Circuit 3 Machu Picchu: Routes, Tickets, Highlights & Best Time Slots
Circuit 3 is the lower-level route inside the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, designed to manage visitor flow while protecting the site. It’s ideal for travelers who want a high-quality visit with essential ruins, terraces, and impressive scenery—often with fewer bottlenecks than the busiest routes. Below you’ll find the 4 Circuit 3 routes (3A, 3B, 3C, 3D), what each one includes, and the best entrance ticket to match your plan.
1. What is Circuit 3 of Machu Picchu?
Why choose Circuit 3?
- Excellent balance: ruins + terraces + scenery
- Great option for families and mixed fitness levels
- Often smoother flow than the most crowded routes
What to expect
Circuit 3 follows official pathways created to protect the sanctuary and reduce congestion. Depending on your ticket (3A/3B/3C/3D), you may add iconic hikes like Huayna Picchu or Huchuy Picchu, or choose the upgraded 3B Premium Ticket when you need flexibility.
While Circuit 3 does not focus on every “classic viewpoint” (like the Guardian’s House panorama), it delivers a rewarding experience of Machu Picchu’s architecture, terraces, and sacred geography—ideal for travelers who want a well-paced visit.
2. Which entrance tickets include Circuit 3?
The following official tickets grant access to Machu Picchu Circuit 3. If you want the classic Designed Royalty route, choose the Standard Circuit 3B ticket. If that ticket is sold out or you want maximum flexibility (enter at virtually any time), choose the Circuit 3B Premium Ticket.
- Circuit 3A — Huayna Picchu Ticket Includes Circuit 3 + Huayna Picchu hike
- Circuit 3B — Designed Royalty Ticket (Standard) Best value: fixed entry time • classic 3B route Standard Option
- Circuit 3B Premium — Premium Ticket (Flexible Entry) Recommended when Standard 3B is sold out • more flexibility to enter any time Best for Sold-Out Days
- Circuit 3C — Grand Cavern Ticket Circuit 3 + Grand Cavern route
- Circuit 3D — Huchuy Picchu Ticket Circuit 3 + Huchuy Picchu hike
Which 3B ticket should you choose?
Standard 3B (Designed Royalty)
Choose this when you want the classic 3B route at a fixed entry time. Link: Standard Circuit 3B ticket.
3B Premium (Flexible Entry)
Choose this when Standard 3B is sold out or you want flexibility to enter any time. Link: Circuit 3B Premium Ticket.
Tip: If Circuit 2 is sold out, Circuit 3 tickets (especially 3B Standard and 3B Premium) can be excellent alternatives for a memorable visit.
FAQ: Circuit 3 tickets
Is Circuit 3 good for first-time visitors?
Yes. Circuit 3 is a well-paced official route that highlights essential structures, terraces, and scenic views. If your top goal is the classic panoramic viewpoint, consider choosing the circuit that includes it—but many travelers prefer Circuit 3 for comfort and flow.
What is the difference between Standard 3B and 3B Premium?
The Standard Circuit 3B ticket is the classic Designed Royalty route with a fixed entry time. The Circuit 3B Premium Ticket is recommended when Standard 3B is sold out or when you want flexibility to enter any time.
3. The Route of Machu Picchu Circuit 3
Circuit 3 follows a well-defined one-way path through key areas of Machu Picchu. While it doesn’t cover every sector, it offers an excellent balance of Inca architecture, agricultural terraces, and mountain views. Below is a practical breakdown of what you can expect.
3.1 Starting Point: Machu Picchu Entrance
The tour begins at the main entrance of Machu Picchu, where you’ll show your ticket along with your physical passport. It’s recommended to arrive 15 minutes before your entry time. There is only a 30-minute grace period if you are late, so plan to be on time. From the entrance, you’ll enter the citadel and begin the Circuit 3 route.
3.2 Terraces of the Agricultural Zone
One of the first features you’ll encounter on Circuit 3 is the extensive agricultural terraces that surround Machu Picchu. These terraces were vital to the Inca’s agricultural system, allowing crops to grow on steep mountainsides. The engineering behind the terraces—drainage, irrigation, and soil retention—shows Inca ingenuity. The terraces also provide beautiful views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
3.3 Temple of the Sun (El Templo del Sol)
Next you’ll approach one of Machu Picchu’s most significant structures—the Temple of the Sun. This circular temple is associated with astronomical observation and religious ceremonies, reflecting the Incas’ connection to Inti, the sun deity.
Although you can’t enter the temple itself, Circuit 3B offers a close viewpoint where guides explain its ceremonial importance.
3.4 The Royal Tomb (Mausoleum)
Below the Temple of the Sun lies the Royal Tomb, a cave-like carved structure with niches and an altar-like feature. Some historians believe it was used for high-ranking Inca nobility or priests, though interpretations vary.
3.5 The Central Plaza and Royal Sector
Circuit 3B also takes you past the Central Plaza, a gathering space. Nearby is the Royal Sector, associated with elite residences. The fine stonework here is famous for its precision—blocks fit so tightly that gaps are difficult to see.
3.6 The Sacred Rock
One of the final highlights on Circuit 3B is the Sacred Rock, a monolith with deep spiritual significance in Andean tradition. From here you’ll also see Huayna Picchu rising behind the citadel—an iconic photo backdrop.
3B tickets: Standard vs Premium
For a fixed entry time, choose Standard 3B. If Standard 3B is sold out or you want flexibility to enter any time, choose 3B Premium.
Reminder: bring your physical passport and arrive early to avoid losing access.
4. Photos of the 14 Attractions of Circuit 3
Below is a complete photo gallery of the 14 main attractions of Machu Picchu Circuit 3. Each stop includes a short description to help you understand what you’re seeing.
1) Inca Store Houses (Qolqas / Granaries)
The Inca Store Houses functioned as granaries and warehouses to store surplus production such as corn, cereals, dried potatoes (chuño), quinoa, and salted meat. Their staggered hillside placement helped ventilation and preservation.
2) Agricultural Sector
The Agricultural Sector is defined by cultivation terraces (andenes). These terraces were engineered with layered materials to support drainage and slope stability, allowing farming in challenging mountain terrain.
3) Waterway
Machu Picchu’s waterways and canals supplied water across the citadel and supported agriculture. The Incas built an advanced network for irrigation, drainage, and sacred fountains, linked to the Urubamba River (Willkamayu).
4) Dry Moat
The Dry Moat marks a division between agrarian and urban areas. It likely functioned as drainage, helped reduce erosion, and contributed to separating ceremonial zones.
5) Temple of the Sun
The Temple of the Sun is one of Machu Picchu’s finest examples of organic architecture. Its niches, windows, and carved stone features are linked to ceremony, astronomy, and elite ritual practice.
6) House of the Inca
The House of the Inca is among the most elegant residential constructions in Machu Picchu. Its refined masonry, courtyard layout, and drainage features suggest elite use and highlight the engineering precision of the sanctuary.
7) Water Fountains
Machu Picchu’s fountains and canals show remarkable hydraulic engineering. Fresh water was brought from a spring and distributed through a sequence of fountains and drains, supporting daily life and agriculture.
8) Sacred Rock
The Sacred Rock is a carved granite monolith with ceremonial importance. Many visitors associate it with Andean spirituality and the surrounding mountain energy.
9) Industrial Sector
The Industrial Sector includes a large complex associated with craft activity and production. Some interpretations connect the area with specialized labor and elite services.
10) Inca Oriental Store Houses
These store houses (colcas) were part of the Inca redistribution system, helping stockpile food and goods that could be reallocated across the empire during shortages.
11) Water Mirrors
The Water Mirrors are two round stone-carved basins in a granite outcrop, often called the “Mortar Room.” They may have served practical functions or had ceremonial/observational significance.
12) Temple of the Condor (Entrance usually 10am to 1pm)
The Temple of the Condor is an impressive example of Inca masonry integrated into the natural environment. A granite outcrop forms the condor body, while two stones represent its wings.
13) Pisonay Plaza
Pisonay (also linked with cinchona/cascarilla) is a symbolic tree in Peru’s natural heritage. The plaza area highlights native biodiversity and conservation inside the sanctuary.
14) Archaeological Reserve
The Archaeological Reserve includes roofless Inca structures with rooms, corridors, and walkways. Some buildings feature many windows, while others have long halls that show the citadel’s complex urban planning.
5. Tips for Visiting Circuit 3 Machu Picchu
To ensure you have the best experience on Circuit 3, here are essential tips for planning your visit:
5.1 Book Tickets in Advance
Machu Picchu has limited daily capacity and tickets can sell out weeks or months in advance. Book early to secure your Circuit 3 entry time—especially for add-on hikes.
5.2 Hire a Guide
You can explore on your own, but a guide adds historical context, Inca stories, and helps you follow the route efficiently while understanding key structures and symbolism.
5.3 Prepare for the Altitude
Machu Picchu sits around 2,430 m / 7,970 ft. Acclimate in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, hydrate, and pace yourself on uneven stone paths.
5.4 Wear Comfortable Clothing
Weather can shift quickly. Wear layers, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and bring a light rain layer in the wet season.
5.5 Bring Water
Bring water in a reusable container. Food rules may vary by enforcement, so plan to eat before entering and use the café/rest area outside the gate if needed.
5.6 Be Mindful of Time
Circuits have time expectations and one-way flow. Keep moving steadily so you can enjoy the key stops without rushing at the end.
6. Frequently Asked Questions About Circuit 3B
6.1 How long does Circuit 3B take?
Circuit 3B typically takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on pace and crowd levels. With a guide, expect a little over 2 hours of interpretation and stops.
6.2 Is Circuit 3B difficult?
Circuit 3B is considered moderate. There are stone steps and uneven paths, but it generally avoids the steepest climbs. Take extra care if you have mobility concerns.
6.3 Can I combine Circuit 3B with another circuit?
Typically, one entrance ticket allows one circuit. If you want multiple routes, you generally need separate tickets (and separate time slots), subject to current regulations.
6.4 What is the difference between Standard 3B and 3B Premium?
The Standard 3B ticket is the classic Designed Royalty route with a fixed entry time. The 3B Premium Ticket is recommended when Standard 3B is sold out or when you want flexibility to enter any time.