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Machu Picchu

Cusco, Peru

The 5 circuits (routes) of the Machu Picchu Citadel

The 5 entrances to the Citadel of Machu Picchu also have circuits or routes. If you have not been very clear about the information about the 5 entrances, I suggest you click here to read a little more about it and then go on to read this article about the 5 types of circuits.

Without further ado, here I explain what the circuits are, how long they last and what you will see in each one of them:

Circuit 1

Circuit 1 starts with the ascent up a hill to the Guardian’s House, where you will have the classic or postcard photo . Then through the main gate you descend to the Religious Sector, where you will see the following Inca structures:

Sacred Plaza

Templeof the Sun

Templeof the Condor

This route takes between 1 or 2 hours and is suitable for everyone (children, adults and seniors). You will only have to climb for 15 minutes to the Guardian’s House, where you will have your classic photo, after that, the entire route is in a flat area. This circuit covers 50% of the Machu Picchu Citadel.

Classic or postcard photo of the citadel of Machu Picchu, Cusco

Circuit 2

This circuit is the most recommended for those who visit this wonder for the first time, since you will be able to visit almost 90% of the citadel of Machu Picchu, which makes this circuit one of the most popular.

Like circuit 1, you will have to go up for 15 minutes to the Guardian’s House, where you will have your classic or postcard photo, and then tour the Religious Sector, where you can appreciate the following constructions:

Main Temple

Templeof the Sun

Templeof the Three Windows

Intihuatana

Sacred Rock(The best viewpoints of Machu Picchu)

After the Religious Sector you can visit the following:

Three Gates

Hall of Mirrors

Templeof the Condor

Agricultural Sector

The tour can last between 3 to 4 hours approximately, depending on your physical endurance and the time it takes you to take pictures or videos.

Agricultural Sector, Machu Picchu in Cusco

Entrance to the Sacred Plaza, Machu Picchu

Circuit 3

This circuit is one of the shortest and its route can last between 1 to 2 hours approximately, depending on your physical endurance and the time it takes you to take pictures or videos. You can also have your classic or postcard photo, since you will visit the House of the Guardian.

In this circuit you will appreciate the following Inca structures:

Templeof the Sun

House of the Inca

Ceremonial Fountains

Andenes

Hall of Mirrors

Templeof the Sun

House of the Guardian

Intihuatana en Machu Picchu, Cusco

Sacred Square of Machu Picchu in Cusco

Classic or postcard photo of the citadel of Machu Picchu, Cusco

Circuit 4

This circuit can last from 2 to 3 hours approximately, depending on your physical endurance and the time it takes you to take pictures or videos. Unfortunately in this circuit you will not be able to have the classic or postcard photo, but you will have other views.

In this circuit you will appreciate the following structures:

Templeof the Sun

The Mirrors of the Water

Temple ofthe Three Windows

Sacred Rock

Hall of Mirrors

Templeof the Condor

Circuit 5

This circuit is only used for organized groups that walk the Inca Trail towards the Machu Picchu Citadel, its route can last between 1 to 2 hours approximately. To know how to get to Machu Picchu hiking here is the link: Trekking to Machu Picchu.

Sacred Rock of Machu Picchu in Cusco

La Casa del Guardián, Machu Picchu – Cusco

Machu Picchu, Cusco