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Machu Picchu Private Guided Tour From Aguas Calientes

Aguas Calientes Hotel - Machu Picchu Citadel - Aguas Calientes
(472)
Service Level:
Premium
Activity type:
  • Hiking
  • Archaeology
  • Family
  • Scenic Vistas
Physical Rating:
Trip Type:
Private Tour
Trip Length
4 Hours
Starting from
$ 155
per person
BOOK NOW
EMAIL US
+51 996 550 700

Machu Picchu Private Guided Tour From Aguas Calientes

Machu Picchu Private Guided Tour – Experience our Exclusive Machu Picchu Private Guided Tour starting from Aguas Calientes with a knowledgeable Tour Guide who will share fascinating insights and stories about the rich history and culture of the Incan people. Let us take care of all the details, including Admission and bus tickets to Machu Picchu, so you can relax and enjoy the experience to the fullest.

There’s no better way to experience Machu Picchu, an iconic Inca citadel than on a private guided tour from Aguas Calientes. Receive full attention from a personal guide as you learn the history of ancient temples, terraced hills, and sacred sites. Capture photos from the best vantage points, meet the local residents – the friendly Llamas and absorb spectacular views of this UNESCO–listed site.

Our private guided tour to Machu Picchu with round-trip travel from Aguas Calientes is perfect for those who travel independently and do not want an organized tour from Cusco, instead they choose how to arrive in Aguas Calientes but are willing to absorb the history behind this Inca citadel on a complete guided tour.

Looking for an organized and stress-free way to experience Machu Picchu? Our all-inclusive guided tours are the perfect option for you. Choose between our Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco or our Day Trip from Ollantaytambo and Urubamba, and let us take care of all the details, including ticket reservations.

Why you will love this tour

  • Experience Machu Picchu – the New7Wonders of the World on a private tour from Aguas Calientes and have your Tour Guide meet you at your hotel or the train station.
  • Discover the ancient history of the site’s temples, terraced hills, and plazas with a personal Guide at your own pace.
  • Capture photos from prime vantage points and meet the local resident – the Llamas
  • This is perfect for those who love to travel independently and are willing to absorb the history of Machu Picchu on a guided visit
  • This is a private guided tour so you enjoy a personal experience, go at your own pace, you will be able to talk to your guide and ask questions and be involved during the tour

Trip Details

  • Meeting Point: Your Hotel or the Train Station in Aguas Calientes Town.
  • Meeting Time: (1)Upon Client’s request OR (2)Upon your train arrival time (If you are on a day trip from Ollantaytambo / Cusco
  • Machu Picchu Entry time: Upon Client’s request (From 6 AM to 2 PM) as well as based on your Train arrival time in Aguas Calientes (If you are on a day trip)
  • Tour duration: From Hotel or Train Station takes about 4 – 4.5 Hours. The actual guiding time at the site is 3 Hours approx.
  • Group Size: This is a private tour
  • Mode: Walking as well as the Public shuttle bus
  • Difficulty: EASY TO MODERATE, you don’t need to be super-fit, although there is quite a lot of walking, there will be uphills with many stairs (Inca steps).

ITINERARY

Machu Picchu Guided Tour starting from Aguas Calientes

Choose the departure time to suit your schedule – between early morning to early afternoon entry time (based on the availability)– and meet your private guide at your Hotel or the Train Station in Aguas Calientes. Then, hop aboard your bus and take the short 25 min. journey up the hillside to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site of Machu Picchu.

Once there, head inside along with your Guide to explore the Inka Citadel of Machu Picchu on foot and enjoy a complete guided tour of this amazing site (a Guided Tour is about 2.5 – 3 hours approx) Your Guide will take you to the key features such as the Main Temple, the Royal Tomb, the Sacred Plaza, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and hear how the locations would have been used by the Incans themselves.

As you explore the site, capture amazing photos of the amazing views at Machu Picchu, including the Sun Gate the Temple of the Sun, and so on. When your time in Machu Picchu comes to an end, return by shuttle Bus to Aguas Calientes to conclude your tour.

Price Options

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Machu Picchu Morning Visit

All-Inclusive Private Guided Tour (Entry Tickets from 6 AM ~ 11 AM )

Start at
$ 155 /pp
  • Meet & greet at your Hotel or Train Station
  • Professional Tour Guide
  • Admission Ticket to Machu Picchu (CIRCUIT 2)
  • Shuttle Bus to/from Machu Picchu Park
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Machu Picchu Afternoon Visit

All-Inclusive Private Guided Tour (Entry Tickets after 12 PM)

Start at
$ 155 /pp
  • Meet & greet at your Hotel or Train Station
  • Professional Tour Guide
  • Admission Ticket to Machu Picchu (CIRCUIT 2)
  • Shuttle Bus to/from Machu Picchu Park.
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Machu Picchu Extended Tour

All-Inclusive Private Guided Tour (Circuit 1 and 3)

Start at
$ 220 /pp
  • Meet & greet at your Hotel or Train Station
  • Professional Tour Guide
  • Admission Tickets to Machu Picchu (CIRCUIT 1 & 3)
  • Shuttle Bus to/from Machu Picchu Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cancellation policy ?
* The Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu tickets are non-refundable nor transferable to third parties and cannot be rescheduled, this is one of the regulations of the Peruvian Ministry of Culture since these places are under the management of this government institution.
  • Minimum fees (Machu Picchu Citadel fees): $60 per person
  • Minimum fees (Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountain fees): $120 per person
  • For cancellations made with more than 7 days minimum notice, we will refund your deposit minus the minimum fee described above (Machu Picchu fees)
  • If cancellation is made within 7 days’ notice, no refund can be given.
– We may cancel any tour or service at any time prior to departure, due to social or political instability, strikes, natural disasters, or any other events beyond our control, that compromise the planned tour or the safety of our clients.

Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, is the gateway town to the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. There are several ways to get to Aguas Calientes, depending on your budget and travel preferences.

  1. Train: The most popular way to get to Aguas Calientes is by train. There are several train companies that operate routes from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. The trains offer a comfortable and scenic journey through the Andes Mountains and take around 3-4 hours.
  2. Hiking: For those who enjoy a more adventurous and budget-friendly option, hiking to Aguas Calientes is possible via the Inca Trail or other trekking routes. The Inca Trail is a 26-mile hike that takes 4 days and 3 nights to complete.

Yes, it is possible to walk from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. However, it is important to note that the hike is steep and can be challenging. The hike takes 1.5 to 2 hours uphill.  While it is possible to hike to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes, most visitors choose to take a bus instead. It is actually smart to save energy for your visit to Machu Picchu as otherwise you will be exhausted. The bus ride takes about 25-30 minutes and is a more comfortable and convenient option; you may want to hike down to the town instead.

Yes! Huayna Picchu OR Machu Picchu Mountain tickets can be added upon your request, if so, it is only possible for the morning time as tickets for Huayna Picchu are available only from 7 AM to 10 AM. The hike can be done before or after the guided tour, this will depend on the availability of tickets. These tickets are very limited so please contact us to check the availability.

What is the difference between Machu Picchu Mountain & Huayna Picchu? – While both mountains offer stunning views of Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain is a longer and less steep hike, while Huayna Picchu is shorter but more challenging so if you have fear of heights, this latter mountain may not be an option. Visitors can choose to hike one of them depending on their fitness level and time constraints.

The best time of day to visit Machu Picchu depends on personal preference and travel plans. However, here are some things to consider when planning your visit:

  • Early Morning: Many visitors prefer to visit Machu Picchu early in the morning, as it is less crowded and offers stunning views of the sunrise over the mountains, however, it all depends on the weather so sunrise is not guaranteed. If you plan to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, it is recommended to start your hike early in the morning to avoid the midday heat.
  • Mid-morning and Midday are the busiest time at Machu Picchu, as this is when most tour groups arrive. If you prefer to visit during this time, it is recommended to book your Tour or tickets in advance and arrive early to avoid long lines.
  • Afternoon: Visiting Machu Picchu in the afternoon can be a good option for those who want to avoid crowds and enjoy the site at a more relaxed pace. Please keep in mind that the site closes at 5:30 pm, so plan accordingly.

In general, based on the new Machu Picchu visiting rules, most visitors spend around 3-4 hours at Machu Picchu, however, please note the following:

  • Guided Tour: If you plan to take a guided tour of Machu Picchu, the tour typically lasts around 2.5 -3 hours. This will give you a good overview of the site’s history and significance.
  • Hiking: If you plan to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you will need additional time. The hike to Huayna Picchu takes about 2-3 hours round trip, while the hike to Machu Picchu Mountain takes about 3-4 hours round trip.

Breathtaking views, mild to hot temperatures although kind of windy at some places in the afternoons; mostly sunny days during the months of May, June, July, and August, although some mornings would be a little foggy (some days very foggy in the rainy season); Mosquito area so bring your repellent.

Recommended Packing List for your trip to Machu Picchu: 

  • Important! Original passports, please bring the ones you used when booking the tour. If you renovate then bring both the old and the new.
  • A Daypack where you can carry your own belongings (water, snacks, camera, etc)
  • Camera(s) and extra battery if you have one
  • Raincoat: Machupicchu is located in the cloud forest area so rain is expected especially in the rainy season (November to April) So please bring rain gear/raincoat (Plastic rain cover or poncho can also be purchased locally)
  • Sunblock, the sun is very strong up here, even when it is cloudy, you may get burnt.
  • Mosquitos Repellent. They can be annoying sometimes in this area(They can be purchased locally)
  • Footwear: Running Shoes or hiking shoes are recommended, those that are best for walking through the Inca sites; the archaeological sites will often involve some walking/climbing on uneven ground and please be prepared for many stairs. There will be many stairs up and down.
  • Nalgene or Aluminium reusable bottles are recommended if possible
  • Hand sanitizer

Things that are NOT ALLOWED in Machupicchu

  • Smoking
  • Food is not allowed inside the park (except for some small snacks that you can eat while walking). You can bring your own lunch, and you will be able to eat at the gate of Machu Picchu. Or you can enjoy a deserved lunch in Aguas Calientes Town with many restaurant options.
  • Fly drones over Machupicchu or any other Inka ruins
  • Climb the Inka walls and/or structures.
  • Enter with professional tripods, selfie sticks, or other professional photography/film stabilization accessories. (This restriction is for Machupicchu Only, do not apply to other sites)

There are restrooms located outside the entrance to Machu Picchu and the entry costs 2 soles (toilet paper included). There are no restroom facilities inside the archaeological site.

Why Travel with us

Local Knowledge & Expertise

It's great to travel with professional experts from the same destination you are going, that's how you get first-hand information. With deep in-country knowledge, We know the ins and outs of all the logistics, we will ensure you can make the most of your time away.

Personalized Experiences

Your time is precious - we know that. Your experience is our top priority. No big bus groups, No flags to follow! Traveling with a private guide and driver you’ll do what you want, when you want with the freedom to change your plans on the fly.

Friendly Local Guides

Great sights don’t make an amazing tour. Great guides do! Our guides don’t read from a script, we give them the freedom to make each tour their own, and your experience unique. We love what we do and it shows. From the moment you arrive, you'll feel the buzz and excitement that Cusco Local Friend to offer.

Exclusive Itineraries

It’s not all about the destination, it’s also about the journey. We offer only the best itineraries and tours. As local experts, we know first-hand what tours or experiences are the ones that most travelers enjoy and request. Escape the crowds! Never waste any minute, never miss any highlight!

Trip Reviews

Cusco Local Friend has been awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence due to the most consistent 5-star reviews in Cusco, the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu for exceptional levels of service and care.

Excellent
Based on 362 reviews
Ammar B
Ammar B
September 4, 2023.
Tour with Abraham! People of Peru :) Highly recommend Abraham! Was one of the highlights for our trip for sure and we enjoyed it thoroughly, definitely book and request him. He was so funny and we got to joke a lot throughout the whole trip. Peru is known for the people and Abraham is one of them for sure!
Romil B
Romil B
September 2, 2023.
Amazing Experience - Highly recommended We booked full day sacred valley tour with Cusco Local Friend and our experience was amazing. Let me start by mentioning the ease of booking the tour by chatting with Percy via Watsapp. Percy provided us complete guide on the tour in details and booking was done with in minutes. On the day the tour, we met our guide Juan Pablo. He was awesome. Throughout the whole tour from Pisac Ruins, Salt Mines, Moray to Tempe del sol - Juan Pablo provided us intricate details of the history of Peru and kept us engaged. Since we are vegetarians, Juan Pablo took extra precautions of finding a nice restaurant which catered to our dietary restrictions. I would highly recommend Cusco Local Friend for Sacred Valley Tours !!!
Getaway40980607404
Getaway40980607404
August 30, 2023.
Perfect Experience! Cusco Local Friend put together the perfect vacation package for my mother (77) and I. It included Ollantaytambo, The Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. Our entire experience with the company was an absolute pleasure. Abraham, our guide had a passion for sharing his knowledge of Inkan culture, and was a joy to be around. Each of our drivers (Romulo and Edgar) were skillful and made us feel safe and in good hands. Percy and Hugo were both available at any time to answer questions via instant message, and made sure that we knew what to expect on each leg of the journey, and made sure we have any necessary documents well in advance. I would book through Cusco Local Friend again in an instant.
Diana T
Diana T
August 29, 2023.
Interesting tour of Sacred Valley sites This tour was so informative and interesting! Our guide, Pablo, knew so much about the history of the sites we visited, we learned so much. He and the driver were friendly and nice. The sites we visited were some of our favorites on the trip. Would definitely recommend!
Shilesh J
Shilesh J
August 9, 2023.
Great Tours and Team My family of 3 found Cusco Local Friends (CLF) during online research. We were going to Peru for a wedding in Arequipa and decided to make an extended vacation out of the trip. Our private trip with CLF included a full day in Sacred Valley, late afternoon followed by early morning entrances to Machu Picchu, horse-back ride up to Humantay Lake, followed by Rainbow Mountain. The team I worked with these arrangements was Hugo primarily and Percy in the background paperwork. I worked extensively with Hugo via WhatsApp, email, and on the phone to plan the tour. Hugo gave great advice on the sequence to make sure we were properly acclimatized to high altitude prior to Humantay and Rainbow portions of the tour. Our guide was Ferdinand, and the driver was Edgar. Everyone in this team was just fantastic. I have the highest recommendation for CLF as tour operator. We were met at CUZ airport by Hugo and driver Edgar. The minivan was spacious, clean, and comfortable. During the drive into town, Hugo spent a lot of time explaining everything to us, went over the plans, and most importantly gave us great advice on what to eat, what to avoid, and how best to gradually acclimatize. He helped us change USD to PEN at a great rate, provided us with bottles of water before exiting the van as he left us in the capable hands of Edgar to drive us to Ollantaytambo. Hugo had advised us to visit a free site in Ollantaytambo adjacent to the actual ruins. We did that in the later afternoon. Our tour started the next day when we were met by Edgar and guide Ferdinand. Ferdinand spoke perfect English and was a pleasure company for entirety of our tours. He is knowledgeable of the history of all the sites we visited. He had the foresight of bringing us walking sticks for our downhill walks from Humantay Lake, which was a challenging walk for us. He helped in every possible way during the tours. The team even planned our trip schedule to Humantay to account for a road closure, to make sure we had the least amount of waiting time for the road to reopen. I cannot emphasize enough how this was slick planning. Peru is a great country to visit, the people are very friendly and there is so much more to explore. We barely covered a small portion in capable hands of CLF team. My family thanks Hugo, Ferdinand, Edgar, and Percy for a great, safe, informative introduction to a small portion of Peru. I recommend CLF without any reservations. PS: I forgot to add that Hugo gave a complimentary ride from hotel to CUZ airport day after our final trip. See my review in google for pictures
MFerraro
MFerraro
August 4, 2023.
Absolutely perfect & wonderful friends Hugo, Abraham & their team were beyond incredible. They became friends from the moment we met them. It was such a pleasure having them w our group throughout our stay as they made everything effortless on our end. They have every piece of information you need and/or want & were incredibly knowledgeable & passionate about sharing their knowledge w us. They were able to answer every question we had about the history of Peru & all the wonderful sights we saw on our adventure together. Thank you Hugo for your incredible team. Can’t wait to come back & see you again.
Francesca B
Francesca B
August 3, 2023.
Good views, great experiences, excellent staff! This tour was worth every dollar spent! Our group was able to see so much of the Sacred Valley while traveling comfortably and having lots of fun. Our tour guides Hugo and Abraham were very kind, knowledgeable, efficient and had a trip packed full of adventures for us. We experienced Machupicchu while our guides passionately explained the history. They truly thought of everything and we hardly waited in any lines since they knew the most efficient times to visit. I would absolutely do this tour again if I ever visit Peru again! Will recommend to anyone visiting the Sacred Valley.
Lily Z
Lily Z
August 3, 2023.
Amazing experience These guys are pros! They have a wealth of history knowledge and were so attentive to our groups needs. They made our trip more full filling and they treated us like family!
Katie S
Katie S
August 3, 2023.
Amazing experience and awesome guides! Hugo and Abraham were excellent guides. They were knowledgeable, caring, and friendly. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience in Cusco! Highly recommend!!
Marissa L
Marissa L
August 2, 2023.
Amazing experience with the best guides! Hugo and Abraham are the best guides ever! They welcomed and guided us through Cusco for a week with Kula Adventures. We had the best experiences and quickly became family by the end of the trip. Hugo and Abraham are so warm, welcoming, and passionate which made our trip so memorable and powerful!

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Starting from
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per person
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+51 996 550 700

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