Machu Picchu Tour, Sacred Valley

4.9 (28 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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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

28 total ratings, 16 with reviews
4.9
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
5.0
Guides, Drivers and Staff
4.8
Transport
4.9
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.

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

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Itineraries with Machu Picchu Tour