Good news: You can get the famous “classic photo” with Machu Picchu behind you on all 10 routes. I added timestamps below so you can see each one.

Update 2026-06-14: misty43810 photographed the "classic photo" on all three circuits, great post: https://www.reddit.com/r/Machupicchu/comments/1u42q5b/postcard_pictures_from_2a_3b_and_1b/

Quick review: There are 10 routes total, grouped into different families (the Circuits).

Timestamps:

00:29 — Circuit 1: (Routes 1-A, 1-B, 1-C, 1-D all offer this view.)

15:40 — Circuit 2: (Routes 2-A, 2-B)
This is the spot often marketed as the “classic photo,” but that’s just tourism marketing — the Inca didn’t have a “classic viewpoint.”

15:28, 22:18, 22:40 — Circuit 3: (Routes 3-A, 3-B, 3-C, 3-D.)

About Route 1-B:
Route 1-B is the main loop for all Circuit 1 routes. So if you buy something like 1-A, part of what you’re actually walking is 1-B.
It’s also the route most often pushed on Salkantay trekkers because it’s usually the last to sell out. It doesn’t go through the citadel, and it doesn’t include any additional special destinations (like Inca Bridge) like the other Circuit 1 routes.

If you're curious about any specific route, let me know!

How are you so underrated?! This is some of the highest quality, most informative content I've ever seen. Can't thank you enough. Good luck on your motorcycle journey.

Thank you very much for this video. This is probably the MOST helpful video regarding traveling to Machu Picchu on YouTube. I’m shocked this video doesn’t have more views.

Thank you SO MUCH! This is by far the most informative and useful video for Machu Picchu to date. Super grateful!!!

This was such a fun video, all the little details and funny shots and bloopers. So circuit 3 is the way to go and buy tickets in advance. Thankyou for making this video!

Damn bro you need more views. You crushed this video with the tips and storytelling

One of the most fun videos I’ve seen from binging Machu Picchu vlogs! You two have great personality and editing style

I'm getting Simon from GTA V and I'm here for it.

I’m here at Aguas Calientes 😊 Mr Jorge helped picked me up at the train station and helped me with getting a ticket, bus ticket and what to do 😄 thank you for your video, I’m gonna do all 3 circuits, thank you for your video! I’m finally gonna do it! 😄

Cool video, found it helpful. I'm going next month! Woo!

I'm going to Peru in a few weeks and have been binge watching videos. This has been one of the most helpful by far. Thanks!!

Very helpful.  Thank you.

Thanks for the tips!

Yes you are right and very detail information 👍

yooo thanks for the details!

Amazing videos - thank you SO much for sharing this information. By FAR the most informative, down to Earth and real information I've come across so far! In terms of the tour guide - where/how did you find one, when/how did you book them, and was it with a larger group, or private? That's the only piece I'm unsure of with taking the DIY route here! Thanks so much! ✌🏻

This is the most bada$$ pre-trip video I could have stumbled upon prior to our trip

Great info. Im doing circuit 1 due to not 2 or 3 tickets when i booked. Ill be ok just being there tbh. Your video gave some great insights. Maybe ill get lucky and grab a circuit 2 ticket once im there

Thanks for the video deff informative did you get your guide beforehand or day of in line?

I like your Video and you guy’s personality. Especially the part you can get c3 and walk to C2 haha I thought the same till I saw the guys work there hahaha. I will visit next week , didn’t book air tickets yet . So I might need to play stay in that city a few day for tickets 😂 before I though I could take a day tour to MP from Cusco hahah😂