Machu Picchu Circuit 3 or The Royalty Circuit

Machu Picchu Circuit 3 offers a unique and informative experience that features the most exclusive and historically significant areas of the site. This option works as a complement as it includes hikes that make the visit something memorable. 
Every type of traveler can find something to enjoy on Circuit 3, whether it’s the steep hike to Huayna Picchu, the tranquil Design Route, the hidden treasure of the Great Cavern, or the stunning views from Huchuy Picchu.

There are routes from which you can choose the following options:

Circuit 3-A: Huayna Picchu Mountain Route

This is one of the classic hikes where you can feel not only the excitement of visiting the Inca citadel but also the famous Huayna Picchu mountain. Although you should obviously consider that this option only allows you to access the lower part of the citadel (you won’t get the postcard photo) but it perfectly complements the incredible views. This option lasts 6 hours. The places that this option allows you to visit are:

• Temple of the Sun
• Inca house complex
• Sacred Rock
• Twelve openings
• Deposits of the East
• Water mirrors
• Temple of the Condor
• Pisonay Square
• Archaeological Reserve
• Huayna Picchu Mountain

Things to know

• With this route, you dont have Access to the poscard picture of Machu Picchu because you visit the lower part of Machu Picchu.
• You will visit the urban sector of Machu Picchu with this route.
• You will have a picture of Machu Picchu from the top of Huayna Picchu from a different angle.
• Access to this mountain is permitted only for visitors who are over the age of 18.
• You need to buy this ticket at least 3 months in advance because they run out quickly.

Circuit 3-B: Designed Route

This is the option within the new schedules and circuits for Machu Picchu that gives the option of having a quieter tour since it is done in the lower part and the main enclosures are known, without having to access any Huayna Picchu. This option, like other circuits, lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes, which makes it comfortable for traditional travelers. The places visited are:

• Temple of the Sun
• Inca house complex
• Twelve openings
• Deposits of the East
• Water mirrors
• Temple of the Condor
• Pisonay Square
• Archaeological Center

Things to know

• People who hike Inca Trail 4-day trek, and Inca Trail 2-day trek follow The Royalty Route.
• You will visit the royal área of Machu Picchu.
• With this route, you don’t have access to the postcard picture of Machu Picchu because you visit the lower part of Machu Picchu.
• You will visit the urban sector of Machu Picchu with this route.
• You will have a picture of Machu Picchu from the top of Huayna Picchu from a different angle.
• It takes 2 hours to complete the whole circuit.

Circuit 3-C: Great Cavern Route

This is one of the new options in Machu Picchu that will give you a lot of excitement and adrenaline. Although it does not offer the classic view, it allows you to access the sector known as the Temple of the Moon, located at one end of the Huayna Picchu mountain. This option allows you to stay up to 7 hours, so you must be prepared for this challenge. During the tour, you can enjoy visiting the following sites:

• Temple of the Sun
• Inca House Set
• Sacred Rock
• Twelve Opening
• Eastern Deposits
• Water Mirror Set
• Temple of the Condor
• Pisonay Square
• Archaeological Reserve

Things to know

• With this route, you don’t have access to the postcard picture of Machu Picchu because you visit the lower part of Machu Picchu.
• You will visit the urban sector of Machu Picchu with this route.
• It takes 4 hours to complete the whole circuit.

Note: This offer is available only in high season: from June 1 to October 15, 2024, and from December 30 to 31, 2024.

Circuit 3-D: Huchuy Picchu Route

When choosing this option for Machu Picchu you must take into account that you do not have access to the traditional view but you will be able to tour the Inca citadel through its main enclosures inside and then you will be able to ascend the Huchuy Picchu mountain, for this you will have an estimated time of 3 hours and 30 minutes. The places that are visited in this alternative are:

• Temple of the Sun
• Inca house complex
• Sacred Rock
• Twelve openings
• Deposits of the East
• Set of water mirrors
• Temple of the Condor
• Pisonay Square
• Archaeological Center

Things to know

• With this route, you don’t have access to the postcard picture of Machu Picchu because you visit the lower part of Machu Picchu.
• You will visit the urban sector of Machu Picchu with this route.
• You will have a picture of Machu Picchu from the top of Huchuy Picchu Mountain from a different angle.
• It takes 3 hours to complete the whole route.

Circuit 5: Inca Trail Routes
This circuit was recently implemented for people who explore all the options of the Inca Trail. First, visit the agricultural terrace, then go to the Water Fountain and Temple of the Sun, continue to the Inca House, then take a look at Pisonae Plaza.

Then walk to the set of 3 gates and exit through the terrace in the lower sector, and on the way back visit the storeroom. This circuit does not include access to the upper part. However, all Inca Trail walkers arrive directly at the guardhouse where they take the classic postcard photo and then exit to use the restroom and visit Machu Picchu following Circuit 5. People who do the 4-day Inca Trail and the 2-day Inca Trail.

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.

Bus times & tickets for your slots

Unless you’re doing the Inca Trail, walking in from Hidroeléctrica, or walking up the huge hill from Aguas Calientes, all trips to Machu Picchu start with a bus ride from Aguas Calientes (the nearby town). The earliest bus you can get is the 5.30am with the final one departing Machu Picchu at 5.30pm (at time of writing). They depart every 5-10 minutes throughout the day, queues tend to be at their longest before midday when leaving Aguas Calientes.

The journey from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu takes between 20-25 minutes. You’ll need to buy a ticket before you get on the bus and there’s a ticket office in Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.

Explore the Unique Routes of Circuit 3
Machu Picchu Circuit 3 offers a unique and informative experience that presents the most exclusive and historically significant areas of the site.

Every type of traveler can find something to enjoy on Circuit 3, be it the steep hike to Huayna Picchu, the tranquil Designed Route, the hidden treasure of the Great Cavern or the stunning vistas from Huchuy Picchu.

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