Private trip to Machu Picchu? – Learn about alternatives for this option

Being a travel agency, many people ask us about private trips to Machu Picchu. In this blog, we will show some alternatives to have more privacy in the activities or in the trip itself to Machu Picchu. We will explore some alternatives that are offered so that private experiences can be efficient. On the other hand, we also want to show other services that can increase not only the privacy of the trip but also the quality of the service, even having luxury trips. Likewise, we will know the options to get to Machu Picchu. Let’s begin.

Classic photo in Machu Picchu


The Private trip to Machu Picchu

Private service offered by trains to Machu Picchu

Private trips to Machu Picchu do exist. Only organizing them is complicated because it would have to be done with the help of the person concerned, with a permanent dialogue and tailor-made. Normally these services have a higher cost than normal trips. It is precisely for this reason that the client should seek the support of an agency to have the services he/she desires at his/her disposal. Once the trip and the itinerary have been planned, all you have to do is make the trip. In this blog, we want to present what a trip to Machu Picchu would look like with all the services in private.

There are different options for private travel to Machu Picchu. Many of these options will end up being shared, especially in the bus section that connects the district of Machu Picchu town with the archaeological site that was named wonder of the world. However, some alternatives can be improved to make the trip private.

Most people who choose to travel privately are couples. There are also cases of large groups of friends and some families with several members. These people opt for this service because it allows them to have a better time and pace during the activities. For this reason, it is an excellent option for families with younger children and for those who make the trip with older adults. In this case, they will not have to follow the pace established by a group in general.

When it comes to private travel with groups, there is the possibility that the trips themselves are more economical. This will depend a lot on the agency. On the other hand, in the case of other alternatives for private trips, even luxury services can be found. Next, we will know some of these options so that you can know and have more travel options or services to choose from. It is also important to mention that beyond prioritizing privacy, it will be important to think about the entrance tickets to Machu Picchu. To have an effective reservation you have to plan your trip for months. Only in this way, will you be able to find availability in the month you want to make the trip. Now let’s see some options to have a private trip to Machu Picchu.

About Machu Picchu ticket reservations
Although it may seem like fake news or marketing, tickets to Machu Picchu are usually sold out. It is even possible that a whole month is already sold out. In this sense, it is important to make reservations in advance. Once this service has been purchased, proceed to make the reservation for the rest of the desired services. In the case of private tours, whichever way you decide to travel, you will have to take into account the availability of tickets. Private tours do not usually include tickets in the case of luxury travel, yes, but only if the reservation is made in good time.


The Private Train

Interior of The Private train

The Private train is an excellent option to have a train ride to Machu Picchu. Inca Rail provides a carriage for the exclusive use of the group of people who make the reservation. The number of people that can make the trip on this train and with all the services offered is 8, although according to what is mentioned, up to 10 people can enter. Surely this surcharge will have a higher cost.

The private train will depart from Ollantaytambo, but being an exclusive service, you will have access to the VIP waiting room where you can have some snacks or other courtesies offered by the company. The private trip as such will only take place during the train ride and with the arrangement of the private carriage. On the other hand, to get to Ollantaytambo there are some private transportation services that you can add to your list of services. We will talk about it in the additional services. However, you will have to share the bus to Machu Picchu as there are no private services for the route.

An important service offered by Inca Rail is that you will have a private tour guide for the tour of Machu Picchu. In addition, you will also have ecological bus tickets to arrive and descend to the Llaqta of Machu Picchu. On the other hand, the private service offered by Inca Rail can also be customized or even organize small surprises during the trip. Many people have been encouraged to propose hands and even a birthday party. All the services offered by The Private will be luxurious.

In the case of PeruRail, it does not present a similar alternative. But you can opt for the trip in the luxury service of Hiram Bingham. Although it will be a shared trip, because of the attention and the perfectly decorated train cars you will have an excellent trip. In the case of Inca Rail, it also has a luxury service, it has the name The First Class, it can be an option for couples, but in case you want the carriage The Private, only for 2 people it is also possible to acquire it, besides having all the services mentioned above.


Private Inca Trail

Archaeological site of Wiñayhuayna – Inca Trail Route

For those who like activities in conjunction with nature, private hiking trails are available. This, of course, will have to have a guide. The routes of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu must be done with the presence of an official guide. This is for different reasons. For these reasons, the guide will guide you through the archaeological sites that are on the route. Also, the care and respect that must be taken for the route and the campsites. And probably the most important is for the safety of the travel group. The guides are prepared to act in case of emergency. The presence of the guide is indispensable since it is practically obligatory.

At the time of purchasing the entrance tickets to Machu Picchu that include the Inca Trail route, you have to contact a travel agency authorized to perform the route. There you will have the option of acquiring a completely private service. This can be translated or understood as that the guide service will only be for you, your companion, or your group in general. In this sense, the group will only be made up of your friends or family. This option is valid for 2 people or more. On the other hand, the tours will be at the pace set by the group, although it is not advisable to relax too much.


Other trekking routes in Private service

Group photo at the foot of Salkantay snow-capped mountain.

The other trekking routes do not require the presence of a tour guide. In this sense, you can plan routes with friends or companions to Machu Picchu. By doing the trip independently, it is practically as if you were doing it privately. Of course, you will have to take into account everything that this includes. That is to say, you will be in charge of the logistics and of carrying your belongings for the days that the route allows you.

The trekking routes that you can follow on your own and without the mandatory assistance of a guide are Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, and the route by Hydroelectric (economic option). For more information you can visit the Other trekking routes to get to Machu Picchu, we detail each of the routes. You can also find additional information such as walking times, routes, and some recommendations for you to have a safe trip until your arrival to Machu Picchu. As we already mentioned, making a trip on your own has a lot in common with a private trip. Next, let’s see some services that can be purchased privately.


Additional private services

Private tour guide in Machu Picchu – This is probably the service that is most needed. This service consists of the assistance of a person who will not only make the tour of Machu Picchu easier but will also provide important information. You can also purchase this service from your stay in Cusco, i.e. the guide will accompany you from Cusco and will make the trip with you. You can have this option from the Full Day trips and Machu Picchu in the afternoon, as well as in the trekking routes.

Private transportation – Some agencies offer pick-up services for tourists, but many of them are done on a collective basis. That is to say, you do not have exclusivity of the service. On the other hand, with private transportation, you will have a vehicle of your choice to pick you up from your arrival in Cusco, take you to your hotel, and even cover routes throughout the Sacred Valley. We have this exclusive private transportation service in Cusco.

Restaurant reservations – Restaurants will be important, especially if you want privacy. The way to acquire these services is through direct contact with the restaurants. You will be able to find different and good quality options in Cusco and Machu Picchu town. That is not all, you can also find some options in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Hotel reservations – Having hotel rooms available is also essential to have a better stay. The best way to have private rooms in Cusco is to make the reservation in advance. As with restaurants, the best option is to contact the hotels directly. You can also find hotels in Cusco and Machu Picchu town. In addition, in the case of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, it is possible to find luxury hotels that offer a separate experience.

 

By Imachupicchu – Last updated, March 18, 2024

Enjoy the trip to Machu Picchu with the best services

Choose one of the 5 types of tickets

The entrance to Machu Picchu offers discounts for university students, those under 18 years of age and citizens of Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia. Children under 3 years enter free! Get your entry to 'mapi' here.

We take you wherever you want in Cusco

The private transportation service takes you to any tourist destination in Cusco. Travel with total security in a private service for you, your partner, your friends or family. Includes pick up service from the airport or transfer to Machu Picchu train station, book here!

An unforgettable train trip to Machu Picchu

In total there are four tourist train services to Machu Picchu: Expedition, Vistadome, Vistadome Observatory and the Hiram Bingham luxury train. They all belong to the prestigious Peru Rail company. Buy the tickets here! Take advantage of the discounts!

Get on the final bus to Machu Picchu

The train trip will leave you in the town of Aguas Calientes, 10 kilometers from Machu Picchu. For this last section you must get the bus to Machu Picchu, a comfortable service that takes care of the environment of the wonder of the world. Buy your bus ticket here!

Tour Machu Picchu with a professional guide

In Machu Picchu the tour guide service is not mandatory. However, most tourists decide to go accompanied by a guide. This way they will be able to fully understand the history and importance of the wonder of the Incas.

Machupicchu all inclusive 1 day

If you do not want to buy each ticket to Machu Picchu separately, it is best to hire an all-inclusive tour. Includes: transfer to the station, train ticket, tour guide, entrance fee and lunch option at the best ‘mapi’ restaurant. Book the tour here!