Machu Picchu 2026: Guide to the New Tours (Which One Should You Choose?)
MACHU PICCHU 2026: UPDATED GUIDE TO THE NEW TOURS—WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU CHOOSE BASED ON YOUR TYPE OF TRIP?
Are you traveling to Machu Picchu in 2026 and not sure which tour to choose?
In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know before buying your ticket: which tours are available, what each one includes, what you can visit, and which option is best depending on the kind of experience you're looking for.
Machu Picchu remains one of Peru's most breathtaking destinations and one of the main reasons to travel to Cusco. However, visiting the Inca city now requires a different kind of planning.
What's the best Machu Picchu tour for you?
The answer depends on what you want to experience.
How do the Machu Picchu 2026 tours work?
TOUR 1: MACHU PICCHU
Circuit 1 focuses primarily on the scenic area of Machu Picchu. It is ideal for travelers who want to take great landscape photos and enjoy incredible views.
It's an excellent option if your priority is to take in one of the famous views of the Inca city surrounded by the Andes Mountains.
ROUTE 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain
If you love hiking and want to see Machu Picchu from a higher vantage point, Route 1-A is one of the most interesting options, allowing you to enjoy the most scenic areas of the sanctuary. This route requires more physical effort than a shorter hike.
It's ideal for:
- Adventurous travelers.
- People who enjoy hiking.
- Photographers.
- Travelers who want a different view of Machu Picchu.
- People who are physically fit.
ROUTE 1-B: UPPER TERRACE
Route 1-B is one of the best options for those who mainly want to enjoy the panoramic view of Machu Picchu. It’s ideal for travelers who are short on time or prefer a shorter trip without a long mountain hike. If your main goal is to get the classic photo of Machu Picchu with the mountains in the background, this route is definitely worth considering.
It's ideal for:
For travelers who prioritize photography and panoramic views, and for those who want a more relaxed experience and aren’t primarily interested in visiting the main temples and sites of the Inca citadel.
ROUTE 1-C: INTIPUNKU HOME PAGE
Route 1-C takes you to Intipunku, known as the Gate of the Sun. This site has a special connection to the Inca Trail, as it is one of the historic entry points to Machu Picchu. It is important to check its availability for your travel dates, since this route is only open during the high season.
It's ideal for:
- Travelers who have already visited Machu Picchu.
- They want a different experience.
- They enjoy going for walks.
- They want to visit Intipunku.
- They are looking for different perspectives on the Inca city.
ROUTE 1-D: INKA BRIDGE
Route 1-D allows visitors to see the famous Inca Bridge, one of the most unique structures in the Machu Picchu area. Like Intipunku, this route is available during the high season.
It’s an interesting alternative for those who want to explore a different part of the sanctuary and complement their visit with a hike.
Circuit 2
If this is your first time in Machu Picchu and you want to focus on the Inca city, Circuit 2 is probably the one you should consider most, since it focuses on the archaeological sites of the Inca city.
This is one of the tours we highly recommend, especially if it's your first visit to the citadel.
ROUTE 2-A: DESIGNATED ROUTE
Route 2-A is one of the most interesting options for first-time travelers who want to explore the classic sites of Machu Picchu and are looking for an experience focused on history, archaeology, and architecture.
The tour offers a glimpse of various archaeological sites, including areas associated with the Sacred Plaza, the Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Sacred Rock, and other sites in the Inca city.
It's ideal for:
- Couples
- Families
- Travelers interested in history.
- People who want to visit the main archaeological sites.
- Travelers looking for a classic experience.
ROUTE 2-B: LOWER TERRACE
Route 2-B is also part of Circuit 2 and offers a tour of important areas of the Inca city. It is an alternative for those who want to prioritize the archaeological experience over mountain hikes.
If you don't want to hike Waynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain but would like to spend your visit exploring Machu Picchu, you might want to consider this itinerary.
Circuit 3
Ideal for those looking for a unique experience and mountain trails.
It is worth noting that Routes 3-C and 3-D are available only during the high season.
ROUTE 3-A: WAYNAPICCHU MOUNTAIN
This is probably one of the best-known trails among travelers seeking adventure. This trail allows you to hike up to Waynapicchu, the mountain that appears behind Machu Picchu in the classic photograph.
It's ideal for:
- Adventurous travelers.
- People who enjoy hiking.
- Photographers looking for different perspectives.
- Travelers in good physical condition.
- People who want to combine cultural heritage and adventure.
ROUTE 3-B: DESIGNED ROUTE
Route 3-B offers an experience focused on areas of the Inca city associated with ceremonial and residential spaces. It is an interesting alternative for those who want to explore Machu Picchu from a different perspective than Circuit 2.
If you've already visited Machu Picchu, this might be an interesting way to explore another part of the complex.
ROUTE 3-C: GRAN CAVERNA
Route 3-C, known as the Great Cave Trail, is available during the high season. It is an alternative for travelers seeking a more adventurous and unique experience within the sanctuary.
Before choosing it, it's important to check its availability for your visit date.
ROUTE 3-D: HUCHUYPICCHU
The 3-D Route allows you to combine a visit to Machu Picchu with a hike up to Huchuypicchu. Like the Great Cavern, this route is available during the high season.
It's a good option for travelers who want to go on an extra hike without necessarily choosing the Waynapicchu trail.
THE BEST ITINERARY FOR A FIRST VISIT
If this is your first time at Machu Picchu, our general recommendation is Circuit 2
Because it allows you to focus your experience on the Inca city and explore the various archaeological sites that make up the historical image many travelers have of Machu Picchu.
If, on the other hand, your priority is to take the best panoramic photos, you might want to consider Circuit 1.
And if you've been planning to climb Waynapicchu for a while, then you should choose Circuit 3 – Route 3-A.
Choosing the right entry is just the first step.
A trip to Machu Picchu also requires careful planning:
- 🚆 Train to Machu Picchu
- 🏨 Hotel in Aguas Calientes
- 🚌 Bus to the citadel
- 🎟️ Admission to Machu Picchu
- 🧑🏫 Professional Guide
- 🚐 Transportation from Cusco
- 📅 Schedules and Connections
At Andean Perú Exploor, we help you plan your trip to Machu Picchu based on the kind of experience you're looking for.
If this is your first visit, we'll help you choose the best route. If you're looking for an adventure, we can help you plan your visit based on the available mountain trails.
Don't choose your ticket at random. First, choose the experience you want to have.
Type of traveler | Recommended Itineraries |
First Time at Machu Picchu | 🏛️ Circuit 2 |
Would you like to explore the Inca city? | 🏛️ Circuit 2 |
Search for panoramic photos | 📸 Circuit 1 |
He wants to climb Machu Picchu Mountain | ⛰️ Route 1-A |
He wants to climb Waynapicchu | 🥾 Route 3-A |
Would you like to visit Intipunku? | 🌄 Route 1-C |
Would you like to visit Puente Inka? | 🌉 Route 1-D |
Seek adventure | 🥾 Circuit 1 or 3 |
Looking for a classic experience? | 🏛️ Circuit 2 |
He has already visited Machu Picchu | 🔎 Circuit 1 or 3 |
🏔️ The Day at Machu Picchu
It's best to eat breakfast early and leave with plenty of time to spare, especially if your admission is scheduled for the morning. Be sure to factor in the bus ride from Aguas Calientes to the citadel and possible lines.
During your visit, please always follow the route indicated at the entrance, obey the signs, and do not stray from the authorized paths.
What to bring?
- Identification card or passport: required for entry to Machu Picchu.
- Machu Picchu admission ticket: Bring it in digital or printed format, as applicable.
- Water: A reusable bottle is ideal.
- Sunscreen: The sun can still be strong even when it's cloudy.
- Mosquito repellent: especially recommended in Aguas Calientes.
- A hat or cap and sunglasses.
- A light jacket or raincoat: the weather can change quickly.
- Comfortable sneakers with good traction.
- Cash: useful for small purchases, snacks, handicrafts, or services.
- Portable battery: People use their cell phones quite a bit to take photos while out and about.
- A small backpack: avoid bringing large luggage; when visiting Machu Picchu, it’s best to travel light.
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