Machu Picchu is the reason most people come to Peru, but the best trips are rarely just Machu Picchu. Cusco's Inca walls and colonial churches, the terraces of the Sacred Valley and a slow acclimatization all make the main event better. A private package ties it together: one guide for your group, transport that waits for you, and a schedule that fits how you actually travel.
This guide explains how private tours compare with group departures, then walks through three sample itineraries you can adjust.
Why Choose a Private Tour
✅ Private Works Well If You...
- Are travelling as a family, couple or friend group
- Want to set your own pace, especially at altitude
- Have photography, history or mobility needs
- Prefer one guide who knows your plans
❌ A Group Tour May Suit You If You...
- Are a solo traveler on a tight budget
- Enjoy meeting other travelers
- Are happy with a fixed schedule
- Only need a single standard day tour
Private vs. Group Tours
| Private | Group | |
|---|---|---|
| Pace | Set by you | Set by the group |
| Guide attention | Your party only | Shared |
| Pickup | Your hotel, your time | Fixed meeting points |
| Flexibility | Add stops, change order | Fixed itinerary |
| Cost per person | Higher for small parties, better value in groups of 3 or more | Lower |
Sample Cusco & Machu Picchu Itineraries
These are starting points. Every package is adjusted to your dates, group size and interests.
3 Days: The Essentials
- 1Sacred Valley
Visit Pisac, Chinchero and Ollantaytambo on a lower-altitude first day, then overnight near Ollantaytambo.
- 2Machu Picchu
Take the train to Aguas Calientes and enjoy a guided tour of the citadel at your ticketed entry time.
- 3Cusco City Tour
Return to Cusco and visit Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay.
5 Days: Comfortable Pace
- 1Arrive in Cusco
Airport pickup and a slow day to adjust to the altitude.
- 2Cusco City Tour
Walk the historic center and the four ruins above the city.
- 3Sacred Valley
Pisac, Chinchero and Ollantaytambo, with a night in the valley.
- 4Machu Picchu
Early train and a guided visit, with time to explore.
- 5Return to Cusco
Train back and transfer to your hotel or the airport.
7 Days: Adventure Add-Ons
- 1–2Cusco & Acclimatization
Arrival, city tour and an easy second day.
- 3Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake
A full-day excursion once you have adjusted. See our Rainbow Mountain guide.
- 4Sacred Valley
Pisac, Chinchero and Ollantaytambo.
- 5Machu Picchu
Guided citadel tour and a night in Aguas Calientes if you want a second morning.
- 6–7Flex Days
Maras and Moray, Socma waterfall, or a rest day before flying out.
What a Private Package Can Include
Typical Inclusions (confirmed in your quote)
- Professional private guide
- Private transportation
- Entrance tickets to included sites
- Train tickets to and from Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu entrance and bus transfers
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Hotels, meals and flights vary by package. We list exactly what is and is not covered in your quote so there are no surprises.
Planning Your Trip
Work out your dates first, then choose a length. Season matters: the dry months bring clearer skies and busier sites, while the rainy season is quieter but wetter. Our best time to visit Peru guide covers it in detail, and top 5 places to visit in Peru helps if you want more than Cusco.
If trekking is part of the plan, read about choosing an Inca Trail tour early, since trail permits are the first thing to sell out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do private tours to Machu Picchu cost?
Price depends on group size, trip length, hotels and the train class you choose. Private costs are shared across your party, so larger groups pay less per person. Send us your details for a no-obligation quote.
How many days do I need for Cusco and Machu Picchu?
Three days is the minimum for Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Five days is more comfortable and helps with altitude, and seven days lets you add Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake.
Are private tours safe for families and older travelers?
Yes. A private itinerary can slow the pace, add rest time and avoid long steep walks. Cusco is high, so we usually suggest a gentle first day in the Sacred Valley, which sits lower.
Do I need to book Machu Picchu tickets in advance?
Yes. Machu Picchu uses timed entry and set circuits, and popular dates sell out, so tickets and train seats should be reserved as soon as your dates are fixed.
Can the package include a trek?
Yes. We can combine a private city and Sacred Valley program with the Inca Trail, Salkantay or Lares trek, or with a day trip such as Rainbow Mountain.