Machu Picchu Private Tour from Aguas Calientes with Admission

Walk Machu Picchu's temples and terraces with a private guide who knows the stories behind them

A private guided tour of Machu Picchu departing from Aguas Calientes, with admission ticket and shuttle bus included, where a bilingual guide leads you through the urban sector's main temples, royal residences and sacred sites over roughly three hours. You choose your departure time (morning or afternoon, based on availability) and start either from your hotel or the train station in town.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Aguas Calientespassing by
2. Machu Picchu3h · entry included

Private guided tour of Machu Picchu

• Start from Aguas Calientes accommodation or station
• Arrive at Machu Picchu entrance gate
• Visit Guard House for panoramic views
• Explore Machu Picchu urban sector with guide
• Return by shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes

The experience

The tour begins at your accommodation in Aguas Calientes or at the train station if you're arriving that morning from Cusco or Ollantaytambo. Your private guide meets you there and handles the logistics (admission, the shuttle bus up the mountain, the return trip down), so you show up and walk. Once you reach the entrance gate, the guide takes you first to the Guard House, where the panoramic view of the entire citadel spreads out in front of you. This is where most visitors spend time with a camera. Your guide is there to explain what you're looking at instead of just standing in front of it.

The guided walk through Machu Picchu's urban sector lasts roughly two and a half to three hours. You move through the main temples, royal residences and other significant structures while the guide shares the history of the Inca civilization and the legends tied to each site. The route includes many stairs and uneven terrain, so comfortable shoes matter. You'll also encounter the resident llamas that live on the site. They're accustomed to visitors and often appear in photographs. Your guide points out the best viewpoints for photos and explains what made each structure important to the people who built it.

The tour ends when you board the shuttle bus back to Aguas Calientes. A bilingual guide (English or Spanish) is included, and you can request your preferred language when you book. Train tickets from Cusco or Ollantaytambo are optional (add them at checkout if you need them), but the admission to Machu Picchu and all transport from Aguas Calientes up the mountain and back is already arranged.

What’s included

• Admission ticket to Machu Picchu.
• shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes to the site and back.
• professional bilingual guide (English or Spanish) for the three-hour walk through temples, royal residences and sacred sites.

Options for this experience

2 options

Private guided tour of Machu Picchu departing from Aguas CalientesGuide in English or Spanish · No fixed timeIncludes pickup

Extended Machu Picchu tourGuide in English or Spanish · No fixed timeGuided tour with two circuits: combining Circuit 1 and Circuit 3 gives you the famous viewpoints and the urban sector, much like Circuit 2. Includes pickup

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Senior (71 to 80 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 8 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cusco Local Friend

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you want a guide who explains what you're seeing rather than walking on your own, and you prefer to pick your own departure time instead of joining a group schedule. The private format means your guide moves at your pace and answers your questions as you go.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (3 to 8 years); Infant (under 3).

Can I choose what time my tour starts?

Yes. The private tour offers flexible departure times in the morning or afternoon based on availability, so you can time it around your train arrival or your hotel schedule in Aguas Calientes.

What exactly is included in the price?

Admission to Machu Picchu, the shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes to the site and back, and a professional bilingual guide (English or Spanish) for the three-hour walk through the temples and terraces are all included. Train tickets from Cusco or Ollantaytambo are optional and added separately at checkout.

How long does the actual tour at Machu Picchu take?

The guided walk through the urban sector (temples, royal residences and sacred sites) runs roughly two and a half to three hours, not including time at the Guard House for photos and the shuttle bus rides to and from the site.

Where do I meet my guide?

You can start from your hotel in Aguas Calientes or from the train station in town, depending on where you're staying or arriving. Your guide meets you at whichever location you choose.

Is Machu Picchu difficult to walk?

The tour involves many stairs and uneven terrain, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. The site is suitable for all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. Infants and small children can be brought in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available.

What should I bring?

Comfortable walking shoes, a camera, sunblock and a sun hat are recommended. The admission ticket is valid only for the date of travel and is not refundable, so confirm your date before booking.