Updated on December 17th, 2024
Explores the upper section of the so-called agricultural sector of Machu Picchu (featuring terraces).
It's a panoramic circuit where you can have views of the surrounding mountains Wayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu and Putucusi as well as the central area of the archaeological site.
There are two options for this circuit:
During the high season (from June 1st to October 15th and December 30-31) two further options are available:
This circuit, which is highly sought after by visitors, encompasses both the agricultural and urban sectors of Machu Picchu. Along the route, you'll encounter landmarks such as the Inca quarry, the Sun Temple lookout point, the Sacred Stone, the storages known as Qolqas, and the Temple of the Condor, among other sites depicted in the map below.
There are 2 options when choosing this circuit:
The difference between 2-A and 2-B is illustrated in the maps below (highlighted by orange boxes).
This tour explores the lower section of Machu Picchu, encompassing the agricultural terraces before delving into the urban sector. Notable attractions in this area include the Water Mirrors, Pisonay Square, the Temple of the Condor, and the Sacred Stone.
There are 2 options when choosing this circuit:
During the high season (from June 1st to October 15th and December 30-31) two further options are available:
Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu are issued based on personal data and are non-transferable or refundable. The following details are needed to buy tickets:
Due to the limited number of visitors, we recommend buying tickets at least 45 days in advance.
There is no sales point at the entrance to Machu Picchu itself!
According to the resolution of May 2024, visitors purchasing tickets for specific entry slots are granted a tolerance period. This means that arrivals are permitted within the designated tolerance time frame for each slot.
Tolerance period HIGH SEASON (June 1st to October 15th and December 30-31) | Tolerance Period LOW SEASON |
---|---|
45 minutes | 30 minutes |
Some of our travelers want to explore one of the surrounding mountains of Machu Picchu. These are: Machu Picchu Mountain, Wayna Picchu Mountain, and Huchuy Picchu Mountain.
The following table depicts the number of daily entrance tickets available online for the surrounding mountains:
Mountain | Circuit | Tickets HIGH SEASON | Tickets LOW SEASON |
---|---|---|---|
Machu Picchu Mountain | Circuit 1 Route 1-A | 100 (07:00 am) 100 (09:00 am) | 100 (07:00 am) 100 (09:00 am) |
Wayna Picchu | Circuit 3 Route 3-A | 150 (07:00 am) 150 (09:00 am) | 150 (07:00 am) 150 (09:00 am) |
Huchuy Picchu | Circuit 3 Route 3-D | 25 (10:00 am) 25 (12:00 am) | not available |
Wayna Picchu is one of the mountain peaks that surround Machu Picchu. It is probably the most famous as it towers over Machu Picchu in the background in many photos. The ascent takes place on a narrow and extremely steep path and takes around 45 - 60 minutes, depending on the pace. Once at the summit, a fantastic view of the whole of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains awaits.
Since the path is very narrow and exposed in some places, we recommend this hike for experienced and sure-footed hikers. We highly recommend sturdy shoes.
Allowed time to visit Wayna Picchu and Machu Picchu: 5.5 hours
Huchuy Picchu is something like the little brother of Wayna Picchu. Huchuy Picchu is right next to the checkpoint at the Sacred Rock and can be reached on a hike of around 15 minutes. Compared to the other options, this hike is significantly easier and shorter and therefore also possible for less experienced travelers.
Allowed time to visit Huchuy Picchu and Machu Picchu: 3.5 hours
Machu Picchu Mountain, which is also the Apu (sacred mountain) for the complex, is located south of the citadel, opposite Wayna Picchu. The hike partly leads through dense vegetation, but always rewards you with great views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding area.
It takes about 90 minutes to get to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain, depending on your pace. The path leads over a lot of stairs. We recommend having a good physical condition and sturdy shoes for this route.
Allowed time to visit Machu Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu: 7 hours
If you can't decide between visiting Machu Picchu Mountain or Wayna Picchu while planning your journey to Machu Picchu, our article has 3 questions that you need to ask yourself to help you make up your mind.
For travelers with the 2-day/1-night Inca Trail, on the first day, you will enter Machu Picchu via Intipunku. You can spend 20-30 minutes at the 'Plataforma superior' (point 2 on the map) to take photos before exiting the citadel. On the second day, you will visit Circuit 3-B. You may enter the site until 12:00 PM and stay for up to 2.5 hours.