Exploring Machu Picchu always raises questions: which route should you choose to avoid missing the best spots? Machu Picchu Circuit 3 leads through iconic sections that allow you to see the citadel from another perspective and discover details that often go unnoticed.

In this blog, you’ll learn what this tour offers, how to get the most out of it, and what makes it unique compared to other circuits. If you’re planning your visit, here you’ll find the information you need before making your decision.

What is Circuit 3 of Machu Picchu?

Circuit 3 is one of the official routes for touring Machu Picchu. It is designed for visitors to explore the lower part of the citadel, home to temples, ceremonial sites, and residential spaces that reflect daily life in Inca times. Here, the focus is not on panoramic views, but rather on close contact with the architecture and details carved in stone.

Like other circuits, it is not limited to a single route, but offers four distinct routes. All share access to the main areas of the lower area, but each offers an additional attraction: the climb to Wayna Picchu Mountain, a visit to the royal temples, the hike to the Great Cavern, or the ascent of Mount Huchuy Picchu.

Machu Picchu Circuit 3 ticket types

Route 3-A: Wayna Picchu Mountain
This tour includes entry to the citadel via Circuit 3 and the climb to the famous Wayna Picchu Mountain, the most photographed spot after Machu Picchu. It’s a steep trail with stone steps, known for its physical challenge, but the view from the top makes it an unforgettable experience.

• Approximate duration: 4 to 5 hours.
• Level of difficulty: High.

Route 3-B: Designed Royal Route
This route allows you to explore the most representative areas of Circuit 3, such as temples and ceremonial sites. It is designed for those looking to explore the most important sites in the lower part of Machu Picchu at a leisurely pace, without the need for long hikes.

• Approximate duration: 2 hours.
• Level of difficulty: Low.

Route 3-C: Great Cavern (available during peak season)
In addition to the tour of the citadel, this ticket includes a hike to the Great Cave, an enigmatic space where Inca constructions are located amidst a rocky environment. The trek is long and challenging, ideal for adventure-seeking travelers.

• Approximate duration: 6 hours.
• Level of difficulty: High.

Route 3-D: Huchuypicchu (available in high season)
This tour combines a visit to Circuit 3 with a hike to Mount Huchuypicchu, a small mountain opposite Wayna Picchu. The ascent is short and easy, perfect for those looking for a unique experience without much physical effort.

• Approximate duration: 3 hours.
• Level of difficulty: Medium.

Main attractions you’ll see on each route

All the routes on Machu Picchu Circuit 3 focus on the lower part of the citadel, where you can explore temples, ceremonial sites, and residential areas that showcase life in Inca times. Unlike other circuits, this one emphasizes close contact with the architecture and stonework.

What varies with each route are the additional attractions that complement the experience:

• Route 3-A includes the ascent of Waynapicchu Mountain, the iconic peak that appears in classic photos of Machu Picchu. The climb is demanding, but from the summit, you get one of the most impressive views of the entire sanctuary.
• Route 3-B offers a tour designed to highlight the main temples and royal precincts in the lower sector, ideal for those looking to learn the essentials of the history and architecture without long hikes.
• Route 3-C, available only during the high season, includes the hike to the Great Cave, an enigmatic site with Inca constructions amidst a rocky environment. It is a perfect option for the more adventurous travelers.
• Route 3-D, also open only during the high season, allows you to ascend Mount Huchuypicchu, a small, easily accessible mountain that offers another perspective of the citadel and its surroundings.

In this way, Circuit 3 not only brings visitors closer to the heart of Machu Picchu, but also offers alternatives for different interests: from cultural and tranquil tours to challenging, adventurous hikes.

Length and difficulty of each route

The length of the visit and the effort required on Circuit 3 vary depending on the route chosen, allowing the experience to be tailored to each traveler’s pace and condition:

• Route 3-A: Wayna Picchu Mountain
  It lasts between 4 and 5 hours and is considered highly demanding due to the steep ascent along narrow paths and stone steps. It is ideal for those seeking a true physical challenge and one of the most impressive views of Machu Picchu from above.
• Route 3-B: Designed Royal Route
  It lasts approximately 2 hours and is low-intensity. It focuses on exploring the main sections of the citadel, including temples and ceremonial sites, and is perfect for those who want to see the essentials without extensive hiking.
• Route 3-C: Great Cave (available during peak season)
  This route can take around 6 hours and requires a high level of fitness, as it combines a visit to the circuit with a long hike to the mysterious Great Cave. It is an option designed for the more adventurous seeking a long and challenging hike.
• Route 3-D: Huchuypicchu (available during peak season)
  This route lasts around 3 hours and is of medium effort. It includes a hike to the small mountain of Huchuypicchu, whose short and easy ascent provides another perspective of the citadel without requiring great physical exertion.

Thus, Circuit 3 offers alternatives suited to both those seeking leisurely hikes and travelers who prefer long, demanding treks. Each route guarantees a different way to enjoy Machu Picchu and discover unique corners of the citadel.

Advantages of choosing Machu Picchu Circuit 3

Circuit 3 is ideal for those looking to explore the lower part of the citadel and discover its temples, plazas, and ceremonial sites up close. This route allows for a more detailed appreciation of Inca architecture and an understanding of how daily life was organized at Machu Picchu.

It also offers flexibility: some travelers opt for the simpler, more cultural “Designed Royalty” route, while others prefer more challenging experiences such as climbing Wayna Picchu or hiking to the Great Cave. It also offers seasonal alternatives, such as Huchuy Picchu, which offers a different and complementary view of the sanctuary.

Practical recommendations

To get the most out of your visit, it’s a good idea to keep a few tips in mind. For Route 3-A (Wayna Picchu) and Route 3-C (Great Cave), it’s best to start early in the morning, when the weather is cool and the sun is not yet too strong, as both require long and demanding hikes. The shorter routes, such as Route 3-B (Designed Reality) and Route 3-D (Huchuy Picchu), can be hiked both in the morning and afternoon, although many travelers prefer the early hours because of the more favorable light for photography.

As for what to bring, the key is comfort and practicality. Packing light will make all the difference:

Recommended elements for Machu Picchu Circuit 3:

• Lightweight, breathable clothing, ideal for easy walking.
• A waterproof jacket or rain poncho, as the weather changes quickly.
• Hiking shoes or comfortable sneakers with good non-slip soles.
• Plenty of water in a canteen or reusable bottle.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or cap.
• Insect repellent (especially during the rainy season).
• A camera or cell phone with a charged battery for photos.
• A small backpack to carry your essentials comfortably.

However, it’s advisable to avoid anything impractical: urban clothing, formal shoes, heavy bags, or makeup, which all add nothing to a tour of this type. This way, you’ll have everything you need to enjoy any of the Circuit 3 routes without worries and with the comfort the experience deserves.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between the four Circuit 3 tickets?
The difference lies in the additional attractions included in each route. Route 3-A allows you to climb Wayna Picchu, Route 3-B visits the royal temples, Route 3-C adds the hike to the Great Cave, and Route 3-D includes the ascent of Mount Huchuy Picchu.

Do all the Circuit 3 routes include the lower part of Machu Picchu?
Yes. They all pass through the main sections of the lower area, where you’ll find temples, ceremonial sites, and residential areas that reflect how the Incas lived.

How long does each Circuit 3 tour last?
It depends on the route: 3-A lasts between 4 and 5 hours, 3-B about 2 hours, 3-C about 6 hours, and 3-D about 3 hours.

Is hiring a guide mandatory for Circuit 3?
It’s not mandatory, but it’s recommended. A guide can help you better understand the history of each site and help you understand important details of Inca architecture.

What’s the best time to take the tour?
It’s best to arrive early, between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., especially for longer routes like Wayna Picchu or the Great Cave. Shorter routes like the Designed Royale or Huchuy Picchu can also be done in the afternoon.

Do Circuit 3 tickets sell out quickly?
Yes, especially those on Route 3-A (Wayna Picchu), which are in high demand and have limited capacity. It’s best to book several weeks in advance.

Can I change routes once I’m on the circuit?
No. Each ticket is valid only for the chosen route and cannot be modified once inside the sanctuary.

Is this circuit suitable for seniors and children?
It depends on the route. Route 3-B (Designed Royal) is the most accessible and peaceful. Route 3-D (Huchuypicchu) requires some moderate effort. Routes 3-A and 3-C, on the other hand, are more demanding and are not recommended for those with limited physical stamina.

What should I bring for Circuit 3?
Light clothing, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, water, and a camera. It’s best to avoid unnecessary items such as urban clothing, formal shoes, or makeup.

Is Circuit 3 worth it?
Yes. It’s the best option for those who want to explore the temples and sites in the lower part of the citadel, with the possibility of adding unique attractions such as Waynapicchu, the Great Cave, or Huchuypicchu.