Circuit 1 Panoramic Route: unique experience and views in Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is one of the most spectacular destinations in Peru, an ancient Inca citadel that crowns the imposing Peruvian Andes mountain range. In this sense, to guarantee the conservation of the sanctuary and optimize its exploration, access has been strategically structured into three main ways that group up to ten tour options.

Each path is designed to offer a different immersion, revealing the secrets of the site from unmatched angles and perspectives. Therefore, if your goal is to capture the visual essence of this wonder of the world from its highest points, Circuit 1 Panoramic Route is presented as the ideal alternative to live a magical and truly unique photographic experience among these ancient ruins.

What is the Circuit 1 Panoramic Route of Machu Picchu like?

Circuit 1, known as the Panoramic Route, is one of the three tours enabled to visit Machu Picchu. As its name indicates, this circuit takes you through the highest part of the citadel, where the views are simply impressive.

The most outstanding point of this tour is the upper platform, the place from where the iconic postcard photo of Machu Picchu is taken, the one we have all seen at some time. But Circuit 1 offers much more than a good photo: it also connects with the Machu Picchu mountain, the Intipunku (the Sun Gate) and the enigmatic Inca Bridge, three destinations that by themselves justify the visit.

Now, what makes this circuit different from the other two? In total there are three routes, each with a different focus. Circuit 2 allows you to tour the entire Inca citadel in detail, ideal if you want to know the architecture and internal spaces of Machu Picchu. On the other hand, Circuit 3 takes visitors beyond the Sacred Rock, toward areas where there are remains of Inca buildings that at the time had a close relationship with the main temples of the site. In summary, if you look for the best panoramic views and want to connect with the most iconic entrances of Machu Picchu, Circuit 1 is your starting point.

Circuit 1 Tickets – Panoramic Route

Circuit 1 has four route variants, but not all are available all year. Before buying your ticket, it is good to know exactly what each one includes:

• Route 1A – Machu Picchu + Machu Picchu Mountain
• Route 1B – Machu Picchu + Classic Photo (Upper Terrace)
• Route 1C – Machu Picchu + Intipunku (Sun Gate)
• Route 1D – Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge

Of these four routes, two are only enabled in high season: Route 1C and Route 1D. If you are interested in visiting the Intipunku or the Inca Bridge, you must plan your visit between June 19 and November 2.
Exclusive high season routes (Circuit 1):

Main destinations of the Panoramic Route

After the reorganization of Machu Picchu by sectors, Circuit 1 gathers the highest points and the best views of the archaeological site. Its main destinations are the Guardian’s House, the Upper Terrace, the upper platforms, and the routes toward the Intipunku and the Machu Picchu Mountain.

What makes this circuit special is that most of its trails follow the original layout of the Qhapaq Ñan, the ancient Inca Trail. Walking here is not just sightseeing; it is literally stepping on the same trails that the Inca settlers walked centuries ago.

Route 1A – Machu Picchu + Machu Picchu Mountain

This route existed before the reorganization of the circuits and is still one of the most requested. Besides passing through the Upper Terrace for the postcard photo, it includes the climb to the Machu Picchu Mountain, at 3,082 meters above sea level, from where you get one of the most complete perspectives of the entire geography of the place.

The climb and descent take about 4 hours, plus an extra hour of walking through the upper platforms. It is a physically demanding route, reserved for people over 18 years old. The tour starts from the main entrance, with a detour to the upper platforms before continuing to the mountain.

Route 1B – Machu Picchu + Upper Terrace (Classic Photo)

If you are looking for a more contemplative experience without great physical demands, this is your route. The complete tour does not exceed 2 hours, and the walk to the Upper Terrace, although it goes up by stairs, does not take more than 30 minutes.

Once at the top, you will have time to take photos, rest, and contemplate the complete view of the archaeological site. It is the ideal route for those traveling with children, older people, or simply prefer to enjoy the landscape without rushing. Simple, safe, and, without a doubt, very photogenic.

Route 1C – Machu Picchu + Intipunku (high season only)

The Intipunku or Sun Gate, is not a secondary attraction: it is the original and historic access to Machu Picchu. Getting here means following the layout of the Inca Trail and arriving at the same point from where the Inca travelers had their first sighting of the citadel.

The walk from the upper platforms to the Intipunku takes between 20 and 40 minutes. The site is located at 2,745 meters above sea level and offers memorable views of Machu Picchu from a different angle. On the way back, you can make a stop at the Guardian’s House and complete the tour through the upper platforms. Remember that this route is only available in high season.

Route 1D – Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge (high season only)

The Inca Bridge is perhaps the shortest route of the circuit, but not for that reason the least interesting. It is believed that this path was the one that connected Machu Picchu with the jungle, and during the journey the vegetation is notably denser than in the rest of the site.

The round trip walk to the bridge takes about 1 hour. Along the tour, the trails are still the same ones used by the ancient settlers, and the views obtained of Machu Picchu from this point surpass, according to many visitors, those of the famous postcard photo. Like Route 1C, it is available only in high season and is exclusive for adults.

Why choose Circuit 1 Panoramic Route?

Beyond the fact that each route has its own pace and attractions, they all share something in common: they put you at the highest points of Machu Picchu, with views that you will hardly find in another circuit. These are the most specific reasons to choose one of these routes.

• The best views of the archaeological site: Circuit 1 is designed, by its very nature, to offer panoramic perspectives. From the upper platforms you can appreciate the complete architectural composition of Machu Picchu, the mountain range that surrounds it, and the biodiversity of the whole area. From the top of Machu Picchu Mountain, it is even possible to see the course of the Vilcanota river, one of the most important for the Cusco region.
• For all types of travelers: One of the real advantages of this circuit is the variety. Routes 1B and 1D are short, accessible, and perfect for those looking to see Machu Picchu without major physical demands. Routes 1A and 1C, on the other hand, are longer tours that work especially well for groups that enjoy hiking and want a more immersive experience.
• Walk along the Inca Trail: All the trails of Circuit 1 follow, to a greater or lesser extent, the layout of the Qhapaq Ñan. Route 1C toward the Intipunku, in particular, is the one that most closely follows this historic path and allows you to reach the original entrance of Machu Picchu, the same one accessed by Inca travelers. It is an experience that trekking lovers, especially those who have done the classic Inca Trail, value very much.
• The postcard photo is guaranteed: All Circuit 1 tickets include passing through the Upper Terrace, the viewpoint from where the most recognized image of Machu Picchu is taken. No matter which route you choose, that shot will be guaranteed.
• Inca engineering in detail: The route toward the Inca Bridge, in particular, is a rarely mentioned opportunity to closely observe the construction of the terraces and understand how the Incas adapted the geography to their architecture. A short tour, but with a lot of historical content.

Summary of Circuit 1 tickets – Panoramic Route

Before buying your ticket, keep in mind these key facts of each route to choose the one that best fits your time, physical condition, and what you want to see.

Frequently asked questions about Circuit 1

1. What routes does Machu Picchu Circuit 1 include?
   Circuit 1 has four variants: Machu Picchu + Mountain (Route 1A), Machu Picchu + Upper Terrace or Classic Photo (Route 1B), Machu Picchu + Intipunku (Route 1C), and Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge (Route 1D).
2. Why choose Circuit 1?
   Because it gives you access to the highest and most panoramic points of Machu Picchu. All routes include passing through the Upper Terrace and its main viewpoints, as well as the famous postcard photo. If what you are looking for are complete views of the archaeological site, this circuit is the best choice.
3. Do all Circuit 1 tickets include the classic postcard photo?
   Yes. No matter which route you choose, all pass through the Upper Terrace and the Guardian’s House, which is exactly the point from where the most iconic image of Machu Picchu is taken.
4. What is the longest tour of Circuit 1?
   Route 1A, which combines Machu Picchu with Machu Picchu Mountain, is the longest, with up to 6 hours of total tour time. It is also the one that offers the most activities and the greatest variety of views.
5. Does Circuit 1 include the Intihuatana?
   No. At the moment, none of the Circuit 1 routes allow access to the Intihuatana. This rule exists to protect and preserve the monument.
6. Can I visit the Temple of the Condor or the Temple of the Sun with Circuit 1?
   No. Circuit 1 is focused on the upper and outer part of Machu Picchu. The inner temples of the archaeological site, such as the Temple of the Condor and the Temple of the Sun, belong to Circuit 2.
7. Can you see llamas on Circuit 1?
   Yes, and it is quite likely. Llamas are usually in the agricultural sector and around the Guardian’s House, both points included in all Circuit 1 routes. You will have good chances to photograph them.
8. Is it suitable for older adults?
   It depends on the route. Route 1B (Upper Terrace) is the most accessible: short, without major physical demands, and suitable for all ages. Routes 1A and 1C involve longer walks and some uneven ground, so they require better physical condition.
9. Does Circuit 1 include the Sacred Rock?
   No. The Sacred Rock belongs to Circuit 3, which covers the furthest sectors of the archaeological site.