What is the Best Circuit to Visit Machu Picchu? 2B vs 3B Guide

Understanding the New Machu Picchu Regulations

It seems that the Machu Picchu rules are changing frequently! There are always different routes, different ways to buy the entrance tickets, and different rules about entering with a guide, for your Machu Picchu travel plans.

Why Were These Changes Implemented?

Travelers on Machu Picchu tours can expect new tour circuits to get around this iconic citadel. These circuits have been put in place to offer a more personalized experience. The new Machu Picchu circuits will mean that you may have to do more research about exactly what you want to see on your Machu Picchu tours. However, these changes have been put in place to achieve critical conservation goals:

• To reduce the impact of humans on the site.
• To preserve the archaeological complex for the future.

Read on for some useful details about what you need to know about the new Machu Picchu circuits, current prices, and booking information to make your vacation packages to Peru Machu Picchu highly successful!

The Challenge of the Multidistrict Ticket System

Machu Picchu has new entrance rules that directly affect visitors to the ancient Inca archaeological site. Machu Picchu Circuit 2, also known as the Classic Circuit, is generally favored among travelers on their Peru vacation packages. This follows the old classic route around the archaeological site before the current regulations came into effect. There are now 4 general circuits, each covering different, important sections of the Machu Picchu archaeological site.

The aim of the new system is to optimize the flow of people:

• The Strategy: Reduce the number of visitors inside Machu Picchu around the main temples and buildings.
• The Method: Separating them out into different sectors.

Unfortunately, this means that to see all of the Machu Picchu site, you need to purchase all 4 entrance tickets and visit Machu Picchu over 2 days minimum! Some people may be traveling on a budget and others may have certain time restrictions, which means this would not be possible.

Our Professional Recommendation

After analyzing the new ticketing system and running the new circuits a number of times, we can tell you that the 2 best routes for your Machu Picchu vacation packages, in our opinion, comes down to:

• Circuit 2B (The Lower Terraces Route)
• Circuit 3B (The Royalty Sector Route)

This should help you narrow down the entrance options so that you can make the most of your entrance ticket. Read on for more information about why these are the best circuits when you visit Machu Picchu.

Llamas Enjoying The View

What Are the Changes From June 2024?

More Machu Picchu circuits have been introduced, meaning that visitors have to decide exactly, and ahead of time, what kind of Machu Picchu experience they are looking for. Each circuit around the site also has different costs and time slots. Based on popularity, some circuits will need to be booked as soon as possible, while others are expected to be available last minute.

What is the Difference Between Machu Picchu Circuit 2B and 3B?

Choosing between these two routes is the most critical decision for first-time visitors. To make your choice easier, here is a technical comparison of what each option includes:

The Perfect Photo!

Circuit 1: The Panoramic Circuit

1A: Machu Picchu Mountain Route

Entrance Times: 7am, 9am
Machu Picchu circuits prices: S/.200.00 soles for international adults.

This circuit offers the perfect mix of adventure and panoramic vistas. Beginning from the upper terraces, it allows you to climb Machu Picchu mountain, one of the best hikes inside the archaeological site. The Machu Picchu Mountain hike takes about 4 hours round trip, depending on your fitness. From the summit, you will be astounded by the panoramic views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains.

Circuits 1B to 1D

Entrance Times: Every hour from 6am to 3pm
Machu Picchu circuits prices: S/.152.00 soles for international adults.

1B: Upper Terraces Circuit: This route is ideal for those who are looking for a shorter walk. The circuit offers panoramic views from the upper terraces but doesn't include the urban area of Machu Picchu. It is the best circuit if you're looking to capture that perfect photo without having to hike for as long.

1C: Intipunku Circuit (High Season Only): Also starting from the upper terraces, this route leads you to the Intipunku or "Sun Gate". This was the original entrance to Machu Picchu for those arriving from the Inca Trail. While you won't explore the urban area, the panoramic views along the way are more than enough to make up for it with vistas. This is the Machu Picchu Sun Gate circuit.

1D: Puente Inka Circuit (High Season Only): Beginning from the upper terraces, this route takes you to the Inca Bridge, where you can marvel from above at the Vilcanota River. It’s a short, picturesque walk with historical significance, perfect for a leisurely morning visit on your Machu Picchu tours.

Circuit 1B

Additionally, travelers on these paths can enjoy short, picturesque walks with historical significance, which are ideal for a leisurely morning visit on your Machu Picchu tours, perhaps as part of a larger the best of Peru experience.

The Trail to The Sun Gate

Circuit 2: The Classic Citadel Experience

Circuit 2A: The Upper Classic Route

Circuit 2A includes a comprehensive tour of the most famous sections of Machu Picchu and you can also marvel at the views surrounding the citadel. Circuit 2A takes around 3 hours and permits you to explore the lower sections of the Inca citadel and allows you to take amazing pictures of Machu Picchu, at the classic Photo viewpoint. This gives a more detailed up close version of the citadel, including the main temple and ruins.

Circuit 2B: The Lower Terraces Route

Circuit 2B includes a comprehensive tour of the most famous sections of Machu Picchu and you can also marvel at the views surrounding the citadel. Circuit 2B takes around 2.5 hours and permits you to explore the lower sections of the Inca citadel and allows you to take amazing pictures of Machu Picchu, including the main temple and ruins. You can still take a panoramic photo of the citadel, but not as close up as on circuit A.

Circuit 2A

From the lower platform, Route 2-B, also referred to as the Lower Terraces Route, you get a unique view of Machu Picchu from an additional viewpoint. Just like the other route, you also get to visit the lower parts with some minor route differences to 2-A. This is a highly recommended machu picchu circuit for first time visitors. Highlights of this route include the immense agricultural terraces, the intricate stonework of the Temple of the Sun, and The Sacred Rock.

Advantages of Circuit 2B

The 2B circuit is long and complete so we recommend you buy this one if you want to explore the whole of Machu Picchu Citadel. You will also explore the lower parts of the ruins not available on other entrance tickets. Circuit 2B Machu Picchu what does it include? You will explore 80% of The Machu Picchu Citadel—more than on other circuits. Enjoy unique views of the terraces and agricultural area. The route will continue through one of the emblematic entrances of Machu Picchu.

Circuit 2B Machu Picchu incluye templo del sol and leads to the main religious temples and other important buildings inside Machu Picchu. You can see the Temple of the Sun and the House of the Inca. Visit the Temple of the 3 Windows. You can observe the quarry used to build Machu Picchu. You will visit the Main Temple. The Sacred Rock is at the end of this circuit. Visit the Temple of the Condor or the Water Mirrors. 2B Circuit is easy to hike along defined walkways and with no steep ascents or descents.

Disadvantages of Circuit 2B

Does not include the classic view of Machu Picchu from high above (This is on Circuit 2A) But has the opportunity to take very similar photos from slightly lower down. Como comprar ticket circuit 2B Machu Picchu online requires planning; you must book several months in advance due to this circuit's high demand. The Intihuatana structure remains closed to the public across all entrance options due to preservation regulations. It does not visit The Sun Gate or Inca Bridge.

The Sun Dial

Circuit 3: The Royalty and Accessible Sector

Circuit 3B: The Royalty Route

The Circuit 3 of Machu Picchu visits the lower sections of Machu Picchu. This is the best route to take if you have any mobility issues or are suffering from altitude symptoms on your Peru tour packages. Circuit 3B es mejor para movilidad reducida Machu Picchu since you will visit the urban section of Machu Picchu, and places like the Inca House, The Water Fountain, the Temple of the Condor, and the Water Mirror. With this circuit, you do not have any extra hikes in Machu Picchu.

Advantages of Circuit 3B

The route visits the main temples of Machu Picchu in The lower Section. The route is easier to hike, making machu picchu circuit 3b for seniors or mobility issues the perfect choice. Circuit 3B visits the Royal Sector of Machu Picchu. At the entrance, you can take a similar "classic photo" of Machu Picchu from the Agricultural Terraces area.

Disadvantages of Circuit 3B

Does not include the classic view of Machu Picchu from high above (This is on Circuit 2A) but has a very similar photo opportunity without the steep climb. The Intihuatana structure remains closed to the public across all entrance options due to preservation regulations. It does not visit The Sun Gate or Inca Bridge. If you prefer to combine this with other iconic hikes, you might also consider securing a spot on the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Circuit 3B

Additional Routes: Huayna Picchu and Mountain Peaks

It is important to note that neither of these routes have access to Huayna Picchu or to Machu Picchu Mountain. These mountain hikes inside the Machu Picchu citadel require a separate permit. For Huayna Picchu, you must purchase the C1 Circuit. For Machu Picchu Mountain, you must purchase the A1 circuit.

We understand that the new Machu Picchu circuits are somewhat confusing. Of course, you want to visit all the important parts of Machu Picchu and buy the correct entrance ticket for your Peru Machu Picchu trip. This is why Valencia Travel takes care of the correct entrance ticket for your requirements. Just ask us at the time of booking which section of Machu Picchu is the most important for your visit. Do you prefer ancient history? Do you prefer the views? Do you want to climb one of the mountains inside of Machu Picchu?

The difference between Circuit B2 and C2 in general, comes down to the following: B2 is the most comprehensive circuit available. C2 is the best if you prefer less climbing or physical exertion and a slightly more relaxed pace. Please contact us here if you require more detailed information about the new circuits at Machu Picchu and which is the best circuit for you!

The Top of Huayna Picchu

Other Machu Picchu Circuits

Can I do more than one Machu Picchu circuit?

Yes, you can do a number of Machu Picchu circuits on the same day, however, you will still need to buy a new ticket for each route and plan your timing perfectly. This can be challenging as circuit times will be more strictly enforced and will not allow for train delays or illness, for example.

How to Secure a Ticket to Machu Picchu

At this time, there are only two official ways to get a ticket to Machu Picchu. You can buy your ticket at Centro Cultural Machu Picchu in Aguas Calientes in person (which is risky due to the last-minute availability), or purchase it online through the Ministry of Tourism website. This option is best for planning ahead and choosing the perfect Machu Picchu route. For travelers looking to explore other regions, securing transport to sites near Puno or other destinations is also highly recommended.

Absorbing The Energy

Plan Your Custom Peru Journey with Local Experts

Of course, you can book a complete Machu Picchu vacation package with Valencia Travel. We will gladly take the stress out of researching regulations or booking the entrance tickets, and our team will offer expert advice about which specific circuit is best for your personal requirements on your Machu Picchu Tours. Contact us here to start planning your journey!