Machu Picchu in the afternoon: which routes you can enter after noon, and when it is the better choice

The four routes with afternoon entries

• Circuit 2A — the postcard and the full city: Route 2A starts at the platform where the classic photo is taken and then walks the whole Inca city, up to 2 h 30. The most requested route, mornings first.
• Circuit 2B — the same city from the lower terrace: Route 2B walks the same twelve landmarks, entering along the lower terrace. In the afternoon it is usually the easiest of the four to find free.
• Circuit 1B — the view, short: Route 1B goes to the upper terraces and the Guard's House viewpoint and back, up to 2 h 30, with almost no climbing.
• Circuit 3B — the lower royal sector: Route 3B covers the lower part of the city, with the royal temples, up to 2 h 30. It does not reach the panoramic platforms.

The routes that are morning only

When the afternoon is the better choice

• When the morning is sold out: On peak dates the early slots of 2A go first. The same route at 2 or 3 PM, or 2B, is often still there. A date you can keep beats a time slot you wanted.
• When you arrive the same day: If you take the morning train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, a midday or afternoon entry leaves time for the bus up without rushing.
• When you want the morning for something else: A morning hike on Putucusi, a rest day after the Inca Trail or simply a late breakfast: the afternoon frees the start of the day.