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Machu Picchu Tours

Explore one of the world's greatest wonders with our private and small group Machu Picchu tours. Enveloped within a dramatic landscape where the Andes meet the Amazon basin, the ancient city of Machu Picchu was built to perfection by the mighty Inca Empire. You can arrive at Machu Picchu via train or an unforgettable multi-day trekking expedition. Once you step foot into this UNESCO World Heritage site, you’ll discover its refined architecture, spiritual meaning and astronomical importance. You will be accompanied by an expert, local, English-speaking guide who will bring the ruins to life through its fascinating oral history.

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The 10 Best Machu Picchu Tours
for 2024/2025


The most flexible booking terms!


Zero postponement fees up to 30 days before arrival, transferable travel credit, and only a 30% deposit required to secure your trip.


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The most flexible booking terms!


Zero postponement fees up to 30 days before arrival, transferable travel credit, and only a 30% deposit required to secure your trip.


Read more

What to See at Machu Picchu

Discover Peru’s most emblematic landmark, the “Lost City of the Incas”. You’ll learn about the history, Incan mythology, and the mystery that surrounds this breathtaking Inca ruin atop the mountains: Machu Picchu.

Inca ruins lining the side of Huayna Picchu, the iconic mountain that looms over Machu Picchu.

Huayna Picchu

Hike to the top of Huayna Picchu for extraordinary views of Machu Picchu as well as the chance to visit an extra set of ruins on the way. Entrance tickets for Huayna Picchu are limited, so be sure to reserve yours in advance.

A visitor walking a stone path on Machu Picchu Mountain, with the ruins visible in the distance.

Machu Picchu Mountain

Another popular hiking option, Machu Picchu Mountain offers incredible panoramic views of the ruins and the surrounding Andes Mountains. Like Huayna Picchu, entrance tickets to Machu Picchu Mountain are limited so be sure to reserve yours in advance.

Visitors resting at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the entrance to Machu Picchu from the Inca Trail.

Sun Gate

The iconic Sun Gate (called Inti Punku in Quechua) is the entrance through which Inca Trail hikers enter the Machu Picchu citadel. It is also possible to visit this attraction as an additional hike for those visiting Machu Picchu on a day trip.

The Guardhouse, a site of strategic importance for its bird's-eye view of Machu Picchu.

Guardhouse

One of the first attractions you’ll visit on your Machu Picchu tour, the Guardhouse (also known as the House of the Guardians or Guardian’s hut) was once used by sentinels watching over the citadel, but nowadays it makes a great spot for sweeping panoramic photos of the ruins.

The Sacred Rock at Machu Picchu, whose shape resembles that of the mountains behind it.

Sacred Rock

The enormous Sacred Rock (also called a Wank’a in Quechua) bears a striking resemblance to the mountain peaks behind it, and is considered a powerful spiritual symbol of Machu Picchu.

The Temple of the Three Windows, a Machu Picchu landmark consisting of three trapezoidal windows.

Temple of The Three Windows

One of Machu Picchu’s most iconic places, the Temple of the Three Windows overlooks the Sacred Plaza and consists of three windows in the typical Incan trapezoidal style.

The Inca Bridge, a wooden board crossing a gap in a stone path next to a precipice in Machu Picchu.

Inca Bridge

A popular additional hiking destination inside Machu Picchu, The Inca Bridge (Puente Inca) is a thin wooden plank crossing a mile-high precipice found at the end of a narrow stone pathway. Designed as a secret exit, its precarious nature helped to limit access to the citadel.

The Temple of the Condor, a rock formation that was carved by the Incas to resemble a condor.

Temple of the Condor

This natural rock formation which was carved by the Incas into the shape of an Andean condor was an object of worship and represents one of the most striking examples of Inca stonemasonry.

A section of the Stairway of Fountains, an impressive example of Inca engineering capability.

“Stairway of Fountains”

The engineering ingenuity of the Incas can be seen in the 16 fountains built within the Machu Picchu citadel. Likely used by the residents of Machu Picchu, these Incan water fountains still flow with water sourced from a spring near the Sun Gate or Inti Punku.

The semi-circular Temple of the Sun, considered one of the most sacred places in Machu Picchu.

Temple of the Sun

The Temple of the Sun is a semicircular ruin within the Machu Pichu citadel. This site was one of the most sacred temples within the fortress. The trapezoid window is positioned so that on the winter solstice (June 21st), the sun’s rays shine directly into the temple.

The Temple of the Moon, a fascinating temple carved into stone located on the way up Huayna Picchu.

Temple of the Moon

You’ll have to hike Huayna Picchu mountain, within the Machu Picchu citadel, to see the Temple of the Moon. This shadowy temple contains a throne carved into the stone and was used only by the Inca priests for ceremonial purposes.

The famous Intihuatana, a carved stone thought to have been used by the Incas as a type of sundial.

Intihuatana

The famous Intihuatana, whose Quechua name is often translated to English as “The Hitching Post of the Sun,” is a carved stone which is thought to have possibly been used as a type of sundial.

Machu Picchu Hotels

Lush greenery and trees surrounding the luxurious Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kilometer 110 Via Ferrea, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu

The Inkaterra El Pueblo Hotel is an eco-friendly luxury hotel in Machu Picchu. A naturalist’s paradise, guests can tour the on-site orchid gardens, tea plantation, or relax in the charming white-washed cottage rooms. The gourmet Café Inkaterra restaurant overlooks the Urubamba River for incredible views while you dine.

Expedia Logo 4.7 | Exceptional
Tripadvisor Logo 4.5 | Excellent
Visitors enjoying drinks at the sleek modern bar of El Mapi, a 4-star hotel near Machu Picchu.

El MaPi

★ ★ ★ ★

Av. Pachacutec 109, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu

El Mapi is a modern 4-star hotel located conveniently close to the bus station for easy access to Machu Picchu. This stylish eco-friendly hotel boasts gorgeous gardens and amenities like their spa, complete with a hot tub for relaxing after an exciting Machu Picchu tour.

Expedia Logo 4.3 | Excellent
Tripadvisor Logo 4 | Very Good
A visitor with a suitcase looking out at the window in a room at Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu.

Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu

★ ★ ★

Prolongacion Imperio de Los Incas E - 34, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu

Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu is a reliable choice for a 3-star hotel in Machu Picchu. Guests can expect friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms, and an amazing breakfast buffet with views of the Urubamba River.

Expedia Logo 4.3 | Very Good
Tripadvisor Logo 4.5 | Excellent


Peru Highlights

Peru is filled with archaeological ruins, scenic landscapes, and delicious flavors. Must-see places in Peru include:

Peru Highlights

Peru is filled with archaeological ruins, scenic landscapes, and delicious flavors. Must-see places in Peru include:

Inca trail

Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in four or two days. The Inca Trail is a 500-year old pathway where the elite Incas once entered into the “Lost City of the Incas”. Plan with your Peru for Less travel advisor in advance, Inca Trail permits tend to sell out even 6-months in advance.

Amazon Rainforest

Step into the lush Peruvian Amazon Rainforest and witness a spectacular array of wildlife in its natural habitat. Lodges in Puerto Maldonado are ideal for excursions and daily activities. Those looking for a more luxurious Amazon experience would love an Iquitos Amazon River cruise. Colorful macaws, giant tarantulas, and playful river otters are among the sights you’ll behold.

Cusco

Cusco city has it all, archaeological ruins, colonial buildings, top-rated restaurants, and countless places to explore. Your Cusco City Tour will take you to the top highlights like Sacsayhuaman, Q’enko, the Cusco Cathedral, and more.

Lake Titicaca

Sail on the deep blue waters of Lake Titicaca and step on the reed Uros and Taquile floating islands. Some of the best weavers are found in this area so pick up some Peruvian textiles here for unique souvenirs.

Lima

Lima is a mixture of modern city living and historical significance. Here you’ll find Central restaurant (ranked #6 by 50 Worlds Best), UNESCO World Heritage sites like Historic City Center with the San Francisco Convent, and the best shopping in Peru.

Nazca Lines

The Nazca Lines are mysterious geoglyphs and geometric shapes drawn onto the desert floor hundreds of years ago by the Nazca culture. Little is known about them nevertheless, the Nazca Lines inspire awe in those who take a flight over them.

Arequipa

Arequipa is a picturesque town and also the second-largest city in Peru. Local markets, beautifully built colonial architecture, and El Misti volcano are among the things you’ll see while walking the cobblestone streets of the white city.

Faqs

Machu Picchu is open from 6:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. every day including weekends and holidays.

The Machu Picchu ruins have two on-site hikes: Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain. Both can be combined with a Machu Picchu tour and take 2–3 and 4–5 hours to complete, respectively. For even more adventure, you can hike over multiple days to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail, Lares or Salkantay treks.

Machu Picchu hotel and hostel options are plentiful in Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of the Machu Picchu ruins. Our Top Pick hotels here are:

  • 5-Star Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
  • 4-Star El Mapi
  • 3-Star Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu
  • 2-Star Waman Hotel

1–2 days. Two days and one night is the best amount of time to tour Machu Picchu at a leisurely pace: one day to arrive by train and another for the tour and return to Cusco. A whirlwind one-day Machu Picchu tour from Cusco is possible but it will be a long 16–17 hour day.

A guided tour of Machu Picchu is 2 hours long. The ruins operate on a one way circuit that leads to the exit of the ruins and re-entry is not allowed with a Machu Picchu general entrance ticket.

A tour of Machu Picchu includes stops at the Guardhouse, agricultural zone, main gate, fountains, tower, temple zone, Temple of the Three Windows, astronomical observatory, Sacred Rock, Group of Three Doorways, royal enclosures, Temple of the Condor and storage area. You will also have views of the west agricultural zone and main square while walking through the ruins.

The best time to visit Machu Picchu is between April and September. The dry season from May to August offers sunny weather with the best views of the ruins but with more crowds. Shoulder seasons in April/May and September/October offer a good chance of pleasant weather and views and with fewer crowds.

Yes. Since 2019 it has been mandatory to enter Machu Picchu with a tour guide. You can book in advance or hire a guide at the main entrance.

A tour of the Machu Picchu citadel is approximately 2 hours and operates as a one way circuit exiting out of the ruins at the end of the tour. For most, this is a perfect amount of time to see Machu Picchu. Reentrance is not permitted with a general entrance ticket. If you would like to spend more time at the ruins, you will need an additional entrance ticket or hiking permit.

Easy–Moderate. Machu Picchu has a well marked path for visitors to follow, with railings where there are steep steps. Although some circuits have fewer steps than others, all visitors must walk up and down stone steps and over uneven paths. This can be tough for those with disabilities and/or joint pain. Elderly and disabled visitors are allowed to use hiking poles with rubber tips.

Contact us to plan your trip to the mind-blowing ancient ruins of Machu Picchu.

 

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