Private Machu Picchu Tour with Professional Photos

See Machu Picchu with a guide who photographs your visit

A private guided tour of Machu Picchu departing from Aguas Calientes with hotel or train station pickup, led by a professional guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese. The guide shares the history and archaeology of the site while photographing you and your companions at the classic viewpoints and throughout the citadel. The tour covers the highest platforms and the full ruins over roughly 3 hours. Machu Picchu entry and the bus up from the town are separate bookings.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit and photograph Machu Picchu

• Pick up from hotel or train station
• Board bus to Machu Picchu
• Show passports and tickets
• Take photos at highest platforms
• Take memorable photos with guide
• Tour Machu Picchu citadel for 3 hours

The experience

Machu Picchu sits at 7,970 feet, and the only way up from Aguas Calientes is by bus. This tour includes pickup from your hotel or the train station, then the ride to the entrance. Once you arrive, your guide handles the passport check and ticket verification, then takes you straight to the highest platforms: the spots where the classic photographs of the ruins work best. The guide photographs you and anyone traveling with you at these vantage points and throughout the citadel, so you leave with professional images instead of just phone snapshots.

The informative tour itself runs about 3 hours. Your guide walks you through the history, archaeology and geography of the site while exploring the details of the citadel. The guide adjusts the pace and focus to your group's interests, whether you want deep dives into specific structures or a broader overview. Families, couples and solo travelers all book this version. The guide is trained to work with children in strollers and with varying fitness levels, though the terrain is uneven and involves climbing.

The tour ends at the citadel. You'll need to arrange your own return bus ticket and descent to Aguas Calientes, or book the bus separately. Guides speak English, Spanish or Portuguese depending on availability at checkout.

What’s included

• Hotel or train station pickup from Aguas Calientes.
• professional guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• professional photography of you and your group at the classic viewpoints and throughout the citadel.
• guided 3-hour tour of the Machu Picchu ruins with historical and archaeological commentary.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day21 departure times: the first at 05:00, the last at 15:00

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomeNot for heart conditions

Operated by IncaGo Expeditions

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want professional photos of yourself at Machu Picchu rather than just landscape shots, and prefer a guide who photographs you throughout the visit.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Do I need to buy my Machu Picchu entry ticket separately?

Yes. The Machu Picchu entry ticket (USD 45) and the bus ticket up from Aguas Calientes (USD 24 each way) are not included in the tour price and must be purchased separately before or at the gate.

What happens if I don't have a car in Aguas Calientes?

Hotel or train station pickup is included, so your guide meets you there and takes you to the bus terminal. If you're staying outside the town center, confirm your hotel address at checkout so the driver knows where to find you.

How much walking and climbing is involved?

The citadel involves uneven terrain and stone steps, and the highest platforms require climbing. The tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, but moderate fitness and willingness to move at a steady pace are enough for most visitors.

Can I bring a stroller or infant seat?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available. The uneven ground and stairs make a stroller practical only for the lower sections of the site.