Visiting Machu Picchu goes beyond admiring an ancient citadel. It means immersing yourself in a space charged with energy and ancestral mysticism. Currently, there are three main circuits that allow you to explore different dimensions of this sacred place, each with its own spiritual essence. In this guide we share which are the best routes to experience a deep connection with the Andean worldview.

Entry tickets to Machu Picchu

Currently there are 10 types of tickets distributed across three differentiated circuits. The high season comprises the months of June to October, a period during which all tickets are available. During the regular season (November to May), only 6 entry options are available.

Tickets available in high season

• Circuit 1 (Panoramic) - Machu Picchu Mountain Route
• Circuit 1 (Panoramic) - Upper Terrace Route
• Circuit 1 (Panoramic) - Intipunku Gateway Route
• Circuit 1 (Panoramic) - Inca Bridge Route
• Circuit 2 (Classic) - Designed Route
• Circuit 2 (Classic) - Lower Terrace Route
• Circuit 2 (Royalty) - Huayna Picchu Mountain Route
• Circuit 2 (Royalty) - Designed Route
• Circuit 2 (Royalty) - Great Cavern Route
• Circuit 2 (Royalty) - Huchuy Picchu Route

Tickets in regular season

• Circuit 1 (Panoramic) - Machu Picchu Mountain Route
• Circuit 1 (Panoramic) - Upper Terrace Route
• Circuit 2 (Classic) - Designed Route
• Circuit 2 (Classic) - Lower Terrace Route
• Circuit 2 (Royalty) - Huayna Picchu Mountain Route
• Circuit 2 (Royalty) - Designed Route

Mystical experiences in each circuit

The new circuits offer differentiated experiences depending on the chosen route. The Panoramic Circuit provides privileged views from the upper terraces, while the Classic Route allows you to explore the ceremonial buildings up close. The Royalty Circuit combines access to the citadel with trails leading to sacred spaces beyond the main walls.

For those seeking a deep spiritual experience, we recommend three outstanding alternatives:

1. Ascent to Machu Picchu Mountain: connection with nature and spiritual contemplation
2. Circuit 2 tour: immersion in temples and ceremonial spaces
3. Route to the Great Cavern (Temple of the Moon): intimate and ancestral experience

How to experience spirituality in Machu Picchu

The citadel is located in the cloud forest of Cusco, surrounded by lush vegetation and crowned by mist that embraces the stone constructions. Researchers describe it as a city among the clouds, a space where telluric energy manifests with intensity.

The spiritual experience in Machu Picchu manifests in various forms:

• Connection with the Apus: The surrounding mountains are protective spirits in the Andean worldview. Their presence generates a feeling of shelter and renewing energy.
• Ancestral ceremonies: Some guides perform offerings with coca leaves, invocations to Pachamama and meditations at energy points like the Sacred Rock.
• Sense of transcendence: The harmony between architecture and natural surroundings produces a perception of millennial wisdom embodied in stone.
• Inner transformation: Many travelers describe their visit as a moment of healing, introspection and reconnection with their essence.

Machu Picchu Mountain: path of spiritual contemplation

The Panoramic with Mountain ticket is the only option that enables the ascent to this sacred summit. The journey is done entirely on foot and offers extraordinary panoramic views of the citadel and surrounding mountains.

The hike takes between 2.5 to 3 hours of ascent, with a total permitted time of 7 hours. Entry times are at 6:00 and 8:00 AM, with a strict 30-minute margin.

There are 400 daily tickets available (200 per time slot). Reservations should be made at least 2 months in advance. If you travel with an Andean shaman, you can perform a brief gratitude ritual at the summit, always respecting the sacred environment.

Circuit 2: the classic route with spiritual soul

The most requested circuit allows you to traverse the heart of the citadel. During approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, visitors pass through the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, the Sacred Plaza and the ceremonial terraces.

Entry is organized in nine staggered schedules from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM. With 3,044 daily tickets available, it is essential to book at least one month in advance during high season.

Direct contact with carved stones, solar temples and ritual spaces generates a profound connection with the Inca worldview. Every corner tells a story of devotion and ancestral wisdom.

Great Cavern (Temple of the Moon): the most intimate route

Circuit 3C leads to the enigmatic Temple of the Moon, a structure carved inside a natural cavern. This route traverses jungle trails and offers a completely different perspective of the citadel.

The complete hike lasts between 3 and 4 hours, with entry at 7:00 or 9:00 AM. This ticket is available mainly in high season (June-October) and has limited availability, so booking at least one month in advance is recommended.

The Great Cavern is recognized as one of the spaces with the greatest energy charge in the entire sanctuary. The architecture carved in living rock and the atmosphere of contemplation make this place an ideal point for spiritual renewal ceremonies.

Recommendations for your spiritual journey

• Book 2 to 3 months in advance, especially in high season
• Bring your passport or ID with data matching your reservation
• From Cusco, use the bimodal service (bus + train) to Aguas Calientes
• Respect entry schedules: there is a 30-minute margin
• Wear comfortable clothing, trekking shoes and bring sun protection
• Carry coca leaves or small offerings if you wish to perform personal ceremonies
• Do not leave waste or alter archaeological structures

Frequently asked questions

How many tickets exist for Machu Picchu?

There are 10 types of tickets distributed in 3 circuits: Panoramic (upper terraces), Classic (complete citadel) and Royalty (lower zones with additional routes like Huayna Picchu and Great Cavern).

Are spiritual ceremonies permitted?

Yes, brief and respectful ceremonies are permitted. You can perform gratitude rituals to Pachamama or the Apus with coca leaves or small offerings. It is essential not to leave waste or alter the environment.

Which circuit is best for a spiritual experience?

It depends on what you seek: for nature and contemplation, choose Machu Picchu Mountain (Circuit 1). For sacred history and architecture, Circuit 2. For an intimate and ancestral experience, the Great Cavern of Circuit 3.

How do I get to Machu Picchu from Cusco?

From Cusco take the bimodal service (bus to Ollantaytambo + panoramic train) to Aguas Calientes. From there, the official Consettur bus goes up to the sanctuary entrance in approximately 25 minutes.