Machu Picchu Circuit 2A vs 2B (2026): Differences, Itinerary and Which to Choose

Circuit 2, officially called Classic Machupicchu or the Llaqta Circuit, is the most requested because it combines the postcard view with a walk through the urban sector. It's sold as two routes: 2-A (Designed Route) and 2-B (Lower Terrace Route). In short: both cost the same, have the same entry times and the same time limit, and cover almost the same places. According to the Ministry of Culture's official maps, the difference is at the start of the visit: 2-B goes as far as the Lower Platform, one of the viewpoints in the Guardian's House area, while 2-A doesn't reach that platform but goes down to the Temple of the Sun viewpoint. 2-A also has considerably more tickets. In this guide we compare the two routes point by point and help you choose.

Circuit 2A vs 2B at a glance

What Circuit 2 is and what the two routes have in common

The circuit system has been in force since June 1, 2024, and was established by Ministerial Resolution 528-2023-MC. The regulation describes Circuit 2 as follows: it covers the agricultural sector and the urban sectors of the llaqta, with the platforms associated with the Guardian's House, the Llaqta punku (the gateway into the urban sector), the quarry sector and the Temple of the Sun viewpoint, the botanical garden area, the Main Temple and the Temple of the Three Windows, the Sacred Rock and the qolqas (storehouses) sector. The circuit's official panel adds that its two routes "require a regular level of physical effort."

The two routes share almost everything:

• The same base ticket and the same price. S/152 for the ticket plus S/11 for the SERNANP fee, S/163 in total for a foreign adult.
• The same entry times. Entries every hour, from 6:00 to 15:00.
• The same time limit. 2 hours 30 minutes from entry, according to RM 528-2023-MC and to the official map of each route.
• One-way only. Both are signposted, you can't turn back and you can't switch to another route. Entering routes you didn't select or restricted areas leads to the visitor being removed.
• No optional hikes. Circuit 2 doesn't include any mountain. If you want Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you need a ticket for another circuit.

The Route 2-A itinerary (Designed Route)

According to the official Route 2-A map, the visit follows this order:

1. Entrance and climb along the terraces. From the entry checkpoint, the route climbs along the edge of the agricultural terraces.
2. Terraces of the agricultural sector. Before reaching the Lower Platform, the route turns toward the city. On this stretch the official panel marks a photo spot and an explanation point, with the postcard view of the city and Huayna Picchu in the background.
3. Dry Moat and entry into the urban sector. The route crosses toward the upper part of the city.
4. Granite Chaos (quarries).
5. Temple of the Sun viewpoint. This is the detour unique to 2-A: a short stretch that goes down to the viewpoint overlooking the Temple of the Sun. You see it from outside; the Temple of the Sun enclosure belongs to Circuit 3.
6. Plaza of the Temples. Here are the Main Temple and the Temple of the Three Windows.
7. Intiwatana Pyramid. The route passes next to it.
8. Sacred Rock. This is the farthest point of the visit, next to the Huayna Picchu control booth.
9. Return through the eastern sector. Twelve Openings (Doce Vanos), Eastern Qolqas, Water Mirrors Complex, Temple of the Condor and Pisonay Plaza, next to the Archaeological Reserve.
10. Exit. The route goes down the terraces to the exit.

The Route 2-B itinerary (Lower Terrace Route)

The official Route 2-B map shows an almost identical itinerary, with two changes:

1. Entrance and climb along the terraces, the same as 2-A.
2. Lower Platform. This is what gives the route its name. Instead of turning earlier, 2-B follows the path to the Lower Platform, near the Guardian's House, and then heads back toward the city. The official panel marks a photo spot and an explanation point there; its photo shows the classic view of the llaqta with Huayna Picchu.
3. Dry Moat, entry into the urban sector and Granite Chaos, as on 2-A.
4. No detour to the Temple of the Sun viewpoint. 2-B goes along the upper part, past the Granite Chaos, and continues straight to the Plaza of the Temples.
5. Plaza of the Temples, Intiwatana, Sacred Rock and the return via Twelve Openings, Eastern Qolqas, Water Mirrors, Temple of the Condor and Pisonay Plaza, the same as 2-A.
6. Exit down the terraces.

Which places each route covers

The table is based on the official maps of each route published by the Ministry of Culture on machupicchu.gob.pe (June 2024) and on the Circuit 2 panel published in 2026. Keep in mind that, under the regulations, walkways can change for conservation reasons simply by changing the signage, so on site the signs always take precedence.

Upper vs lower terraces: a common mix-up

Many agencies explain that 2-A goes "along the upper terraces" and 2-B "along the lower terraces." The official maps don't show that. The name "Lower Terrace" of 2-B refers to the Lower Platform in the Guardian's House area, and on the maps it's precisely 2-B that reaches it. The Upper Platform, the one for the photo from the very top, isn't on either route: it belongs to Circuit 1 (Route 1-B, Upper Terrace).

Entry times, time limit and grace period

• Entry times: every hour, from 6:00 to 15:00, on both routes.
• Time limit: 2 hours 30 minutes from your entry. If you enter at 14:00 or 15:00, you can stay until 17:30 at the latest. There's no re-entry, except in cases of force majeure.
• Grace period at the main gate: 30 minutes after the time on your ticket in months of regular demand and 45 minutes in the busiest months. The official entry-times document, published in 2024, places those busiest months between June 1 and October 15, plus December 30 and 31.

If you exceed the time limit, the regulations provide for immediate removal. In practice, 2 hours 30 minutes is enough to cover 1.3 or 1.4 km with stops for photos and explanations, but not to linger long at each point.

Tickets per route in 2026

RM 000285-2025-MC and its annex divide 2026 daily capacity among routes and time slots:

For 2026, high season, with a total capacity of 5,600 visitors a day, covers January 1, April 2 to 5, June 19 to November 2, and December 30 and 31. The rest of the year total capacity is 4,500. Together, routes 2-A and 2-B add up to 1,900 daily tickets in low season and 2,400 in high season, more than any other circuit.

Price

The SERNANP fee has been charged since May 1, 2026. Students, minors aged 3 to 17, Peruvians and citizens of the Andean Community get reduced rates. You'll find the full table in our guide to Machu Picchu tickets.

Which to choose: 2-A or 2-B?

• The postcard photo matters most to you: 2-B, because it reaches the Lower Platform, near the Guardian's House. 2-A also offers the classic view from the terraces, a little earlier.
• You want to see the Temple of the Sun, even from outside: 2-A, which includes its viewpoint.
• You're buying late or traveling in high season: 2-A, which has double the tickets or more, depending on the season.
• You're going to buy in person in Machupicchu Pueblo: 2-A, which in high season sets aside 60 in-person tickets per time slot, compared with 10 for 2-B.
• You're traveling with kids or short on time: either one. 2-A is 100 meters shorter, but the difference is minimal and both have stairs.
• You have two days or two tickets: doing both 2-A and 2-B doesn't make much sense, because they overlap almost completely. Circuit 2 pairs better with a route from Circuit 1 or Circuit 3. We compare all the routes in our guide to Machu Picchu circuits.

Our verdict: if both are available at the time you want, choose 2-B for the view from the Lower Platform, or 2-A if the Temple of the Sun viewpoint interests you. If only one is left, buy it without hesitation: the experience is practically the same.

Photo tips

• The classic photo comes at the start. On both routes, the postcard view appears in the first few minutes, before you enter the city. Since you can't turn back, take your time there.
• Look for the camera icons. The official panel marks photo spots on the terraces, the Lower Platform (2-B), the Granite Chaos, the Water Mirrors and the Sacred Rock, among other points.
• Leave the tripod and selfie stick behind. They aren't allowed inside the llaqta, nor are backpacks larger than 40 x 35 x 20 cm.
• Think about the time of day. The early hours can start out foggy, especially in the rainy season; sometimes it clears during the visit and sometimes it doesn't. If the photo is your priority, don't pick the last time slot of the day, and keep in mind the 2 hour 30 minute limit.
• Follow the signage. The official panel recommends walking only in authorized areas and following the instructions of Ministry of Culture staff; no photo justifies leaving the route.

Availability tips

• Check real availability at tuboleto.cultura.pe/disponibilidad/llaqta_machupicchu before deciding.
• If 2-B is sold out, buy 2-A (or vice versa). The difference between them is small.
• If all of Circuit 2 is sold out, combine Route 1-B (Upper Terrace) with 3-B (Circuit 3's Designed Route) on the same day, with two tickets and different time slots. That way you see the upper area and the royal sector.
• Buy in advance between June and October and on holidays, when it fills up sooner.
• Choose your route and time slot first, then arrange the train and bus around your entry time.
• Check that your ticket shows the route you want. Changing the date or the ticket holder isn't allowed, and the ticket is only valid for the date, time and circuit stated.

Do you need a guide?

It isn't mandatory, but it is recommended. Article 17.1 of the regulations, as worded by RM 000334-2026-MC, says that to enter you need your ticket and an official ID, and that being accompanied by a tour guide "is recommended." On Circuit 2, with so many temples and buildings, an official guide adds a lot, but you can do it on your own if you prefer. Check the other Machu Picchu entry requirements.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between Circuit 2A and 2B?

According to the official maps, 2-B reaches the Lower Platform, near the Guardian's House, and 2-A doesn't; in exchange, 2-A goes down to the Temple of the Sun viewpoint. The rest of the itinerary, the price, the entry times and the time limit are the same.

Which one has the classic Machu Picchu photo?

Both. 2-B offers it from the Lower Platform and 2-A from the terraces of the agricultural sector, a little lower down. The view from the very top (Upper Platform) belongs to Circuit 1.

Does Circuit 2 go inside the Temple of the Sun?

No. 2-A sees it from its viewpoint and 2-B doesn't pass that viewpoint. The Temple of the Sun enclosure is part of Circuit 3.

Do both routes include the Temple of the Condor?

Yes. According to the official maps, the Temple of the Condor is on the return stretch of both routes.

How long can I stay inside?

Up to 2 hours 30 minutes from entry. With entry at 14:00 or 15:00, until 17:30 at the latest.

How much does Circuit 2 cost?

S/163 for a foreign adult, on both routes: S/152 for the ticket plus S/11 for the SERNANP fee.

Can I switch from 2-A to 2-B once inside?

No. You must follow the route on your ticket, and entering routes you didn't select can lead to your removal from the llaqta.

Does Circuit 2 include Huayna Picchu?

No. Huayna Picchu is Route 3-A of Circuit 3 and requires its own ticket.

Summary

2-A and 2-B are two variants of the same Circuit 2: same price, same entry times, same time limit and almost the same itinerary. 2-B adds the Lower Platform next to the Guardian's House; 2-A adds the Temple of the Sun viewpoint and has many more tickets. Choose whichever is available at the time that suits you, and always confirm the route and entry time on your ticket.

Sources

1. Ministry of Culture, visitor circuits and routes: https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/circuitos-y-rutas-de-visita/
2. Ministry of Culture, official Route 2-A map: https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/C2-R2A.pdf
3. Ministry of Culture, official Route 2-B map: https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/6-C2-R2B.pdf
4. Ministry of Culture, official Circuit 2 panel: https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PANEL-DE-CIRCUITO-2.jpg
5. Ministry of Culture, entry times and grace periods: https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/HORARIOS-DE-INGRESO.pdf
6. Ministry of Culture, rules of conduct: https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/normas-de-conducta/
7. Tu Boleto, Machupicchu llaqta availability: https://tuboleto.cultura.pe/disponibilidad/llaqta_machupicchu
8. Ministerial Resolution 528-2023-MC (circuits, routes and time limits): https://cdn.www.gob.pe/uploads/document/file/5627334/4985976-resolucion-ministerial-n-000528-2023-mc.pdf
9. Ministerial Resolution 000285-2025-MC (2026 capacity and annex by route): https://www.gob.pe/institucion/cultura/normas-legales/7355929-285-2025-mc
10. Ministerial Resolution 000317-2025-MC (fees): https://transparencia.cultura.gob.pe/sites/default/files/transparencia/2025/11/resoluciones-ministeriales/rm000317-2025-mc.pdf
11. Ministerial Resolution 000334-2026-MC (tickets, guide and entry): https://transparencia.cultura.gob.pe/sites/default/files/transparencia/2026/09/resoluciones-ministeriales/rm-334-2026-mc.pdf
12. SERNANP fee since May 1, 2026, according to Infobae: https://www.infobae.com/peru/2026/02/09/suben-tarifas-de-ingreso-a-machu-picchu-desde-cuando-rige-y-cuanto-costara-entrar-en-2026/