We booked the private Machu Picchu experience for two, including a private car transfer from Cusco to the train station, the Vistadome train, and a private guided tour of the site. It is certainly a premium-priced experience, but for such a once-in-a-lifetime destination, I would absolutely do it again.
Everything was perfectly organized from start to finish. Communication with Tania was excellent throughout the booking process. She was always responsive and helpful, and even came to our hotel the day before to hand over all our tickets, explain the itinerary in detail, and answer all our questions. That personal touch was greatly appreciated.
When we arrived at the train station, our guide, Willy, warmly welcomed us and stayed with us throughout the entire visit. He was incredibly friendly, professional, and knowledgeable, sharing fascinating insights into the history, culture, and significance of Machu Picchu. His English was excellent, making every explanation easy to understand. He also knew all the best photo spots and helped us capture some unforgettable memories. To top it off, he recommended a very good restaurant (not included in the price) for after our visit, which was the perfect end to the visit while waiting for the return transfer.
Be prepared for a long day from Cusco—our day started at 5:00 a.m. and we returned around 8:30 p.m. Most of the time is spent on transportation, transfers, and waiting (each way is around 4 hours: car+train+bus), while the visit to Machu Picchu itself lasts around 2.5 hours (we had booked Circuit 1, which offers the best views although you are not able to enter the village itself (this would be circuit 2). However, every minute is absolutely worth it.
A big thank you to Tania and especially to Willy for making this unforgettable experience so smooth and enjoyable. Highly recommended!