{"id":8487,"date":"2025-03-15T17:09:39","date_gmt":"2025-03-15T22:09:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kantuperutours.com\/blog\/?p=8487"},"modified":"2025-04-19T10:38:35","modified_gmt":"2025-04-19T15:38:35","slug":"crowds-in-machu-picchu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kantuperutours.com\/blog\/crowds-in-machu-picchu","title":{"rendered":"How to Avoid Crowds in Machu Picchu | Tips, Circuits and Schedules in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you’re planning to visit Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic destinations in the world, you might be concerned about encountering large crowds that could affect your experience. In this blog, thanks to Kantu Peru Tours<\/a>, we\u2019ll provide you with practical tips on how to avoid crowds in Machu Picchu<\/strong>, information about schedules and circuits for 2025, and everything you need to know to enjoy the Inca wonder with tranquility and comfort.<\/p>\n

Why Avoid Crowds in Machu Picchu?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Machu Picchu is a destination that attracts millions of visitors every year. However, the high influx of tourists can make it difficult to fully appreciate its beauty and energy. Knowing\u00a0how to avoid crowds in Machu Picchu\u00a0will not only allow you to take unobstructed photos but also connect with the history and mysticism of this sacred place in a more intimate and personal way.<\/p>\n

\"Machu
Machu Picchu en temporada alta<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tips to Avoid Crowds in Machu Picchu<\/span><\/h2>\n

1.\u00a0Visit Machu Picchu in the Low Season<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you want to\u00a0avoid crowds in Machu Picchu, consider traveling during the low season<\/a>, which spans from November to April, coinciding with the rainy season in the Andean region of Peru. This period is less crowded compared to the high season<\/a> (May to October), making it an excellent option for travelers seeking a more tranquil and authentic experience.<\/p>\n

During these months, rains are more frequent, especially in February and March. In fact, February is known as \u00abcrazy February\u00bb because it can rain heavily during the day, but the sky may clear up for a few hours. Additionally, during the low season, Machu Picchu receives fewer than 2,000 daily visitors, reducing crowds due to the closure of the Inca Trail in February and lower ticket demand.<\/p>\n

\"Low
Low tourist season in Machu Picchu Archeological site<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2.\u00a0Choose Less Crowded Times<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Machu Picchu has specific entry times based on the type of ticket you choose, divided into 3 Circuits in 2025<\/a>. However, the most in-demand option, which guarantees the classic postcard photo and a visit to the archaeological urban area of Machu Picchu, is\u00a0Circuit 2\u00a0(Route 2-A or 2-B). These tickets usually sell out 2 months in advance. Here are the times when fewer tourists are present:<\/p>\n

\u2192 First Shift:<\/span> 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. (It is not crowded with tourists wanting to see the sunrise.)<\/p>\n

\u2192 Second Shift:\u00a0<\/span>7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. (Crowded with tourists avoiding the sun).<\/p>\n

\u2192 Third Shift:<\/span>\u00a08:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (Crowded with tourists avoiding the sun).<\/p>\n

\u2192 Fourth Shift:<\/span>\u00a09:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (Crowded with tourists avoiding the sun).<\/p>\n

\u2192 Fifth Shift:\u00a0<\/span>10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Crowded with tourists avoiding the sun).<\/p>\n

\u2192 Sixth Shift:\u00a0<\/span>11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Crowded with tourists avoiding the sun).<\/p>\n

\u2192 Seventh Shift<\/span>:\u00a012:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Fewer tourists due to the sun).<\/p>\n

\u2192 Eighth Shift:<\/span>\u00a01:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Fewer tourists due to the sun).<\/p>\n

\u2192 Ninth Shift:<\/span>\u00a02:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Fewer tourists as many stay overnight in Aguas Calientes).<\/p>\n

\u2192 Tenth Shift:\u00a0<\/span>3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Fewer tourists as many stay overnight in Aguas Calientes).<\/p>\n

\"A
A family in Machu Picchu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3.\u00a0Book Your Entrance Ticket in Advance<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Starting in 2025, access to Machu Picchu is limited to 2,500 visitors per day, distributed across different routes and circuits. The most comprehensive route,\u00a0Route 2-A or 2-B<\/strong>, sells out quickly. Therefore, make sure to book your tickets months in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the high season.<\/a><\/p>\n

Travel agencies like\u00a0Kantu Peru Tours manage the official ticket platform TuBoleto.Cultura.pe. <\/a>While you can purchase tickets on your own, remember that if you want to\u00a0avoid crowds in Machu Picchu, you shouldn\u2019t wait or travel without a pre-purchased ticket. Although you can buy tickets in Aguas Calientes, it may take 2 or more days during the high season.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n
\"Tourist
Tourist taking a picture avoiding crowds in Machu Picchu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4.\u00a0Explore Alternative Circuits in Machu Picchu<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Since 2024, Machu Picchu offers 3 different circuits with 10 routes<\/a> to explore the archaeological site. While\u00a0Route 2-A and 2-B\u00a0are the most popular, if you want to\u00a0avoid crowds in Machu Picchu, you can opt for the remaining eight routes based on your travel date and needs:<\/p>\n

\u2192 Route 1-A:\u00a0<\/span>Machu Picchu Mountain Route<\/a> \u2013 A 3-hour hike with panoramic views, excluding access to the urban sector. Ideal for hikers.<\/p>\n

\u2192 Route 1-B:<\/span>\u00a0Upper Terrace Route<\/a> \u2013 A short route for panoramic photos, excluding access to the urban sector. A guide is mandatory.<\/p>\n

\u2192 Route 1-C:<\/span>\u00a0Sun Gate<\/a> (Inti Punku) Route \u2013 A 2-hour round-trip hike with magnificent views of Machu Picchu, available from June 1 to October 15.<\/p>\n

\u2192 Route 1-D:<\/span>\u00a0Inca Bridge Route<\/a> \u2013 A 1-hour round-trip hike with views of the river, forest, and Machu Picchu from a different angle, available from June 1 to October 15.<\/p>\n

\u2192 Route 2-A:<\/span> The\u00a0Classic Route<\/a> \u2013 A complete tour of the citadel, including temples, plazas, Sacred Rock, and the Temple of the Condor, lasting up to 2 hours.<\/p>\n

\u2192 Route 2-B:<\/span> Lower Terrace Route\u00a0<\/a> \u2013 Similar to Route 2-A, with additional panoramic views, ideal for classic photos, lasting up to 2 hours.<\/p>\n

\u2192 Route 3-A:<\/span>\u00a0Huayna Picchu Mountain Route<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 A demanding 3-hour hike including visits to the Temple of the Sun and the Inca House.<\/p>\n

\u2192 Route 3-B:<\/span>\u00a0Royalty Route<\/a> \u2013 Focused on the urban sector: Temple of the Sun, Inca House, and Temple of the Condor.<\/p>\n

\u2192 Route 3-C:<\/span> Cavern Route<\/a> \u2013 A moderate hike to the Great Cavern, available only from June 1 to October 15.<\/p>\n

\u2192 Route 3-D:<\/span> \u00a0Huchuy Picchu Route<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 A short hike with panoramic views of Machu Picchu, available from June 1 to October 15.<\/p>\n

\"Portada
Portada del Sol en Machu Picchu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5.\u00a0Visit Other Nearby Attractions<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Machu Picchu is not the only attraction in the area, you can take a classic photo without visiting the urban sector (temples or tourist sites within Machu Picchu<\/a>) and instead opt for hikes that offer different views of the citadel, avoid crowds in Machu Picchu, learn more about the flora and fauna, and even save money on tour guides (which are mandatory for the urban sector under new restrictions).<\/p>\n

\u2192 Route 1-A:\u00a0Machu Picchu Mountain Route<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2192 Route 1-C:\u00a0Sun Gate (Inti Punku) Route<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2192 Route 1-D:\u00a0Inca Bridge Route<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2192 Route 3-A: Huayna Picchu Mountain Route<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2192 Route 3-D: Huchuy Picchu Route<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Comparison
Comparison from all Machu Picchu Mountains<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6.\u00a0Stay Overnight in Aguas Calientes and Start Early<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you stay in Aguas Calientes, the town closest to Machu Picchu, take one of the first buses departing at 5:30 a.m. This will allow you to arrive before most visitors and is one of the best strategies to\u00a0avoid crowds in Machu Picchu. However, if your plan is to travel by train to Machu Picchu<\/a> and return to Cusco the same day, you\u2019ll likely encounter crowds. A highly recommended option is to spend the night in Aguas Calientes after your tour of the citadel, ideally between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., or take the first bus to Machu Picchu<\/a> if you\u2019ve stayed overnight.<\/p>\n

\"Aguas-Calientes-Town\"
Aguas-Calientes-Town<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7.\u00a0Hire a Private Tour<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you want to avoid crowds, you probably don\u2019t want to wait to take the classic photo at Machu Picchu or have limited time, as is often the case with group tours. Opting for private tours to any of the routes will allow you to explore the citadel at your own pace, with expert guides on the citadel<\/a> who know the best times and routes to avoid crowds in Machu Picchu.<\/p>\n

\"Machu
Machu Picchu Guided Tour<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8.\u00a0Know the Schedules and Duration of Each Route<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u2192 Route 1-A:\u00a0Machu Picchu Mountain Route<\/a> \u2013 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. (3 hours per group).<\/p>\n

\u2192 Route 1-B:\u00a0Upper Terrace Route<\/a> \u2013 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (2 hours per group).<\/p>\n

\u2192 Route 1-C:\u00a0Sun Gate<\/a> (Inti Punku) Route \u2013 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (2 hours per group).<\/p>\n

\u2192 Route 1-D:\u00a0Inca Bridge<\/a> Route \u2013 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (2 hours per group).<\/p>\n

\u2192 Route 2-A: Classic Route<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (2 hours per group).<\/p>\n

\u2192 Route 2-B: Lower Terrace Route<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (2 hours per group).<\/p>\n

\u2192 Route 3-A: \u00a0Huayna Picchu Mountain Route<\/a> \u2013 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. (4 hours per group).<\/p>\n

\u2192 Route 3-B: Royalty Route <\/a>\u2013 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (2 hours per group).<\/p>\n

\u2192 Route 3-C: Cavern Route<\/a> \u2013 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. (3 hours per group).<\/p>\n

\u2192 Route 3-D:\u00a0Huchuy Picchu Route<\/a>\u2013 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. (3 hours per group).<\/p>\n

\"Machu
Machu Picchu Ticket Purchase 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Important Information for 2025<\/span><\/h2>\n

1. New Regulations:<\/strong>\u00a0Starting in 2025, stricter measures will be implemented to preserve Machu Picchu, including time limits for visits (2 hours maximum for Circuit 2 routes) and predefined routes lasting 3 to 4 hours, depending on the ticket type and distance of the hike.<\/p>\n

2. Online Reservations:<\/strong> All tickets must be purchased online through the official site TuBoleto.Cultura.pe <\/a>or authorized agencies like\u00a0Kantu Peru Tours.<\/a> Note that only 1,000 tickets are available daily at the single physical ticket office in Aguas Calientes.<\/p>\n

3. Mandatory Guides:<\/strong> It is mandatory to enter Machu Picchu with certified guides on the citadel <\/a>for groups of up to 10 people, though some routes that don\u2019t include the urban sector do not require a guide.<\/p>\n

\"Casa
Casa del Guard\u00edan de Machu Picchu foto postal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Visiting Machu Picchu is a dream for many travelers, and with a little planning, you can avoid crowds in Machu Picchu and have an unforgettable experience. From choosing the right schedule and circuit to exploring alternative routes, thanks to Kantu Peru Tours.<\/a> and this blog, you can make your adventure in the lost city of the Incas a reality.<\/p>\n

Share this blog with fellow travelers if you found it helpful, and don\u2019t forget to give it a like!\u00a0If you have more questions or need advice for your dream trip,\u00a0Kantu Peru Tours\u00a0is more than happy to help! \ud83c\udf04\u2728<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you’re planning to visit Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic destinations in the world, you might be concerned about encountering large crowds that could affect your experience. In this blog, thanks to Kantu Peru Tours, we\u2019ll provide you with practical tips on how to avoid crowds in Machu Picchu, information about schedules and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":8305,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4930,7],"tags":[],"post-faq":[],"class_list":["post-8487","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-machu-picchu","category-sin-categoria-en"],"acf":[],"views":1237,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kantuperutours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8487","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kantuperutours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kantuperutours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kantuperutours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kantuperutours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8487"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.kantuperutours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8487\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kantuperutours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8305"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kantuperutours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8487"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kantuperutours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8487"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kantuperutours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8487"},{"taxonomy":"post-faq","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kantuperutours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post-faq?post=8487"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}