5 BEST Machu Picchu Tours and Excursions 2025

So Machu Picchu is this super popular spot lots of people check out every year Its this incredible old Inca city way up in the Andes Mountains (about $2,430$ meters / $7,972$ feet). The Inca boss Pachacuti built it over 500 years ago maybe as his own getaway place. Now its Peru’s main attraction like the biggest deal for tourists and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

Pretty wild the Spanish who conquered the Incas way back in 1572 didnt even find it. It stayed hidden until this American historian Hiram Bingham showed up in 1911 and told everyone. Since then its become a real bucket-list place.

To get the best out of your visit we reckon looking into these fancier tours. They usually hook you up with private rides cool train journeys plush hotels and really tasty food all fresh. These trips handle the tricky bits so you can just enjoy the amazing views and history.

Here are our top picks for high-end Machu Picchu tours:

1. Private Luxury Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu: 2-Day Trip

If you want a quick but fancy taste of Machu Picchu this 2-day tour is a solid choice.

First they grab you from your hotel in a private car. You’ll head to Manos de la Comunidad which is this cool animal rescue place. You get to see llamas alpacas vicuñas even the massive Andean condor all saved from tough situations. It’s pretty cool to see them up close.

Next stop is Caccaccollo a village where people still live like the old Quechua ways. You’ll see their traditions handmade textiles and maybe try some local snacks in the Sacred Valley (average height around $2,900$ meters / $9,514$ feet). After that you explore the Pisaq ruins (up at about $3,300$ meters / $10,827$ feet) which are really impressive old Inca buildings. Then you get a proper gourmet lunch before jumping on the Vistadome train. This train has big windows great views on the way to Aguas Calientes (the town below Machu Picchu sitting at about $2,050$ meters / $6,726$ feet).

You’ll stay the night at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo hotel which is super nice like five-star nice. Dinner is at Indio Feliz known locally as the best restaurant in town.

Day two is the big one You wake up early to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu hopefully the clouds clear for that epic view. You get a private guide for about two hours showing you all the important bits. Afterwards you celebrate with another fancy lunch at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge the only hotel right next to the ruins. Finally you take the super luxurious Hiram Bingham train back to Cusco (the main city in the area around $3,400$ meters / $11,155$ feet).

What you get:

• Visit Manos de la Comunidad see rescued llamas alpacas vicuñas condors
• Guided tour of the famous Pisaq ruins in the Sacred Valley
• Ride the Vistadome Observatory train from the Sacred Valley
• One night stay at the luxury Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo
• Your own two-hour guided tour exploring Machu Picchu
• Lunch at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge right by Machu Picchu incredible views
• Ride the fancy Hiram Bingham train for a luxury trip back to Cusco

2. The Luxury Peruvian Andes: 6-Day Tour

This trip gives you 6 days soaking up the Andes mountains in style.

It mixes adventure culture and comfy living. You start in Cusco using the old Inca capital as your base. The city itself is amazing with old Inca walls right next to Spanish buildings.

During the tour you’ll visit that animal rescue spot Manos de la Comunidad meet local folks in villages like Caccaccollo and see the awesome landscapes of the Sacred Valley. You’ll hit Machu Picchu for sunrise which is usually less crowded and pretty magical. You also get to hike to the crazy colorful Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca which is way up high at about $5,200$ meters / $17,060$ feet – take it easy up there!). Plus you get to join a special Pachamama ceremony in Moray (around $3,500$ meters / $11,483$ feet) which is like a traditional offering to Mother Earth led by a local shaman its quite something. You also explore Ollantaytambo (about $2,792$ meters / $9,160$ feet) a town thats still set up like Inca times.

What you get:

• Visit Manos de la Comunidad Animal Rescue see llamas alpacas etc learn about helping wildlife
• Hang out in Caccaccollo meet locals see traditional Quechua culture Andean textiles
• Explore Pisaq archaeological site learn about its Inca history
• Join a Pachamama ceremony in Moray with a local priest feel the earth vibes
• Guided tour of Ollantaytambo walk through a living Inca town see the stone terraces
• See the sunrise at Machu Picchu watch the mist clear over the famous Lost City
• Ride the Luxury Hiram Bingham train back from Aguas Calientes to Cusco super classy
• Explore Cusco’s history check out the Cathedral Temple of the Sun (Q’oricancha) and the huge Sacsayhuamán ruins nearby
• Hike to Rainbow Mountain see the wild colorful stripes of Vinicunca a natural wonder
• Have a private gourmet picnic lunch in the Sacred Valley with killer mountain views

3. The Luxury Cusco & Sacred Valley: 6-Day Tour

This 6-day trip also dives deep into the Andes focusing on Cusco and the Sacred Valley combining history culture and amazing sights with luxury travel.

Think ancient ruins cool traditions and views that’ll blow your mind. From when you land in Cusco everything’s sorted – good guides smooth rides and hand-picked hotels that are comfy but feel real.

You’ll wander Cusco’s old streets see where Inca stonework meets Spanish colonial style. A really cool part is a hands-on cooking class where you learn to make famous Peruvian dishes like ceviche or lomo saltado maybe starting with a visit to the bustling San Pedro Market (Cusco altitude already mentioned). In the Sacred Valley you’ll experience that spiritual Pachamama ceremony we mentioned before its a tradition passed down for ages. And yeah you tackle Rainbow Mountain those colors are seriously unreal.

Then the main event standing at Machu Picchu watching the mist lift off one of the world’s most incredible places.

What you get:

• Experience Machu Picchu see the mist clear then explore with an expert guide
• Take part in a sacred Pachamama Ceremony in Moray connect with old Andean traditions
• Trek to Rainbow Mountain hike up to the crazy colors of Vinicunca truly stunning
• Ride the Luxury Hiram Bingham Train travel back from Machu Picchu in style yummy food live music big windows
• Get hands-on with Peruvian food visit San Pedro Market take a cooking class taste local flavors in Cusco
• Explore Ollantaytambo’s living Inca history see the massive stone terraces old streets
• Stay at the exclusive Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo relax in a fancy eco-lodge in the cloud forest hummingbirds everywhere
• Check out Pisaq Archaeological Site discover this big Inca site with great views of the Sacred Valley
• Guided tour of Cusco’s historic spots walk the main square Plaza de Armas visit Q’oricancha (Temple of the Sun) see the mighty Sacsayhuamán ruins
• See Andean animals at Manos de la Comunidad get close to rescued llamas alpacas vicuñas and the cool Andean condor

4. The Luxury Inca Trail: 4-Day Trek

This is the famous Inca Trail hike but done the fancy way. It’s a four-day trek through amazing Andes scenery. You start the hike at KM 82 (around $2,800$ meters / $9,186$ feet) and walk the same paths the Incas did.

You’ll hike through misty cloud forests climb over high mountain passes and check out cool ruins like Llactapata Runkuraccay and Wiñay Wayna (about $2,650$ meters / $8,694$ feet) Guides tell you the stories behind them.

The big challenge is Dead Woman’s Pass the highest point at about $4,200$ meters / $13,780$ feet. Its tough going up that high but the views are epic and you feel pretty awesome reaching the top. You’ll see amazing sunrises over the mountains. The luxury part? Each night you get gourmet meals cooked by a chef hot showers (a real treat on the trail!) and even massages at the campsite. The tents and sleeping gear are top-notch too.

On the last day you walk towards Machu Picchu through the famous Sun Gate (Inti Punku at about $2,720$ meters / $8,924$ feet). This is where you get that classic first glimpse of the Lost City often as the morning mist clears. After soaking it all in you get a guided tour then a well-deserved lunch at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. To finish you ride the luxury Observatory train back to Cusco. It’s a workout but maybe the most rewarding way to arrive.

What you get:

• Private Transfer get picked up and driven to the start of the trail (KM 82) in a comfy bus
• Gourmet Food on the Trail enjoy fresh meals made by a dedicated chef using good local stuff
• Massage Sessions at Camp relax your sore muscles after hiking with a massage at some campsites
• Hot Showers in the Wild get cleaned up with rare warm showers at the fancy campsites
• Reach the top of Dead Woman’s Pass ($4,200$m / $13,780$ ft) highest point killer views real achievement
• Luxury Camping Gear sleep well in good tents with thick mats under the stars
• Enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) get that first amazing view as the Incas did
• Exclusive Lunch at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge eat at the only hotel right next to Machu Picchu great views
• Luxury Return on the Observatory Train relax on the way back to Cusco with big windows nice food live Andean music
• Personal Guide expert guides explain the Inca sites along the way making history come alive

5. The Luxury 2-Day Inca Trail

This lets you hike part of the Inca Trail and see Machu Picchu without the long camping trek and toughest climbs. It’s perfect if you’re short on time or just want the highlights. In just two days you hike through pretty cloud forest explore amazing Inca ruins like Wiñay Wayna and arrive at the Sun Gate for that first wow moment seeing Machu Picchu.

Your trip starts with a private pickup in Cusco. Then you take the scenic Vistadome train not all the way but to KM 104 (around $2,100$ meters / $6,890$ feet) Thats where your hike begins. You hike up to the really cool Wiñay Wayna ruins then carry on to the Sun Gate where Machu Picchu appears below. That night you chill out at the super nice Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo lodge tucked away in the forest.

Day two you see sunrise at Machu Picchu explore with your private guide then treat yourself to a gourmet lunch before taking a first-class train back to Cusco. It’s like getting the best bits of the trail experience packed into a shorter luxury trip.

What you get:

• Private Rides & Fancy Vistadome Train travel comfortably with private pickup and a train ride with big windows
• Luxury Stay at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo relax at an eco-lodge in the cloud forest maybe use the spa or walk nature paths
• Gourmet Meals enjoy fresh packed lunch on the trail a high-end dinner at Inkaterra and a celebration lunch probably at Indio Feliz
• Small Group & Personal Touch hike with expert guides private help not too crowded so you can go at your own speed
• Luxury Return on Vistadome Observatory Train kick back enjoy a first-class ride to Cusco maybe live music and nice views

Tour Costs (General Info)

Look these are high-end tours so they aren’t cheap alright? The price changes a lot depending on the exact tour the time of year how many people are going and what level of hotel or train you choose. The original text didnt list exact prices probably because they change.

Your best bet is to contact the tour companies directly to get a real price for when you want to go. Sometimes travelers say “You get what you pay for” (lo barato sale caro sometimes applies in reverse here!) and for these luxury trips that usually means excellent service.

Recommendations

• Got time & energy? The 4-day Luxury Inca Trail is epic if you want the classic trek with comforts. But be real about the altitude and fitness needed.
• Want the trek feel without camping? The 2-day Luxury Inca Trail is a great compromise. You hike see ruins get the Sun Gate view stay in a nice hotel.
• More into culture & comfort? The 2 6 or other 6-day tours focusing on Cusco Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu are probably better. You see more sites beyond just the trail itself like markets villages and maybe Rainbow Mountain.
• Short on time? The 2-day Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu tour packs a lot into a short luxury trip.
• Book Early! Seriously especially for anything involving the Inca Trail permits sell out months sometimes a year ahead. Machu Picchu entrance tickets and the fancy trains also get booked up. Don’t wait til the last minute No dejes para mañana lo que puedes hacer hoy! (Don’t leave for tomorrow what you can do today!).

Travel Tips for Machu Picchu

• Altitude Sickness is Real: Cusco and the Sacred Valley are high up. Take it easy (tómalo con calma) your first day or two. Drink lots of water avoid heavy food and alcohol. Locals swear by coca tea (mate de coca) it helps a lot. You can chew the leaves too. Ask your hotel.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink more water than you think you need especially if hiking.
• Sun Protection: The sun is strong at high altitude even if it’s cloudy. Use sunscreen a good hat and sunglasses.
• Rain Gear: Weather in the Andes changes fast. Pack a rain jacket or poncho even in the dry season just in case. Mejor prevenir que lamentar (Better safe than sorry).
• Money: Bring some Peruvian Soles (PEN) in cash for small things like tips snacks souvenirs or bathrooms. Credit cards work in fancy hotels and restaurants but not everywhere.
• Listen to your Guide: They know the area the history and safety stuff. Plus they often have great stories.
• Respect the Site: Machu Picchu is an ancient wonder. Don’t climb on walls touch carvings or leave any trash. Stick to the paths.

What to Pack for Your Trip

Keep it simple but be prepared for different weather. Layers are key.

• Good Shoes: Broken-in hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes are essential especially for any trail hiking. Comfy shoes for towns too.
• Clothing Layers: T-shirts (quick-dry are good) long-sleeve shirts fleece jacket maybe a warmer layer depending on the season. You’ll add/remove layers during the day.
• Rain Gear: Waterproof jacket and maybe rain pants.
• Comfortable Pants: Hiking pants or comfortable travel pants. Maybe shorts if visiting in warmer months but pants are generally better for sun/bugs.
• Hat & Sunglasses: For sun protection.
• Sunscreen: High SPF essential.
• Bug Spray: Especially for Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes) and lower jungle areas mosquitos can be annoying.
• Daypack: Small backpack to carry water snacks camera rain gear etc during day trips.
• Water Bottle: Reusable one is best help reduce plastic waste.
• Camera/Phone: To capture the amazing views! Maybe extra battery/power bank.
• Passport: You need it to enter Machu Picchu and often for trains/hotels. Bring copies too just in case.
• Basic Meds: Pain relievers altitude sickness meds (ask your doctor) band-ids motion sickness stuff if needed.
• Toiletries: Your usual stuff.

When’s the Best Time to Go?

You can visit Machu Picchu year-round but the weather varies.

• Dry Season (May to October): Generally considered the best time. You get more sunny days clearer views less chance of rain. BUT it’s also peak tourist season so expect bigger crowds and higher prices. June/July/August are busiest.
• Shoulder Seasons (April & November): Can be a good mix. Fewer crowds than peak season landscapes might be greener after the rains (April) or before they really start (November). Weather is a bit more unpredictable maybe some rain but often still pleasant.
• Wet Season (December to March): It rains more often sometimes heavily especially Jan/Feb. BUT crowds are much smaller landscapes are super green and lush. Prices might be lower. Note: The classic 4-day Inca Trail is usually closed for maintenance every February. Machu Picchu itself stays open.

Basically dry season for best weather odds wet season for fewer people and green views shoulder seasons for a balance. Choose based on what matters most to you crowds or weather.