Are you ready to cross one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World off your bucket list? By booking these tickets to Machu Picchu, you’ll discover the stone enigma of the Inca civilization nestled among the clouds of the Peruvian Andes.
Why Visit Machu Picchu?
Did you know that Machu Picchu remained hidden from the outside world for centuries until its “rediscovery” in 1911? Perched on a rocky promontory connecting the Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountains, this 15th-century gem was built by order of the Inca Pachacútec, the great transformer of the Empire.
Its strategic location, in the transition zone between the Andes and the Amazon, and its perfect alignment with the stars, make it a masterpiece of Andean engineering and spirituality.
Today, Machu Picchu is not only a symbol of the Inca civilization but a sacred place where stone seems to come alive. As you explore its plazas, temples, and terraced fields, you won’t just see ruins; you’ll walk through an administrative, agricultural, and religious center that defied gravity and time.
Which Circuit to Choose?
To preserve this historical treasure, access to Machu Picchu is divided into 3 circuits with different routes. Depending on availability, you'll be able to do one or another. Here's an overview of the different regular routes on offer:
Circuit 1: Panoramic Views
- Route 1B – Upper Terrace: This option takes approximately 1.5 hours. You'll walk uphill for around 15 minutes to the Upper Platform, passing through the Kallanka ruins. From here, you'll enjoy a unique panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
- Route 1C – Inti Punku (Sun Gate): You'll follow the final stretch of the legendary Inca Trail to the ancient main entrance. A gentle 45-minute ascent and 30-minute descent with breathtaking views.
- Route 1D – Inca Bridge: A peaceful, less-traveled path that'll take you to discover the boldness of Inca engineering over approximately 1 hour.
Circuit 2: The Classic Experience
- Route 2A – Full Classic Route: The traveler's favorite. It covers most of the archaeological complex and includes the iconic postcard photo of Machu Picchu, as well as an exclusive descent to see the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Rock, and the Hall of Mirrors. Duration: 2.5 hours.
- Route 2B – Lower Terrace: Similar to the above, but winding through the agricultural terraces where you'll often spot llamas grazing. Once inside the citadel, this route stays on the higher path and passes by the Inca Quarry, an archaeological stone-extraction site. Duration: 2.5 hours.
Circuit 3: Archaeological Focus
- Route 3B – Royal Route: Perfect for those who'd rather skip the heights but still want to take in the most important architectural details, like the Royal Tomb and the Temple of the Condor. It's a 2 to 2.5-hour route through the lower part of the citadel, ideal for people with reduced mobility. Please note that it doesn't include the classic photo from the upper area.
- Route 3C – Gran Caverna: An extensive off-the-beaten-path circuit. It covers the lower part of the citadel and involves a demanding hike to the Temple of the Moon, or Gran Caverna, located on Huayna Picchu mountain. It doesn't offer panoramic views or the classic photo, and takes between 4 and 5 hours.
- Route 3D – Huchuy Picchu Mountain: A 2 to 3-hour hike to the summit of Huchuy Picchu Mountain. It's an easier, less intimidating climb than the previous option, offering good views over Machu Picchu from a lower elevation.
Below, you can check out a map of each of the different routes available:
