Machu Picchu Peru

Circuit 3 Machu Picchu

Royalty Route

The Circuit 3 Machu Picchu is the best alternative route to Circuit 2 Machu Picchu because this route permits exploring the lower part of the Inca citadel according to the circuits. This circuit includes the most popular mountains, Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu, and the Great Cavern.

Circuit 3 at Machu Picchu offers an adventurous and rewarding experience, including the ascent of the mountains and the exploration of the Great Cavern, an impressive Incan ceremonial cave with intricate stonework.

Circuit 3 is ideal for adventurous visitors looking to combine history, culture, and stunning natural beauty in one unforgettable tour. Make sure to secure your tickets in advance, as spaces are limited.

There are 4 circuits to Machu Picchu:

Circuit A: Huayna Picchu Mountain
Circuit B: Lower terrace
Circuit C: Great Carven (Available on the high tourist season)
Circuit D: Huchuy Picchu Mountain (Available on the high tourist season)

Route A: Huayna Picchu Mountain

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 3 -A: Huayna Picchu Trail Map:

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 3 -B: Royalty Route Map:

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 3 -C: Great Cavern Map:

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

Route 3 -D: Huchuy Picchu Map:

Inca Trail

Inca Trail tours follow this route B:

If you are doing the Inca Trail, Circuit 3 Machu Picchu is included on the last day when you arrive at Machu Picchu. This circuit allows you to visit the Temple of the Sun and other parts of the Inca citadel where you can take the best pictures.

The Inca Trail consists of two circuits. The first is the Panoramic Circuit, where you can take stunning panoramic photos from the Guardian’s House before exploring the lower part of the Inca citadel.

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