Machu Picchu Circuit 1-Panoramic Tickets

Postcard views of Machu Picchu

Your journey begins at the main entrance of Machu Picchu, stepping onto the same stone paths once walked by Incan royalty. A steady 30-minute climb up stone stairways brings you to the Guardian’s House, the most famous viewpoint of the Incan city—yes, the very spot where the classic postcard photos are taken. But here’s what those photos don’t capture: the crisp mountain air, the surreal silence interrupted only by rustling leaves, and the sheer awe of seeing the ancient city unfold beneath you. this spot offers a front-row seat to history—overlooking the urban sector, sacred temples, and the intricate layout of this ancient wonder. Take a deep breath, soak in the panorama, and set your own pace as you explore the upper terraces, including the cemetery and the funerary rock to get a glimpse of Incan beliefs and rituals. Like how funerary rock was mostly used for mummification? Incas believed the higher the altitude, the closer one was to the gods, which is why their rituals often took place at these elevated spots.

Once you’ve taken in Machu Picchu from its most legendary vantage point, the descent begins. You’ll follow ancient stone steps downward, retracing your steps back to the Machu Picchu main gate.

Extend your adventure

Instead of exiting, you can push your limits and take one of three epic extensions. Machu Picchu Mountain is a 4-hour uphill trek, offering the highest panoramic views over the ruins and the Sacred Valley. Prefer a shorter, thrill-packed detour? Take the Inca Bridge route, which leads to a daring stone pathway carved into the cliffs—once a hidden entrance to the city. Or, take the Qhapaq Ñan trail—a 2 km uphill trek to Intipunku (the Sun Gate), the original entrance to Machu Picchu for Incan travelers, where the first morning rays once illuminated those arriving after their long pilgrimage. No matter which path you choose, every extra step unveils more secrets of this Incan masterpiece.

Machu Picchu Circuit 1-Panoramic Tickets

Discover the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu on this panoramic tour that includes four distinct routes, each offering sweeping views and access to sacred sites like the cemetery, funerary rock, and Guard’s House. The tour lasts approximately five hours, with options for more challenging paths such as the trek to Inca Bridge or Intipunku Gate. Visitors can choose from guided tours in multiple languages including English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Mandarin. Access is provided via panoramic tickets that grant entry to Machu Picchu’s upper terrace, the Sun Gate, and Huayna Picchu for those who wish to climb it. The tour covers approximately 7 acres of the site, with a focus on historical landmarks like the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana stone, and the Sacred Plaza. With over 200 structures in total, including temples, aqueducts, and residences, this tour offers an unparalleled glimpse into Incan life during the 15th century.

Explore Machu Picchu’s Upper Terrace

Your tour stops at the upper terrace of Machu Picchu where you can explore the ancient city's highest point. Built in the mid-1400s, this area covers approximately 2 acres and includes several key features such as the Temple of the Condor, the Sacred Plaza, and the Temple of the Sun. The temple stands at around 5 meters high and is notable for its intricate stonework and astronomical alignments. Visitors spend about an hour here, marveling at the precision of Incan engineering and the panoramic views of the surrounding Urubamba Valley. Unlike other archaeological sites, Machu Picchu’s upper terrace offers a unique blend of spiritual significance and architectural mastery, making it essential for understanding the cultural heritage of this site.

Visit the Sacred Cemetery

At the sacred cemetery located on the eastern side of Machu Picchu, guests can explore an area dedicated to the burial of important Incan figures. Established around 1450 AD and covering roughly half an acre, the cemetery includes tombs carved into rock faces and a funerary rock believed to have been used for ceremonial purposes. Visitors spend about 30 minutes here, learning about the significance of these burials in relation to Incan beliefs. The cemetery’s unique location within the site underscores its importance as a spiritual center, distinct from other archaeological sites where burial grounds are typically separate.

Hike Along Intipunku Gate

Your tour includes an optional hike along the trail leading to Intipunku Gate, which offers breathtaking views of Machu Picchu at sunrise. The path covers approximately 1 kilometer and takes around one hour to complete round-trip. Built in the mid-15th century, this gate stands as a testament to Incan architectural prowess and serves as an entrance point for pilgrims visiting the site. Unlike other gates within the city walls, Intipunku Gate is uniquely positioned on a ridge overlooking the valley below, providing unparalleled vistas of the surrounding mountains and the Urubamba River.

Ascend Machu Picchu Mountain

Your tour also includes an optional ascent to Machu Picchu Mountain, which offers panoramic views of the entire site. The mountain trail covers approximately 2 kilometers and takes about two hours round-trip. Built around 1450 AD, this area is believed to have been used for religious ceremonies and astronomical observations. Covering roughly 3 acres, it includes structures like the Temple of the Moon and intricate terraces carved into the rock face. Unlike Huayna Picchu, which requires a separate permit, Machu Picchu Mountain provides an exclusive vantage point for exploring Incan architecture and spirituality.

Tour Highlights

• Panoramic tour at four distinct routes
• 7 acres of the ancient city with panoramic views
• Guided tours in multiple languages including English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Mandarin
• Hike to Intipunku Gate for sunrise views
• Explore sacred cemetery carved into rock faces
• Ascend Machu Picchu Mountain with exclusive vantage points
• Access to Huayna Picchu for those who wish to climb it
• Visit the Temple of the Condor and Sacred Plaza

Perfect for history enthusiasts, archaeology buffs, and adventure seekers, this panoramic tour provides an in-depth exploration of Machu Picchu’s landmarks through guided tours. The five-hour format allows you to delve into Incan engineering at the Temple of the Sun, marvel at astronomical alignments at Intihuatana stone, and explore spiritual significance at the sacred cemetery, giving you a comprehensive understanding of the ancient city's cultural heritage.