Machu Picchu Tour, Sacred Valley

4.9 (20 reviews)

Overview

The ruins of the 15th century Incan citadel of Machu Picchu (which translates to "old mountain") were largely hidden to the outside world until the early 20th century. Today over a million visitors flock to this UNESCO World Heritage Site each year. They come to see a masterpiece of ancient engineering that served as a sanctuary and retreat for the Incan Emperor Pachacuti and his royal court.

The tour starts in the town of Aguas Calientes, at the foot of the mountain where the ruins are located. This half-day guided tour starts early and involves an easy 25-minute bus ride up the mountain to Machu Picchu, which sits at an altitude of 7,970 feet (2,430 meters). The guide then leads groups around the site, explaining the purpose of the different stone structures. Approximately one-third of Machu Picchu has been reconstructed, which gives visitors a sense of the grandeur and artistry of the original citadel. The 360° views of the towering peaks of the surrounding Peruvian highlands are equally impressive.

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Traveler reviews

20 total ratings, 12 with reviews
4.9
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
4.9
Guides, Drivers and Staff
4.7
Transport
4.9
Miranda
Miranda S.
Canada | Reviewed on Jan 17, 2024

A must-visit for anyone traveling to Peru. The guide was very informative and it greatly enhanced our visit. The trails leading up to the site present unforgettable views. Definitely a highlight of our trip to Peru! A highlight was the Huayna Picchu hike. Lack of re-entry tickets was a bit of a letdown though. Could use better communication regarding this in the future.

Jeanette
Jeanette C.
Camden, NJ | Reviewed on Dec 31, 2023
The most beautiful place that I ever visit .we made my husband big 50 so special at this place and day Read more

The most beautiful place that I ever visit .we made my husband big 50 so special at this place and day

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
All I can say thank you Franklyn and Kim Kim
Transport
Jodie
Jodie B.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Nov 02, 2023
Pictures do not due it justice. It was incredible! Read more

Pictures do not due it justice. It was incredible!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
K
Keshigaa P.
Canada | Reviewed on Oct 30, 2023
This was the main point of our Peru trip and a bucket list item. It was fantastic and breathtaking no matter how many times you see the iconic photo. The line up to get on the bus that takes you up can be crazy long and it took us about 20 minutes to board a bus but the buses were always coming and we got to Machu Picchu about 10 minutes after our entry time with no delay entering the ruins. There's a decent amount of steps to start circuit 1 and 2 which covers most of Machu Picchu so be... Read more

This was the main point of our Peru trip and a bucket list item. It was fantastic and breathtaking no matter how many times you see the iconic photo. The line up to get on the bus that takes you up can be crazy long and it took us about 20 minutes to board a bus but the buses were always coming and we got to Machu Picchu about 10 minutes after our entry time with no delay entering the ruins.

There's a decent amount of steps to start circuit 1 and 2 which covers most of Machu Picchu so be prepared for that and there's going to be lots of people. Our guide was able to get some fantastic shots of us from angles that hid a lot of the people so definitely trust your guide. It also helps bring the entire city to perspective having someone knowledgeable talk about it. It started chilly but all the walking definitely makes you feel warm so layers is key as well as a raincoat as no umbrellas are allowed. Because of how late we booked our trip we got a later entry time but didn't feel rushed when we had to make it back for our afternoon train (Valeriano was a fantastic guide despite the time constraints). And at no point did we feel like we missed out on anything by the time we left. We did have to skip lunch but we stopped for snacks both before heading to Machu Picchu and before catching the train (if you are on the Vistadome train they provide a small snack box) which tided us over until dinner.

Tips for future travelers

On the trip up sit on the right hand side of the bus to get the best views as you climb the mountain to Machu Picchu.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
J
Jen T.
Herndon, VA | Reviewed on Dec 02, 2022
A once in a lifetime experience that did not disappoint!! Absolutely magnificient! While I expected this from the location and site, it was made even better by our outstanding tour guide Edwin from Cusi Travel. His descriptions and fact about Machu Picchu made the trip far more meaningful. Read more

A once in a lifetime experience that did not disappoint!! Absolutely magnificient! While I expected this from the location and site, it was made even better by our outstanding tour guide Edwin from Cusi Travel. His descriptions and fact about Machu Picchu made the trip far more meaningful.

Tips for future travelers

Cusi Travel. Edwin.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ciarra
Ciarra N.
Manhattan, NY | Reviewed on Nov 16, 2022
We met our tour guide at 7am for our 8am tour of Machu Picchu. Richard was very cool and knowledgeable. A little preachy at times but he gave us good information. This was my second time to Machu Picchu and I get a bit of a different story from each tour guide I have! The clouds covered the city at first, and the clouds are always my favorite part! Then they disperse and show you the hidden city and it's amazing! It wasn't too crowded either. Read more

We met our tour guide at 7am for our 8am tour of Machu Picchu. Richard was very cool and knowledgeable. A little preachy at times but he gave us good information. This was my second time to Machu Picchu and I get a bit of a different story from each tour guide I have! The clouds covered the city at first, and the clouds are always my favorite part! Then they disperse and show you the hidden city and it's amazing! It wasn't too crowded either.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Terri
Terri N.
Tempe Junction, AZ | Reviewed on Nov 08, 2022
Wish we would have had the whole day, because the weather was wet and foggy in the morning and we couldn’t see the ruins very well. Read more

Wish we would have had the whole day, because the weather was wet and foggy in the morning and we couldn’t see the ruins very well.

Tips for future travelers

Plan a full day or even two days to make sure you get to really see Machu Picchu. Just a morning trip and you may not get to see everything.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The train on the way back was MUCH nicer than the one on the way there. I would use the nicer train both ways.
Lissa
Lissa J.
Maryville, TN | Reviewed on Oct 31, 2022
Hard to describe how wonderful this was! Read more

Hard to describe how wonderful this was!

Tips for future travelers

Go early, the clouds are amazing. Take bug spray and sunscreen. Hiking shoes!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Train was fun
I
Isabelle R.
France | Reviewed on Aug 02, 2022
L'endroit est juste magnifique et magique Read more

L'endroit est juste magnifique et magique

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Dommage guide pas du tout à la hauteur de nos attentes
Transport
Joni
Joni G.
Richardson, TX | Reviewed on Jul 22, 2022
Stunning! Sacred! Amazing! Fantastic! Read more

Stunning! Sacred! Amazing! Fantastic!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport

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Itineraries with Machu Picchu Tour