Machu Picchu Private Guided Tour from Aguas Calientes
4.5
Machu Picchu Private Guided Tour from Aguas Calientes
By VIPAC Travel
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About
The Incan archaeological site of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ranks as one of the world’s most famous, with history dating back to the 15th century. On this private guided tour with round-trip travel from Aguas Calientes, get the inside story on the Royal Tomb, Sacred Plaza, and Sun Gate—and learn more than if touring independently.
Lowest price guarantee
Ages 0-99
Duration: 3h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: Portuguese, English, French, Spanish
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Highlights
- Explore UNESCO–listed Machu Picchu with your private guide
- Discover Inca history at the Royal Tomb, Sacred Plaza, and Sun Gate
- Gain insight into the ways in which the historic sites were used by the Incas
- Entrance fees and round-trip public bus travel from Aguas Calientes included
- Expert Professional Guide from Machu Picchu town
- Shuttle Bus Machu Picchu town / Citadel gate / Machu Picchu town
- Admission Ticket to Machu Picchu citadel on selected circuit and shift.
- Option XL with train tickets from/to Cusco
- Entry/Admission - Santuario Historico de Machu Picchu
What's not included- Lunch
- Option ST without train tickets from/to Cusco
- Gratuities
- Choose the departure time to suit your schedule—between early-morning and mid-afternoon—and meet your private guide at the public bus stop in Aguas Calientes. Then, hop aboard your bus and take the short journey up the hillside to the UNESCO–listed Machu Picchu. Enjoy sweeping views along the Urubamba River and its canyon, and head inside to explore Machu Picchu on foot. With your private guide to lead the way, admire the ceremonial shrines and terraced hills, and gain insight into the site’s rich Inca history. Discover key features such as the Main Temple, Royal Tomb, and Sacred Plaza, and hear how the locations would have been used. As you explore the site, capture views of the Sun Gate and Temple of the Sun on camera. When your time in Machu Picchu comes to an end, return by public bus to Aguas Calientes to conclude your tour.
- Start:
- Bus to Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes 08681, PeruDeparture Point: Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) bus station Dates: Daily Return point: Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) bus station
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5243P102- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travellers can participate
- Tour starts in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town)
- Bring comfortable shoes to walk and camera.
- You can choose your shift to go inside the citadel. Take care about the arrival time of the train.
- VIPAC is not responsible about train delays.
- The admission ticket of Machu Picchu is not refundable and valid for the date of travel only.
- Machu Picchu has implemented new visitor circuits, with three main routes with specific differences to distribute passengers in various areas. These changes are intended to improve the visitor experience and preserve the integrity of the archaeological site. The circuit with route 2 will be given as priority and if it is not available, the options of taking circuit 3B or circuit 1B will be informed so that you can confirm your decision before the tickets are issued.
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5243P102
From
AU$294.08
per adult (price varies by group size)
Select date and travellers
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Itinerary
- Aguas Calientes 08681, PeruDeparture Point: Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) bus station Dates: Daily Return point: Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) bus station
- 1Taking this private tour means you’ll be able to choose a time, between the hours of 5:30am and 3:30pm, to greet your guide and depart by bus from Aguas Calientes. Following a 20-minute drive to Machu Picchu’s hilltop perch, you’ll enter the archaeological site and begin a 2.5-hour tour of the ancient Inca citadel, characterized by its terraced hills, resident llamas, and dramatically protruding mountains. Enrich your historical knowledge at archaeological highlights including the Main Temple, Royal Tomb, and the Sacred Plaza, and capture spectacular photographs at vantage points on the way to the Sun Gate and Temple of the Sun. A private guide means you'll be able to ask numerous questions and customize your itinerary according to your interests. Plus, your guide is more than happy to snap photographs of you and your party throughout the experience. After thorough exploration of South America’s most famous archaeological site, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes by bus.
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- goncak3610 contributionsDon’t expect too muchOverrated experience Too long going and back Clean and good service Everything on time but don’t expect too much Price experience is not worthWritten 4 January 2025
- sangeetadas0 contributionsJourney etched in my memoryHiram Bingham Belmond train to Machu Pichu is a wonderful experience. They take care of minute details throughout so we could sit back and enjoy Machu Pichu. They take care of the guide, entrance/bus tickets provided booked 45 days prior. Food, drinks and service are exceptional, the staff is really friendly and help with adjustments in food preferences without any issues. Journey includes 3 hour Machu Pichu site in one of the circuits, Guides are extremely knowledgeable and takes times to go around the site and enjoy each moment. Big shout out to our guide - Washington. At the end of the MP tour, there is celebratory champagne and delicious small bites. Highly recommend to everyone who don't wish or cant hike. Although the prices are on the higher end, keep looking for offers in their websiteWritten 3 January 2025
- jingniw20230 contributionsAn unforgettable one day journey to Machu PicchuI joined a one day tour to Machu Picchu and was lucky to be the only person in the group. The guide, Hector, was amazing and explained the history of the Inca civilization in great detail. I learned so many fascinating new things. It was an incredible experience, truly once in a lifetime!Written 30 December 2024
- rupingt20230 contributionsWell planned and comfortable ride with informative tour guideVery comfortable bus with many helpful accommodations such as bathroom and charging ports and high quality seats. We enjoyed the buffet lunch with fresh fruits and vegetables. We appreciated the bilingual tour guide Roli and his expert knowledge as a Puno native. The number of stops was perfect, and we got many bathroom breaks and nap time, and we learned about a variety of topics related to Peru history and culture. Thank you for the well planned trip for me and my family.Written 28 December 2024
- OliveraH10 contributionsmy wonder listYou are never too old to set new goals or dream new dreams. Visiting Machu Picchu has been on my wonder list since childhood. Machu Picchu has long been considered a site of spiritual significance, renowned for its healing and transformative energy. The ancient city is thought to have been a sacred space where the Incas connected with the divine. It’s possible that Machu Picchu was constructed for sacred purposes, reflecting the deep spiritual beliefs of the Inca civilization. The Incas revered their rulers as descendants of the sun god, Inti (pronounced in-TEE). After death, they mummified their rulers by removing their organs, preserving the bodies with alcohol, and relying on the cold, dry mountain air to keep the remains intact, ensuring a lasting connection to their divine ancestryWritten 27 December 2024
- Relax260671644460 contributionsincredible experiencewhat an amazing experience we were picked up from the hotel by van promptly at the appointment time and went straight to the station. The Vista Dome experience was amazing and the right to aguas already breathtaking. MP guide was so knowledgeable and patiently answered all her questions even helped us find lunch places to go after the tour. We were always in close contact with the tours representatives all the way back to Poroy and into our requested drop off at cusco cityCenter!Written 25 December 2024
- Jake C0 contributionsAn amazing adventure.An amazing adventure! Rony planned a wonderful tour. He picked us up from our hotel and ensured we fully understand, and had the requisite tickets for, all aspects of our journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu; which entailed a bus, train, and another bus trip. Roy, our tour guide, was very friendly and incredibly knowledgeable about the history of Machu Picchu. He patiently answered our questions, told us some great stories, and took awesome photos. Many thanks to both for making this dream trip a wonderful and rewarding adventure. P.S. Be sure to bring a rain jacket, despite the forecast for the day!Written 20 December 2024
- fpuhan0 contributionsMachu Picchu - Top of the (Peruvian) WorldFifty years after my first wish to visit this fabled location, the opportunity presented itself, and I took it. It was worth waiting 50 years! A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 and designated one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, when blessed with good weather as I was, the scenery is astounding! There is little actually known about this 15th Century site, but the engineering and skills needed to construct it -- separate from the western knowledge of astronomy, cartography, printing, etc. - show how truly advanced the Inca civilization was, despite being hidden from the rest of the world. It's the #1 visited site in Peru, and for good reason!Written 11 December 2024
- 109harryp0 contributionsDay visit to Machu PicchuMy wife and I travelled with Voyage Prive we had 7/8 days in Peru a day at Machu Piccu , very well run tour we were the only mambers of the company . obviously going to this site we were among many other people but we had our own guide and it was certainly a good experienceWritten 5 December 2024
- FarAway1718310 contributionsA little kitchy, but fun eveningThis is a dinner show restaurant, and it was a lot of fun watching the crowd sing along with some of the popular Spanish songs. An international crowd. Food was okay. Wait staff is goodWritten 23 November 2024
- Derek B0 contributionsOutstanding tour of the Incan capital city of Cusco.The tour was fascinating. Our guide, Huber, was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic in sharing the history of this amazing city.Written 22 November 2024
- singingardener0 contributionsThe views are spectacular and the insight’s given us by our guide made our visit so much more insightful and complete.We gained a more respectful view of the Incas and their amazing culture and intelligence. They were way ahead of their time.Written 22 November 2024
- dawngM4999TC0 contributionsTake your breath awayGet ready to acclimatize. Cusco is 11,000 ft and it os scarey at first trying to breath but they quickly take you down to 9000 ft for a day then to Machu Picchu at 8000 ft. By then, you can run around like a llama. Absolutely beautiful!Written 21 November 2024
- aluminouskiss0 contributionsA+Amazing experience and every single member of the staff that helped with journey was excellent - from the transport from hotel, the train, and at Machu Pichu. A+Written 20 November 2024
- marianne_doane0 contributionsA wonderful Day trip!The trip was amazing. The tour guide's English was perfect. It was a must-see. The day was long but well worth the trip! 10/10 trip:)Written 8 November 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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4.5
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Kmacdona
Clarence Center, NY137 contributions
July 2021
Ana was waiting for us at the train station with a sign with our name on it and then got on the bus that took us to Machu Picchu. There are many local merchants in Aquas Calientes to purchase gifts there as well as restaurants to get a bit to eat. They will not let you in to the citadel earlier than what your ticket time is for so when we arrived at Machu Picchu at 12:50pm, but with a 1pm ticket time, we had to wait until 1pm before they would admit us. There are no bathrooms in the citadel, so you must go before you enter. Our tour of the citadel took 2 hours and I thought it would be cold given the altitude but it was not. I would definitely recommend applying bug spray as we ended the tour with a bunch of what are likely mosquito bites, yet I didn't notice any bugs. You get the great view of the citadel from afar, as well as the opportunity to walk through it. A must see activity...
Written 20 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kaitie Czuchaj
5 contributions
June 2021 • Friends
To be clear, you need a tour guide at Machu Picchu to get the most out of your experience. This was a great option for us since we had already bought our train tickets. It was actually cheaper to buy this tour and the train separately versus buying one of the all inclusive packages.
Our tour guide Jamie was personable, knowledgeable, and kind.. everything you need in a tour guide. He knew the paths to go, had the bus and entry tickets, gave us a recommendation for a great lunch, and had a sign waiting for us as we got off the train - all in all, great!
As a side note, Peru is still in the thick of the pandemic. Be prepared to respect all of their COVID restrictions as park rangers will enforce them. Please do not put everyone in an awkward position because you insist on getting a picture without a mask... if that is what you want, then come post-pandemic.
Our tour guide Jamie was personable, knowledgeable, and kind.. everything you need in a tour guide. He knew the paths to go, had the bus and entry tickets, gave us a recommendation for a great lunch, and had a sign waiting for us as we got off the train - all in all, great!
As a side note, Peru is still in the thick of the pandemic. Be prepared to respect all of their COVID restrictions as park rangers will enforce them. Please do not put everyone in an awkward position because you insist on getting a picture without a mask... if that is what you want, then come post-pandemic.
Written 15 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheTennetts
Brisbane, Australia182 contributions
We had a fantastic day. Our knowledgeable guide “Cosmos” through Valencia Travel was so well informed and knew how to share his stories in such a way that we will NEVER forget them. He had a great sense of humour and paced the 5 hours to perfection. You just have to make sure your bladder can hold out as there are no toilets within the park. Also make sure your camera/phone has enough power - we took so many photos - the views are breathtaking and the quality of the Incan stonemason work just astounding. I just loved learning that the Inkan culture embraced the values of solidarity, reciprocity, labour, honesty, love and wisdom. This emerged through so many aspects of their social structures and daily life. Really - if you can, put this on your bucket list.
Written 30 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
myershe
Austin, TX22 contributions
Frank met up with us the night before to become acquainted with us over dinner. He is an expert in the history and culture of the area. I recommend doing the earliest tour time to catch Machu Picchu at first light incredible! Frank knew exactly where to get the best photo ops. Highly recommend this tour!
Written 28 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cecile
Quito, Ecuador16 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Our guide Judith was very knowledgeable and patient. She managed to organise a later entry for us as it was raining very hard at the time initially planned. We did not know the site had changed since the pandemic so did not know we had to select a specific route but she got us on the one we wanted (the highest). Vipac travel has also been good in communicating with us in the days before the tour and came to our hotel the night before to check everything was in order (we did not have received our tickets by email and they made sure Judith had them on the next day).
Written 14 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ValeeeF
38 contributions
I booked a tour in April for September 20th, a month before they contacted me saying that it was available for another time (I already had the return train booked) and moreover a different circuit was available from the one I had booked. Now I find myself having to leave in less than a month without having a ticket to Machu Picchu. I do not recommend
Written 24 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
happy53Wanaka
Wanaka, New Zealand13 contributions
Henry Renteria our guide was amazing. Excellent English and knowledge plus the added bonus of being a great photographer!
We highly recommend him. He met us in Ageus Callientes making the whole trip
Up to Macchu Picchu easy … including making sure we sat on the right side of the bus for the best views as we arrived.
An amazing special day.
We highly recommend him. He met us in Ageus Callientes making the whole trip
Up to Macchu Picchu easy … including making sure we sat on the right side of the bus for the best views as we arrived.
An amazing special day.
Written 16 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gayle n
Great Ocean Road, Australia80 contributions
Jan 2020
Everything went smoothly just make sure when u arrive to ring the number supplied on skype or what ever u have available. They arrived with all our tickets for bus entry and the guide Luz picked us up from our hostel to go to the bus.
Over all very happy with the process.
Over all very happy with the process.
Written 9 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kirsten N
4 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
We had a wonderful visit to Machu Picchu! Hector was a great guide - very knowledgeable and clearly passionate about his country and culture. There was a rep from the company who met our train and ensured we got on the appropriate bus. Hector met us at the site as soon as we got off the bus. Machu Picchu was incredible. I highly recommend experiencing with Hector as your guide.
Written 21 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Douglas K
27 contributions
We are SO glad we booked this tour vs. walking through ourselves or going on a large group tour. Our guide Johnny was extremely knowledgeable about the history of Machu Picchu, the rediscovery, the architecture and civilization. He also worked in lots of humorous stories. Johnny knew the exact best spots to take photos and suggested (and took) many "couples photos" which we will treasure forever.
Written 7 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Esse valor inclui a entrada de Machu picchu também?
Written 10 June 2024
What is time start the tour and
what will come back to the bigginig place?
Written 6 July 2022
The tour starts at at the time stated on your ticket. Ours was at 1 pm, but the guide arrived at 1:30, which when we went in. The tour itself took about 3-3.5 hours. We felt it was worthwhile to have a private guide.
Written 7 July 2022
Does the bus leave from Machu Picchu to Aguas Caliente right after the guided tour ends? Or do you have time to hike one of the mountains and can return on any bus?
Written 22 April 2022
Hello. I am confused on the times for the booking. We are arriving before 1000. There are times that say 10am-11am-930am. What time is the meetup for that?
Written 22 February 2020
I guess you will have to contact ur tour company as they bring u ur documents that u need for bus and tour.
You can use what’s app or Skype or phone.
Written 23 February 2020
Hi! We are arriving from Cusco to Aguas Calientes (Peru Rail) at 12:11pm and returning back at 17:23 (5:23pm). Please let me know which time of tour do you recommend choosing. If choosing 1-2pm, will it pick us up at 12:30 at the train station? Or should we take the tour of 12-1pm?
Thanks!
Written 15 November 2019
Hi
we did exactly the same - best to go for the 12.00 entrance. The guide will meet you off the train at 12.11, take you to the bus and you will be in Machu Picchu by 1.00 isa - and will have lots of time there. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did
Written 16 November 2019
Hi there,
We are coming to Aquas Calientes on Sept 25th on the vistadrome arriving 12:11pm. We are staying at the Intu Pinku hotel the night of the 25th September. We would like to do the afternoon tour provided we can get to the hotel and drop of our luggage and use the restroom for a short break before the tour.
We are looking for a english guided tour.
Please advise.
Thanking you for your time.
Gautam
Written 15 September 2019
We also used Via Tours (Viajes del Pacifico) and had an awesome experience. Best advice I can give you is go as early as possible to you don't get the crowds... we took the first tour and it was perfect!
Have fun!
Written 16 September 2019
viajo sola..debo comprar dos entradas para hacer el tour?
Written 31 August 2019
I scheduled a trip for September. When will I receive notification from the company? Where will we meet before heading up to Machu Picchu?
Written 4 August 2019
I only scheduled ours two days before, so I can't help with t hat part. I was messaged the next day, and our guide met us at the train station and showed us the way to our lodging, then met with us in the lobby after we checked in, to discuss the tour details for the next day.
Written 5 August 2019
Hi!
I'm thinking of booking this tour. Just wondering :
1. Do you get to walk into the famous ruins ?
2. Do you get to take the famous picture from the top showing the ruins ?
3. How do we get to the start point if we are staying in downtown Cusco ? Can we get by bus ? Do we have to purchase bus tickets in advance?
Written 15 July 2019
We took a taxi from Cusco to Ollataytambo then train to Aguas Calliente (Machu Picchu). Booked taxi on line from taxidatum. Booked train through Peru Rail.
Written 15 July 2019
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