Circuit 3 Machu Picchu: explore royal enclosures and sacred rocks

Ultima actualización en 10 November, 2025 por Waman Adventures

Last Updated on 10 November, 2025 by Waman Adventures

Exploring Machu Picchu from a more intimate perspective is possible with Circuit 3 Machu Picchu. This route leads you through ancient royal enclosures, ceremonial temples, and sacred mountains such as Huayna Picchu and Huchuy Picchu. Whether you’re seeking history, adventure, or panoramic views without the crowds, this guide will show you what to expect and how to make the most of your visit to the Inca citadel.

Circuit 3-A: Huayna Picchu

Access: You will start the tour through the lower part of Circuit 3 Machu Picchu, where you can appreciate Inca temples and enclosures. Then, you will advance along steep paths until you reach the summit of Huayna Picchu Mountain, crossing the famous stairs carved into the rock.
Duration: The tour has an approximate duration of 3 to 4 hours, considering both the visit to the citadel and the ascent to the summit.
Difficulty: The difficulty is high, as the ascent requires good physical condition, endurance, and balance on narrow and steep sections.
Characteristics: This circuit is perfect for you if you are looking for adventure and adrenaline. From the top of Huayna Picchu, you can enjoy one of the most spectacular panoramic views of Machu Picchu, a unique setting that combines history, nature, and unforgettable landscapes.

Tourist enjoys a sunny day on Huayna Picchu Mountain overlooking Machu Picchu.

Circuit 3-B: Designed Route

Access: You will take a complete tour of the sectors in the lower part of Machu Picchu, where you can visit the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Sacred Rock, and other spaces of great historical importance.
Duration: This circuit can take between 2 and 3 hours, depending on your pace and the stops you decide to make to rest, take photographs, or calmly appreciate the architectural details.
Difficulty: The difficulty is moderate, as the walk includes sections with uneven terrain and stairs, although without overly demanding ascents.
Characteristics: This route is centered on Inca architecture, making it the ideal option if you want to explore the history of Machu Picchu in a calm and accessible way, without the need for great physical effort.

The Sacred Rock is one of the main attractions of Circuit 3 at Machu Picchu.

Circuit 3-C: Great Cave

Access: You will start the tour from the lower area of Machu Picchu and advance until you reach the Great Cave, also known as the Temple of the Moon, one of the most enigmatic spaces of the citadel.
Duration: The estimated time is 4 hours, although everything will depend on your pace and the stops you decide to make along the way to rest or appreciate the landscape.
Difficulty: The difficulty ranges from moderate to high, as it is a long journey with numerous stairs. In addition, this tour is only available during the high season.
Characteristics: It is a less crowded route, ideal if you are looking for a quieter and more profound experience, focused on the archaeological and mystical aspects of Machu Picchu.

The Great Cave of Machu Picchu is one of the site’s lesser-known ceremonial areas.

Circuit 3-D: Huchuy Picchu

Access: You will start the tour passing through the royal enclosures and then ascend towards the mountain of Huchuy Picchu.
Duration: If you combine the walk through the citadel with the ascent to Huchuy Picchu Mountain, the tour can last around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Difficulty: The difficulty is moderate, as the walk is not as demanding compared to other mountains in the sanctuary.
Characteristics: This circuit offers an ideal balance between culture and nature. You can enjoy a privileged view with moderate physical effort, making it the perfect option if you prefer accessible heights and more relaxed tours.

Huchuy Picchu offers a relaxed hike with elevated views of Machu Picchu.

Remember that:
Some routes of Circuit 3 have moderate to high difficulty, so it is essential to evaluate your physical condition before starting the tour.

Reasons to Visit This Circuit

Circuit 3 Machu Picchu is designed for travelers who want to explore the most exclusive and lesser-known areas of the Inca citadel, once reserved for the elite.

This route focuses on the lower section of Machu Picchu, where you’ll find ceremonial temples, fountains, the Inca’s residence, and agricultural terraces that reveal the daily and spiritual life of this sacred place. It offers a calmer experience, ideal for those seeking a slower pace with deeper historical insight.

The circuit also includes options to climb Huayna Picchu or Huchuy Picchu, allowing you to choose the level of physical challenge that best fits your interests and abilities.

Explore Temples, Terraces, and the Inca Legacy

If you decide to explore this circuit, you will embark on a unique journey through the most sacred and reserved spaces of Machu Picchu. Next, discover the main points you will uncover on this route:

• Agricultural sector and terraces: You will observe the impressive Inca engineering, with stone walls, layers of gravel and clay that regulated drainage and allowed cultivation on steep slopes. In addition, you will enjoy perfect panoramic views for your photographs.
• Temple of the Sun: You will discover one of the most emblematic temples of Machu Picchu. Although it is not possible to enter, you can appreciate its architectural design, created so that sunlight illuminates specific areas, reflecting the connection with the solar god Inti.
• Royal Tomb: You will learn about a space considered funerary, probably reserved for characters of great importance within the Inca elite.
• House of the Inca and royal sector: You will tour courtyards and rooms that highlight the hierarchy and lifestyle of the Inca nobility. Here you will also notice the perfection and solidity of their architecture.
• Sacred Rock and Pisonay Square: You will admire a carved monolith that functioned as an altar for offerings and rituals. Then, you can pass through the square where an emblematic tree is located that gives a special character to the surroundings.

Machu Picchu’s sacred spaces reflect strong spiritual meaning in every stone.

Duration of the Tour and Visit Planning

• Route 3-A (Huayna Picchu): It lasts approximately 4 hours, including the ascent to the imposing mountain.
• Route 3-B (Royalty / Designed Route): It can take around 2 hours and 30 minutes. It is the quietest option, without demanding ascents.
• Route 3-C (Great Cave): It requires about 3 hours or more, depending on the stops you decide to make.
• Route 3-D (Huchuy Picchu): It is one of the closest and most accessible routes, as it does not demand too much physical effort.

Planning Tips:

• If you are looking for a brief and cultural experience, choose Route 3-B.
• If you want a hike with panoramic views, opt for Route 3-A or Route 3-C.
• If you prefer a more complete exploration without great physical demand, the best option is Route 3-D.

Best Season and Time to Visit Circuit 3 Machu Picchu

If you plan to tour Circuit 3 of Machu Picchu, choosing the right season and time is essential to enjoy a complete experience without setbacks.

Best Time of Year

• During the dry season, days are usually sunnier with clear skies, allowing you to take high-quality photographs.
• The paths and staircases remain in better condition, making your tour through terraces, temples, and squares safer and more comfortable.
• The weather is more stable and there is less chance of rain, which is advantageous if you also want to take additional routes such as the Great Cave or the ascent to Huayna Picchu.

The months of April, May, September, and October are the most recommended, as they combine good weather with a lower influx of visitors compared to June, July, and August, which correspond to the high season.
On the other hand, during the rainy season (from November to March), the landscapes become greener and more lush, and the number of tourists decreases, allowing you to enjoy a quieter visit with fewer crowds.

Tourists enjoy a calm walk along Circuit 3 of Machu Picchu.

Level of Difficulty and Accessibility

Circuit 3 Machu Picchu has a moderate difficulty, making it an ideal option if you are looking for a tour that combines accessibility with a cultural experience. Although most of its routes do not require great effort, there is one in particular that does demand more physical endurance: the hike to Huayna Picchu.

Difficulty of the Tour

During the journey, you will walk along paths built with original stones from the Inca era. Some sections may be steep or slippery, especially if you travel during the rainy season (from November to March).

Who Can Do It

• This circuit is suitable for most visitors with normal physical condition.
• You don’t need previous trekking experience or specific training.
• You can tour it whether you are young or an older adult, as long as you don’t have mobility issues, knee problems, or vertigo.
• If you are traveling as a family, you can also do it with children, although constant supervision is recommended in areas with stairs.

Expert Tip:
Start your visit early to avoid the most crowded hours and enjoy the best light for your photographs.

Photography and the Best Viewpoints

If you are a photography lover and want to take unique memories with you, take advantage of the most singular and less crowded angles of the entire citadel. Unlike other circuits, Circuit 3 offers you different and more detailed perspectives of Machu Picchu.

Main Points to Photograph

• Temple of the Sun
• Temple of the Condor
• House of the Inca
• Agricultural terraces

The Temple of the Condor represents one of the most sacred animals of the Andes.

What to Bring for Circuit 3

It is essential that you are prepared for your tour of Circuit 3 of Machu Picchu. I recommend bringing:

• Appropriate footwear: Trekking or sports shoes with good soles to avoid slipping.
• Sunscreen and hat: Essential to protect yourself from the Andean sun.
• Water and light snacks: They will keep you hydrated and energized during the walk.
• Light and breathable clothing: Ideal for the variable climate of the area.
• Useful items:</stronga small backpack, poncho for rain (especially in the wet season), and a camera to capture the best moments.

Circuit 3 of Machu Picchu offers routes for all tastes, from demanding ascents to quiet cultural walks, exploring unique temples and landscapes. At Waman Adventures, we help you choose and plan your visit; in addition, we offer personalized advice and certified guides so you can have a safe and complete experience. Contact us at +51 946 459 491. Your perfect adventure starts with us!

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