Machu Picchu journey

Machu Picchu Tour Guide (shared or private)

Hire a licensed Machu Picchu tour guide: shared or private, guide only or with your entry ticket and bus. Book with a local Cusco operator.

3–4 hoursStarts in Aguas CalientesShared guide or private group
Check dates

From $30 per adult

Tour overview

Machu Picchu Tour Guide, thoughtfully organized

Already have your ticket, or arriving on your own by train or trek? Hire a licensed, bilingual guide for a 2–2.5 hour tour of the citadel. Join a shared group, book a private guide just for you, or let us add your entry ticket and bus too.

Our Cusco team checks the services, timings and availability for your dates and sends the options in a written quote.

Duration3–4 hours
DifficultyEasy
Shared guide fromUS$ 30 per person
Private guide fromUS$ 110 per group of up to 10

Journey highlights

What makes this trip special

  • Licensed guide for a 2–2.5 hour visit
  • Shared or private guiding to suit your group
  • Add Machu Picchu entry and round-trip bus if needed

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

  1. 01
    Machu Picchu PuebloAlso known as Aguas Calientes
  2. 02
    Machu Picchu entranceBegin your guided visit

By shuttle busMachu Picchu Pueblo to the sanctuary entrance.

Return journeyReturn connections are confirmed in your quote.

Detailed itinerary

Your day, step by step

Times and services are indicative. Your final schedule is confirmed in your written quote.

01

Meet your guide, take the bus up, enjoy a 2–2.5 hour guided visit, then bus down.

What's included

Clear inclusions, no guesswork

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

  • Private guide + Machu Picchu ticket + round-trip bus from US$ 169 per person (2 travelers)
  • 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

Essential trip details

Duration3–4 hours
DifficultyEasy
Shared guide fromUS$ 30 per person
Private guide fromUS$ 110 per group of up to 10
Meeting pointYour hotel or the bus stop in Aguas Calientes

Good to know

Before you travel

Meeting timeset by the entry time on your ticket. Your guide meets you 30–45 minutes before it.
Your guidea licensed, bilingual Machu Picchu guide, shared with up to 16 travelers or private for your group.
CircuitCircuit 2 (Classic) whenever available, confirmed in your quote.
Inside Machu Picchusmall daypacks only; no food, drones or single-use plastic, and no re-entry on the same ticket.
Passportbring the original; the name must match your ticket.

Entrance routes

Understanding Machu Picchu circuits

Machu Picchu uses timed tickets and set routes. The circuit available for your trip depends on tickets, trek permits and your itinerary.

01

Panoramic

Elevated viewpoints and selected mountain routes.

02

Classic

Classic viewpoints and the urban sector.

03

Royalty

Lower-sector temples and royal spaces.

Routes depend on official availability. Your quote will identify the proposed ticket route.

Planning guides

Useful reading before you book

What to bring

Pack light for the day

  • 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

Before you book

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.

Can I book this at the last minute?

Only if tickets are still available for your date. We check availability before payment.

Booking process

From request to confirmed trip

  1. 01

    Send your requestChoose a date, travelers and options.

  2. 02

    We verify availabilityOur Cusco team checks the services for your dates.

  3. 03

    Review and secureYour quote states whether 50% or full payment is due. After payment, we arrange applicable tickets and permits in your name and send confirmation.

Talk to a local specialist

Questions about Machu Picchu Tour Guide?

Talk with a local specialist about the dates, pace and private arrangements that suit your party.

WhatsApp Check dates