🇬🇧 HOW TO CHOOSE MACHU PICCHU CIRCUIT TOUR ? find the good circuit ! 🇬🇧
With all the Machu Picchu circuits, it can get a bit confusing.
Here are some simple tips and explanations to help you choose the best Machu Picchu circuit for your visit.
THE CIRCUITS 2 (most popular – book 4 to 5 months in advance)
👉 These are the best Machu Picchu circuits if you want to see the main highlights.
Circuits 2A and 2B:
These are the most popular circuits because they are the most “complete”.
You will get:
- access to the iconic Machu Picchu viewpoint (classic photo spot)
- then entry into the Inca citadel (houses, temples, history)
👉 This is the best option for a first visit to Machu Picchu
⏱️ Duration: around 2 to 3 hours
📅 Available all year round
Difference between 2A and 2B:
The viewpoint on circuit 2B is slightly lower than the one on circuit 2A.
THE CIRCUITS 3 (lower part – focused on the Inca city)
👉 Perfect if you want a deeper cultural experience at Machu Picchu
Circuit 3A – Wayna Picchu
This circuit takes you directly into the citadel without passing through the main viewpoint.
Then, you climb Wayna Picchu mountain, which overlooks the site.
- circuit gives you direct access to the citadel ( Houses, temples, key historical areas)
- Incredible view over Machu Picchu
⚠️ Steep climb with narrow steps
👉 Not recommended if you:
- have vertigo
- have mobility issues
⏱️ Duration: around 4 to 5 hours
📅 Available all year round
Circuit 3B – Designed Route
This circuit gives you direct access to the citadel with:
- temples
- houses
- key historical areas
👉 A great option for a cultural visit of Machu Picchu
⏱️ Duration: around 2 to 3 hours
📅 Available all year round
Circuit 3C – Great Cavern
Like all circuit 3 options, you start in the citadel, then continue your visit towards the Temple of the Moon.
- Circuit gives you direct access to the citadel ( Houses, temples, key historical areas)
- Hike in the nature
- Temple Moon
👉 A longer and less crowded route.
⏱️ Duration: around 5 hours
📅 Available only in high season
Circuit 3D – Huchuy Picchu
An easier alternative to Wayna Picchu.
- Circuit gives you direct access to the citadel ( Houses, temples, key historical areas)
- Shorter climb
- Less difficult
- Different and less crowded viewpoint
👉 Ideal if you want an easy hike at Machu Picchu
⏱️ Duration: around 3 to 3.5 hours
📅 Available in high season
THE CIRCUITS 1 (upper part – panoramic views)
👉 Perfect for the best views of Machu Picchu
Circuit 1A – Machu Picchu Mountain
You start at the main viewpoint, then hike up Machu Picchu Mountain.
✔ Stunning panoramic views
✔ Less crowded than Wayna Picchu
⏱️ Duration: around 3 to 4 hours
📅 Available all year round
Circuit 1B – Upper Terrace
A shorter circuit that gives access to the iconic Machu Picchu viewpoint
👉 Ideal if you have limited time
⏱️ Duration: around 2 to 2.5 hours
📅 Available all year round
Circuit 1C – Inti Punku (Sun Gate)
You start at the main viewpoint, then hike to the Sun Gate, the entrance of the Inca Trail.
✔ Incredible views over the site and surrounding mountains
⏱️ Duration: around 3 to 4 hours
📅 Available in high season
Circuit 1D – Inca Bridge
You start at the main viewpoint, then continue to the Inca Bridge, built into the mountain.
👉 A more alternative route at Machu Picchu
⏱️ Duration: around 3 to 4 hours
📅 Available in high season
💡 Tips to choose your Machu Picchu circuit
- 👉 First visit → Circuit 2A or 2B
- 👉 Hiking lovers → Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
- 👉 Short visit → Circuit 1B
- 👉 Cultural experience → Circuit 3B + Circuits 2
⚠️ Don’t forget to book your Machu Picchu tickets in advance, especially during high season.