Machu Picchu Tour Guide
Get the best Guide for Machu Picchu and Learn the Rich History of this Iconic Inca Citadel on a private guided tour.
Private Machu Picchu Tour Guide – Experience Machu Picchu with an exclusive private tour guide by your side, who can help you navigate the crowds that often visit this iconic site. With your own personal guide, you’ll have the freedom to explore the ancient citadel at your own pace and gain deep insight into the rich history and culture of the Incan people.
Discover the wonders of Machu Picchu, one of the most renowned Inca citadels, with a private guided tour departing from Aguas Calientes. With a personal guide at your side, immerse yourself in the history of ancient temples, terraced hills, and sacred sites. Take in breathtaking views of this UNESCO-listed wonder from the best vantage points, and capture stunning photos to remember your visit. You’ll even have the chance to meet the local residents – the friendly llamas!
Our private Machu Picchu Tour Guide service with round-trip travel from Aguas Calientes is perfect for those who travel independently and do not want an organized tour, instead, they choose how to arrive in Aguas Calientes, prefer to organize their own transportation and purchase tickets but are willing to absorb the history behind this Inca citadel on a guided tour of this citadel.
If you prefer an organized and hassle-free experience, our all-inclusive Machu Picchu guided tours are the perfect option for you. Choose between our all-inclusive Machu Picchu guided tour from Aguas Calientes or our all-inclusive Day trip from Ollantaytambo and Urubamba and let us take care of all the details, including ticket reservations, so you can relax and fully immerse yourself in the wonder of Machu Picchu with our expert guides.
Why you will love this tour
- Experience Machu Picchu – the New7Wonders of the World with a private tour guide who will meet you at your hotel or the train station.
- Discover the ancient history of the site’s temples, terraced hills, and plazas
- 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: Based on your Machu Picchu Ticket entry time. Please provide us with this information.
- Tour duration: From Hotel or Train Station takes about 4 Hours. The actual guiding time at the site is 2.5 – 3 Hours approx.
- Group Size: This is a private tour so the guide will be only for your group
- Mode: Walking
- 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 Tour Guide service starting from Aguas Calientes
Choose the departure time based on your Machu Picchu Ticket entry time (between 6 am ~ 2 pm entry times) – 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 (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, You can choose to stay longer at the gate of Machu Picchu or return to Aguas Calientes. Our guide service will end at the gate of Machu Picchu, after finalizing the tour circuit.
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.
Included
- Greet and meet at your hotel or at the train station
- Professional English-Spanish-speaking local guide (Or Spanish-Spanish speaking Guide)
Not Included
- Admission Ticket to Machu Picchu Inca Citadel
- Shuttle Bus tickets: Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes
- Lunch
- Train tickets to/from Aguas Calientes Town (Our tour starts from Aguas Calientes Town) If you prefer everything including the train ticket all organized, you may check out our all-inclusive Day trip from Urubamba or a Day Trip from Cusco.
Book this Experience
Contact Us
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cancellation policy ?
- Cancellations within 7 days before the tour, will be entitled to refund the costs not used for Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu tickets
- 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.
How to Get to Aguas Calientes Town ?
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Can I walk from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu Ruins?
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.
Can I add Huayna Picchu Mountain hike to this Tour ?
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.
What is the best time of the day to visit to Machu Picchu?
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.
How much time do I need at Machu Picchu ?
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.
What to expect in terms of weather 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 in the rainy season); Mosquito area so bring your repellent.
What should I pack for this tour ?
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)
Where are the bathrooms at Machu Picchu ?
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.
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