Machu Picchu Private Guided Tour from Aguas Calientes

Walk the citadel with a guide who knows it, and ask about what you're standing in front of.

A private guided tour of Machu Picchu citadel departing from Aguas Calientes includes entrance ticket, shuttle bus from town to the site, and a professional guide who customizes the route to your interests and takes photographs throughout. You choose your departure time between 5:30am and 3:30pm, and the guide speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese or French. Train tickets from Cusco are not included. The tour lasts about three and a half hours at the citadel.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private guided tour of Machu Picchu

• Meet guide in Aguas Calientes
• Depart by bus to Machu Picchu
• Private guided tour of Machu Picchu
• Guide takes photographs
• Return by bus to Aguas Calientes

The experience

You pick the time that works for your train arrival (anywhere between 5:30am and 3:30pm), and meet your guide in Aguas Calientes to board the shuttle bus up to the citadel gate. The bus ride itself is part of the climb. From there, the guide leads you through Machu Picchu on one of three main circuits (Circuit 2 is the priority route, though Circuit 3B or 1B may be assigned depending on availability). The operator confirms your circuit before tickets are issued, so you know which one you're walking before the day starts.

Your guide customizes the tour based on what draws you: the engineering, the history, the layout of the terraces, the mystery of why it was built here. They answer questions as you move through the site and photograph you in front of the landmarks, so you get images of yourself there instead of just the ruins. The whole experience at the citadel runs about three and a half hours, then the shuttle brings you back down to Aguas Calientes.

Bring comfortable walking shoes. The site involves uneven terrain and stairs. The entrance ticket is valid only for the date you visit and is non-refundable, so confirm your travel date before booking. If you're a Peruvian citizen, you'll need to submit your National Identity Document (DNI) through the operator's platform and bring it on the day: the system doesn't issue tickets to Peruvian nationals using a passport. Train delays from Cusco won't be covered by the operator, so plan your departure time with a buffer if your train is running late.

What’s included

• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu citadel on your selected circuit.
• professional guide in English, Spanish, Portuguese or French.
• shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes to the citadel gate and back.

Options for this experience

5 options

Up to 9 per booking · Guide in 4 languages9 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 14:00

Up to 9 per booking · Guide in 4 languages8 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 14:00

Up to 9 per booking · Guide in 4 languages09:00 and 11:00

See 2 more options

Up to 8 per booking · Guide in 4 languages07:00 and 09:00

Up to 8 per booking · Guide in 4 languages07:00 and 09:00

You pick the guide language when booking. Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day9 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 14:00Last departure this season: 12 May 2027

AgesAdult (17 and older) · Child (3 to 16 years) · Infant (under 3)

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Departure Point: Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) bus station Dates: Daily Return point: Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) bus station”

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for heart conditions

Operated by VIPAC Travel

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to explore Machu Picchu with someone who knows the site and can answer your questions in real time: the private guide customizes the route to what interests you, and you're not moving at a group pace. Choose an earlier departure time if you want to beat the crowds. Later slots work if your train arrives in the afternoon.

Traveler reviews

4.78★★★★★★★★★★

258 verified traveler reviews

5 ★228

4 ★14

3 ★9

2 ★4

1 ★3

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 16 years); Infant (under 3).

Can I choose which circuit I walk at Machu Picchu, or is it assigned?

Circuit 2 (Traditional) is the priority route and will be assigned if available. If it's not, you'll be offered Circuit 3B or Circuit 1B before your tickets are issued, so you can confirm which one you prefer. The operator tells you which circuit you're getting before the day starts.

What time can I depart from Aguas Calientes?

You can choose any departure time between 5:30am and 3:30pm, so you can time it around your train arrival from Cusco or your own schedule.

Are train tickets from Cusco included?

No, train tickets are not included. You arrange your own transport from Cusco to Aguas Calientes. The tour includes only the shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes up to the citadel and back down.

How long does the tour last?

The tour at Machu Picchu citadel lasts about three and a half hours, not including the shuttle ride from town.

What happens if my train from Cusco is delayed?

The operator is not responsible for train delays, so if your train arrives late, you'll need to adjust your departure time or reschedule. Plan your chosen time slot with a buffer if your train is running behind.