Which Circuit to do in Machu Picchu (Machu Picchu part 2)

The previous article showed you how to book your Machu Picchu entrance ticket.

Circuit options in Machu Picchu

You will be asked which route you want to choose during the ticket-purchasing process, like in the image here.

Circuits 1 and 2

The standard Machu Picchu tour is called "Circuit 1 or 2", this includes all the archaeological and photo opportunities at the site. There are two options on the list that include these circuits; it does not matter which one you choose.

For these Circuits, the total time at the site is usually about 3 hours and does not include any hard physical walk.

If you book the option that takes you to the "Puente Inka", it is another 30 minutes to see a restored Inka log bridge.

Circuit 1 and 2 trails through Machu Picchu

Circuit 3 and Machu Picchu Mountain

View from Machu Picchu Mountain by Martin St-Amant (S23678), CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Machu Picchu Mountain is the highest in the area of the archaeological site and has stunning views of Machu Picchu.

Walking up to the mountain takes about 3 hours and is mildly difficult. For this reason, the ticket includes a shorter tour through the site and then access to Machu Picchu Mountain.

Machu Picchu Circuit 3 and Machu Picchu Mountain

Circuit 4 and Hauna Picchu

View from Huayna Picchu by Dmitry Brant, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Just above the main site is Huayna Picchu, which looks like the face nose in a side view. The hike up to it is on a steep mountain and is not easy, but the view from the top is definitely worth it.

The hike up and back down is 2-3 hours long, which is why Circuit 4 only allows a partial visit of the main site.

Machu Picchu Circuit 4 and Huayna Picchu

Recommendations

• If you want to enjoy Machu Picchu, Circuit 1 and 2 are enough. If you want a more challenging day and some unique views Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu are both worth it, and usually people go to the one that still has tickets for the day.

• It is worth getting a guide for the visit to the main site, there are always guides at the site entrance that will show you around for a fee, for groups it is usually 20 soles to 10 US$ per person.

• Younger guides usually show you better photo locations and are less likely to speak about aliens 😉, so choose the ones that fit you the best.