Machu Picchu Circuit 1

The upper terraces of this wonder that is Machu Picchu, is called Machu Picchu Circuit 1, known as the famous Panoramic Circuit. This route is designed for those who want a quiet experience and stunning views of Machu Picchu.

Circuit 1 is divided into 4 different routes, all of which offer access to the upper terraces and additional hikes to Machu Picchu Mountain, the Intipunku Sun Gate or the Inca Bridge. Read on to learn more about each of the routes.

Circuit 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain

This Circuit 1 is characterized by the impressive panoramic views of the cultural landscape that represents the Inca city of Machu Picchu, surrounded by the main mountains or tutelary apus to which they worshiped for their telluric and cosmological nature. The best agricultural terraces and the Machu Picchu Mountain also stand out.

Circuit 1-B: Upper Terrace

On this route or Circuit you will get the best panoramic and wide views of the Inka city of Machu Picchu and the sacred mountains that surround it, highlighting the geological formations such as the Vilcabamba batholith, the meandering form of the Vilcanota River. The terraces or system of platforms were built as containment and for agriculture.

Circuit 1-C: Intipunku or Sungate

From this sector you will be able to observe the projection of the traditional Inka Trail, the same that you will walk in a length of approximately 1.7 km. When you reach the top, you will see rectangular enclosures and a platform that served as a reference point for control, prior to entering the Inka City of Machu Picchu.

Circuit 1-D: Inka Bridge Route

This Circuit does not demand much physical effort, since it only covers approximately 1.3 km. The objective is to reach the end of the road and see the entire Vilcanota valley, the jungle landscape characteristic of the altitudinal floor and part of the geological formation that make up the sacred mountains or Apus.

Circuit 1 Entry Times

Route Machu Picchu Mountain

• First shift: Entry to Machu Picchu from 6:00 / Entry to the Mountain from 7:00 am to 8:00 am
• Second shift: Entry to Machu Picchu from 8:00 am / Entry to the Mountain from 9:00 am to 10:00 am

Route Upper Terrace

• Morning: 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00
• Afternoon: 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00

Route Intipunku Gate

• Morning: 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00

Route Inca Bridge

• Morning: 8:00, 09:00, 10:00, 11:00

Opening times

• Machu Picchu opens at 6:00 am and closes at 5:00 pm

What you need to know:

• Classic view of Machu Picchu.
  take the classic photo of Machu Picchu from the viewpoint of the Guardian House.
• It is not possible to visit the lower part of the ruins.
• Maximum stay time of 3 hours.

None of these circuits convince you? Then, find out about the different Machu Picchu circuits to choose the perfect route for you. We can include any of the circuits in our Machu Picchu tours if you book in advance.

Where do I get my tickets for Machu Picchu?

You can get your tickets in the following ways: 

1. Booking in advance online.

This is one of the easiest ways to purchase your tickets to Machu Picchu. Visit the official website of Machu Picchu. Follow the instructions on the screen to generate a reservation and fill in all your personal information. Once the reservation is generated, you will be assigned a reservation number. You will receive an email with a button to “check-in” and receive your ticket. Remember that you can get tickets on the new platform: tuboleto.cultura.pe.

Before your ticket is valid, you will have to complete the payment:

• With card online 
• In cash at the Banco de la Nacion in any city in Peru.
• Cash or by card is available at the Ministry of Culture in Garcilaso or Maruri streets in Cusco.

2.- Personally in the city of Cusco, Peru (not advisable)

At the Ministry of Culture on Garcilaso S/N street in the city of Cusco:

The office is near the Plaza Regocijo. Look for glass doors, stone walls, and a small sign that says “Boletos a Machu Picchu.” It is called “Museo Casa Garcilaso”. It is open from 7 am to 7 pm, Monday through Saturday.

En el Ministerio de Cultura en la calle Maruri #340 en la ciudad de Cusco:

It is called “Dirección Desconcentrada de Cultura de Cusco” in the “Palacio Inka del Kusikancha.” It is open from 7 am to 7 pm from Monday to Saturday.

Remember: You must arrive in Cusco in person and go to one of the offices to find tickets available for the date you choose.

3.- Via Tour Operator (Highly recommended)

This option is very convenient, and it is recommended that you book your entrance to Machu Picchu. You must purchase it in advance through an authorized travel agency, such as Cusco Journeys, which will simplify the process of obtaining tickets. Just get in touch and state your requirements, and they will help you have the best travel experience on your visit to Machu Picchu, Peru.

• If you plan a Tour To Machu Picchu, we will give you several options for Cusco Journeys, according to your needs and preferences.

Ticket Prices for Machu Picchu 2024

These are the ticket prices for you as a foreigner visiting Peru in 2024. Discounts are available for Peruvian citizens and residents and citizens and residents of other Andean nations (Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia). Residents of the Cusco region have additional discounts.

Prices for 2024 (in Peruvian Soles):

Discovering Machu Picchu: Explore the various routes of Circuit 1 for an enriching experience. Through its numerous routes, exploring Circuit 1 of Machu Picchu offers a varied and enriching experience. Each route offers a different point of view of this ancient wonder, from the serene paths of the Inca Bridge to the expansive views from the top of Machu Picchu Mountain.

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