Machu Picchu: Private Guided Tour from Aguas Calientes

Summary

Walk ancient Inca paths with a local guide from Aguas Calientes

You’ll meet your guide in Aguas Calientes for a private Machu Picchu tour—bus rides and entry ticket sorted—so you can focus on walking ancient stone paths, hearing stories from someone who knows them well, and pausing for those moments when history feels close enough to touch.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I was a little nervous waiting in Aguas Calientes that morning — there’s this buzz in the air, everyone clutching their tickets like golden passes. Our guide, Julia, found us by the bakery (the smell of sweet bread and coffee still sticks with me) and right away she felt more like a friend than anything official. She checked our Machu Picchu tickets and bus times, made sure we had water, even reminded me to put on sunscreen — which I promptly forgot anyway.

The bus ride up to Machu Picchu is kind of surreal. The road twists through jungle mist and sometimes you catch glimpses of the river way down below. Julia pointed out orchids growing wild by the roadside, these tiny bursts of color against all that green. Once we reached the gate, she handled everything — entry was smooth, no confusion. The first steps inside… it’s hard to explain. There’s this hush, even with crowds around. Julia started telling stories about the Incas building here without mortar (I tried tapping a stone — solid as anything). She encouraged us to ask questions, so I did — probably too many. She never rushed us.

She took photos for us at all the classic spots (I’m usually awkward in pictures but somehow she made it easy). At one point we just stood quietly looking out over the terraces; you could hear birds somewhere below and feel the sun warming up after that early chill. I didn’t expect to feel so small but also sort of connected? Hard to describe. Afterward we caught the shuttle back down to Aguas Calientes together — legs tired but heads full.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private guided tour of Machu Picchu

• Meet guide in Aguas Calientes
• Take bus to Machu Picchu
• Explore Machu Picchu with guide
• Guide takes photos and answers questions
• Return by bus to Aguas Calientes

Top questions

How long does the Machu Picchu private guided tour take?

The tour itself usually lasts around 2–3 hours inside Machu Picchu citadel, plus shuttle transfers between Aguas Calientes and the site.

Does this tour include entry tickets to Machu Picchu?

Yes, admission tickets for your selected circuit and shift are included in the tour price.

Where does the tour start?

The tour begins in Aguas Calientes (also called Machu Picchu Town), where you’ll meet your guide before taking the shuttle bus up.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is provided; you meet your guide directly in Aguas Calientes.

Can I choose my entry time for Machu Picchu?

Yes, you can select your preferred time slot between 5:30am and 3:30pm based on train arrival times and ticket availability.

Are train tickets from Cusco included?

This option is for travelers who already have train tickets; some packages may offer train add-ons but check before booking.

Is lunch included during this tour?

No meals are included; you’ll return to Aguas Calientes after visiting Machu Picchu where there are plenty of places to eat.

Will my guide speak English?

Your professional guide will speak English and can customize explanations based on your interests or questions.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your expert local guide in Aguas Calientes, roundtrip shuttle bus transfers up to Machu Picchu’s entrance gate, admission ticket for your selected circuit inside the citadel (with timing based on your preference), and a private guided exploration tailored to what you want to see or learn—plus help with photos along the way before returning back down by bus together.