The Best Way To Visit Machu Picchu In 2024

Shrouded in mystery and cultural significance, tours to Machu Picchu and the incredible ancient ruins unveil the architectural prowess and spiritual depth of the Incan civilization.

In December 2023, the Ministry of Culture of Peru introduced new visitation rules and walking circuits for Machu Picchu. These new rules aim to ease congestion and aid in citadel preservation. These changes were implemented on June 1, 2024 and are effective through the end of the year.

We’re breaking down the new rules and sharing the best way to visit Machu Picchu so you can make the most of your visit and enjoy an unparalleled experience.

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NEW RULES FOR VISITING MACHU PICCHU IN 2024

New guidelines on how to visit Machu Picchu were introduced in June 2024 with the aim of enhancing the experience for all travelers while helping preserve this delicate UNESCO World Heritage site.

As more and more people seek to visit the landmark each year, there have been rising concerns about overcrowding and the possibility of increased erosion. Therefore, the government established a new set of rules to protect the ruins for future generations and ensure an enjoyable environment for visitors.

Several new rules have been outlined, but we believe the changes to these five areas are the most significant:

1. Tour Guides

It is now a requirement that all travelers visiting Machu Picchu are accompanied by a tour guide. While also being able to share a wealth of knowledge on the history, it is the responsibility of the tour guides to ensure visitors are respectful of the site.

2. Time Limit

As of June 2024, travelers with general entry tickets are limited to a maximum of 2.5 hours inside Machu Picchu. This time limit is extended when travelers have purchased extensions to additional sites, such as Machu Picchu Mountain or the Great Cavern.

3. Daily Tickets

To allow more travelers to visit Machu Picchu during the peak seasons, the number of visitors allowed to tour the site each day has increased from 4,500 to 5,600. The peak seasons at Machu Picchu are considered June 1st to October 15th and December 30th to 31st.

4. Circuits

There are several designated paths, also known as circuits, through which visitors can traverse Machu Picchu. As the destination has become more popular in recent years, these circuits have become increasingly crowded during the high season. To give visitors more space while exploring Machu Picchu, several alternative routes in Circuits 1 and 3 are open. Some of these circuits are only open during the peak season to allow for more visitors and additional space while exploring the ruins.

5. Prohibited Items

Machu Picchu has always had a list of prohibited items to help protect the experience; however, this was updated in 2024. The list includes items like selfie sticks, tripods, monopods, food and utensils, large bags, drones, plastics, baby carriers, heels, alcoholic beverages, and weapons.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN VISITING MACHU PICCHU IN 2024

In addition to the new rules on how to visit Machu Picchu, the circuits and pathways throughout the site have been altered to alleviate congestion and preserve certain areas of this historic destination.

Previously, there were five different circuits to choose from. These have been redesigned to three major routes each with a selection of sub-circuits so you can embark on your most preferred journey through Machu Picchu.

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CIRCUIT 1: PANORAMIC CIRCUIT

The Panoramic Circuit explores the upper section of Machu Picchu’s agricultural sector and is characterized by its terraces and stunning panoramic views.

Many of the iconic images of Machu Picchu are captured from this circuit, making it a must-visit for photography enthusiasts and those seeking breathtaking panoramas.

This circuit does not include access to the urban core of the citadel but offers unparalleled vistas of the surrounding mountains such as Huayna Picchu and Huchuy Picchu, as well as the many structures of the archaeological site.

Within Circuit 1, there are four possible routes with varying difficulty:

1. Route 1A: Machu Picchu Mountain

Route 1A includes the Panoramic circuit and a hike up Machu Picchu Mountain.

• Route time: 4 – 5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate – strenuous
• Maximum residence time:  7 hours

2. Route 1B: Upper Level

This is the easiest route available and only encompasses the basic Panoramic circuit through the upper terraces.

• Route time: 1 hour
• Difficulty: Easy
• Maximum residence time:  2.5 hours

3. Route 1C: Intipunku

Only available in the high season, this route includes the Panoramic Circuit and the Inti Punku or Sun Gate.

• Route time: 2.5 – 3 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Maximum residence time:  4 hours

4. Route 1D: Inka Bridge

Also only available in the high season, Route 1D includes the Panoramic circuit and a path to the Inca Bridge.

• Route time: 2 hours
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Maximum residence time: 3 hours

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CIRCUIT 2: INKA CITADEL CIRCUIT

The Inka Citadel Circuit is regarded as one of the best ways to visit Machu Picchu thanks to its comprehensive exploration of both the agricultural and urban sectors of the ancient city. You can explore both upper and lower terraces and provide access to a wide array of areas within the site.

The Inka Citadel Circuit has two possible routes, available year-round, for visitors to explore:

1. Route 2A: Basic

This route includes the Inka Citadel circuit along the urban, religious, and agricultural sectors of the site.

• Route time: 1.5 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Maximum residence time: 2.5 hours

2. Route 2B: Lower Level

Route 2B is a slightly shorter route along the lower terraces through the urban and religious sections.

• Route time: 1.5 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Maximum residence time: 2.5 hours

Along both routes, you’ll encounter iconic landmarks such as the Inca quarry, the Temple of the Sun lookout point, the Sacred Rock, the storages known as Qolqas, and the Temple of the Condor.

CIRCUIT 3: ROYAL CIRCUIT

The final Royal Circuit offers an in-depth exploration of the site’s lower section, starting with the agricultural terraces before venturing down toward the royal buildings. For adventurous travelers, the Royal Circuit offers the most paths for incredible Machu Picchu hiking tours.

The Royal Circuit has four subroutes available depending on the time of year.

1. Route 3A: Huayna Picchu Mountain

Route 3A includes the basic Royal Circuit and the strenuous hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain.

• Route time: 3 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate – strenuous
• Maximum residence time: 6 hours

2. Route 3B: Basic

This is a more gentle route that journeys through the basic Royal circuit and the lower segment of Machu Picchu.

• Route time: 1.5 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Maximum residence time: 2.5 hours

3. Route 3C: Great Cavern

Only available in the high season, this route includes the basic Royal Circuit and a hike to the Great Cavern.

• Route time: 4 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate – strenuous
• Maximum residence time: 7 hours

4. Route 3D: Huchuy Picchu

This route includes the brief tour of the Royal Circuit and hike to Huchuy Picchu.

• Route time: 1.5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Maximum residence time: 3.5 hours

These treks provide visitors with a detailed view of the urban area, showcasing notable attractions such as the House of the Inca, Water Mirrors, Pisonay Square, the Temple of the Condor, and the Sacred Rock.

VISIT MACHU PICCHU THE BLUE PARALLEL WAY

There are several ways to visit Machu Picchu.

Depending on your travel preferences and available travel time, our Peru travel experts can recommend the best way to visit Machu Picchu and design a bespoke luxury tour for you. Here, we share how you can visit while enjoying privacy and luxury…

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A Luxury Train Ride

Sit back and enjoy the spectacular landscapes of the majestic Andes, lush green fields and bright villages as you journey to Machu Picchu aboard the renowned Hiram Bingham train. This luxury train ride is a great option for travelers keen to visit the landmark without exerting activities.

Named after the explorer who brought Machu Picchu to global attention in the early 20th century, the vintage carriages inside the Hiram Bingham date back to the 1920s and evoke an era of sophisticated travel.

A gourmet lunch will be served while you take in the spectacular views from your carriage as the train follows the Vilcanota river down the impressive Canyon of the Vilcanota. Upon arrival at the gateway city of Aguas Calientes, you’ll proceed to the Hiram Bingham group bus for a scenic ascent up the mountain to the citadel.

We can also arrange for a private rail car so you can enjoy the whole experience with just your guests.

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The Inca Trail Hike & Private Camping

The Inca Trail is one of the most famous hiking routes to Machu Picchu and therefore, also one of the most popular treks in South America. Its challenging terrain makes it perfect for adventure travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The Inca Trail is part of an extensive Inca system of trails of more than 15,000 miles that covered Colombia, the west of Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, central Chile, and the north of Argentina. The trails were one of the greatest marvels of the Incan empire.

While the trail’s popularity can make the paths crowded, it is possible to enjoy both luxury and privacy while embarking on this trek.

We can arrange for a luxurious multi-day hiking adventure with private camping along the way. As part of this, you will have a private chef and dining tent, a portable shower and portable toilet, and porters to carry the equipment and luggage.

KM104 & TRAIN JOURNEY

Kilometer 104, also known as KM104, is a notable starting point for a shorter version of the Inca Trail that leads to Machu Picchu.

This is a great option if you’re seeking a blend of comfort and adventure. Your journey begins with a scenic ride on the Vistadome train to KM104 where you’ll disembark and start the hike along the final stretch of the iconic Inca Trail.

After a 3-hour ascent into the cloud forest, passing by an amazing waterfall and Wiñay Wayna architectural complex along the way, you will cross the last stretch of the 6-mile hike and enter the Gate of the Sun. This was the original entrance the Incas used to enter the citadel of Machu Picchu.

The trail offers a taste of the extensive system that once connected the vast Incan Empire.

THE BEST WAY TO VISIT MACHU PICCHU

Thanks to its ancient history and captivating landscapes, Machu Picchu is an incredible natural and cultural wonder. For more information on private Peru tours and to start planning your bespoke tour, contact one of our Travel Experts today.

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