• The purchase of this ticket and circuit must be made online 2 or 3 months in advance.

Circuit 3-B: Designed Route

• This circuit covers the royal constructions located in the lower part of the Inca city. The circuit includes a beautiful photo opportunity of Machu Picchu from the agricultural sector (lower part of the archaeological site).
• After capturing the best photos, the route continues through the religious sector of Machu Picchu. Here, tourists can explore the main temples and Inca structures built for royalty, such as the Temple of the Sun, the Inca House, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, and more.
• This circuit takes a maximum of 2 hours and 30 minutes and does not include additional hikes to any mountains. Tickets must be purchased online 1 or 2 months in advance.
• This circuit is suitable for people of all ages.

Circuit 3-C: Great Cavern Route (Available in High Season)

• This circuit covers the Inca constructions located in the lower part of Machu Picchu (religious or royal area). During the tour, visitors can appreciate Inca structures such as the agricultural area, the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor (or Water Mirrors), and the Water Fountains.
• In the agricultural sector, tourists can take a very beautiful photo, similar to the classic postcard photo (from the Guardian House sector) but from the lower part of the archaeological site.
• Additionally, this circuit includes a tour of the Temple of the Moon, also known as the Great Cavern. The hiking route to this mysterious building is within the Huayna Picchu mountain and takes a maximum of 4 hours from the entrance to the exit.
• The circuit through Machu Picchu takes approximately 1 hour. Access to the Great Cavern is only for visitors over 18 years old and is open only during the high tourist season.
• Tickets for this circuit must be purchased online 1 or 2 months in advance.

Trail Difficulty

Moderate to high. It requires a steep but rewarding hike.

Entrance Time

Check your ticket for the specific time.

Maximum Capacity

High season (June 1 to October 15, 2024, and December 30 to 31, 2024): 5,600 visitors per day.

Tolerance

30 minutes in the low season and 45 minutes in the high season.

Circuit 3-D: Huchuy Picchu Route (Available in High Season)

• This circuit includes a visit to the buildings in the lower part of Machu Picchu, the so-called religious sector, with structures like the Temple of the Sun, the Inca House, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, and more.
• It does not include a visit to the Guardian House sector but does include the agricultural sector, where you can take photos very similar to the classic postcard photo (but from the lower part of the archaeological site).
• The tour through Machu Picchu takes a maximum of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• Additionally, visitors can hike to the top of Huchuy Picchu mountain, which takes only 1 hour. Access to this mountain is allowed only for visitors over 18 years old. The summit of the mountain is at 2,497 meters above sea level.
• Tickets for this circuit must be purchased online 1 or 2 months in advance.
• Like the routes to the Inca Bridge, Intipunku, and Huayna Picchu, this hiking route is only open during the high tourist season.

Entrance Schedule

According to the Ministry of Culture, the intention is to balance the increase in flow of all our visitors to the wonder of the world, Machu Picchu, with the conservation and preservation needs of the sanctuary. Entrance times will be more controlled.

Example: If your entry is from 9 to 10:00 AM, you have a maximum of 45 additional minutes to enter, after that time you will not be able to enter, except for reasons of force majeure or fortuitous event duly demonstrated. Therefore, it is recommended to arrive early. All these rules come into effect as of June 1, 2024.

In addition, modifications have been made to the site usage regulations, specifying that visitors will have a maximum of 3 hours to tour the citadel through the new itineraries, seeking to reduce the impact on the monument.

Other important changes include adjustments to the regulations for sustainable use and tourist visits for the conservation of Machu Picchu, in order to increase flexibility in entrance times according to the season and establishing clear processes for the acquisition of tickets through the Ministry of Culture’s online platform.

Sale of Tickets to Machu Picchu

We can confirm that by the end of July, the new state platform for purchasing tickets to Machu Picchu and other national tourist destinations will be activated. As a travel agency, “Peru Grand Travel” is committed to supporting and finding the best tourist package that suits your needs in order to live unforgettable moments during your visit to our country called Peru.

An exciting new era is unfolding at this archaeological wonder. With the opening of new circuits to Machu Picchu, you now have the opportunity to connect with the history and beauty of this iconic site like never before. ¡Discover the majesty of Machu Picchu like never before! Starting June 1, 2024.

Imagine walking ancient Inca trails, surrounded by lush vegetation and breathtaking landscapes. With the capacity to accommodate 5600 visitors per day, Machu Picchu is more accessible than ever, allowing you to explore its ancestral secrets comfortably and without crowds.

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply an adventure seeker, the new circuits to Machu Picchu promise an unforgettable experience for everyone. From the imposing ruins of the citadel to the panoramic views of the Andes, every corner of this UNESCO World Heritage Site will leave you amazed.

Get ready to be transported through time as you explore the wonders of Machu Picchu. With renewed infrastructure and enhanced security measures, your journey will be full of comfort and tranquility. Don’t miss the chance to experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure at one of the world’s most iconic destinations! Are you ready to uncover the new secrets that Machu Picchu has to offer?  Join us.

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