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).
- Mountain Machupicchu.
Approximate travel time: maximum 7 hours
Route A: Machu Picchu Mountain Map:
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 B: Upper Terrace Map:
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 C: Inti Punku or Sun Gate Map:
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
Route D: Inca Bridge Map:
