Machu Picchu Tours 2019

1 DAY TOUR

VISTADOME TRAIN INCLUDED | PRIVATE TOUR | ENGLISH-SPEAKING GUIDE

$450 PER PERSON

What to Expect

With this Machu Picchu tour from Cusco, you will spend a partial tour-guided and a partial free roaming day exploring one of the Wonders of the World. Discover the mystery and ambiance at this South America UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu. Known as the “Lost City of the Incas,” the ruins of Machu Picchu will take you back into 15/16th-century archaeological construction. Wonder at the pristine archaeological development, stroll through the terracing and gaze at various developments inside the ruin, such as the Temple of the Sun or the Sun Gate. Believed to have been a royal estate or sacred religious site for Inca leaders, this Machu Picchu day tour is a once in a lifetime experience. You will be in awe of Peru’s national treasure.

All of our packages are customizable within our booking form. As you select the trip you want, more options will become available for you to select.

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Included in 2019 Private Machu Picchu Tour Package:

English Speaking Tour Guide
Entrance to historical Machu Picchu site
Transportation to and from Machu Picchu
Vistadome Train

Not included in 2019 Private Machu Picchu Tour Package:

Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain
Entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain
Guide tips
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

I added a visit to Cusco to fill a bucket list item on the back end of a work trip. I knew I was already going to be in Peru for a week with work and didn’t have the time to plan another part of the trip. I put my trust into Cachi to take care of everything I needed once I got to Cusco, and they did! They were very communicative and answered all my questions. David met us at our hotel Sunday night in Cusco and explained the next three days. We had Hernando pick us up first thing Monday and take us to Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes, and Machu Picchu.

Hernando was great! Fluent in English, new history and fun facts about the places we visited, and even went above by waiting in line for us to make sure we were on an early bus for sunrise at MP. He helped with my friends backpack (carrying up the hike) and knew all the “picture spots”.

Thank you Cachi!!!

Dana A.

MACHU PICCHU HIKING TOURS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When should I make Machu Picchu tour reservations?

As far in advance as possible is best so that we may reserve your spot for transportation. As of 2019, Machu Picchu tours are now limited by the government. Therefore, if there is availability left, you may book this tour up until 7 days prior to the start if the tour. That said, tickets are now sold in two half-day time formats, morning and afternoon. Both sessions sell out fast. During the high season (June to September) tickets can sell out as early as 12 weeks ahead of time. To find more information on Machu Picchu tickets, check out our blog post on Machu Picchu Tickets.

How fit do I need to be to tour Machu Picchu?

Some fitness is necessary. However, it is not required to be in excellent shape to participate in this tour. This is a bus/train/walking transportation tour. For the Machu Picchu tour, it is best if you have some moderate cardiovascular fitness, as it can be difficult to hike up the compound. There are many steps up and extensive elevation gain.

Is there an age restriction?

There is no age limit. This is a bus/train tour with walking and moderate stair climbing at the the Inca archaeological site.

What sort of meals do you offer?

Sorry, but no meals are provided on this trip. You are responsible for your own meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner). You can have lunch at Machu Picchu. There is a cafeteria at Machu Picchu for those who do not want to bring a lunch with them. We recommend that you bring snacks.

What about medical conditions?

You must disclose, at the time of booking, any medical condition that could affect your ability to participate in the tour. Cachi Life, Inc reserves the right to deny a tour booking if we feel that a medical condition may put your life, or the lives of any of our trekking staff or other clients, at risk on the hike. People with medical conditions such as mild asthma/diabetes must bring a medical note from their doctor stating that they are fit to undertake the tour. They will also be required to be accompanied by a partner on the tour at all times who will be at their side and familiar with any medicine required in case of an emergency. Cachi Life, Inc reserves the right to cancel the booking of a client if the client has not fully disclosed, at the time of booking, a medical condition that may pose a risk to the health of the client and/or other hikers. No refund will be given.

Cachi Life, Inc will not accept any responsibility, either directly or indirectly, for any problems due to your special dietary requirements/medical condition. We suggest that you check with your doctor before booking the tour.

When's orientation for the Machu Picchu Tour?

Orientation will take place at your hotel prior to the trip. We know everyone’s travel plans are different therefore we try and accommodate. Once your trip is booked, you will be assigned a travel expert who will help you organize a time and place for your guide to meet you.

Where do I store my luggage?

You will have to make your own arrangements. Most hotels will hold your luggage for free or with a fee.

How's the weather?

You should prepare for any type of weather. We run rain or shine. January through March tend to be the rainy season. Check out our blog post on the best time to visit. This goes into extensive detail about the weather.

How many people are in a Machu Picchu tour group?

We require a minimum group size of just 2 people to depart. We run private luxury Machu Picchu tours. Therefore, you will not be combined with other people.

Are there bathrooms at Machu Picchu?

There are no bathrooms once you are past the Machu Picchu ticket gate. There are bathrooms that can be used prior to entering the archaeological site. Entrance to the bathroom is one sol per use. So make sure you have your spare change.

What is the transportation?

We secure all your transportation starting in Cusco. We pick you up early in the morning via a private van and travel to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley of the Incas for the train ride. We include the upgraded Vistadome train option roundtrip. The train follows the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes. We will then return to Cusco via the same path. We can modify your trip dates as requested. Unfortunately, there is no train from Cusco and the first part of the trip must be via van with a transfer in Ollaytantambo.

What if I want to book the entire trip myself?

You’re in luck! We have a complete guide on how to book your Machu Picchu tickets all by yourself right here — How to get your Machu Picchu Tickets

What is the best time of year to visit Machu Picchu?

June is the best overall month to visit Machu Picchu. However, there are a lot of other months that are great. This blog post here breaks down the very best times to travel to Machu Picchu — Best Time To Visit Machu Picchu Guide

What is the cancellation policy?

Unfortunately, no refunds of the Machu PIcchu tour can be provided within 30 days of departure. It is difficult to replace you on the bus after that time frame. The payment is used to purchase and reserve your spot on the private bus and secure your permits. Any cancellation over 30 days is subject to a cancellation fee as outlined in the terms and conditions.

When is payment due for my Machu Picchu hiking tours?

A non-refundable deposit is due at the time of booking. The full payment is due 30 days prior to tour departure. If booking within thirty days of the Machu Picchu tour, full payment of the tour is required. This guided tour is $450 per person. This provides payment for your transportation, tour guide, and entrance fee to Machu Picchu. You will be responsible for your meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

What should I bring?

We recommend you bring a daypack (up to 20 liters), water bottle, camera, sunscreen, hat, rain jacket, hiking/comfortable walking shoes, money for lunch and souvenirs. You must bring your passport to obtain entrance to Machu Picchu.

Do I need a passport for the Machu Picchu tour in 2019?

You MUST bring your original passport that was used to book the tour. Government authorities will NOT allow you to obtain Machu Picchu tickets without your original passport. If your passport is expiring prior to your tour start date, please obtain a new passport before booking with us. If you have a student discount, you must bring your ISIC card. Once again, the government will NOT allow you into Machu Picchu, without your ISIC card if you have a student rate. To get into Peru your passport needs to be valid for 6 months after your entrance date.

How long is the Machu Picchu day tour?

This is a full day tour. Upon arrival to Machu Picchu, the day will begin with a two hour English-speaking guided tour. You will then have approximately two hours to free roam Machu Picchu yourself, obtain lunch, or hike Huayna Picchu/Machu Picchu Mountain if you have tickets.

Can I hike Huayna Picchu?

Huayna Picchu is the large mountain just behind Machu Picchu. There is a narrow and steep trail right to the top of the mountain and there are also some interesting Inca ruins at the top. The view of Machu Picchu from the summit is breathtaking. The government charges an additional fee for climbing Huayna Picchu. The entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu is only available as part of a combined Machu Picchu – Huayna Picchu ticket. You will get entrance to Machu Picchu and be able to climb Huayna Picchu which offers better value for the money. You will have to pay for your accommodation in Aguas Calientes as travelers will have to get into the early morning Machu Picchu group or hike Huayna Picchu the next day. The entrance tickets to Huayna Picchu must be purchased BEFORE you go to Machu Picchu and are sold on a first-come-first-served basis, often several months in advance. During the high season, these tickets can sell out more than 8 weeks in advance. During the low season it may still be possible to buy the tickets from the government offices when you arrive in Cusco. However, this is not recommended as there are only 400 tickets sold per day. You must be at least 12 years old for this hike. To learn more about Huayna Picchu check out our complete guide on it: Hiking Huayna Picchu

Can I hike Machu Picchu Mountain?

Machu Picchu Mountain is the large mountain just behind Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu Mountain rises higher that Huayna Picchu. Machu Picchu Mountain tends to have fewer people on the trail compared to Huayna Picchu but the view is equally as amazing. The government charges an additional fee for climbing Machu Picchu Mountain. The entrance ticket to Machu Picchu Mountain is only available as part of a combined Machu Picchu – Machu Picchu Mountain ticket. You will get entrance to Machu Picchu and be able to climb Machu Picchu Mountain which offers better value for the money. You will have to pay for your accommodation in Aguas Calientes as travelers will have to get into the early morning Machu Picchu group or hike Machu Picchu Mountain the next day. The entrance tickets to Machu Picchu Mountain must be purchased BEFORE you go on the Machu Picchu tour and are sold on a first-come-first-served basis, often several months in advance. During the high season, these tickets can sell out more than 8 weeks in advance. During the low season, it may still be possible to buy the tickets from the government offices when you arrive in Cusco. However, this is not recommended as there are only 400 tickets sold per day. Check out the full guide here.

Extra time in Aguas Calientes?

If you want to stay an extra night, or stay longer in Aguas Calientes after the Machu Picchu day trip, we will do the best of our ability to help arrange this. You will be responsible for the cost of the hotel. However, we can help arrange a hotel. There are hotels we may be able to arrange a discounted rate for you.

What can I expect from my Machu Picchu tour guide?

Our tour guides all speak excellent English. We guarantee that your guide will stay with you on all parts of the Machu Picchu guided tour. All our guides provide the highest level of service. Ask as many questions as you would like and ask to see what you want. Our guides will tailor your experience at Machu Picchu to your needs! This is your trip!

What is the elevation of Machu Picchu?

The elevation of Machu Picchu is 7,972 feet, or 2,430 meters. If you want to learn more about the elevation of Machu Picchu, surrounding areas, and how to prepare, check out this blog post all about Machu Picchu’s elevation and how to prepare. Machu Picchu Elevation: How To Prepare

How much does it cost to go to Machu Picchu?

The average cost of a Machu Picchu trip when you include hotel and plane is roughly $550. However, this will require a lot of hiking, grunt work and will not be very enjoyable. Over at Cachi Life, we got you covered for the price of $450 all inclusive from Cusco. To see more of a breakdown on how much it costs, check out this blog post — How Much Does it Cost to Go to Machu Picchu?