Machu Picchu Tours: Experience all the wonders of the Sacred Valley in an exclusive way.

What Is the Best Machu Picchu Tour? 

Explore one of the wonders of the world when you visit Peru on one of many Machu Picchu tours. But which tour is the best when you travel to Peru? This really comes down to your personal preferences, your budget, and your travel style. The best top 5 Machu Picchu tours in our opinion are as follows: 

Machu Picchu in One

A one-day return trip by train to Machu Picchu. This option is perfect for visiting the Inca site when you are short on time but don´t want to miss out. 

The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu by Train - Another great option for those who want to visit the ancient archaeological sites of the Sacred Valley on the first day, then travel to Aguas Caliente by train. This means you can take the first bus up to Machu Picchu on the second day. Another excellent time-saving option. 

 The 2 Day Inca Trail

The short Inca Trail is an incredible way to experience Machu Picchu when you visit Peru. The Inca Trail Trek arrives at Machu Picchu through the Sun gate after visiting Wiñay Wayna en route. Then visiting Machu Picchu on the second day, before returning to Cusco by train. This is an excellent option for trekkers who don´t have time in their itinerary to do the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. 

 The Hiram Bingham Train 

This option is excellent for those looking to spoil themselves and travel in luxury. The experience is second to none and you are treated like a king- or queen, on your journey to Machu Picchu. Gourmet food, viewing platform, traditional dances and some old-fashioned Orient express-style luxury. The ultimate in luxury travel in Peru! 

 The Classic Inca Trail

Well, The Incas did build this trail to specifically get to Machu Picchu! Why not go old-school and get to Machu Picchu in the same way? There is something truly epic and awe-inspiring about hiking along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. An almost spiritual journey through The Andes to the magical Machu Picchu....  it really is like doing something legendary when you travel to Peru. 

 

Machu Picchu Guided Tours 

There are many Peru travel agencies such as Valencia Travel who will create tailor-made tours to Machu Picchu, and of course, that comes with a higher price tag than organizing a trip independently. You will have the satisfaction that all aspects of the Machu Picchu visit will be covered, from transport to entrance fees, hotels, and a knowledgeable tour guide who can discuss Machu Picchu’s history and what Peruvian people think about Machu Picchu. 

Do I Need a Tour Guide for Machu Picchu? 

 Machu Picchu is the signature sight in the country and generally why people travel to Peru. This iconic Inca site receives thousands of visitors every day who visit Peru to see Inca heritage and history firsthand. To enter Machu Picchu, you have to enter with an official guide. This regulation has two purposes. First, to make the visit more enjoyable and informative, and second, to preserve this impressive World Heritage site. The exception to this rule is if you are climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain inside of Machu Picchu.  The guide does not need to accompany you on these climbs. 

 

Do You Need a Tour Guide for Machu Picchu? 

Machu Picchu is generally why people travel to Peru. This iconic Inca site receives thousands of visitors every day who visit Peru to see Inca heritage and history firsthand. Whether you are trekking to Machu Picchu or visiting on the train, to enter Machu Picchu, you have to enter with an official guide. An authorized guide will provide more cultural and historical context to a Machu Picchu visit. A guide will take you to the most important temples and viewpoints for taking the best photos. They Will also answer your questions and provide additional theories and information that you probably wouldn't find out alone. You can hire a guide at the Machu Picchu entrance or through a reputable Peru tour operator in advance. By booking in advance, you secure a guide who speaks your native language, and you can check reviews prior to your Machu Picchu visit. 

 

How Long Does It Take to Tour Machu Picchu? 

For most people who visit Peru, one day at Machu Picchu is enough. This is what the majority of people prefer. A 2-3 hour guided tour is enough to see all the important archaeological sections of Machu Picchu, including the terraces, temples and viewpoints. What surprises most visitors to Machu Picchu is the spectacular scenery that surrounds the archaeological site. The location of Machu Picchu and how it was built in such a remote location has baffled archaeologists and visitors for decades! Some visitors are left wanting more. The energy, size and incredible sights to see in Machu Picchu often make people decide to stay for an extra day and explore Machu Picchu to the full. 

 

How Much Is a Tour Guide at Machu Picchu? 

 Your dream is probably to visit Machu Picchu when you travel to Peru. You will also be wondering about how much it will cost you? What are the associated costs of a Machu Picchu visit? When it comes to guided services you basically have 2 options. If you decide to hire an authorized tour guide at the Machu Picchu entrance when you visit Peru, expect to pay $15 USD for a group service with other people. If you want a private tour of Machu Picchu then the cost will be around $50 USD, that can be negotiated. If you prefer to book a Peru tour package that includes Machu Picchu then the guided tour will be included, with entrance tickets and transport to and from Cusco. If you want to book your Machu Picchu guided tour in Cusco through an authorized company, then expect to pay around $40 USD. 

 

How to Book a Machu Picchu Tour? 

You can book a Machu Picchu Tour in a number of different ways when you visit Peru. Book it as part of a Peru tour package, and let your Peru tour operator, such as Valencia Travel take care of reserving everything necessary for your Machu Picchu tour.  

Book your Machu Picchu tour online on the government website. https://tuboleto.cultura.pe/. Remember to have your passport details ready when booking online. You will also need to reserve your train tickets to get there, a hotel if you plan to overnight in Aguas Calientes, and the bus up from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu entrance. 

 You can also buy tickets in Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) if you prefer. You should do this the day before you plan to enter Machu Picchu. 

 

How Much to Tip a Machu Picchu Tour Guide? 

 A Good tour guide can be the make or break on your Machu Picchu tour when you visit Peru. An average tip ranges from 10-20% of the total cost of the tour. This always depends on the quality of the guide's service. For a group tour of Machu Picchu, a $5-10 USD per person is an adequate tip. For private tours, the amount to tip may be higher, to reflect the personalized service. The amount you tip should always reflect the level of service you received. Tipping is not obligatory but is a well-received gesture of appreciation in Peru. Tips can make a significant financial contribution to guides, who sometimes work long hours. In larger groups, individual tips will be smaller but when each person´s tip is added together, it can be a significant amount for the guide. 

 

How To Do Machu Picchu Without a Tour 

To visit Machu Picchu without a tour may be more simple than you think when you travel to Peru! In general, you only need to book 3 tickets. The Machu Picchu entrance ticket, the return train ticket and the return shuttle bus ticket. You can travel by bus or minibus from Cusco to the Ollantaytambo train station. Take the train from Ollantaytambo station to the town of Aguas Calientes. From Aguas Calientes take the bus to the Machu Picchu entrance.  Enter Machu Picchu in the morning choosing your preferred circuit. This has to be decided in advance when you purchase your ticket. Finally, you return to Cusco in the same way you arrived. This can be done all on the same day if you arrive early enough or you can choose to spend the night in Aguas Calientes on your Peru visit.