Private Machu Picchu Experience, Sacred Valley

4.9 (35 reviews)
Show all photos
Anisha
Anisha L.
Oct 27, 2025
We visited circuit one and circuit three and had an amazing experience. Our tour guide Ray was very knowledgeable and helped to paint the picture of... Read more
B
Barbara S.
Oct 26, 2025
I can't wait to return and do the 4 day hike!!
Alexandria
Alexandria T.
Oct 18, 2025
Originally I wanted to justleave this review as: its machu picchu, need i say more? In short, it was unbelievable. In long, the tour made the... Read more
Craig
Craig Y.
Jan 13, 2025
What a beautiful magical spot not a piece she is. I highly recommend everyone to do this tour.
Anna Mae
Anna Mae R.
Dec 08, 2024
The very reason I booked a trip to Peru! It didn’t dissapoint! The Machu Picchu is very charming and amazing, our tour guides, Emilia is also... Read more
Previous Next
See all reviews

Overview

Step back in time with a deep dive into Inca civilization as you explore the UNESCO-protected Machu Picchu and its ruins on a half-day, privately guided experience. After a short bus ride from your hotel in Aguas Calientes, you'll set out to visit the 15th-century citadel with your guide, who'll illuminate its historical significance and impressive architecture. Learn about this engineering feat, once a seasonal royal court for the Inca emperor, Pachacutec. Then, post-exploration, you'll return by bus to Aguas Calientes. This excursion explores Inca culture and history and is great for history buffs and families.

Highlights

  • Marvel at the famed ruins of Machu Picchu alongside a knowledgeable guide
  • Ride in comfort from Aguas Calientes to the citadel on a scenic 25-minute bus ride
  • Discover the history and architecture of the Inca Empire at this UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Learn intriguing stories about the life of Emperor Pachacutec and the site's significance

What you'll do

Your journey to Machu Picchu (which translates to "old mountain") begins early from Aguas Calientes and involves an easy 25-minute bus ride up the mountain to the entrance of the iconic Inca citadel. Sitting at an altitude of 7,970 feet (2,430 m), Machu Picchu was largely hidden from the outside world until the early 20th century; today, over a million visitors flock to this UNESCO World Heritage Site each year. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by the impressive sight, a masterpiece of ancient engineering that served as a sanctuary and retreat for Inca Emperor Pachacuti and his royal court.

Your guide will then lead you around the site, explaining the purpose of the different stone structures. Approximately one-third of Machu Picchu has been reconstructed, which gives its visitors a sense of the grandeur and artistry of the original citadel. The 360-degree views of the towering peaks of the surrounding Peruvian highlands are equally impressive. When it's time and after snapping all the requisite pics, you'll return by bus back to Aguas Calientes.

Like what you see?

Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.

Get started

Traveler photos
See all photos
Travelers often mention

Summarized by AI based on kimkim traveler reviews

Beautiful Scenery

Reviewers frequently mentioned the breathtaking views and incredible scenery of Machu Picchu, often describing it as stunning, magnificent, and sacred. (7 mentions)

Ciarra
“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!”  — Ciarra N.
Miranda
“The trails leading up to the site present unforgettable views.”  — Miranda S.
K
“It was fantastic and breathtaking no matter how many times you see the iconic photo.”  — Keshigaa P.
Outstanding Guides

Many reviewers praised the tour guides, mentioning names like Edwin, Valeriano, and Richard. They highlighted how the guides' knowledge and insights greatly enhanced their experience. (5 mentions)

Miranda
“The guide was very informative and it greatly enhanced our visit.”  — Miranda S.
K
“Valeriano was a fantastic guide despite the time constraints.”  — Keshigaa P.
B
“Our local guide, Cesar, made sure that the day was as comfortable as possible and allowed us enough time there to enjoy the unique beauty and history of the place.”  — Bala L.
Cultural and Historical Significance

Visitors appreciated the rich history and cultural significance of Machu Picchu, which was often enhanced by the guides' detailed explanations. (3 mentions)

nadeem
“amazing last masterpiece of inca empire”  — nadeem q.
Kira
“Fredy shared so much rich history with us”  — Kira C.
B
“allowed us enough time there to enjoy the unique beauty and history of the place.”  — Bala L.
Challenging Hikes

The trails and hikes, including Huayna Picchu, were mentioned as challenging but rewarding, offering unforgettable views. (2 mentions)

Miranda
“A highlight was the Huayna Picchu hike.”  — Miranda S.
K
“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.”  — Keshigaa P.

Traveler reviews

35 total ratings, 21 with reviews
4.9
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
5.0
Guides, Drivers and Staff
4.8
Transport
4.9
Anisha
Anisha L.
Mead Valley, CA | Reviewed on Oct 27, 2025
We visited circuit one and circuit three and had an amazing experience. Our tour guide Ray was very knowledgeable and helped to paint the picture of what Machu Picchu was like in it prime period. The weather was amazing and made for a mystical and magical experience. Read more

We visited circuit one and circuit three and had an amazing experience. Our tour guide Ray was very knowledgeable and helped to paint the picture of what Machu Picchu was like in it prime period. The weather was amazing and made for a mystical and magical experience.

Tips for future travelers

I definitely think it’s doable to do two circuits in one day. It’s also a good idea to add on the Klein to the other mountain. It would’ve been nice to see the view of Machu Picchu from the second smaller mountain.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
B
Barbara S.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Oct 26, 2025
I can't wait to return and do the 4 day hike!! Read more

I can't wait to return and do the 4 day hike!!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Alexandria
Alexandria T.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Oct 18, 2025
Originally I wanted to justleave this review as: its machu picchu, need i say more? In short, it was unbelievable. In long, the tour made the difference. Our guide was fantastic, answering all questions and giving us a tour we would have absolutely not gotten had we gone independently. She picked the trails we went on strategically based history, pure convenience for photo opportunities, and crowd control. This tour made it unforgettable, not just unbelievable. Read more

Originally I wanted to justleave this review as: its machu picchu, need i say more? In short, it was unbelievable. In long, the tour made the difference. Our guide was fantastic, answering all questions and giving us a tour we would have absolutely not gotten had we gone independently. She picked the trails we went on strategically based history, pure convenience for photo opportunities, and crowd control. This tour made it unforgettable, not just unbelievable.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Craig
Craig Y.
Boston, MA | Reviewed on Jan 13, 2025

What a beautiful magical spot not a piece she is. I highly recommend everyone to do this tour.

Anna Mae
Anna Mae R.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Dec 08, 2024
The very reason I booked a trip to Peru! It didn’t dissapoint! The Machu Picchu is very charming and amazing, our tour guides, Emilia is also very knowledgeable with the history and patient with us and provided us with ample amounts of rest breaks especially with the stairs part! Read more

The very reason I booked a trip to Peru! It didn’t dissapoint! The Machu Picchu is very charming and amazing, our tour guides, Emilia is also very knowledgeable with the history and patient with us and provided us with ample amounts of rest breaks especially with the stairs part!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Karen
Karen T.
South Africa | Reviewed on Sep 17, 2024

Visiting Machu Picchu was an absolute highlight of our trip. The experience was simply breathtaking. We had a private guide who was incredibly knowledgeable about the history and significance of the site, which really enriched our visit. My husband and son did the hike to Machu Picchu via Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna the day before and it was a perfect lead-up to discovering the treasures of this iconic place. The whole experience was well-organized and we felt very well taken care of.

A
Alexis G.
Canada | Reviewed on Aug 31, 2024
This truly is a wondrous place. While it is a major tourist attraction, the walk up to the sun gate made it feel much less crowded. The Sumaq hotel is exquisite. Our guide, Claudio, was also so passionate and knowledgeable. Read more

This truly is a wondrous place. While it is a major tourist attraction, the walk up to the sun gate made it feel much less crowded. The Sumaq hotel is exquisite. Our guide, Claudio, was also so passionate and knowledgeable.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
nadeem
nadeem q.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jul 06, 2024
Beautiful valley and amazing last masterpiece of inca empire. Read more

Beautiful valley and amazing last masterpiece of inca empire.

Tips for future travelers

Do this tour with the guide..will be more fun. Second, it's quite a hike so don't plan any other major activity on the same day.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
L
Leann L.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on May 11, 2024
Tips for future travelers Do the hike so you can enter early Read more
Tips for future travelers

Do the hike so you can enter early

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guido is the best!
Transport
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.

Like what you see?

Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.

Get started

Itineraries with Private Machu Picchu Experience

Previous Next

Sacred Valley Experiences

Show more Sacred Valley experiences
Previous Next

Peru Experiences

Show more Peru experiences
Previous Next

Best of Peru's Sacred Valley

Best of Peru's Sacred Valley
Previous Next

Trip Planning Essentials

Previous Next