Best Food on the Treks
Our trek cooks prepare fresh, hearty meals at every camp and adapt the menu for vegetarian or special diets.
Machu Picchu Private Tour: 3 Days with Cusco and the Sacred Valley
Trip Details
Max Altitude
3,762 m / 12,342 ft (Chinchero)
Trip Length
3 Days
Group Size
Min 2 – Max 6 Persons
Physical Level
Easy
Trip Style
Private Service
Lodging Type
3-Star Hotels
This Machu Picchu private tour is a 3 day trip for your group only, from 2 to 6 travelers. You see the Inca temples of Cusco, the Sacred Valley (Pisac, Maras, Moray, Chinchero and Ollantaytambo) and the citadel of Machu Picchu with your own vehicle, driver and guides, and nobody else on board.
You sleep in the Sacred Valley and in Aguas Calientes, so there are no long drives back and forth to Cusco. You ride the Vistadome Observatory train both ways and visit Machu Picchu on Route 2-A, the classic route, with a private guide who sets the pace around you.
Machu Picchu Private Tour: Overview
Trip Summary
Exploring Cusco Archeological Sites and Transfer to Urubamba
Hotel pick-up (8:00 a.m.) → Qorikancha → Sacsayhuaman → Qenqo → Andean lunch → Tambomachay → Puca Pucara → Pisac Ruins → overnight at your 3-star hotel in Urubamba.
Exploring the Sacred Valley and Vistadome Observatory Journey to Machu Picchu Pueblo
Morning hotel breakfast → Maras → Moray → Chinchero → traditional Sacred Valley lunch → Ollantaytambo → board the Vistadome Observatory train → check-in at Aguas Calientes with an evening guide briefing.
The Legendary Lost City of Machu Picchu
Fresh breakfast → bus up to Machu Picchu → 3-hour private guided tour of the sanctuary → bus down → buffet lunch → Vistadome Observatory train (3:20 p.m.) back to Ollantaytambo → private transfer to your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
Highlights
✦ 100% Private & Flexible Logistics
This Machu Picchu Private Tour moves entirely at your own pace with a dedicated vehicle and professional guide throughout the full circuit.
✦ No Backtracking Design
An expertly optimized route that moves smoothly from Cusco into the Sacred Valley, saving you hours of unnecessary driving.
✦ Vistadome Observatory Experience
Enjoy panoramic glass ceilings, live cultural shows, and outdoor observatory cars on Peru’s most scenic train route.
✦ In-Depth Machu Picchu Visit
A comprehensive 3-hour private guided tour of the Inca Citadel, adjusted completely to your physical rhythm.
✦ Hassle-Free Comfort
Includes handpicked 3-star hotels, daily breakfasts, 3 premium curated lunches, and pre-arranged private transfers.
Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Itinerary in 3 Days
DAY 1: Exploring Cusco Archeological Sites and Transfer to Urubamba
Your private journey begins directly at your hotel lobby in Cusco at 8:00 a.m., where your professional guide and private driver will welcome you. Today is designed to seamlessly transition from the historical grandeur of Cusco into the serene landscapes of the Sacred Valley, moving entirely at your own physical rhythm.
Qorikancha (The Temple of the Sun)
Explore the most sacred temple of the Incan Empire. Admire the astonishingly precise stonework that later served as the foundation for the Santo Domingo Convent, showcasing a dramatic blend of Inca architecture and Spanish colonial history.
Sacsayhuaman & Qenqo
Head just above the city to marvel at the colossal megalithic walls of Sacsayhuaman, an architectural masterpiece featuring stones weighing up to 120 tons. Nearby, step inside the mystifying limestone labyrinth of Qenqo, a sacred sanctuary used for ancient rituals and mummification processes.
Andean Lunch
Take a well-deserved break and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at a scenic restaurant overlooking the city of Cusco. Savor a variety of local and international dishes while admiring the stunning views of the historic Andean capital.
Tambomachay & Puca Pucara
Continue your private circuit towards Tambomachay, the famous Inca Spa dedicated to the cult of water and showcasing beautiful crystal-clear aqueducts. Right across, your guide will walk you through Puca Pucara, a strategic military redoubt and fortress that guarded the ancient paths to the capital.
The Majestic Ruins of Pisac
Descend gently into the Sacred Valley to visit the breathtaking archaeological site of Pisac. Perched high on a mountain ridge, you will walk past royal palaces, defensive watchtowers, and the largest pre-Columbian cemetery in South America, all surrounded by sweeping views of agricultural terraces.
Evening Arrival in Urubamba
Conclude your rewarding day as your driver transports you deeper into the valley. Check into your comfortable, handpicked 3-star hotel in Urubamba, which is strategically located at a lower altitude than Cusco to allow you to unwind, acclimate beautifully, and rest for the adventures ahead.
DAY 1 Technical Specifications
- Places to Visit: Qorikancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara, Pisac Ruins
- Maximum Altitude: 3,700 m / 12,139 ft (Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park)
DAY 2: Exploring the Sacred Valley and Vistadome Observatory Journey to Machu Picchu Pueblo
Your second day explores the deep-rooted agricultural and craft traditions of the Incas, cutting across the beautiful high plains of the Sacred Valley. Moving at your own pace in private service, this route optimizes your transit toward the train station, creating a completely seamless journey toward Machu Picchu.
The Ancient Salt Mines of Maras
Walk along the edge of thousands of terraced, hand-tapped saltwater pans that have been actively harvested since pre-Inca times. Your guide will explain how local families manage this natural mountain spring to produce the famous pink salt, offering a unique visual contrast against the canyon backdrop.
The Agricultural Terraces of Moray
Observe the dramatic circular depressions that served as an advanced agricultural laboratory for the Incas. Each concentric ring generates a unique microclimate from top to bottom, allowing ancient scientists to test, acclimate, and domesticate wild crops brought from the Amazon and the coast.
Chinchero Heritage and Traditional Weaving
Visit a historic highland village to view remarkable stone walls and an early colonial church built over an Inca palace. You will also participate in an authentic textile presentation, where master weavers demonstrate how organic roots, plants, and minerals are used to dye and spin fine alpaca wool.
Traditional Sacred Valley Buffet Lunch
Return to Urubamba to pause, rest, and enjoy a premium mid-day meal. Take your time to relax in a peaceful setting while sampling diverse culinary options prepared with fresh regional produce.
The Living Inca Town of Ollantaytambo
Explore the final fortified outpost of the Sacred Valley, where the town layout, water channels, and stone houses remain exactly as the Incas built them. Climb through the monumental hillside fortress that witnessed historic battles before walking directly to the nearby train station.
Vistadome Observatory Train to Aguas Calientes
Board the panoramic train for a scenic ride alongside the Urubamba River, entering the lush cloud forest environment. Upon arrival at Machu Picchu Pueblo, our staff will escort you to your hotel, followed by an evening meeting with your Machu Picchu guide to coordinate the exact strategy for tomorrow’s exploration.
DAY 2 Technical Specifications
- Places to Visit: Maras Salt Mines, Moray, Chinchero, Ollantaytambo
- Maximum Altitude: 3,762 m / 12,342 ft (Chinchero)
DAY 3: The Legendary Lost City of Machu Picchu
The defining highlight of your journey begins this morning with a fully private, unhurried exploration of the world’s most iconic archaeological sanctuary. By traveling with a dedicated guide, your entry times, pace, and photography stops are entirely optimized around your personal preferences.
Shuttle Ascent to the Citadel
Meet your private guide at your hotel lobby to board the designated shuttle bus. The route winds upward through the mountain cloud forest, delivering you directly to the main entrance of the historic Inca citadel.
Comprehensive Private Guided Tour of Machu Picchu
Step inside the sanctuary for an extensive 3-hour private tour. Your expert guide will lead you across the main sectors, explaining the engineering, astronomy, and history behind the Temple of the Sun and the Sacred Plaza, while identifying the best vantage points for classic panoramic photos.
Buffet Lunch
Descend by shuttle bus back to the town of Aguas Calientes to celebrate the completion of your circuit. Enjoy a premium curated lunch featuring excellent local and international gastronomy in a relaxed, comfortable environment before your departure.
Vistadome Observatory Train to Ollantaytambo
Board the Vistadome Observatory train at 3:20 p.m. for your return journey. Relax in the lounge car, enjoy the live cultural performances and onboard fashion show, and take in the final dramatic views of the Andes through the panoramic glass walls.
Private Transfer to Your Final Destination
Upon arrival at the Ollantaytambo train station, your private driver will be waiting at the exit to collect your luggage. You will enjoy a smooth, direct drive back to your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, concluding your premium three-day travel experience.
DAY 3 Technical Specifications
- Places to Visit: Machu Picchu Citadel
- Maximum Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft (Machu Picchu Citadel)
What's Included in the Private Tour to Machu Picchu
What's Included in Machu Picchu Private Tour 3 Days
Preparation & Transfers
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Pre-Tour Briefing: A personalized orientation session conducted at your hotel lobby the evening before your trip, scheduled between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. according to your preference.
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Hotel Pick-up Service: Private reception directly at your hotel lobby in Cusco on Day 1 to commence your journey.
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Private Transportation (Day 1 & 2): Dedicated private vehicle with a professional driver for all archeological excursions in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
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Private Station Transfer: Direct private transport from the Ollantaytambo train station back to your designated hotel in either Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
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Permanent Assistance: 24/7 remote logistics support and monitoring from our central operations team throughout the entire itinerary.
Guidance & Admission
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Cusco & Sacred Valley Admission: Full entrance fees and tourist tickets (Boleto Turístico) for all historical sites visited during the first two days.
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Expert Private Guiding (Excursions): Services of a specialized, certified professional guide for the comprehensive Cusco and Sacred Valley circuits.
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Machu Picchu Ticket, Circuit 2 (Route 2-A): Entry on the classic route through the citadel, bought as soon as you confirm. Route 2-A sells out months ahead in high season; if your date is already sold out, we contact you right away to choose another route or day.
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Dedicated Machu Picchu Private Guide: Services of an expert professional guide exclusively focused on your three-hour inner sanctuary tour.
Accommodation & Meals
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Sacred Valley Accommodation: 1-night stay at a selected 3-star hotel in Urubamba, optimized for comfort and relaxation.
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Machu Picchu Pueblo Accommodation: 1-night stay at a selected 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, located near the station and shuttle access.
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Curated Lunches: 3 regional lunches featuring local and contemporary gastronomy during each day of your excursions.
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Daily Breakfasts: 2 complete morning meals included to prepare you for each day's itinerary.
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Special Dinner: A dinner at your hotel in Aguas Calientes on your second night, the evening before your Machu Picchu visit.
Train & Shuttle
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Outbound Vistadome Observatory Train: Premium rail ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, featuring panoramic windows and live cultural onboard entertainment.
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Machu Picchu Shuttle Bus (Ascent): Consettur shuttle bus ticket from Aguas Calientes town up to the main entrance of the sanctuary.
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Machu Picchu Shuttle Bus (Descent): Consettur shuttle bus ticket for your return from the archaeological site back down to the town.
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Inbound Vistadome Observatory Train: Premium rail ticket for your return from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, including access to the outdoor observatory car.
What's Not Included in Machu Picchu Private Tour 3 Days
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Dinners on Day 1 & Day 3: Evening meals on your first night in Urubamba (Day 1) and on your last night back in Cusco or the Sacred Valley (Day 3) are not included, so you are free to choose where to eat.
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Gratuities and Tips: Discretionary rewards for guides, drivers, and station staff are completely optional and based on your satisfaction.
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Unspecified Services: Any additional meals, alcoholic beverages, upgraded train services, or souvenir purchases not explicitly detailed in the inclusions.
Machu Picchu Private Tour Price 2026 and 2027
Machu Picchu Private Tour 3D-2N — 2026-2027 Pricing
Fully private service: the price per person goes down as your group grows. It includes private transport, two specialized guides, two hotel nights, the Vistadome Observatory train both ways, the Machu Picchu ticket and most meals.
| Group Size | Price per Person |
|---|---|
| 2 People | $1,030.00 USD |
| 3 People | $970.00 USD |
| 4 People | $885.00 USD |
| 5 People | $850.00 USD |
| 6 People | $830.00 USD |
| Add-ons | Price |
|---|---|
| Huayna Picchu Mountain Additional permit, subject to availability | $60.00 USD |
| Machu Picchu Mountain Additional permit, subject to availability | $60.00 USD |
| Hotel Upgrade Choose a higher hotel category -- price varies by selection | Request a Quote |
What to Pack for Machu Picchu
Essential
Clothing
Comfort & Extras
Private or Group Tour? Machu Picchu Travel Guide
Before You Book a Private Tour to Machu Picchu
What changes when the tour is private, how tickets and trains work, and the details we explain to every traveler before the trip.
Private Tour or Group Tour: What Really Changes
On a group tour you share the bus, the guide and the timetable with people you have never met, and every stop lasts as long as the slowest person needs. On this private tour the vehicle, the driver and both guides are only for your group, from 2 to 6 travelers.
You decide how long to stay at Pisac or Moray, when to stop for photos and when to rest. Your Machu Picchu guide works only with you, so the visit follows your questions instead of a script. If you prefer a shared departure at a lower price, see our Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2 day tour.
Why You Sleep in the Sacred Valley Before Machu Picchu
Cusco sits at 3,399 m (11,152 ft). Urubamba, where you spend the first night, is about 530 m lower, at roughly 2,870 m (9,400 ft), and Machu Picchu is at 2,430 m (7,972 ft). Sleeping lower helps your body adapt, and most travelers feel better on the second day.
The route also saves time: you leave Cusco, see the Sacred Valley on the way and take the train from Ollantaytambo without going back to the city. More on heights in our guide to the Sacred Valley altitude.
Your Machu Picchu Ticket: Route 2-A and the Alternatives
Since June 2024 Machu Picchu is visited on three circuits with ten routes, and each route is a separate ticket. We book Route 2-A, the classic route: the postcard view from the upper terraces and the walk through the Inca city, about 2.5 km (1.5 miles).
Route 2-A is the first to sell out. If it is gone for your date, Route 1-B (upper terrace and the classic photo) or Route 3-B (the temples of the lower part, the easiest walk) are good options. Our Machu Picchu tickets guide explains every route.
Trains: Book Them Together with the Ticket
You ride PeruRail’s Vistadome Observatory both ways: panoramic windows, an open air observatory car and a short show on board. The ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes takes about an hour and a half.
In April, May and June trains sell out about three months ahead, and large agencies block the best departures early. Buy the train with the same priority as the Machu Picchu ticket; 2027 trains are already on sale. Classes and timetables are in our guide to the train to Machu Picchu.
Best Time of Year for This Tour
The dry season, May to September, brings clear mornings and the best chance of blue sky over Huayna Picchu, but also the biggest crowds and the earliest sellouts. From November to March it rains often, the valley is greener and orchids and birds are at their best.
April and October are a good middle ground. Month by month details are in our guide to the best time to visit Machu Picchu.
Hotels and the Upgrade Option
The base price includes two nights in hotels rated 3 stars: one in Urubamba and one in Aguas Calientes, close to the station and to the bus up to the citadel. You can upgrade both nights, for example to Sol y Luna or Tambo del Inka in the Sacred Valley and to Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo or Sumaq in Aguas Calientes, with the Hotel Upgrade form on this page.
A tip from our team: in Aguas Calientes, rooms right by the river get many mosquitoes, even in the dry season, so pack insect repellent.
Practical Tips for the Day at Machu Picchu
There are no restrooms inside the citadel; the last ones are at the entrance. Large backpacks, food, tripods, drones, umbrellas and trekking poles are not allowed, so carry only a small daypack.
Bring your original passport, the same one used to buy the ticket, and some cash in Peruvian soles for small purchases, tips and restrooms along the way.
Official source: Machu Picchu official site – Ministry of Culture of Peru
More in our travel blog
Machu Picchu Private Tour: Frequently Asked Questions
Questions Travelers Ask Before a Private Tour to Machu Picchu
Straight answers about the price, the tickets, the trains and what it is like to travel with your own guide.
What makes this Machu Picchu tour private
Only your group travels: from 2 to 6 people, with your own vehicle, driver and guides. Nobody else joins you on any of the 3 days, not in the car, not at the sites and not inside Machu Picchu. You set the pace, the length of each stop and the time for photos.
Private tour or group tour: which one is right for us
Choose private if you want your own pace, more sites and a guide only for you. This tour adds the Inca temples of Cusco, a night in the Sacred Valley and the Vistadome Observatory train. If budget matters more, our 2 day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour is a shared departure at a lower price.
How much does the Machu Picchu private tour cost
From $830 to $1,030 per person, depending on the size of your group. Two travelers pay $1,030 each, three $970, four $885, five $850 and six $830. The price includes transport, guides, entrance tickets, two hotel nights, the train both ways, the buses at Machu Picchu and most meals.
Does the tour include flights
No, it is a land tour that starts and ends in Cusco. International flights and the Lima to Cusco leg are booked separately. If you are still planning how to get there, our guide on how far Machu Picchu is from Lima compares flights, buses and travel times.
Why 3 days instead of a Machu Picchu day trip
A day trip leaves Cusco before dawn and returns in the evening, with only Machu Picchu. In 3 days you add Cusco, the whole Sacred Valley and a night next to the citadel, without rushing. If you only have one day, see our Machu Picchu day trip.
Can we travel with children or older parents
Yes, the private format suits families best because the pace follows the slowest walker. There is no trekking, only walking at the sites, with some stairs at Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu. Children pay less because their train and Machu Picchu tickets cost less; ask us for the exact price. For limited mobility we can request Route 3-B, the easiest route in the citadel.
Which circuit of Machu Picchu do we visit
Circuit 2, on Route 2-A, the classic route. It combines the famous view from the upper terraces with the walk through the Inca city: the main gate, the main plaza and the Sacred Rock. It is the best choice for a first visit and the first to sell out, so we book it as soon as you confirm.
Can we add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
Yes, for $60 per person, subject to availability. Each mountain is its own route with its own ticket: Huayna Picchu is Route 3-A and Machu Picchu Mountain is Route 1-A, so you walk that circuit instead of the classic 2-A. Huayna Picchu has 400 places a day and sells out early. Compare both in our Huayna Picchu guide.
How far in advance should we book
Three to four months ahead in high season, and at least two months the rest of the year. Route 2-A for April and May is often gone on the day sales open, and trains for April, May and June sell out about three months before. Booking early also gets you the best train times.
Is the tour physically demanding
No, the level is easy: there is no trekking. You walk at each site, about 2.5 km (1.5 miles) inside Machu Picchu on Route 2-A, with uneven Inca steps at Pisac, Ollantaytambo and the citadel. Comfortable shoes and normal fitness are enough.
Will the altitude affect us, and how do we prepare
The highest point is Chinchero, at 3,762 m (12,342 ft), and most of the tour is lower than Cusco. Cusco is at 3,399 m (11,152 ft), Urubamba at about 2,870 m (9,400 ft) and Machu Picchu at 2,430 m (7,972 ft). Arrive in Cusco one or two days before the tour, drink plenty of water, eat light and skip alcohol on the first night.
What happens to our big luggage
On the train each passenger may carry one backpack of up to 8 kg (17 lb). Your suitcases stay in Cusco, at your hotel or in our office storage at no cost, and you get them back when you return. Pack a small bag with what you need for two nights.
Which train do we take, and can we upgrade to the Hiram Bingham
PeruRail’s Vistadome Observatory, both ways, between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes. It has panoramic windows, an open air observatory car and a short folk show. If you prefer the luxury Hiram Bingham, we can quote the upgrade. Seats are assigned by the train company; the best views are on the left going and on the right coming back.
What time do we get back, and can we fly out the same day
The return train leaves Aguas Calientes at 3:20 p.m. and you are back in Cusco around 7:00 p.m. A flight out of Cusco the same evening only works if it leaves at about 9:00 p.m. or later. For earlier flights, plan one more night in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
Which meals are included
Two breakfasts, three lunches and one dinner. The dinner is on the second night, at your hotel in Aguas Calientes. Dinners on the first night in Urubamba and on the last night are not included. Tell us about vegetarian, vegan or other diets when you book and we pass them on to every restaurant.
Which hotels do we stay in, and can we upgrade
Two nights in hotels rated 3 stars: one in Urubamba and one in Aguas Calientes. You can upgrade either night with the Hotel Upgrade form, for example to Sol y Luna, Tambo del Inka, Aranwa or Casa Andina Premium in the Sacred Valley, and to Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo, Sumaq, El MaPi or Casa del Sol in Aguas Calientes. The price difference depends on the hotel and the season.
Can we change the itinerary
Yes, within the fixed times of the train and the Machu Picchu ticket. Because the tour is private, you can stay longer at one site, skip another, add a night in Aguas Calientes or the Sacred Valley, or add Huayna Picchu. Tell us what you have in mind when you book and we adjust the plan.
What documents do we need
Your original passport, for every traveler. It must be the same passport used to buy the Machu Picchu ticket and the train, and it is checked at the station and at the entrance. Photos, copies and digital IDs are not accepted.
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