Machupicchu is divided into 10 circuits, this can also vary according to the circuit you buy, the most demanding and purchased is Circuit 2, but if you want to stay much longer you can buy another Circuit 1 or 3 or 2 and you will know more extensively this Wonder of the World.
In the town of Machupicchu better known as Agua Calientes you can stay more 3 hours and take advantage of lunch to know the town a little more and take your train back to Cusco. If your train leaves later you can enjoy the hot springs of Aguas Calientes and what you need is to bring your bathing suit.
How long the basic entrance fee to Machu Picchu allows
The ticket allows you 3 hours of stay, but usually the guided tours can last between 2 hours to 2 hours and a half, this can also vary according to the circuit you buy, we detail the circuits.
Circuit 1 (Panoramic)- Route 1-A: Machupicchu Mountain Route.
Circuit 1 (Panoramic)- Route 1-B: Upper Terrazas Route.
Circuit 1 (Panoramic)- Route 1-C: Portada Intipunku Route (available only in high season).
Circuit 1 (Panoramic)- Route 1-D: Inka Bridge Route (available only in high season).
Circuit 2 (Classic Machupicchu)- Route 2-A: Designed route.
Circuit 2 (Classic Machupicchu)- Route 2-B: Lower Terrace Route.
Circuit 3 (Machupicchu Realeza)- Route 3-A: Waynapicchu Mountain Route.
Circuit 3 (Machupicchu Royalty)- Route 3-B: Designed Royalty Route.
Circuit 3 (Machupicchu Realeza)- Route 3-C: Great Cavern Route (available only in high season).
Circuit 3 (Machupicchu Royalty)- Route 3-D: Huchuypicchu Route (available only in high season).
Schedules and Shifts Available at Machu Picchu Picchu
Machupicchu opens its doors from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. last admission time.
Tips To Maximize Your Time At Machu Picchu
Everything will depend on the time and the maximum you want to take advantage of one of the Wonders of the World, if you only have a limited time Circuit 2 is an alternative to know the most outstanding of Machupicchu and make the most of the 2 hours, but if you have one more night in Machupicchu we can give you more alternatives to know Machupicchu as:
Huaynapicchu ( which requires a walk of 2 hours approximately, everything will depend on the pace you have when you get to the top you can have a wonderful view towards the Citadel d Machupicchu , remember that you will be on the edge of the abyss in some occasions you must use safety cables, it is recommended for adrenaline lovers and over 12 years old.
The Machupicchu Mountain (requires a walk of 3 hours between ascent and descent) climb and have one of the best views, a path of 1600 stone stairs, with a slight slope, quiet walk ideal for families.
Differences Between Entrance Tickets
The one we recommend is Circuit 2, which offers you the most outstanding, but this does not mean that the other circuits are less important:
Circuit 1: allows you a panoramic view of the archaeological site the classic photo of Machupicchu, it does not allow you to visit Inca constructions.
Circuit 2: It allows you to visit a part of the archaeological site such as the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple, the Temple of the 3 Windows, the Sacred Rock, the Water Mirrors and others, it allows you the classic postcard photo,
Circuit 3: It allows you to visit a part of the archaeological site such as the agricultural sector, the Royal Tomb, the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, Tres Portadas, Los Espejos de Agua and others.
Ideal Duration To Explore Machu Picchu.
The ideal time to visit Machupicchu is approximately 4 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does each tour last at Machu Picchu?
If your visit is to one of the circuits of Machupicchu and if you are accompanied by a guide can last 2 to 3 hours, but Machupicchu offers other circuits and the demanding ones are Circuit 1 with Machupicchu Mountain that can take you a walking time of 3 hours approximately, and Circuit 3 + Huaynapicchu and take a time of 1 hour, if you want to make the most of Machupicchu will need to buy 2 tickets for which your visit would be extended for a time of 5 to 6 hours of visits, The time to stop for lunch 1 hour, and a small tour of Machupicchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) that would take you half an hour, and then take your train back to Cusco 1 hour and minutes to Ollantaytambo, or train to Poroy about 3 hours, you need a whole day to make your visit to Machupicchu or stay overnight in Aguas Calientes to not get up so early
Is it possible to extend the time inside the site?
The Machupicchu ticket has a limited time, this to avoid crowds and to make the visit pleasant. No
What happens if I exceed the time allowed?
In Machupicchu, since the opening of the new Circuits, more staff was also implemented, and to comply with the rules and stay the time indicated on the ticket.
How much time do I need to visit all of Machu Picchu?
If you wish to visit all of Machupicchu, we would recommend you to split the circuits in 2 days, since Circuits 1 Machupicchu Mountain and Circuit 2 + Huaynapicchu involve trekking, per day you would need about 6 to 7 hours to visit Machupicchu.
