With the new “Regulation of Sustainable Use and Tourist Visit for the Conservation of the Inca Llaqta of Machu Picchu” new ways of touring the complex have been established. With this new regulation, four official tourist visit circuits have been established. These circuits must be respected and followed by all people who enter the interior of the National Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu. And these circuits must be followed by both visitors and tour guides. In addition, it is stipulated that these circuits may be modified based on the conservation of the Llaqta de Machu Picchu. And for this reason, together with Machu Travel Peru, we want to tell you everything about the new regulations and available circuits. Join us to learn about the meaning of Machu Picchu and the new ways of touring the Inca citadel.
Get to know the new circuits for touring the Machu Picchu complex
ABOUT THE NEW CIRCUITS
With the reactivation of tourism and the easing of restrictions due to the pandemic situation, Machu Picchu is preparing new ways to receive its visitors. And to avoid the different crowds that can be found in Machu Picchu, four official circuits were established. These make it easier to visit Machu Picchu since you will have a fully signposted experience. So, If you were looking for the best reasons and how to visit Machu Picchu, then you are in the right place. Besides, you can enjoy alternative circuits that are more suited to your pocket or available time. Now those who seek to enjoy the mountain of Huayna Picchu or the mountain of Machu Picchu will be able to do so in a new and organized way.
CIRCUIT NUMBER 1 (HIGH SHORT ROUTE)
Anyone looking to visit Machu Picchu will see that they can do four circuits or tours within the Inca citadel. Circuit number 1 includes what would be the high part near the Machu Picchu mountain. Here you can tour a little of the agricultural area and have the first glimpses of Machu Picchu. This circuit begins at the well-known fork in the access road to the Inca Llaqta of Machu Picchu. At this point, you will ascend to a platform that is no more than 240 meters high. From there you will have the first complete view of the Inca citadel, and then you can continue to the ceremonial platform where the well-known Guardian’s Hut is located.
From there you will go down the path that leads to Puente del Inca. You will find a path that descends from the Puerta del Sol (IntiPunku) and goes to the urban sector of the citadel. There you can see the main entrance or the Main Gate. The main portal would be the original entrance to the urban sector of Machu Picchu. From the urban sector, you will be able to see the other side of the citadel. The road continues until reaching the quarry area (Granitic Chaos). And if you continue along the road you will descend to a group of Inca buildings to continue to the Temple of the Sun.
Then you can continue and admire the Casa del Inca, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Temple of the Condor. This is the extension of route number 1. Although if you have the right ticket you can enjoy the other circuits and learn more about the Inca citadel.
CIRCUIT NUMBER 2 (HIGH LONG ROUTE)
This circuit is a long high route to appreciate the Inca citadel. Circuit number 2 consists of the same route as number 1. This route is different in the sense that after the Temple of the Sun, you will choose to ascend the steps of the fountains. From there you will go to the Sacred Plaza to ascend to the Intihuatana pyramid.
From the top of the pyramid, you will go down in the direction of the Sacred Rock. And from there it will continue on its way to open space. From there you will find the Three Gates, a set of buildings dedicated to the Inca elite. Please note that each site cannot be admired for more than 20 minutes. So once finished you will continue to the Hall of Mirrors and the Temple of the Condor. Unlike circuit one, this tour includes the sites of the Sacred Plaza, the Intihuatana, Sacred Rock, and the Three Gates. This circuit is one of the best Machu Picchu tours available. Since it goes through the Inca citadel and its different sectors in depth.
CIRCUIT NUMBER 3 (SHORT LOW ROUTE)
This circuit begins at the fork in the access road to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. But unlike circuits 1 and 2, this one considers the route that crosses the area of agricultural terraces to go directly to the urban sector. This circuit is the shortest circuit of the Inca citadel. You will start descending no more than 30 meters to access the warehouses (Colcas) and continue along the path that crosses the agricultural sector. There you will be able to appreciate the different agricultural terraces until you reach the Main Gate where you will enter the Urban Sector.
From that point, you will go to the Ceremonial Fountains and then continue south to enter the Temple of the Sun. If you continue you will get to know the Casa del Inka and then continue ascending the steps of the fountains. From this point, the circuit takes the same route as circuit 1. This route does not take more than 3 hours. Taking into account that the maximum stay in Machu Picchu is 4 hours, you will have some time left to explore the site on your own.
CIRCUIT NUMBER 4 (LONG LOW ROUTE)
Circuit 4 comprises the same route as circuit 3 with the difference that it includes the Sacred Plaza, the Intihuatana, the Sacred Rock and surrounds the Three Gates, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Temple of the Condor. This section is the same as the one before with the difference that this route decides to ascend to the Sacred Plaza and continue a circuit similar to that of number 2. With the difference that it surrounds both the Sacred Plaza and the Intihuatana. This circuit is special and recommended for those who suffer from a disability or are quite old. It is recommended for those who need some kind of preferential care. This circuit is available in certain Machu Picchu tickets. As it is in the case of the alternative route of Huchuy Picchu and Huayna Picchu.
NEW TICKETS SALE
At the moment when you enter the official government page: https://reservas.machupicchu.gob.pe/inicio, you will notice that there are new entries. So far you can see 4 new entries:
- Llaqta of Machu Picchu
- Circuit 4 + WaynaPicchu
- Machu Picchu Mountain + Circuit 3
- Circuit 4 + Huchuy Picchu Mountain
Llaqta de Machu Picchu: This ticket allows access to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu through circuits 1, 2, and 3. You are free to choose any of the circuits depending on your time and physical condition. This is one of the best entrances to know in depth the different Machu Picchu facts.
Circuit 4 + WaynaPicchu: This ticket allows access to the alternate route of the Huayna Picchu Mountain. The Llaqta route only consists of circuit number 4.
Machu Picchu Mountain + Circuit 3: This ticket allows access to the alternative route of Machu Picchu Mountain. But access to the Llaqta only consists of circuit number 3. This ticket has the option of re-entry to the complex.
Circuit 4 + Huchuy Picchu Mountain: This ticket allows access to the alternative route of Huchuy Picchu Mountain. But access to the Llaqta only consists of circuit number 4. This entrance has 9 schedules. Being the first from 06:00 to 07:00 hours and the last from 14:00 to 15:00 hours.
ABOUT THE ALTERNATIVE ROUTES
With the reopening of the archaeological complex and the new regulations established, new entrances have been regulated. And with the reopening of the Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, and Huchuy Picchu mountains, new regulations have been chosen.
- The alternative route to Machu Picchu Mountain will only have 400 spaces available per day. Of which they will be divided into two main shifts. The first schedule would be from 06:00 to 07:00 AM and the second shift from 08:00 to 09:00 AM. Those who choose to enjoy this route, once entered, will have to go directly to the Machu Picchu Mountain route. Once the hike is finished, they will leave the monument by the same path. This ticket is the only one with the re-entry option. But with the condition of only opting for circuit number 3 of Llaqta.
- The alternative route of Huayna Picchu will only have 200 spaces a day. All spaces will be distributed in 4 main schedules. Being the first hour from 06:00 to 07:00 AM and the second hour from 08:00 to 09:00 AM. Finally, the third shift will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and the fourth shift from 12:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Although those who choose to enjoy this route will only be able to do circuit number 4. This ticket does not have an option to re-enter the monument. As you will see, the alternatives to Machu Picchu can continue to be enjoyed but with the indicated circuits.
RULES TO CONSIDER
It is also a good idea to keep the following considerations in mind. These rules were already in force prior to the pandemic situation. But this does not mean that we should stop respecting them. These apply both for any of the visitors as well as for the guides.
- Backpacks or bags that exceed 40x35x20 centimeters, will not be allowed to enter. Lockers are available at the gate for large bags.
- You may not enter with food or utensils.
- You may not enter with illegal substances, alcohol, or aerosols.
- You may not enter with umbrellas.
- You may not enter with camera tripods or selfie sticks.
- It is not permitted to enter with animals, except for guide dogs.
- You may not enter with musical instruments.
- You may not enter with baby coaches, only backpacks that contain no metal.
- You may enter in sport shoes or walking shoes, no heels allowed.
- It is not permitted to enter with any type of gun.
- No metal walking sticks will be allowed.
- It is not permitted to walk or climb on any of the structures or walls in Machu Picchu.
- It is not permitted to remove or deface any of the structures at Machu Picchu.
- It is not permitted to remove any flora or fauna from the site.
- It is not permitted to smoke whilst in the ruins.
- You may not feed the animals.
- You may not use drones or whatever other type of aircraft.
- You may not make films or documentaries without prior permission.
- You may not enter parts of the site that are off-limits.
“THE JOURNEY IS MY HOME”
To conclude, the new entrances and circuits established by the government are a way to avoid crowds. With the continuous reopening of the different archaeological sites and complexes, it is necessary to meet the demanding situation. We hope that this article has been able to facilitate understanding the new regulations to visit Machu Picchu. Together with the Machu Travel Peru team, we hope we have been helpful. If you want to know more about our different tours to the Inca citadel, do not hesitate to consult with our team of qualified advisers. They will be happy to help you fulfill the trip of your dreams.
