For many people around the world, going on a Peru trip and visiting Machu Picchu is something they must do at least once in their lifetime. Anyone planning their Machu Picchu tour should know that when you buy your Machu Picchu entrance tickets, there are 3 possible Machu Picchu circuits (which each have their own routes). These circuits exist to spread out the distribution of visitors and in turn protect the archaeological site. In this blog, you’ll learn about circuit 2, which has two route options: 2A and 2B. Whether you choose 2A or 2B, Circuit 2 is considered the most complete circuit to learn about Machu Picchu.
Route 2A: Designed Route
- Tour length: 2-3 hours
- Walking distance round trip: 1.3 km (0.8 miles)
- All the places you’ll see on the Machu Picchu tour – Route 2A:
- Dry Pit
- Viewpoint of the Temple of the Sun
- Granitic Chaos
- Temple Square
- Intihuatana*
- Sacred Rock
- Twelve Niches
- Eastern Qolqas
- Water Mirror Set
- Temple of the Condor
- Plaza del Pisonay
- Archaeological Reserve
Route 2B: Lower Terrace Route
- Tour length: 2-3 hours
- Walking distance round trip: 1.4 km (0.9 miles)
- All the places you’ll see on the Machu Picchu tour – Route 2B:
- Lower Platform
- Dry Pit
- Viewpoint of the Temple of the Sun
- Granitic Chaos
- Temple Square
- Intihuatana*
- Sacred Rock
- Twelve Niches
- Eastern Qolqas
- Water Mirror Set
- Temple of the Condor
- Plaza del Pisonay
- Archaeological Reserve
(*) The Intihuatana is a rock carved with very accurately carved planes. It was used as a sundial and indicated the seasons of sowing and harvesting. Although we’re no longer allowed to see the Intihuatana up close (access is currently restricted), it can still be observed from a distance.
What to Know About Both Routes 2A & 2B of Machu Picchu’s Circuit 2
When you search for information about both routes online, you’ll see a ton of contradictory information. For example, based on the above list, it seems like you’ll see the Lower Platform only in 2A but not in 2B. The truth is that the routes are so similar that it depends on the expertise of your guide to make sure you see all of the above-mentioned sites during your tour, no matter which of the two routes you technically have an entrance ticket for.
Other important tidbits relevant to both routes:
- You’ll be able to take the the classic photo of Machu Picchu in the background, which is not the case for any of the other routes/circuits
- You must buy tickets well in advance as these are the routes that always sell out first
What to Bring for Any of the Machu Picchu Circuits?
- Your passport – security will check that the information on your Machu Picchu entrance ticket matches the information on your passport
- Daypack – also consider bringing a rain cover during the rainy season (October to April)
- Water – you can purchase this in Aguas Calientes before you head up to the archeological site
- Camera or cell phone to take photos – a GoPro is also a good option
- Personal medication – if relevant
- Light jacket – layers are important in the Andes
- Rain jacket or poncho – only relevant during rainy season (October to April)
- Lip balm
- Sunhat or cap
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen – you’ll be at high altitude, literally closer to the sun
- Cash for snacks/souvenirs/meals/tip
- Insect repellent (November to March)
- Optional: Extra snacks
It’s important to know that none of the routes allow re-entry to the citadel of Machu Picchu, which means when you finish the circuit, you must exit and you cannot re-enter.
As already mentioned, circuit 2 has two routes: 2A and 2B. In both routes you’ll be able to observe the Inca enclosures of great historical value that are an enigma for researchers and historians. You’ll also be able to walk inside the ancestral streets and stone walls and witness the great complexity of the carving of the stones.
