Experience the wonder of Machu Picchu and the living heritage of the Sacred Valley with seamless train logistics, official entrance circuits, and expert local guides.
Fully guided experiences with door-to-door transfers, official tickets, and authentic local insight.
A complete, worry-free expedition to the lost city of the Incas. Includes hotel transfers, scenic train journey through the Urubamba gorge, Consettur shuttle bus, official citadel ticket, and private guide.
Discover the agricultural heart of the Inca Empire. Explore the textile town of Chinchero, the circular terraces of Moray, the ancient Maras Salt Mines, and the mighty fortress of Ollantaytambo.
Connect deeply with living Andean culture on a 100% private tour. Experience natural wool dyeing and weaving with the Amaru indigenous community, share a farm-to-table lunch, and tour Pisac (Pisaq) and Ollantaytambo.
Expert advice and up-to-date 2026 visitor rules to help you plan a smooth Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley journey.
Exploring the Inca citadel requires preparation. Sitting at 2,430 meters (7,972 ft)—nearly 1,000 meters lower than Cusco—Machu Picchu has a mild subtropical cloud-forest climate. Under strict 2026 conservation regulations, visitors must carry their original physical passport, and single-use plastics, backpacks larger than 40x35x20 cm, tripods, and selfie sticks are prohibited. Exploring alongside a licensed private historian brings every temple and agricultural terrace to life.
The dry season (May to October) brings sunny blue mornings and crisp mountain views, making it the most popular time to visit (with daily capacity capped at 5,600 visitors). The green season (November to April) wraps the surrounding peaks in dramatic mist, blooming orchids, and fewer crowds (capped at 4,500 daily visitors). Regardless of the month, pack high-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable rain jacket.
No roads connect Cusco to Machu Picchu. The most comfortable and scenic route starts with a private transfer from your Cusco hotel to the Ollantaytambo station in the Sacred Valley (1.5 hours), followed by a panoramic train ride (Expedition or Vistadome) along the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes, and a 25-minute Consettur shuttle bus up the Hiram Bingham highway to the citadel gate. Our packages coordinate every ticket and transfer door-to-door.
Entry is regulated by Peru's Ministry of Culture (`tuboleto.cultura.pe`) across three main circuit categories, and prime morning slots sell out months ahead. Circuit 2 (Classic Route) is the most comprehensive and sought-after ticket, combining the classic upper Guardian House postcard view with a guided walk through the main urban and sacred sectors. Entry times are strictly enforced, so booking an organized tour ensures your train, bus, and circuit align perfectly.
Answers to the most common questions from travelers planning their trip to Machu Picchu.
Because official daily admission is strictly capped by circuit, we advise booking at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance—and 3 to 4 months ahead if you are traveling during the high dry season (May through September)—so we can secure Circuit 2 (the Classic Route) and the best panoramic train times for you.
Yes! The Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo and Urubamba) sits around 2,800 meters (9,186 ft)—roughly 600 meters lower than Cusco (3,399 m). Touring the Sacred Valley on your first days helps you acclimatize smoothly, and on our private tours we can even carry your luggage and drop you off directly at the Ollantaytambo train station at the end of the afternoon to catch your train to Aguas Calientes.
Our Classic Sacred Valley Full Day ($184) covers the famous Western and Central highlights: Chinchero, the circular agricultural terraces of Moray, the pre-Inca Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo Fortress. Our Amaru, Pisac & Ollantaytambo Private Tour ($229) combines the massive ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo with a hands-on plant dyeing, spinning, and weaving experience plus a farm-to-table lunch inside the high-altitude Quechua village of Amaru.
You must bring your original physical passport (matching the passport number used for your reservation) to board the train, bus, and enter the Machu Picchu citadel. Pack a small daypack (under 40x35x20 cm), a reusable water bottle, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a light rain jacket.
Before or after your Machu Picchu adventure, immerse yourself in our culture. Discover the secrets of our gastronomy with a hands-on cooking class.
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