Since June 1st 2024, there are 10 new Machu Picchu Circuits visitors can choose from. If you have purchased your ticket before May 31st, you will most certainly want to know which circuit you can visit under the new regulations.
In this blog, we’ll lay out the transferability rules so you know which of the new circuits you’re allowed to visit. Let’s begin!
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New Machu Picchu Ticket Transferability Rules
If you purchased your ticket before the new Machu Picchu circuits were introduced, that is, before May 31st, 2024, you can transfer your circuit when entering. If you booked a guided tour, your tour guide will be happy to help you with this.
If you’re visiting without a guide, you need to know the following. When at the entrance, you get to decide which circuit to enter. Which one you can choose depends on the ones that are valid and according to the capacity, meaning how many people are currently doing this circuit.
Have a look at the table below to get a better understanding of this. On the left side you can check which ticket you purchased, whereas on the right side you can see which of the new circuits you can choose from.
| Circuits valid until May 31st 2024 | Circuits valid starting June 1st 2024 |
| Circuit 1/2: Llaqta de Machu Picchu or Llaqta de Machu Picchu Circuit 1/2: Llaqta de Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge | Circuit 2: Route 2-A Designed Route or Circuit 2: Route 2-B Upper Terraces or Circuit 3: Route 3-B Designed Route |
| Circuit 3: Llaqta de Machu Picchu + Machu Picchu Mountain | Circuit 1: Route 1-A Machu Picchu Mountain Route or Circuit 3: Route 3-B Designed Route |
| Circuit 4: Llaqta de Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu | Circuit 3: Route 3-A Huayna Picchu Route |
| Circuit 4: Llaqta de Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu | Circuit 3: Route 3-B Designed Route or Circuit 3: Route 3-D Huchuy Picchu Route |
Note: Depending on each route’s capacity at the time of entry, all ticket transfers are subject to availability.
Example: If you purchased the “Circuit 2: Llaqta de Machu Picchu” you can choose between either Circuit 2: Route 2-A Designed Route, Circuit 2: Route 2-B Upper Terraces or Circuit 3: Route 3-B Designed Route for your Machu Picchu tour.
Discover the New Machu Picchu Circuits
Generally speaking, Machu Picchu has three main circuits, each with slightly different routes that include hikes or sites that can be seen, adding up to ten circuits in total.
You must follow the set route on these circuits throughout the tour. This means that you cannot change the route to suit your preferences or revisit previously visited archaeological sites along the circuit. So let’s have a look at the different routes.
Machu Picchu Circuit 1 (Panoramic Circuit)
Machu Picchu Circuit 1 offers four unique routes, each highlighting different aspects of the iconic site focusing on the superior terraces:
Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain
A tour of the upper parts of Machu Picchu including a challenging 3-hour hike to the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the ruins and surrounding landscapes.
Route 1-B: Upper Terraces Route
This route provides spectacular panoramic views from the Guardian House, perfect for capturing the classic photo of Machu Picchu without exploring the lower ruins.
Route 1-C: Sun Gate Intipunku Route (High Season Only)
In addition to the upper terraces, this route includes a hike to the Sun Gate Intipunku, offering privileged views typically reserved for hikers doing the Inca Trail.
Route 1-D: Inca Bridge Route (High Season Only)
This route takes you to the upper terraces and to the impressive Inca Bridge, an engineering marvel over a chasm, offering stunning views and a quieter, more serene experience.
Machu Picchu Circuit 2 (Classic Circuit)
Machu Picchu Circuit 2 is the most popular route for exploring the main archaeological site, known as “Llaqta,” offering a deep dive of the middle and the lower part plus the classic postcard-like picture of Machu Picchu.
This circuit showcases the Inca’s engineering prowess and the spiritual significance of Machu Picchu’s sacred areas through two distinct routes.
Route 2-A: Designed Route
Ideal for first-time visitors, this route includes both the best views of the middle and the lower part of Machu Picchu, making it perfect for a comprehensive tour. It features key sites such as the Temple of the Sun viewpoint, Intihuatana Pyramid, and Temple of the Condor.
Route 2-B: Lower Terraces Route
Similar to Route 2-A but from a lower platform, this route offers the classic view of Machu Picchu while also allowing access to most main structures, including the Square of the Temples and the Sacred Rock.
Machu Picchu Circuit 3 (Royalty Circuit)
Machu Picchu Circuit 3 offers an immersive tour of the lower part of Machu Picchu, showcasing its architectural mastery and cultural significance through clearly marked pathways and educational signage. This circuit comes in four variations, with two routes available only in high season.
Route 3-A: Huayna Picchu Route
This challenging Huayna Picchu hike offers breathtaking panoramic views and access to exclusive areas such as the Temple of the Moon. It also includes a tour of the lower terraces, making for a demanding yet rewarding experience.
Route 3-B: Designed Route
Ideal for a less demanding tour, this route guides you through the lower parts of Machu Picchu, offering great views and access to main structures like the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Condor, without the classic high-altitude perspectives.
Route 3-C: Great Cavern Route (High Season Only)
This route includes a visit to the Great Cavern (Temple of the Moon), a unique ceremonial site accessible only in high season, offering a unique experience of the lower terraces without the classic Machu Picchu picture.
Route 3-D: Huchuy Picchu Route (High Season Only)
This route features a short hike to Huchuy Picchu, providing stunning views of the ruins and surrounding countryside. It combines the exploration of the lower terraces with an adventurous climb.
Navigating Machu Picchu’s Ticket Changes and New Circuits
With the 10 new circuits in place, the options to explore Machu Picchu keep getting more diverse. However, transferring your ticket is not a problem at all.
Even if you have already purchased your ticket before May 31st, there’s no need to worry as you have the chance to transfer it to another route, according to the table and the conditions mentioned above.
Now make sure to have your ticket ready and prepare your Machu Picchu packing list for an ideal adventure. If you have any additional questions or need help with your Machu Picchu tour, feel free to contact us.
