Machu Picchu Tours: Quick Comparison

If you’re still not sure which tour to choose, review the most important factors to consider before booking your next trip to Machu Picchu.

Types of Tourism Experiences in Machu Picchu

In general, Machu Picchu tours bring together different experiences that combine several types of tourism. This variety allows each traveler to find their own way to enjoy the Inca wonder, blending traditional and modern ways of exploring.

These are some of the most common:

• Adventure tourism: experienced through the different trails that cross mountains, natural landscapes, and remote Inca sites.
• Nature tourism: stands out for its diverse ecosystems, scenic landscapes, and rich variety of flora and fauna.
• Cultural tourism: the most popular type of tourism in Machu Picchu, thanks to its extraordinary historical and archaeological legacy.
• Wellness tourism: found in the famous thermal baths of Cocalmayo and Aguas Calientes.

For many travelers, photography is one of the main reasons to visit Machu Picchu, especially for those who love capturing landscapes and natural details to share on social media.

Best Machu Picchu Tours by Duration

Duration is one of the most important factors when choosing a Machu Picchu tour. Visiting the citadel in just one day is not the same as spending the night in Aguas Calientes, combining the experience with the Sacred Valley, or arriving on foot through an adventure route. The best option will depend on your available time, travel pace, and the type of experience you want to enjoy.

• One-Day Tours to Machu Picchu

1-Day Machu Picchu Tour

This is the fastest way to visit Machu Picchu. The tour starts very early in Cusco. Then, you continue by train to Aguas Calientes and take the bus up to the entrance of Machu Picchu, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the citadel.

• Start and finish: 4:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

1-Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

This is the shortest version of the Inca Trail. It starts in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, and after a scenic train ride, you’ll hike the ancestral trail to Machu Picchu, passing impressive Inca sites along the way.

• Start and finish: 4:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.

• Two-Day Tours to Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu Tour with an Overnight Stay in Aguas Calientes

This option is ideal if you want to visit Machu Picchu at a more relaxed pace. The first day focuses on the train journey, exploring the town of Aguas Calientes, enjoying its hot springs, and resting. On the second day, you’ll visit the citadel early, without rushing, before returning to Cusco. The start and return times depend on the reserved train schedule.

2-Day Short Inca Trail

The 2-Day Short Inca Trail is a more relaxed adventure experience to Machu Picchu. Unlike the one-day version, it allows you to visit the Inca city on two occasions. In general, the first day lets you admire the sanctuary at sunset, while the next day is dedicated to a more detailed guided tour. This version also gives you a better chance of seeing the wonder in good weather.

• Three-Day Tour to Machu Picchu

From 3 days onward, Machu Picchu tours become richer with additional activities before visiting the wonder. These programs often include tours in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, or other nearby experiences. Some of the most popular options are: 

• Machu Picchu Tour with the Sacred Valley of the Incas
• Machu Picchu Tour with Cusco City Tour
• Huchuy Qosqo Trek with Machu Picchu
• Machu Picchu by Car with the Sacred Valley

• Four-Day Tour to Machu Picchu

A 4-day trip in Cusco gives you more time to combine cultural attractions, natural landscapes, or hikes to Machu Picchu. It is a recommended duration for travelers who want a more complete experience without feeling rushed. This timeframe also allows you to enjoy famous adventure treks that finish at the Inca wonder, such as: 

4-Day Treks to Machu Picchu

• 4-Day Classic Inca Trail
• 4-Day Salkantay Trek
• 4-Day Lares Trek
• 4-Day Inca Jungle
• Huchuy Qosqo with the Short Inca Trail

4-Day Cultural Packages

• Cusco City Tour + Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu

• Five-Day Tour to Machu Picchu

Five-day programs allow you to enjoy Cusco’s most important attractions at a calmer pace. They are also an excellent option for taking alternative treks in longer, more complete versions, with more time to appreciate nature, landscapes, Peruvian cuisine, and adventure activities found along the routes to Machu Picchu. 

Some recommended options are: 

• Extended Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
• Lares Trek with the Short Inca Trail
• 5-Day Choquequirao Trek

There are also 5-day Machu Picchu packages for travelers who do not want long hikes and prefer to enjoy a different experience each day. These packages often include Cusco’s must-see attractions, such as:

• Machu Picchu Package with the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, and Cusco City Tour
• Machu Picchu Package with the Sacred Valley, Humantay Lake, and Cusco City Tour

Machu Picchu Tours by Travel Style

Besides duration, it is also important to choose based on the type of experience you want to enjoy. Not all travelers are looking for the same thing. Some prefer a luxury trip to Machu Picchu, with every comfort and premium service. 

Others want to challenge themselves on an adventure route, while some prefer a cultural journey through Cusco to better understand its history, traditions, and Inca legacy. There are also travelers who are drawn to nature, scenic landscapes, and capturing memorable photos along the way.

That is why there are different ways to reach Machu Picchu, each at its own pace but with the same goal: discovering this iconic destination in Peru.

• Classic Machu Picchu Tours

These tours are ideal for travelers visiting Cusco and Machu Picchu for the first time. They offer the essentials without making the travel logistics or extra requirements too complicated.

In general, they focus on cultural tourism, the train journey to Machu Picchu, and visits to historic monuments, archaeological sites, and local traditions and customs. 

Best Machu Picchu Tours by Train

• One-Day Trip to Machu Picchu

The fastest way to visit Machu Picchu in just one day from Cusco or the Sacred Valley. To complete this tour, you leave Cusco early, around 5:00 a.m., take the train to Aguas Calientes, and then board the bus to the sanctuary to explore the citadel. You return to your hotel the same day, around 8:00 p.m.

• Overnight Trip to Machu Picchu

A perfect trip for travelers who would love to take more time traveling from Cusco, enjoy the views of the Sacred Valley, spend a night in the town of Aguas Calientes, and visit the citadel early the next morning. This 2-day Machu Picchu tour is perfect for families, seniors, couples, and solo travelers.

• Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu

This option allows you to start in the city of Cusco, explore the best of the Sacred Valley, including an alpaca and llama farm, the Inca site of Pisac, and the Pisac market, while traveling to Ollantaytambo to board the afternoon train to Aguas Calientes and spend the night in a hotel. The next day, you will visit the wonder early in the morning and return on the panoramic Vistadome train.

• Maras Moray + Machu Picchu

This itinerary is similar to the Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu Tour, except that it visits Chinchero, Moray, Maras, the Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo before continuing to Machu Picchu.

• Adventure Tours to Machu Picchu

Adventure tours to Machu Picchu are designed for travelers who want to reach the citadel in a more active way. These experiences include hikes along Andean and Amazonian trails, mountain passes, local communities, and archaeological sites along the route.

On this type of trip, the experience is not only about reaching Machu Picchu, but also about enjoying the journey. Some of the best-known routes include the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek, Lares, Huchuy Qosqo, and Inca Jungle, each with different difficulty levels, durations, and services.

Best Hiking Tours to Machu Picchu

• Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The 4-day, 3-night Classic Inca Trail is one of the most famous hikes to Machu Picchu. The route starts at Km 82, near Ollantaytambo, and ends at the citadel on the fourth day. Along the way, you will cross mountain landscapes, ancient Inca paths, archaeological sites, and campsites surrounded by nature. 

To do this trek, it is necessary to book permits in advance, as they can sell out several months ahead during the high season.

• Ultimate Salkantay Trek

The Salkantay Trek is the second most popular hike to Machu Picchu. Unlike the Inca Trail, this trek does not require a permit to enter the Inca Trail network; however, it is still recommended to book in advance to secure your Machu Picchu entrance ticket, train tickets, and the best available schedules. 

The route crosses high mountain landscapes with views of snow-capped peaks and glacial lakes, Andean valleys, and cloud forest. In general, it is often considered more challenging than the Classic Inca Trail.

• Short Inca Trail

The 2-day, 1-night Short Inca Trail starts at Km 104 of the railway line to Machu Picchu. This route allows you to hike a section of the ancient Inca Trail, visit archaeological sites, and reach the Inca city through the Sun Gate. 

Although its permits usually sell out less quickly than those for the Classic Inca Trail, it is still best to book in advance. It is a great alternative for travelers who want to experience the Inca Trail in less time.

• Lares Trek

The 4-day, 3-night Lares Trek is an alternative route to Machu Picchu, ideal for travelers looking for a more cultural and less crowded experience. The route passes through mountains, remote valleys, and Andean communities, where you can get a closer look at local life and traditions. 

Compared to the Inca Trail and the Salkantay Trek, Lares is often considered a more moderate hike. It is also available year-round and can be a good option even during the rainy season.

• Luxury Tours to Machu Picchu

Luxury tours to Machu Picchu are designed for travelers looking for more comfort, exclusivity, and a carefully planned experience from start to finish. This type of tour allows you to enjoy the Inca wonder at a calmer pace, with better services and personalized attention. 

Included services may vary depending on the hotel category, train type, and whether the tour is private or shared.

Best Luxury Tours to Machu Picchu

• Luxury Inca Trail

The 4-day, 3-night Luxury Inca Trail is a premium version of the classic trek to Machu Picchu. This tour combines ancient Inca paths with luxury services such as upgraded camping equipment, drinks, hot showers, massages, gourmet meals, and lunch near Machu Picchu. At the end of the experience, the return to Cusco is on the luxury Hiram Bingham train.

• Luxury One-Day Trip to Machu Picchu

The first-class train journey to Machu Picchu lets you travel through the Urubamba Valley with greater comfort, as the landscape gradually changes into cloud forest on the way toward the jungle. During the ride, you can enjoy panoramic views, cocktails, and gourmet food on board. The experience is completed with a private guided tour of the citadel.

• Comfort Inca Trail

This 3-day, 2-night tour combines culture, nature, and comfort in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. The experience includes a visit to the Potato Park in Pisac, walks around Andean lakes, the hike along the short version of the Inca Trail, and entry to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. Nights are spent in high-end hotels in the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes.

• Nature Tours in Machu Picchu

Nature is part of every tour to Machu Picchu. These trips are ideal for travelers who enjoy Andean landscapes, changing ecosystems, natural viewpoints, flora and fauna, and mountain photography.

Machu Picchu Tour Prices

There is no single price for Machu Picchu tours. The final cost depends on the length of the trip, the type of train, the entrance ticket selected, the hotel category, whether the tour is shared or private, and the services included. A 1-day trip from Cusco does not cost the same as a multi-day package with hotels, tours in the Sacred Valley or Cusco, adventure hikes, or luxury services.

In general, the budget for traveling to Machu Picchu usually depends mainly on the following factors: 

• Tour duration.
• Type of train.
• Type of entrance ticket or entry route.
• Tour format: shared or private.
• Service category: tourist to luxury
• Season and availability

1. Type of Train to Machu Picchu

Peru Rail and Inca Rail offer different categories of trains to Machu Picchu. Services vary depending on comfort, carriage type, panoramic views, onboard meals, and level of exclusivity. For this reason, the train you choose directly influences the final price of the tour.

2. Type of Entry to Machu Picchu

There are two ways to enter Machu Picchu: through the modern entrance using a Machu Picchu entrance ticket, or by entering through the Inca Trail. The way you visit Machu Picchu directly influences the final price of the tour.

• Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket

Machu Picchu tickets can be purchased in person, online through the official Machu Picchu ticket website, or as part of an organized tour. The visit is made by taking the bus from Aguas Calientes up to the entrance of the citadel. This is the most common way to visit the ancient Inca city.

The exchange rate from soles to dollars may vary between 3.5 and 3.8.

Keep Reading | Machu Picchu Circuits

• Entry to Machu Picchu through the Inca Trail

This ticket can only be purchased through a travel agency authorized to operate the Inca Trail. Unlike the traditional entrance, this route allows you to reach Machu Picchu on foot along the ancient Inca path and enter the citadel through its historic access point, located on the southern side: Intipunku, or the Sun Gate. 

3. Tour Format: Shared or Private

The tour format can be one of the factors that most affects the final price of a tour to Machu Picchu. The number of travelers has a direct impact on the price of any tour in Cusco. 

• A shared service is usually more affordable because transportation, the guide, and some services are shared with other travelers. 
• On the other hand, a private tour has a higher cost because it offers exclusive attention, more flexible schedules, and a more personalized experience. This can be a great option for families who want more flexibility during the trip.

4. Service Category

The service category can also change the price of a Machu Picchu tour. Some tours include tourist-class services, while others offer upgraded or luxury categories with more benefits, such as nights in 4- and 5-star hotels, luxury camps, private transfers, flexible schedules, gourmet Peruvian food, and personalized assistance.

5. Seasonality and Availability

Tourism in Machu Picchu is strongly seasonal. The high tourist season from June to November, marked by greater demand and visitor flow, largely overlaps with the dry season from May to September, when days are usually sunnier and the weather is more favorable. In contrast, the low season takes place during the rainy season from November to April, when there are fewer visitors. 

In addition, the high season also coincides with the summer holidays in the Northern Hemisphere, which increases the arrival of foreign travelers. During the high season, tourism service rates usually rise, while in the low season they may be more accessible. 

However, beyond the price, the most important thing is to check the availability of the key services for your trip: Machu Picchu tickets and/or Inca Trail permits, train tickets, and accommodation reservations.

In the following table, we show you a general comparison by season, availability, and demand, so you can better decide when to book your Machu Picchu or Inca Trail tour.

During special dates such as New Year’s holidays, Holy Week, and national holidays, demand increases significantly, and prices often rise as well.

These factors are key pieces for calculating your travel budget and choosing the right tour according to your available time, the level of comfort you expect, and the way you want to experience Machu Picchu.

Choosing the best Machu Picchu tour does not have to be difficult. If you still are not sure which one to choose, we can help you find the option that best fits your itinerary, budget, and interests, so you can make the most of your next vacation in Peru.

Frequently Asked Questions: Best Machu Picchu Tours