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Sun Gate or Inca Bridge: choosing between route 1C and 1D

The two trail routes of Circuit 1 start the same way and cost the same. After the platforms, one climbs east to where the Inca Trail arrives, the other walks west to a bridge cut into a cliff. Here is how to choose.

October 5, 2026 · machupicchu.world team

What they share

Both route 1C and route 1D enter through the upper sector and stop at the Lower and Upper Platforms, the viewpoints of the classic postcard and the Guardian's House. Then each takes its own signposted trail and returns. Neither enters the urban sector, so the temples are not part of either.

→ In a hurry? Check live availability for all 11 circuits

1C — Sun Gate (Intipunku)1D — Inca Bridge
Price (adult / child)$62 / $39$62 / $39
Maximum time insideUp to 4 hUp to 3 h
Trail from the platformsAbout 1 h each way, gentle but exposedAbout 50 min, short and signposted
DifficultyModerateEasy
Entry times7 to 10 AM7 to 10 AM
What you seeThe whole city from the east, the Inca Trail's arrival pointA stone path on a sheer cliff with a removable timber section
Enters the cityNoNo

Which one to book

  • Book 1C if: you want the view the Inca Trail hikers walk four days for, and a longer walk with the city in sight most of the way. More on the Sun Gate.
  • Book 1D if: you have less time or less energy, travel with children or older relatives, or want Inca engineering up close. More on the Inca Bridge.
  • Want the temples too?: Neither route reaches them. Add a Circuit 2A ticket on the same or another day.
Both trail routes are busiest from June to October and only sell morning entries, so they run out before the 2 h 30 routes that sell until 3 PM. If you have a date fixed, check it first.
Busiest Jun–Oct

Circuit 1C Sun Gate

Hike to Intipunku — the original Inca entrance

$62 USD⏱ Up to 4 h● Moderate📅 Year-round
Busiest Jun–Oct

Circuit 1D Inca Bridge

One of the best scenic photo spots in the sanctuary

$62 USD⏱ Up to 3 h● Easy📅 Year-round

Is the Sun Gate or the Inca Bridge better?

The Sun Gate (1C) has the bigger view and the longer walk, up to 4 hours. The Inca Bridge (1D) is shorter and easier, up to 3 hours. Both cost $62 and both include the postcard platforms.

Can I do the Sun Gate and the Inca Bridge on one ticket?

No. Each route takes its own trail and circuits are one-way. Seeing both means two tickets.

Do routes 1C and 1D include the Temple of the Sun?

No. They stay on the upper platforms and their trails. For the temples, book Circuit 2 or 3.

See the dates for route 1C

Every ticket page shows real availability by entry time. Pick the date, and the slots that are left are right there.

Circuit 1C tickets · check datesAsk us on WhatsApp