Machu Picchu Peru
Circuit 1 Machu Picchu
Panoramic Route
The Circuit 1 Machu Picchu Panoramic route permits you to take classic photos from the Guardian House. You can’t explore inside the Inca citadel. This Machu Picchu ticket allows you to walk up to Machu Picchu Mountain, the Sun Gate (Intipunko), and the Inca Bridge (Puente Inca). Each ticket has different hours to view the citadel. Two tickets are available year-round, while the other two are available only during the high tourist season.
- Route A: Machu Picchu Mountain
- Route B: Upper Terrace Route
- Route C: Inti Punko or Sun Gate
- Route D: Inca Bridge or Puente Inca
Route A: Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Mountain circuit involves walking up to the highest point of the mountain to view the most beautiful landscapes of the Inca citadel, Vilcanota River, Huayna Picchu, and Putucusi Mountain. Along the way, you'll encounter lush cloud forests, diverse flora, and breathtaking vistas. The summit provides an unparalleled view of Machu Picchu and the neighboring Huayna Picchu. Afterward, return to the Inca citadel and take the best picture from the Guardian House. The duration of the hike and stay on the route is 7 hours.
Machu Picchu Mountain, also known as Montaña Machu Picchu, is a peak located above the famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Standing at about 3,082 meters (10,111 feet) above sea level, it offers stunning panoramic views of the ruins and the surrounding Andean landscape.
Hiking Experience: The hike is challenging but rewarding, taking about 2-3 hours to reach the summit. The trail is well-marked, with stone steps and handrails at steep sections.
Places to visit on this circuit - Route 1-A:
- Kallancas.
- Upper Platform.
- Guardian House (classic photo).
- Machu Picchu Mountain.
Approximate travel time: maximum 7 hours
Route B: Upper Terrace Route
This Machu Picchu ticket enables you to capture the iconic postcard photo of Machu Picchu from the Guardian's House viewpoint. It provides a superb view of the archaeological site, including notable structures such as the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the Intihuatana. However, it does not permit entry to Inca citadel.
The maximum duration of this tour is 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Places to visit on this circuit - Route 1-B:
- Kallancas.
- Upper Platform.
- Guardian House (classic photo).
Approximate travel time: maximum 2 hours
Route C: Inti Punku or Sun Gate Route
The Circuit 1 Machu Picchu Sun Gate allows you to capture the classic photo from the viewpoint of the Guardian's House, which is accessible after a 15 to 30-minute walk up stone steps. It also provides access to Inti Punku (Sun Gate), the original entrance to Machu Picchu during the Inca period, located at 2,745 meters above sea level.
The complete tour to Inti Punku takes approximately 4 hours and is open to visitors of all ages. This circuit is closed during the low season.
Places to visit on this circuit – Route 1-C (Available only in high season):
- Kallancas.
- Upper Platform.
- Guardian House (classic photo).
- Inti Punku Portal.
Approximate travel time: maximum 3 hours
Route D: Inca Bridge Route
This circuit includes the classic view from the Guardian’s House viewpoint and grants access to the Inca Bridge, located on the eastern edge of Machu Picchu, near the gateway to the Amazon sector. The walk to the Inca Bridge takes approximately 1 hour.
This circuit is closed during the low season and is only open to visitors over 18 years of age. The maximum duration of the visit is 2 hours.
Places to visit on this circuit – Route 1-D (Available only in high season):
- Kallancas.
- Upper Platform.
- Guardian House (classic photo).
- Inka Bridge.
Approximate travel time: maximum 2.5 hours
Circuit 1 Machu Picchu
Frequently Asked Questions
If Circuit 2 or 3 is not available, then yes, Circuit 1 is worth it. This route offers a higher vantage point from which you can take classic panoramic photos of the citadel.
The hike to reach the upper viewpoint takes approximately 30 minutes. Once you arrive, you can stay for about an hour and a half to take photos and admire the Inca citadel. After enjoying the views, you will return along the same trail to the exit gate.
Circuit 1 Machu Picchu includes four different routes, each offering a unique experience of the Inca citadel.
The most popular option is Route A, which includes a hike up Machu Picchu Mountain. You will have approximately six hours to explore, enjoy panoramic views, and take photos of the citadel. As you hike up and down the mountain, you can also take in the spectacular landscapes surrounding Machu Picchu, as well as its rich flora and fauna.
If you can't find tickets for the other circuits and Circuit 1 is your only option, you can enhance your experience by adding Machu Picchu Mountain, Puente Inka or Intipunku (the Sun Gate). These attractions will provide a more complete experience.
From these viewpoints, you can see the Inca citadel from different angles and truly make the most of your visit to Machu Picchu.
What is the difference between Routes C and D of Circuit 1?
Route C includes a hike to Intipunku, also known as the Sun Gate. There, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Machu Picchu from the original entrance of the Inca Trail. From there, you can also admire the surrounding mountains and the impressive landscape surrounding the citadel.
Route D includes a walk to the Inca Bridge (Puente Inca). Along the way, you can see part of the ancient Inca Trail and learn how the Incas built the bridge using the area's natural rock formations as a strategic access point.
Both routes are excellent ways to experience Machu Picchu from different perspectives and enjoy unique views of the Inca citadel.
No, it is not possible. According to the official Machu Picchu regulations, changing circuits during your visit is strictly prohibited and violates the rules of the citadel.
Once you enter Machu Picchu, you must follow the circuit indicated on your ticket. Changing routes is not allowed, so do not take the risk. If you attempt to switch circuits, park rangers may ask you to leave the citadel immediately, and you could even be banned from future visits.
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