Machu Picchu Circuit 3 (Royalty) 2026
Circuit 3 is called Royalty because it focuses on the lower section of the citadel — royal residences, water fountains, ceremonial channels, and the Temple of the Sun viewed from below. It is also the only circuit that includes access to Wayna Picchu mountain, the steep peak rising behind the classic postcard photo.
Choose Circuit 3 if you want to climb Wayna Picchu, if you've already done Circuit 2 and want a different perspective, or if you specifically want to spot llamas — they tend to graze along the lower paths.
The 4 routes within Circuit 3
Route 3-A — Royalty + Wayna Picchu
- What you do: Tour the lower citadel section, then climb Wayna Picchu (2,720 m). Descent returns through Circuit 3.
- Duration: ~6 hours total (1h citadel, 1.5-2h up, 30min summit, 1.5h down, 30min citadel exit).
- Difficulty: Hard. Wayna Picchu has steep stone stairs, narrow exposed sections, and a final scramble.
- Slots: Only 400 visitors per day (split into entry waves). Sells out 2-3 months ahead in high season.
- Best for: Hikers in good shape, no severe vertigo, who want the most dramatic perspective looking down on the citadel.
- Full Wayna Picchu guide →
Route 3-B — Designed Royalty
- What you walk through: Lower entrance → Royal House → Temple of the Sun (exterior) → ceremonial fountains → Sacred Rock area → exit.
- Duration: ~2.5 hours.
- Difficulty: Easy.
- Availability: Year-round.
- Best for: Travelers who want a calmer, lower-impact visit and have already (or won't) walk Circuit 2.
Route 3-C — Royalty + Great Cavern
- What you do: Includes Route 3-B plus a hike to the Great Cavern (Templo de la Luna), a sacred cave with carved niches on the back side of Wayna Picchu mountain.
- Duration: ~5-6 hours.
- Difficulty: Demanding. Several hundred meters of descent and re-ascent.
- Availability: High season only.
- Best for: Adventurous travelers fascinated by lesser-known Inca ritual sites.
Route 3-D — Royalty + Huchuy Picchu
- What you do: Includes Route 3-B plus a hike up Huchuy Picchu, the small mountain in front of Wayna Picchu (the "young little peak").
- Duration: ~3 hours total.
- Difficulty: Moderate (much easier than Wayna Picchu, a fraction of the elevation gain).
- Availability: High season only.
- Best for: Travelers who want a mountain hike but find Wayna Picchu too demanding or vertiginous.
What you'll see
The Royal Residence (Casa del Inka)
The largest and most refined private residence in the citadel — likely Pachacutec's quarters when he visited. Polished stone walls, an attached private bathing room, and direct access to the Temple of the Sun.
The Water Fountains
Sixteen sequential stone fountain basins fed by a spring above the citadel and channeled through carved stone aqueducts. Still functional after 500+ years. The Inca's hydraulic engineering on display.
The Temple of the Sun (from below)
Circuit 3 doesn't enter the temple — but it offers a rare view of its semicircular base from beneath, where the Royal Tomb is carved into the natural rock.
The Sacred Rock and the Residential District
Shared with Circuit 2 — Circuit 3 approaches from the opposite direction and exits before reaching the Temple of the Condor.
Logistics
- Entry windows: Standard slots 06:00-14:00. Wayna Picchu (Route 3-A) has separate timed waves: typically 07:00 or 10:00.
- Price: ~152 PEN standard; ~200 PEN with Wayna Picchu add-on.
- Booking lead time: Route 3-A (Wayna Picchu) sells out fastest of any ticket — book 3-4 months ahead in high season.