Machu Picchu, The Royal Circuit or Circuit 3
I want to share a recent experience from my latest visit to the citadel of Machu Picchu, which was also my first time exploring Circuit 3, also known as the Royal Circuit.
The Royal Circuit is a tour that allows you to stay for up to 2 hours and 30 minutes, not including additional routes that lead to the Wayna Picchu mountain, the Uchuy Picchu peak, or the Cave. As I walked through the ancient pathways and terraces, I felt deeply connected to the energy centers of Machu Picchu. The serene atmosphere and majestic views filled me with a sense of awe and tranquility, making the experience truly unforgettable.
Connect with the energy centers of Machu Picchu.
From the start, this circuit impresses, as it spares the traveler the ascent to the Watchman's House, located at the top of the citadel. Our entry was directly into the agricultural sector, where the Inca terraces, known as andenes, offer a relaxed space away from the long lines and large groups of visitors entering through the upper circuit.
From the terraces, you can enjoy a privileged view of the citadel, a close-up view where you can appreciate the silence of this sacred Inca site. Our path led us through the urban sector, allowing us a close encounter with the Temple of the Sun, one of the most impressive places in the citadel. In this temple, during the solstice, the sun enters through one of its windows and illuminates the central part of the stone inside. The Incas were great astronomers.
Our tour continued around the Temple of the Sun to enter the central plaza, from where there is a beautiful view of the Temple of the Three Windows and the small pinnacle of land where the sundial or Intihuatana is located. We walked through the enclosures where the inhabitants of the citadel once lived, observing some constructions that had two floors in their time. We came across a stone called the Stone of Mirrors, which might have been used to observe the stars through the reflection of the water on nights of absolute darkness.
The path led us to the Temple of the Condor, an area that seems hidden within the citadel and is accessed through a small door, opening its wings to welcome us. Inside, we observed a small altar dedicated to Pachamama, Mother Earth, where offerings were once made to attract abundance and fertility to the empire.
We continued visiting various enclosures with incredible views of this monument. The energy that emanates from this citadel is indescribable, and there are no visual records or words that can capture the feeling of being inside it.
I have visited the citadel several times, following the classic circuit, and I can say that this tour was as magical as the first time I entered the citadel when I was young. Those who wish to complement this Royal Circuit with the ascent to Wayna Picchu mountain or a brief climb to the small peak called Uchuy Picchu will be pleasantly surprised by an adventure that few have the fortune to experience.
Our VIPAC guides will take you to experience this magic. We offer shared group guides in both Spanish and English for all time slots for the Royal Circuit, visiting only Machu Picchu.
Those who wish to be accompanied by a guide to ascend Wayna Picchu, climb Uchuy Picchu peak, or explore the Great Cave must book their visit with a private guide. Request the expert guidance of our sales executives.
