Machu Picchu Peru
Circuit 3 Machu Picchu
Royalty Route
Circuit 3 Machu Picchu is the second-best way to explore Machu Picchu. This route allows visitors to explore the lower part of the Inca citadel. You can also climb Huayna Picchu, one of the most popular mountains (2,450 m / 8,038 ft). Other attractions included in this circuit are Huchuy Picchu and the Temple of the Moon.
Circuit 3 Machu Picchu also offers three special hiking routes: Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu, and the Great Cavern. This circuit is ideal for adventurous visitors who want to experience history, culture, and spectacular mountain scenery all in one unforgettable visit. Tickets are limited, so it is recommended to purchase them in advance.
Circuit 3 includes four routes for exploring Machu Picchu:
- Route A: Huayna Picchu Mountain
- Route B: Lower Terrace Route
- Route C: Great Cavern (available during the high tourist season).
- Route D: Huchuy Picchu Mountain (available during the high tourist season).
Route A: Huayna Picchu Mountain
Route A: Huayna Picchu
This circuit allows you to visit the royal buildings in the lower part of Machu Picchu, offering a view from the agricultural sector similar to the classic postcard view from the Guardian’s House sector. Visitors can also tour the religious sector of Machu Picchu and explore temples such as the Temple of the Sun and the House of the Inca.
This tour takes approximately 1 hour. Additionally, visitors can hike to the top of Huayna Picchu mountain, which takes up to 3 hours. This option is available only for people over 18 years old.
Places to visit on this circuit - Route 3-A:
- Agricultural platforms.
- Sacred Rock.
- Wayna Picchu Mountain.
- Qolqas sector.
- Water mirror set.
- Sun temple complex.
- House of the Inka complex.
- Temple of the 3 windows.
- Enclosure of the Twelve Vanes.
- Qolqas Sector.
- Hall of mirrors or Temple of the condor.
Approximate travel time: maximum 3.5 hours
Route B: Designed Royal Route
Route B: Designed Royal Route
This tour highlights the royal buildings in the lower part of the Inca city. It begins with a stunning view of Machu Picchu from the agricultural sector. After capturing the best photos, the tour proceeds to the religious sector, where visitors can explore significant Inca temples and structures such as the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Sacred Rock, and the Temple of the Condor.
The entire circuit takes a maximum of 2 hours and 30 minutes, excluding additional treks into the mountains of Machu Picchu. It is suitable for visitors of all ages.
Places to visit on this circuit - Route 3-B:
- Agricultural platforms.
- Qolqas sector.
- Water mirror set.
- Sun temple complex.
- House of the Inka complex.
- Temple of the 3 windows.
- Enclosure of the Twelve Vanes.
- Qolqas Sector.
- Hall of mirrors or Temple of the condor.
Approximate travel time: maximum 2 hours
Route C: Great Cavern Route
Route C: Great Cavern Route
This route includes a visit to the Inca constructions in the lower part of Machu Picchu, offering views from the agricultural sector. It also allows you to explore the Great Cavern or Temple of the Moon, located on Huayna Picchu mountain.
The tour of the lower part of Machu Picchu takes approximately 1 hour, and the hike to the Great Cavern takes up to 4 hours. This option is available only for people over 18 years old and is offered only during the high season.
Places to visit on this circuit - Route 3-C (Available only in high season):
- Agricultural platforms.
- Sacred Rock.
- Great Cavern or The Moon
- Temple.
- Qolqas sector.
- Water mirror set.
- Sun temple complex.
- House of the Inka complex.
- Temple of the 3 windows.
- Enclosure of the Twelve Vanes.
- Qolqas Sector.
- Hall of mirrors or Temple of the condor.
Approximate travel time: maximum 3.5 hours
Route D: Huchuypicchu Mountain
Route D: Huchuypicchu Mountain
This circuit includes a visit to the constructions in the lower part of Machu Picchu and offers a view from the agricultural sector. It also allows a hike to the top of Huchuy Picchu mountain, which takes about 1 hour. The summit of Huchuy Picchu is at 2,497 meters above sea level, and the hike is only permitted for people over 18 years old.
The tour of Machu Picchu takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. This route is only open during the high season.
Places to visit on this circuit - Route 3-D (Available only in high season):
- Agricultural platforms.
- Sacred Rock.
- Huchuy Picchu Mountain.
- Qolqas sector.
- Water mirror set.
- Sun temple complex.
- House of the Inka complex.
- Temple of the 3 windows.
- Enclosure of the Twelve Vanes.
- Qolqas Sector.
- Hall of mirrors or Temple of the condor.
Approximate travel time: maximum 2.5 hours
Circuit 3 Machu Picchu
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Circuit 3 Machu Picchu is the second-best route for exploring and photographing Machu Picchu. This route allows visitors to explore the lower part of the Inca citadel and walk around some of the most important attractions for about two and a half hours. You can also add hikes to this route, such as Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu, and the Great Cavern.
Circuit 3A involves exploring the lower part of Machu Picchu, followed by a hike up to Huayna Picchu. The total hiking time is about six hours, including the climb to the summit and back down to the exit gate.
It is a walking route that allows visitors to explore the lower section of the Inca citadel. The 2.5-hour hike takes you through several important archaeological areas, terraces, and temples located in the lower part of Machu Picchu. This circuit provides an up-close view of some of the most significant Inca structures while guiding you through the site on an organized path.
Circuit 1 Machu Picchu takes visitors to a higher viewpoint, where they can enjoy panoramic views and take classic photos of the Inca citadel. However, this route does not allow you to explore many of the site's internal structures.
Circuit 3 Machu Picchu, on the other hand, allows visitors to explore the lower part of Machu Picchu. There, you can walk through important archaeological areas and observe Inca temples and terraces.
If Circuit 2 Machu Picchu tickets are unavailable, you can purchase Circuit 1 and Circuit 3 tickets. This combination lets you take a panoramic photo from the upper terraces and explore part of the archaeological site by walking through the lower section of Machu Picchu.
If you want to see the official maps for Circuit 3 Machu Picchu, you can visit the following sites:
Boleto Peru – Circuit 3 Machu Picchu map and video
Machu Picchut Travel – Circuit 3 Machu Picchu map
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