Machupicchu Private Tour from Cusco
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Best Machu Picchu Tours from Cusco with a Private Local Guide
Machu Picchu tour from Cusco – Experience a once-in-a-lifetime journey and uncover the hidden Incan temples of Machu Picchu on a private day tour from Cusco. Receive full attention from your personal local guide as you learn the history of ancient temples, terraced hills, and sacred sites. Capture great photos from the best viewpoints, meet the local residents – the llamas; and absorb spectacular views of this iconic UNESCO–listed site.
This Machu Picchu Guided Tour from Cusco is a full-day experience that includes transportation to and from the hotel, a train Journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu, transfer to and from the park, and on-site admission tickets. Enjoy a leisurely and fully supported tour led by a private local guide with all tickets included, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience without feeling rushed.
Board the Scenic Train to the Town of Aguas Calientes and learn about the Incas on a complete Guided Tour of Machu Picchu with a Local Guide. Spend the day exploring the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu on an all-inclusive day trip from Cusco. Explore this famous Inca hilltop city with your own private guide, and learn about its architecture, history, and daily life of residents. To enhance your experiences, we offer three different train ride options that you can choose from below.
You are staying in Urubamba or the Sacred Valley area? Check out our Machu Picchu Day Tour from Urubamba, this trip is perfect for those staying in hotels and accommodations in Urubamba and the Ollantaytambo area
Why you will love this tour
- Explore the amazing Machu Picchu on a full-day trip from Cusco. This is an ideal trip for those staying at Hotels in Cusco City and have a limited time in the area
- This is perfect for those who love to travel independently but are still willing to absorb the history of Machu Picchu on a day trip from Cusco
- Enjoy a longer journey train ride experience to Machu Picchu with amazing scenic views along the way
- Explore Machu Picchu, a UNESCO-listed site on a private tour with a friendly local tour guide
- Admire the magnificent landscape, temples, prayer houses, Andean terraces and the amazing architecture
- Capture photos from prime vantage points and meet the local residents – the Llamas
- 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
- Departure Point: Customer’s Hotel in Cusco.
- Ending Point: The Same Hotel or a Different Hotel in Cusco city and Urubamba
- Pick-up Time: Early Morning time – To be Confirmed based on the Tour option you choose
- Trip Duration: 13 – 14 Hours approx.
- Mode: Train, private car, 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).
- Machu Picchu is located at 2400 meters above sea level (7,900 feet). Travel time to Aguas Calientes by train is 3hrs 30min
- Group Size: This is a private tour so the guided tour at Machu Picchu will be only for you.
- Customizable? Yes! Private, custom, add-ons are all available. Please contact us at: info@cuscolocalfriend.com
ITINERARY
Hotel in Cusco - Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
In the morning (exact pick-up time TBC) our driver will meet you at your hotel lobby and you will be transferred to the Train Station in Poroy or Ollantaytambo. Board the Train to Machupicchu Town (A.K.A Aguas Calientes), the town located at the base of Machu Picchu. Travel time to Aguas Calientes by train is 3hrs 30min approx,
Upon arrival, your Guide will meet you at the train station 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 on foot and enjoy a fully guided tour of this amazing site (Guided Tour is about 3 hours approx)
At the end of the tour, you return to Aguas Calientes Town and have time for lunch. After lunch, board the train back to Ollantaytambo, your driver will be there to drive back to your Hotel in the Sacred Valley or Cusco City.
Note on the Itinerary
Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. Reasons which may include strikes, political issues, extreme bad weather, and some areas within the site may be closed at certain hours due to the site regulations which are beyond the reasonable control of Cusco Local Friend and we are not liable for such changes or amendments.
- Final Itinerary will be provided once the booking is confirmed and tickets are booked.
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ticket can be added to this tour upon your request, if so, the hike should be done before or after the guided tour, depending on the availability of these tickets (They need to be booked in advance as spaces are limited)
- Machu Picchu tickets, Huayna Picchu, and Machu Picchu Mountain tickets are not refundable nor transferable or cannot be rescheduled, this is one of the regulations of the Peruvian Ministry of Culture.
- Pick-up time from Hotels will be provided once the tour is confirmed
- Train tickets and entrance tickets to Machu Picchu are subject to availability.
* IMPORTANT! We require a minimum of 2 participants to book this private guided Tour. If you’re a solo traveler, we’d love to have you on our tours. Please check the additional cost for solo travelers on our booking form, or reach out to us at info@cuscolocalfriend.com for further assistance.
Price Options
Classic Experience
Private Tour with Tourist Train
- Professional Tour Guide
- Inbound Expedition Train
- Outbound Expedition Train
- Private Transport to/from the Train station
- Admission Tickets to Machu Picchu
- Shuttle Bus to/from Machu Picchu park
* IMPORTANT! We require a minimum of 2 participants to book this tour
Premium Experience
Private Tour with First-class Train
- Professional Tour Guide
- Inbound glass-roof Vistadome train
- Outbound glass-roof Vistadome train
- Private Transport to/from the Train station
- Admission Tickets to Machu Picchu
- Shuttle Bus to/from Machu Picchu park
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes
* IMPORTANT! We require a minimum of 2 participants to book this tour
Luxury Experience
All-inclusive by Belmond train
- Professional Tour Guide
- Inbound Luxury Belmond train
- Outbound Luxury Belmond train
- Private Transport to/from the Train station
- Admission Tickets to Machu Picchu
- Shuttle Bus to/from Machu Picchu park
- Complimentary water and Snack
- Gourmet Lunch and Dinner on board
Frequently Asked Questions
What is not included in the tour price ?
- Travel Insurance
- Anything not mentioned above
- Huaynapicchu OR Machupicchu Montaña Ticket (Need to be booked in advance as spaces are LIMITED) – $ 70 USD per person.
What is the cancellation policy ?
- Minimum fees (Machu Picchu Classic Experience fees): $110 per person
- Minimum fees (Machu Picchu Premium Experience fees): $150 per person
- For cancellations made with more than 7 days’ minimum notice, we will refund your deposit minus the minimum fee described above.
- If cancellation is made within 7 days’ notice, no refund can be given.
What should I pack for this trip ?
- Important! Original passports, please bring the ones you used when booking the tour. If you renovate it then bring both the old and the new one.
- Camera(s) and extra battery if you have one
- SUNBLOCK, the sun is very strong up here, even when it is cloudy, you may get burnt.
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Mosquitos Repellent (They can be purchased locally)
- Rain jacket/ poncho. At Machu Picchu, rain is always expected as it is located in the cloud forest area so please be prepared (Plastic rain cover or poncho can also 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.
- A Daypack where you can carry your own belongings (water, snacks, camera, etc)
- Nalgene or Aluminium reusable bottles are recommended if possible
- Small first aid kit.
- Hand sanitizer
When is the best time to travel to Machu Picchu ?
The best time to go to Machu Picchu depends basically on two factors such as weather and crowds:
So, the best time to visit Machu Picchu is the shoulder months, April, May, September, October, and November. The chances of rain are few during these months, and the temperature is pleasant as it is away from the cold winter nights of the peak season. During these months, there will be fewer crowds too.
The rainy season in Cusco and Machu Picchu is from November to March. While the crowds are smaller during this time, making it a more peaceful and enjoyable experience. The weather can be unpredictable, and there is a higher chance of rain and cloudy skies. However, the rainy season can also offer beautiful views of the misty mountains and lush vegetation.
The peak tourist season in Machu Picchu is from mid-June to Mid-Septemer, which coincides with the summer break in the northern hemisphere. During this time, the weather is generally clear and dry, making it a popular time to visit. However, the crowds can be quite large, and it can be difficult to get tickets and accommodations so we recommend booking way in advance for these months.
So what to expect on a regular day at Machu Picchu? – 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 especially in the rainy season)
Are there bathrooms at Machu Picchu ?
Yes! 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. Make sure you use the bathroom before you enter the site. It is right in front of the entrance.
What is NOT allowed at Machupicchu ?
- Smoking
- Food is not allowed (The ticket says that eating inside the site is not allowed, but you can bring a small snack with you, only try not to eat too openly, and it comes without saying that you should not litter) There is a restaurant at the gate of Machu Picchu and many more down in Aguas Calientes town
- Fly drones over Machupicchu or any other Inka ruins
- Walking Sticks unless the visitor really needs them (Then, sticker should have rubber tips)
- 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)
How much luggage should I take on the trains ?
The train company allows any luggage not exceeding 5 kg / 11 lb or a small carry-on. Big baggage can block the exits so it is recommended to leave at your Cusco hotel o sacred Valley Hotel and pick them up after Machu Picchu.
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.
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