Photo gallery
Private Machu Picchu guided tour photos
Tour overview
Private Machu Picchu guided tour at a glance
Book a private Machu Picchu tour with a licensed, bilingual guide who works only for your group. Your guide meets you in Aguas Calientes 30–45 minutes before your entry time, rides the bus up with you and leads a 2–2.5 hour visit along your circuit, usually Circuit 2 (Classic), at your pace and around your interests. From US$ 110 per group of up to 10, or from US$ 169 per person with your entry ticket and round-trip bus included.
Our Cusco team checks the services, timings and availability for your dates and sends the options in a written quote.
Choose your visit
Private vs shared
| Compare | Shared guide | Private guide |
|---|---|---|
| Who joins | Other travelers; group size confirmed before booking | Only your party, up to 10 travelers |
| Guide's attention | Commentary for the group | Dedicated to your party and questions |
| Starting price | From US$ 30 per person | From US$ 110 per group |
| Ticket and bus | Can be added when available | Can be added for a coordinated visit |
Journey highlights
Highlights of the Private Machu Picchu guided tour
- Licensed, bilingual Machu Picchu guides
- Shared group or private guide
- Option with ticket and bus included
- Meet at your hotel or the bus stop in Aguas Calientes
Interactive journey map
From Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
The shuttle connection is shown schematically; your exact meeting point is confirmed in your quote.
Ready in Machu Picchu Pueblo
- 01Machu Picchu PuebloAlso known as Aguas Calientes
- 02Machu Picchu entranceBegin your guided visit
By shuttle busMachu Picchu Pueblo to the sanctuary entrance.
Return journeyReturn connections are confirmed in your quote.
Detailed itinerary
Private Machu Picchu guided tour itinerary
Times and services are indicative. Your final schedule is confirmed in your written quote.
Meeting your guide
Your guide meets you in Aguas Calientes at the agreed point and time, checks your ticket and passport, and rides the bus up with you (25 minutes). With the guide + ticket + bus option, your guide also hands you your bus tickets and Machu Picchu ticket, issued in your name.
The guided visit
At the gate your guide explains the one-way route of your circuit and the rules inside. On Circuit 2 (Classic), the most complete first visit, you start at the postcard view over the citadel and Huayna Picchu, then walk through the agricultural terraces, the main gate, the quarry, the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Tomb, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Main Temple, the Main Plaza and the Sacred Rock. Your guide tells the story of the Incas and of Machu Picchu's rediscovery, explains the astronomy and the engineering, and points out the best photo spots. On other circuits the stops change, and your guide adapts the explanation.
After the visit
The tour ends at the exit of your route. You take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes on your own, or stay at the entrance if you have a mountain ticket or a later appointment.
What's included
What's included in the Private Machu Picchu guided tour
Included
- a licensed guide for 2–2.5 hours
- with the full option, your Machu Picchu ticket and round-trip bus
Not included
- train
- hotel
- meals
- tips
Optional extras
Ways to tailor this trip
- Huayna Picchu / Machu Picchu Mountain +US$ 75
- train tickets on request
Optional services are subject to availability. Mention your preferences in the booking form notes; your quote will list the selected extras and final total.
Plan with confidence
Duration, difficulty and price
Good to know
Good to know before you go
Entrance route
This tour uses Circuit 2 (Classic), confirmed in your quote. See Machu Picchu circuits explained.
Planning guides
Planning guides
What to bring
What to pack
- Original passport
- Small daypack and a refillable water bottle
- Rain jacket, sun hat, sunscreen and insect repellent
- Comfortable walking shoes
Carry the original passport used to book. Check your confirmed ticket and operator instructions for current baggage and site rules.
Frequently asked questions
Private Machu Picchu guided tour FAQs
What does a private Machu Picchu tour include?
A licensed, bilingual guide for your group only, for about 2–2.5 hours inside the citadel. With the full option we also include your Machu Picchu entry ticket and the round-trip bus between Aguas Calientes and the entrance. Train, hotel, meals and tips are not included.
How much is a private guide at Machu Picchu?
A private guide starts at US$ 110 for a group of up to 10. The full option with guide, entry ticket and bus starts at US$ 169 per person for 2 travelers. A shared guide starts at US$ 30 per person.
Is a private guide worth it at Machu Picchu?
Yes, if you want to set the pace, ask questions freely, travel with children or older relatives, or focus on photography. Inside the citadel you follow a one-way circuit, and a private guide makes the most of every stop without waiting for a larger group.
Where does my private guide meet me?
At your hotel or at the bus stop in Aguas Calientes, 30–45 minutes before the entry time on your ticket. Your guide checks your ticket and passport and rides the bus up with you.
Can I book a private guide if I already have my Machu Picchu ticket?
Yes. Send us your ticket details (date, entry time and circuit) and we match a guide to your entry slot.
Can you add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes, for US$ 75 per person, subject to availability. The guided visit ends before the mountain climb, which you do on your own.
Can you book my train and hotel too?
Yes. Add them to your quote, or see our 2-day Machu Picchu tour.
How is the price set?
The shared guide is priced per person, the private guide is a flat price for groups of up to 10, and the full option (guide, ticket and bus) is per person for 2 travelers.
Tripadvisor reviews
What travelers say about the private Machu Picchu guided tour
Reviews of Traveleez Peru SAC, the operator of Machu-Picchu.tours, on our Tripadvisor profile Machu Picchu by Traveleez.
★★★★★
Personal, impactful, and professional tour guide
“Edith was SUCH a good tour guide - explained everything perfectly in both English and Spanish.”
★★★★★
Rudy made Machu Picchu unforgettable for our whole family
“He paced the tour perfectly for our family.”
★★★★★
Inka world admiration
“It was the perfect tour. Rudy explained at our pace, took photos, and answered questions!”
Translated from German
