The best adventure routes in Machu Picchu

To visit the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, you’ll have to choose from the 10 types of tickets available. Among them, you’ll find scenic tours, others that delve deeper into its history, and some with great adventures thanks to its biodiversity and its buildings. Today we’ll focus on adventure routes, which we’ll find according to the season of our visit. Discover the most notable ones and whether you’ll find them during your trip to the Inca city of Machu Picchu.

Routes through Machu Picchu

Of the ten tickets available to visit Machu Picchu during peak season, six are dedicated to immersive adventures through its main temples and buildings. Today we’ll focus on the four best or most popular, so you can learn more about them and see if they match your desired Machu Picchu experience. Discover them:

Machu Picchu Mountain (Route 1A)

Part of the first circuit, called the Panoramic Route, the Machu Picchu Mountain Adventure takes you up to the summit that bears the citadel’s name. The hike is easy but long. The average hike is 4 kilometers (round trip), traversing the biodiversity typical of the jungle edge.

With this ticket called “Machu Picchu + Mountain (Route 1A)” we will not only venture on the hike to Machu Picchu Mountain, but we will also be able to tour the citadel along the panoramic circuit where we can get the classic postcard photograph.

This ticket is available year-round and must be reserved at least one month in advance.

Inti Punku (Route 1C)

Another route belonging to circuit one is the Inti Punku (Sun Gate), which is an adventure that takes you to see the ancient Inca entrance that is at the top of a mountain, and which is also the gateway to the citadel for people who walk the Inca Trail.

The route to Inti Punku is 3 kilometers long (round trip) and can be completed in just over two hours. From this point, you’ll experience one of the most incredible views of Machu Picchu, where you’ll also see all the diversity of flora that surrounds it.

The “Machu Picchu + Inti Punku (Route 1C)” ticket is only available during high season (June 19 to November 2) and must be purchased one month in advance, because it also allows you to tour the panoramic circuit of the citadel.

Inca Bridge (Route 1D)

The enigmatic Inca bridge is built of stone; you won’t be able to walk across it, but your visit includes the opportunity to observe it and see how it disappears into the jungle undergrowth. It’s one of the Inca constructions that will leave you with more questions than answers. This route also includes a short tour of the Machu Picchu panoramic circuit.

The route to the Inca Bridge is 2.7 kilometers long. The path is very easy, but close to ravines. You can easily complete it in less than two hours, but remember to take it easy so you don’t miss any details.

The “Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge (Route 1D)” ticket is only available during high season (June 19 to November 2), and entry is only for people over 12 years old for safety reasons.

Huayna Picchu Mountain (Route 3A)

Probably one of the most popular routes in Machu Picchu is the hike that takes you to Huayna Picchu Mountain. This adventure is offered through the third circuit, where you also have a tour of the lower part of the citadel, visiting some temples and buildings of great importance and historical legacy.

The hike to Huayna Picchu is only 2.5 kilometers (round trip), but the steep climbs can make the adventure a bit challenging. This mountain, which is popularly featured in all the photographs of Machu Picchu, is the highest, and from where we can see some of the buildings and have a complete panorama of the entire citadel.

The “Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A)” ticket is available year-round, but is only available to those over 12 years of age. To purchase this ticket, you must reserve it at least three months in advance.

Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern (Route 3C)

One of the best adventures in Machu Picchu is the one that takes you to the great cavern, also known as the Temple of the Moon. It’s part of the third circuit, which includes the tour along with the hike to this mythical structure.

The Temple of the Moon is located inside a cave, which gives it a mystical feel. It is also said to have been a place of rituals and sacrifices. The trail is just over 3 kilometers long, passing through abundant flora typical of the jungle region. The hike takes almost two hours, but is easy, with only slight ascents.

The “Machu Picchu + Great Cave (Route 3C)” ticket is only available during the high season (June 19 to November 2), and is only open to people over 12 years old.

Huchuy Picchu Mountain (3D Route)

The small mountain that accompanies Huayna Picchu in classic postcard photographs is Huayna Picchu. The adventure that accompanies us to this mountain is much easier; you won’t need to be in good physical condition, and it also offers beautiful scenic views.

This route also includes a tour of the lower part of Machu Picchu’s third circuit. The hike is only 2 kilometers (round trip), which can be completed in 2 hours.

The “Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu (3D Route)” ticket is only available during peak season (June 19 to November 2) and is only open to visitors 12 years and older. Please note that your reservation must be made at least two months in advance.

Ticket availability at Machu Picchu

There are ten types of tickets to Machu Picchu in total, all of which allow you to take different routes through the archaeological site:

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the best adventure route in Machu Picchu if I want panoramic views?

  If you’re looking for a classic postcard photo, the best option is Machu Picchu Mountain (Route 1A). It’s a long but easy 4-kilometer round trip.

• Which route is best for a peaceful, mystical experience?

  The hike to the Temple of the Moon or Great Cave (Route 3C) may be the best option, it is a site full of mystery, inside a cave.

• Is it very difficult to climb Huayna Picchu mountain?

  Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) has a medium to high difficulty level due to its steep ascent, but it’s relatively short (2.5 kilometers). If you’re in good physical condition and don’t fear heights, it’s an unforgettable adventure with unique views of the entire citadel.

• Can I do an adventure route if I’m not fit?

  Yes, we recommend the route to Huchuy Picchu Mountain (Route 3D). It’s a gentle hike, just 2 kilometers long, ideal if you’re looking for a peaceful experience with beautiful views.

• Which route allows me to see the famous Inca bridge at Machu Picchu?

  The Inca Bridge (Route 1D) is an excellent option for those looking for a short adventure. Although you can’t cross it, you’ll be able to see it from a viewing point where you can see how the bridge is hidden among the vegetation.

• Can I visit Inti Punku without doing the Inca Trail?

  Yes, you can do so with the Machu Picchu + Inti Punku ticket (Route 3C). It’s a short 3-kilometer hike, where you’ll see Machu Picchu from a privileged panoramic view.

• What is the minimum age to do these adventure routes?

  Depending on the route, the most demanding routes such as Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu, Great Cave and Inca Bridge are only permitted for those over 12 years old, for safety reasons.

• How far in advance should I buy tickets?

  We recommend booking at least a month in advance for routes such as Machu Picchu Mountain, Inti Punku, and Inca Bridge. However, if you want to visit Huayna Picchu, book at least three months in advance, as it’s one of the most popular.

• Which route is best for taking good photos?

  If your priority is getting the best photos, Machu Picchu Mountain (Route 1A) is the best option. It allows you to capture the citadel from above and includes the panoramic circuit.

• When is the high season in Machu Picchu?

  The high season at Machu Picchu runs from June 19th to November 2nd, while the regular season runs from November 3rd to June 18th.

By Machupicchu Terra – Last updated, August 18, 2025