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Circuit 1C — Intipunku (Sun Gate) Route

The panoramic platforms plus the walk out to the Sun Gate, with 4 hours inside.

3 official stopsUp to 4 h inside3 photo viewpoints

Circuit 1C is the Sun Gate route. On the official map it goes from the entrance up to the Lower and Upper panoramic platforms and then follows the signposted trail east to Intipunku, the gateway through which the Inca Trail reaches Machu Picchu, before returning to the exit. Maximum stay: 4 hours. It does not walk the Inka city sectors.

The route, stop by stop

Follow the trail — tips by travelers who were just there

Panoramic view of the Machu Picchu citadel from the lower platformPhoto viewpoint
Stop 1 · The postcard viewpoint

Lower Platform

The viewpoint above the agricultural terraces: the whole citadel opens below you with Huayna Picchu behind — the frame on every postcard of Machu Picchu.

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Wide view of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains from the upper platformPhoto viewpoint
Stop 2 · The widest angle

Upper Platform

A few terraces higher, the widest angle of the sanctuary: the citadel, the terraces and the Urubamba valley in a single frame. Only Circuit 1 routes come up here.

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Signposted trail · Where the Inca Trail arrives

Intipunku — the Sun Gate

The stone gateway on the eastern ridge through which the Inca Trail reaches the sanctuary. About an hour each way from the platforms, on a gentle but exposed path, for the arrival view that trekkers get.

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Ready to walk it yourself?

Official Ministry ticket · real-time availability

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