The new ticket system for Machu Picchu is so confusing. There are like 4 different circuits now???
I just want the classic “postcard view” from the top. Which circuit do I need to buy? I heard Circuit 1 is the upper terrace but it doesn’t go into the ruins?
Help!
ugh really, I am planning on going and haven’t even looked into that. Added myself to that thread, so in case someone replies and gives us some ideas. Have you contacted any opertaors yet? They will be able to give you the insights of what would be best. You can easily contact the operator via any tour page: Machu Picchu: Sacred Valley + Short Inca Trail 3 Days by TreXperience with 4 Tour Reviews - TourRadar
I use that quite frequently to get any local insights
I was curious to look into this as I went to Machu Picchu quite a few years ago (from the Inca Trail) and nothing like this existed!
I can see so many options to enter the site- it seems so confusing!
I don’t know if you have looked at this site @hannah : Venta de Boletos en Línea | Tu Boleto - it looks like the official ticket site. It’s quite handy because it has maps and videos of each circuit ticket (which I guess shows just how complicated it is if these are needed!)
To get the classic postcard photo, you need to be on the agricultural terrace side of the site. The highest angle comes from the “upper terraces” (Panoramic/Circuit 1), but that route doesn’t include the main ruins, as you have said. Circuit 2 uses the lower terraces, which still give you the classic Machu Picchu view and also take you through the ruins, so I wouldn’t stress too much ab out being specifically on the upper terrace, as I would argue most ‘classic’ shots come from the agricultural terraces in general, as they are elevated and face over the site - rather than having to be only on the upper terrace itself.
Numbers 1 &2 on this map are the terraces, with 1 being the upper terrace and 2 being a lower terrace.
Circuit 2 Classic Circuit Route 2B - (in screenshot above) - goes to the lower terrace and the ruins - so I think this would be the best ticket for you to see Machu Picchu from an elevated view point, get that once in a lifetime photo, and explore the ruins themselves.
I can see that Classic Route 2-A also mentions the “classic photo,” in its description, and it does begin in the agricultural sector, so it seems like this ticket would also work for you!
Hopefully this helps, but please check the videos on that site to make sure it is right for you! And totally agree this is extremely confusing set up!
@hannah Following this as I’m planning to go this year as well!
I’d also love to know which ticket gives access to the classic postcard view. Any updated info would be really helpful 
@ck_explorer1000
