Machu Picchu Private Tour: Expert Guide & Top Photo Spots
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 31 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Machu Picchu Private Tour: Expert Guide & Top Photo Spots worth booking?
Machu Picchu Private Tour: Expert Guide & Top Photo Spots is a 2.5-hour experience in Sacred Valley, Peru, from $140 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 31 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 63 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (31)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $140 per person
Experience Machu Picchu through the eyes of a local expert. Forget the crowded groups and scripts. Our private tour is tailored entirely to your pace and interests. Whether you are a photography lover seeking the perfect shot or a history buff wanting to dive deep into Incan secrets, we ensure a meaningful connection with this World Wonder. We don't just show you the ruins; we bring the stones to life.
What you get
About this experience
Experience Machu Picchu through the eyes of a local expert. Forget the crowded groups and scripts. Our private tour is tailored entirely to your pace and interests. Whether you are a photography lover seeking the perfect shot or a history buff wanting to dive deep into Incan secrets, we ensure a meaningful connection with this World Wonder. We don't just show you the ruins; we bring the stones to life.
What's included
Included
- Pick up from hotel or train station
- Licensed Tour Guide at Machu picchu
Not included
- MACHU PICCHU TICKET IS NOT INCLUDED - NO INCLUYE TICKET DE INGRESO A MACHUPICCHU
What you'll see and do
Machupicchu
THE REGULAR TOUR OF MACHU PICCHU with only guide service (2-5 hours with the tour guide) tour guide (transfer) will pick you up from Aguas Calientes town (the main plaza is the meeting point, train station or hotel). .. our transfer will take you to the bus station to take the bus to Machu picchu site (25 minutes) .. you will meet your tour guide up at the entrance of Machu picchu .. where you will start your private tour .. once you get inside you would be taking the longest path seeing first the GUARD HOUSE .. wich is the the best place where you will take and see the clasic pictures of Machu picchu (the ones you see in the internet) then you will go down into Machu picchu where you will see temples, palaces, plazas, etc .. inside Machu picchu .. your tour guide will be with you untill you finish the tour at the exit of Machu picchu .. starts at the checkpoint of Machu picchu and finishes at the exit of Machu picchu.
2 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Sacred Valley
Hotel - desde su hotel. Debe indicarnos nombre del hotel en Aguas Calientes Machu picchu.
Meeting point
Sacred Valley
El punto de encuentro es la única plaza de armas que tiene el pueblo - al frente del único templo en Aguas Calientes pueblo.. 3 minutos caminando de la estación de Tren.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Terminan después del tour de Machu picchu en la puerta de salida de Machu picchu del lugar arqueologico.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Paper
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Machupicchu Tour Guides
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 31 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
6 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Good for families
4 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
31 verified traveler reviews for Machu Picchu Private Tour: Expert Guide & Top Photo Spots. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing experience!
We visited the machu pichu with Hernan and it was amazing! He was very patient with my 3 kids who had a lot of questions! He organized and booked everything (train, bus, etc) and it went smoothly. It was stressful to transfer so much money up front. But I can reassure you, it was all legit and went well. I would strongly recommend!
via Tripadvisor
Infectious Passion, Thoughtful Pace, Flawless Planning
Hernan and the team at Machu Picchu Tour Guides made what could have been a daunting task, organising a two-day Machu Picchu experience from the other side of the world, genuinely easy and smooth from start to finish. Hernan was responsive, clear, and took all the stress out of the planning. Our guide, Roy, was outstanding. His knowledge of the site was matched only by his passion for it, and that enthusiasm was infectious, it turned two days of exploring Machu Picchu into something truly memorable. He also took real care of us, factoring in our ages and physical capabilities, never rushing us, and choosing rest stops wisely along the way. It made the whole experience comfortable as well as memorable. Highly recommend Hernan and Machu Picchu Tour Guides to anyone planning a visit, and Roy specifically if you want a guide who genuinely loves what he does and looks after the people he's guiding. As they say in Quechua, tupananchiskama, until we meet again.
via Tripadvisor
Splendid bespoke tour from Cusco to Urubamba to Macchu Picchu with autistic son
We are a family of 5 including a minimally verbal autistic son and we required a complete bespoke tour of Macchu Picchu over 2 days. Hernan was our guide from Cusco airport to Urubamba taking.us to many sites in the area. Stayed overnight in Urubamba. We then went to Macchu Picchu town and navigated the trains and buses up to the historic site. Stayed in the Macchu picchu town.overnight and did a different route the next day. It was all perfectly planned and the.educational.information was splendid by Hernan as well.as the understanding of our son who.may not.conform.at times to being quiet. Thank you..Highly recommended.
via Tripadvisor
Best Peruvian Guide you're going to find!
My wife and I recently returned from Cusco, Peru where we completed the 4-day traditional Inca Trail Hike with Hernan Hermoza as our guide. We first came to know Hernan 8 years ago when he toured our family of 7 through the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Having had such a great prior experience with Hernan, I reached out to him about being our guide for the Inca Trail hike. He was excited about leading us on the trail, and so we ended up booking a private guided tour with Hernan that included 6 porters, and a chef. The entire process from the start to the finish was very well organized. Early on, Hernan provided all of the details regarding the trail itself as well as packing lists, and answers to all of my questions. I booked many months in advance (which you need to do to get the better campsite permits), but we kept in touch periodically, and before I knew it, we were in Cusco and ready to hike. Hernan met with us the day prior to provide us with the duffle bags for our belongings. Air mattresses were provided by his company, and we decided to rent our sleeping bags from him which was much easier than traveling with them. The tent we slept in was a 4-person tent, so plenty of room for the two of us. After each days' hike, we would return back to an afternoon tea with freshly popped popcorn. Meals were expertly prepared and there was always plenty of food on the table. Lunch and dinner would typically start with a delicious soup, and then onto the main dishes. Quite the treatment we had! I had a bit of stomach bug on the trail (which I'd picked up in Cusco), and Hernan was nice enough to carry some of my things along the trail. He's a very caring, compassionate person, and really did everything he could to make sure that I had the food and the medicine that I needed and took great care of me. The chef, too, did such a great job with the meals, and the porters carried so many things without complaint. They even carried a little portable toilet for us! We were truly as comfortable as one could be in the middle of the Peruvian mountains. The Inca Trail Hike itself is a challenging route that requires physical stamina and determination, but it was definitely worth every step. The beauty within nature there is just gorgeous. One of the things I also appreciated about Hernan, was that he is very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna found in the local area and would frequently point our interesting plants and birds that we would come across. Hernan Hermoza is bilingual, and fluent in both English and Spanish, so there are no worries about any communication issues. I have to say that I saw some of the guides that other groups had, and from what I saw, there are many who are young and inexperienced. Hernan truly stands out as a more experienced guide. Truly knowledgeable as well about Inca history. There was no question I threw at him that he could not answer. He made our final day's tour of Machu Picchu memorable and interesting. I highly recommend you choose Hernan Hermoza as your guide in Peru, whether for a day trip to Rainbow Mountain, a trip through the Sacred Valley, or hiking along the Inca Trail. You will not be disappointed. You will leave feeling like you've made a new friend in Hernan.
via Tripadvisor
Personalized Peru
We spent about a week touring Peru with Hernan and he was truly outstanding. From the very beginning, he made us feel welcomed, cared for, and confident that we were in excellent hands. One of the things we appreciated most was how personalized the experience was. He customized the itinerary around our interests, took us to restaurants that matched our preferences, and made sure every detail was tailored to us which made the trip feel uniquely ours. Hernan handled all of our transportation, which can be challenging to navigate in Peru, and it gave us tremendous peace of mind. Knowing that every detail was taken care of allowed us to relax, be fully present, and enjoy each day without stress. He was always punctual, made sure we arrived everywhere on time, and managed all the logistics seamlessly so we could focus on making memories together. Because of his many years in the business, he knew exactly how to time our visits to popular attractions, often getting us there before the crowds arrived. This thoughtful planning helped us experience many of Peru’s highlights in a more meaningful and enjoyable way. His knowledge, professionalism, and attention to detail made our trip smooth, stress-free, and incredibly rewarding. What stood out most was how genuinely invested Hernan was in ensuring we had an unforgettable experience. His guidance added tremendous value to our trip, helping us see and appreciate Peru in ways we never could have on our own. If you’re looking for a guide who is organized, knowledgeable, reliable, and truly dedicated to his guests, Hernan is an excellent choice. You will feel exceptionally well cared for and can travel with complete confidence knowing you’re in great hands.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 11
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 63
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Machu Picchu Private Tour: Expert Guide & Top Photo Spots: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sacred Valley.
How much does Machu Picchu Private Tour: Expert Guide & Top Photo Spots cost?
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Prices start at $140 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Sacred Valley usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Machu Picchu Private Tour: Expert Guide & Top Photo Spots take?
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Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Sacred Valley is not rushed.
Is Machu Picchu Private Tour: Expert Guide & Top Photo Spots worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 31 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Sacred Valley, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Machu Picchu Private Tour: Expert Guide & Top Photo Spots?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Machu Picchu Private Tour: Expert Guide & Top Photo Spots suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Machu Picchu Private Tour: Expert Guide & Top Photo Spots?
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Around 11 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Sacred Valley can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Sacred Valley and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Machu Picchu Private Tour: Expert Guide & Top Photo Spots start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Sacred Valley within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Sacred Valley?
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On Outty we rank every Sacred Valley experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Best Private Sacred Valley Tour in Cusco ( with Pisac), From Urubamba & Ollantaytambo: Sacred Valley Day tour with Lunch, Machu Picchu Guided Tour from Aguas Calientes. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Sacred Valley?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Sacred Valley?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Machu Picchu Private Tour: Expert Guide & Top Photo Spots?
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Included: Pick up from hotel or train station; and Licensed Tour Guide at Machu picchu. Not included: MACHU PICCHU TICKET IS NOT INCLUDED - NO INCLUYE TICKET DE INGRESO A MACHUPICCHU. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Machu Picchu Private Tour: Expert Guide & Top Photo Spots include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 4 listed pickup locations in and around Sacred Valley. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Machu Picchu Private Tour: Expert Guide & Top Photo Spots offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Machu Picchu Private Tour: Expert Guide & Top Photo Spots?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Bring a printed voucher, as paper tickets are required.
Is Machu Picchu Private Tour: Expert Guide & Top Photo Spots wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Machu Picchu Private Tour: Expert Guide & Top Photo Spots if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Sacred Valley. Standard cancellation terms apply.
What do travelers say about Machu Picchu Private Tour: Expert Guide & Top Photo Spots?
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Across 31 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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