Machu Picchu: Private Guided Tour with Flexible Start & Pickup

Summary

Walk Machu Picchu’s terraces & temples at your own pace with a local

You’ll meet your private guide in Aguas Calientes or at Machu Picchu’s main gate—whatever works best—and ride up together by bus. With your own expert leading the way, you’ll explore temples, terraces, and hidden corners at your own pace. Ask questions, pause for photos, or just stand quietly above the valley—the day is yours to shape.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping off the bus from Aguas Calientes was how the morning mist clung to Machu Picchu’s stones — not thick, but just enough to blur the edges. Our guide, Rosa, met us right at the gate (she waved before I even spotted her). She’d grown up nearby and seemed to know everyone. There was this faint scent of wet earth mixed with eucalyptus as we started along the main path. I remember my shoes slipping a bit on the old steps — they’re smoother than you’d think.

We wandered through the citadel for about three hours, though honestly I lost track of time. Rosa pointed out where the sun would hit during solstice — she even had us stand in just the right spot for that classic Machu Picchu photo (I still laugh thinking about how many tries it took me to look “natural”). At one point, she told a story about her grandfather working on restoration projects here. The way she said “Intihuatana” made me try repeating it; she grinned and corrected me gently. There were groups passing by but we never felt rushed — if I wanted to stop for a minute or ask something random (like why llamas seem so unbothered by tourists), she always had an answer or just let us take it in quietly.

I didn’t expect how peaceful some corners would feel, even with all the visitors around. The terraces were bright green against those grey walls, and when the clouds broke for a second, everything looked sharper — almost unreal. We finished near one of the lookout points where Rosa suggested we just sit for a while. No big speech or anything; just letting it sink in. That silence sticks with me more than any photo could.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private guided tour of Machu Picchu

• Meet guide in Aguas Calientes
• Take 30-minute bus to Machu Picchu
• Show passport and entry ticket
• Tour temples, palaces, and terraces
• Visit lookout points and plazas
• Enjoy personalized pace and photos

Top questions

How long does this private Machu Picchu tour last?

The guided tour lasts about 2 to 3 hours inside Machu Picchu Citadel.

Where do I meet my guide for this tour?

You can meet your guide at your hotel in Aguas Calientes, at the train station, or directly at Machu Picchu’s main gate.

Are entry tickets to Machu Picchu included?

No, entry tickets and bus tickets are not included but help booking them is available.

Is hotel pickup included in Aguas Calientes?

Yes, pickup from your hotel or train station in Aguas Calientes is included if you prefer.

Does this tour include hikes like Huayna Picchu?

No extra hikes are included; this tour covers only Machu Picchu Citadel itself.

Can children join this private guided tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

What should I bring for entry?

You must bring your original passport and pre-booked Machu Picchu entry ticket.

What’s included

Your day includes a private local guide throughout Machu Picchu Citadel and flexible pickup from your hotel or train station in Aguas Calientes—just let them know what suits you best before arrival.