Private tours in Machu Picchu offer the ultimate flexibility for exploring this magnificent Incan citadel. The sweet spot is the 3-hour guided experience – it’s long enough to understand the site’s history but won’t wear you out. I’m especially fond of tours that include hotel pickup and bilingual guides, which eliminate the hassle of early-morning logistics.
For history buffs, the 10-hour comprehensive tour is worth every penny. You’ll get detailed archaeological insights, a relaxed pace, and included meals – exactly what you need for a full day at 7,970 feet elevation.
These are our favorite private tours, ranked by value and experience quality:
Key Points
- Private guided tours in Machu Picchu offer personalized experiences with flexible itineraries, language options, and accessibility considerations.
- Private tour guide services provide 2-3 hours of guided exploration with pickup service, booking flexibility, and passport requirements.
- Full-day private tours from Cusco include transportation, meals, and a flexible approach to exploring Machu Picchu at an individual pace.
- Full-day private tours by train offer comprehensive packages with private transfers, round-trip train tickets, meals, and a guided experience at Machu Picchu.
- One-day private excursions from Cusco or Ollantaytambo provide guided tours, free time for independent exploration, and convenient booking with flexible cancellation policies.
Guided Tour of Machupicchu: Private and Flexible 3 Hours
What better way to experience the grandeur of Machu Picchu than with a private, flexible tour? Offered at $60 per person, this 3-hour guided tour provides an intimate and customizable experience.
Your private guide, fluent in English, Spanish, or Italian, will lead you through the iconic Inca citadel, highlighting key viewpoints, temples, and palaces.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and no upfront payment required, this tour offers unparalleled convenience.
Train and bus tickets, as well as entrance fees, are included, allowing you to make the most of your time. The flexible itinerary ensures you can tailor the experience to your preferences and pace.
Suitable for travelers with limited time, this tour isn’t recommended for individuals over 95 or wheelchair users.
Be sure to communicate your entry timing to ensure a seamless visit. Positive reviews praise the tour’s value and personalized service, making it an excellent choice for an unforgettable Machu Picchu experience.
Read our full review: Guided Tour of Machupicchu: Private and Flexible 3 Hours Review
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Machu Picchu: Private Tour Guide Service
Travelers seeking a personalized Machu Picchu experience can opt for a private tour guide service. This service offers a 2-3 hour guided tour of the iconic Inca citadel, with prices starting from $98.00 per group (up to 8 participants).
The tours are available in both English and Spanish, with pickup included from the hotel or train station in Aguas Calientes.
Booking is flexible, with a reserve now and pay later option, and details such as full name, date of birth, nationality, and passport number required for each participant. Visitors must bring a valid passport and purchase Machu Picchu entrance tickets in advance, as they tend to sell out.
The tour experience includes a 30-minute bus ride to the site, followed by a comprehensive 3-hour guided tour covering the citadel’s highlights, including viewpoints, temples, palaces, and significant buildings.
Afterward, travelers can enjoy free time or embark on additional hikes. Proper attire and supplies are recommended for a comfortable experience.
Read our full review: Machu Picchu: Private Tour Guide Service Review
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Private Tour to Machu Picchu From Cusco With Lunch
This private tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco offers a comprehensive, full-day experience. Priced at $389 per person, it includes round-trip train tickets, entrance to Machu Picchu, bus transportation, and a guided tour with a licensed English-speaking expert.
The tour lasts 10 hours, with pickup from your Cusco hotel between 4:30-5:00 am.
You’ll travel to Ollantaytambo train station, then take the train to Aguas Calientes. From there, a bus will take you to the Machu Picchu entrance, where your guided tour begins.
Enjoy a flexible entry time to explore the ruins at your own pace. Afterward, you’ll have lunch in Aguas Calientes before returning to Ollantaytambo and being driven back to Cusco.
This private tour offers a personalized experience, with the freedom to choose your preferred entry time. Just remember to book circuits 1 or 2 at least 1-2 months in advance, as Machu Picchu entry tickets are subject to availability.
Read our full review: Private Tour to Machu Picchu From Cusco With Lunch Review
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From Cusco: Machupicchu Full-Day Private Tour by Train
From Cusco, adventurers can embark on a captivating full-day private tour to the iconic Machu Picchu. Priced from $385 per person, this 15-hour excursion allows visitors to experience the history and culture of the Incas.
The tour includes private transfers, round-trip expedition train tickets, and admission to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, with a private bilingual guide leading the way.
Guests will journey by van, train, and bus, admiring the scenic views of the Inca Empire along the way. The 2.5-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu showcases the impressive Inca buildings, terraces, and temples, including the Temple of the Condor.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included, though travelers should bring their own personal items and snacks.
With a cancellation policy that offers a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, this private tour provides a flexible and hassle-free experience to explore the wonders of Machu Picchu.
Read our full review: From Cusco: Machupicchu Full-Day Private Tour by Train Review
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Cusco: Machu Picchu 1-day Excursion by Train | Private Tour
For those seeking a captivating one-day excursion to the renowned Machu Picchu, the “Cusco: Machu Picchu 1-day Excursion by Train | Private Tour” offers an immersive experience. Priced at €419.48 per person, this private tour includes round-trip transportation, a guided tour of the historic site, and ample free time to explore independently. Guests will be picked up from their Cusco or Ollantaytambo hotel and transported to the train station, where they’ll embark on a 1.5-hour journey to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, a professional guide will lead them through the main temples, stairways, and squares of Machu Picchu, culminating at the iconic Intiwatana. After the guided tour, travelers can wander the citadel on their own before taking the train back to Ollantaytambo and private transport to Cusco. With a flexible cancellation policy and convenient booking options, this private tour offers a seamless and immersive Machu Picchu experience.
Read our full review: Cusco: Machu Picchu 1-day Excursion by Train | Private Tour Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Visit Machu Picchu Without a Guided Tour?
Yes, visitors can explore Machu Picchu without a guided tour. Independent travelers can purchase a general admission ticket and tour the ancient ruins at their own pace. However, guided tours provide valuable insights and enhance the overall experience.
What Is the Best Time of Day to Visit Machu Picchu?
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is early morning or late afternoon. Crowds are smaller, and the lighting is more favorable for photographs. Midday can be hot and crowded, so it’s best to avoid that period if possible.
How Do I Choose Between a Private or Group Tour?
When choosing between a private or group tour, consider your preferences. Private tours offer more flexibility and personalized attention, while group tours are generally more affordable. Weigh factors like budget, group size, and desired level of customization to determine the best fit for your Machu Picchu visit.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Water to Machu Picchu?
Yes, visitors can bring their own food and water to Machu Picchu. This allows for flexibility and the ability to avoid high prices at the site’s limited dining options. Just be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles and dispose of waste properly.
What Is the Dress Code for Visiting Machu Picchu?
The dress code for visiting Machu Picchu is casual. Visitors should wear comfortable, athletic clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Layering is recommended as the weather can change quickly in the Andes.
The Sum Up
Private tours to Machu Picchu offer a flexible and personalized experience, allowing visitors to explore the iconic Inca citadel at their own pace with the guidance of a knowledgeable private guide. These tours provide an opportunity to learn about the site’s history and significance while avoiding the crowds of larger group tours. Travelers seeking an intimate and customized Machu Picchu experience will find these private tour options well-suited to their needs.