Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, remains Peru's top tourist destination. To ensure a better experience and preserve this historical treasure, the Peruvian government has implemented new regulations and routes for visitors in 2025.
If you're planning a trip, booking your tickets well in advance is crucial. The Ministry of Culture of Peru has set a daily visitor limit, causing tickets to sell out quickly. Aim to purchase your tickets two to three months ahead of your visit. During peak season in 2025 (January 1, April 17-20, June 19-November 2, and December 30-31), the site can accommodate up to 5,600 visitors. Outside these dates, the limit is reduced to 4,500.
To manage visitor flow and enhance the experience, Machu Picchu now offers three circuits divided into ten routes. These routes allow tourists to customize their visit based on their interests, whether it's capturing panoramic views, exploring the city's structures, or hiking the sacred mountains.
Circuit 1 (Panoramic): Focuses on viewpoints, offering stunning vistas of the ancient city. Routes include 1-A, 1-B, 1-C, and 1-D, with some routes featuring the Intipunku Gate, the Inka Bridge, and access to the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain.
Circuit 2 (Classic): Provides access to the urban area of Machu Picchu, including the Temple of the Sun viewpoint, the main plaza, the sacred rock, water mirrors, and the stone quarries. Routes include 2-A and 2-B.
Circuit 3 (Machu Picchu Royalty): Explores sacred buildings once occupied by royalty, such as the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inka, and the Ceremonial Fountains. Routes include 3-A, 3-B, 3-C, and 3-D, with options to see the Temple of the Condor, the Great Cavern, and climb Wayna Picchu Mountain.
All visits are guided, with varying time limits depending on the circuit and route. Circuit 1 tours last approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, with Route 1-A extending to 3 hours. Circuit 2 tours also take around 3 hours, while Circuit 3 tours range from 3 to 4.5 hours.
Ticket prices vary by route, ranging from 152 soles ($853 pesos) to 200 soles ($1,100 pesos) for adults, and 70 soles ($393 pesos) to 118 soles ($662 pesos) for minors (3-17 years old).
For detailed information on regulations, prices, circuits, and routes, visit the official websites: machupicchu.gob.pe and tuboleto.cultura.pe.