Best Group Tours to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is known as the ‘Lost City of the Incas’ and is easily one of the most recognisable tourist attractions in the world.
Machu Picchu is included in the New Severn Wonders of the World, it is located high in the Andes a whopping 7,970 feet above sea level! Once you have climbed the Inca Trail (or a similar route) to Machu Picchu you will be in a spectacular setting and one of the iconic travel destinations in the world.
Machu Picchu is still surrounded in mystery, there are lots of buildings in really good condition considering how old they are. A lot of trips here include seeing sunrise at Machu Picchu which can be a magical experience. You will get photos and memories to last a lifetime.
Seeing Machu Picchu is one of the best adventures you can do in the world and a true travellers favourite, not many experiences compare to this. Any trip to South America wouldn't be complete without visiting this ancient site!
Top Rated Machu Picchu Tour Operators
Are you wondering what are the best tour companies offering trips to Machu Picchu? On One World 365 you can search and compare tours from top rated travel operators including Contiki, G Adventures and Oasis Overland. Thousands of people travel with these companies every year and they offer highly rated guided tours with positive feedback and reviews.
Below you can view more information about the types of popular trips available.
Machu Picchu Tours for Solo Travellers
Our tours are perfect if you are travelling solo and would like to meet other people and travel in a group. You will get to meet other international travellers and get taken to the best locations in the country with an experienced guide. Most of our tours specifically cater for all age groups and are a really popular option due to meeting other people, getting day-to-day activities, hotel check-ins, selected meals, accommodation and also transport/guides included in the price. Don't worry if you are slightly older, most tours accept all ages.
Machu Picchu Budget Tours
On guided tours to Machu Picchu you will get a safe and structured trip taking you to the heart of the Inca civilization. We have a selection of tours for all budgets, so whether you are looking to explore on the cheap or you have a bit more money to spend you will be able to find a trip to match your interests. Our website features lots of cheap tours allowing you to discover the highlights of the Inca Trail and not break the bank. If you would like to see Macu Picchu and are short of time / money you can also take a day trip on the train.
Best Ways to See Machu Picchu
You're travelling to Peru, and obviously Machu Picchu is a definite must. Don't panic, there is no need to pre-book your trip to this historical wonder, almost every tour company offers trips there on a daily basis at more competitive prices, and soon you'll want a top that says "I've been to Machu Picchu, please leave me alone!". But it's still good to have an idea of how you want to get to Machu Picchu, whether it's a one day trip by train, a 3 or 4 day Jungle Trek, a 5 day Salkantay Trek, or of course the famous Inca Trail.
Here are the top recommended ways to get to Machu Picchu with options for alll budgets and types of travellers.
Machu Picchu by Train
The train is the quickest but can also be the most expensive mode of transport for getting to Machu Picchu, however it is also very easy, comfortable and quick, as well as sporting panoramic views. If you are pressured for time then the train is the best option for you and there are tickets ranging from about $77 - $475 each way from Poroy to Aguas Calientes.
Poroy is just a cheap public bus journey from the buzzing town of Cusco. However, bear in mind that the cheaper options do not include entry to Machu Picchu, a guide (not a necessity but certainly recommended), or any food/drinks, so you will have to organise that separately.
Jungle Trek
Claimed by some to be the easiest route to Machu Picchu, the Jungle Trek will lead you to stunning views, and will still test your physical capabilities both cycling and walking, whilst packing your brain full of fascinating facts about the Inca's, the jungles through which you walk, and Peru's history.
For a young crowd, booking this trip is a definite yes. Sure to be with a group of fellow adventurous travellers, this will only add to the entertainment factor of the trip, and you can expect guides to be especially knowledgable and attentive.
These tours cost around $230 for 4 days and 3 nights, which includes everything except money for water, approximately a $2 charge to cross the river, and another $3 for the Hot Springs, it is also one of the cheapest ways (ignoring going alone with a local for a guide) of exploring Machu Picchu and the terrain on the way to the foot of this architecturally fascinating village.
For those who like a little added adventure, sign yourself up for white water rafting (weather permitting) and then the zip wire course on the 3rd morning, and to go further still, ask to do the Superman style for one of the runs - a definite recommendation!
Salkantay Trek
Said to be a more physically testing route, the Salkantay Trek is a 5 day expedition, all on foot, through the beautiful mountainside leading to Machu Picchu. Although you don't have the niceties of a hostel at night like on the Jungle Trek and so a slightly warmer set of clothing is advisable, the longer hours of hard trekking lead you to camp at greater heights with amazing views of the surrounding area. It has a similar price to the Jungle Trek despite the extra day, and includes everything. There are lots of companies that offer Salkantay packages.
Inca Trail Tours
If you are interested in your history, and truly following in the footsteps of the Inca's then of course the original, famous, world-class trek is unavoidable. For preservation reasons the number of people allowed to take the route is limited, and therefore if you travel during peak holiday dates and have your mind set on doing this tour, then definitely book it in advance. However, around Cusco in particular there are places that will still allow you to book onto this trip last minute. The price is about double that of the Jungle and Salkantay, but if that's what you're going to Peru for then of course it's worth the investment!
From Aguas Calientes
This is the town located about a 20 minute walk along the river, from the base of Machu Picchu with loads of restaurants and places to stay. The bridge to begin the climb up Machu Picchu opens every day at 5am, and most tours will have you leave your accommodation about 4:30am to make sure you are there the moment it opens. The climb itself is mostly a series of uneven steps (approximately 1800 - not that we counted!) and it will take between 45 - 60 minutes, beginning in the dark. Otherwise, there is a bus service that runs regularly up to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes for a small additional fee.
Top Tips
- Definitely book a ticket to climb up Wayna Picchu, from here you can see the river that you followed either by foot or train, as well as look down upon the city of Machu Picchu
- Rain jacket - we found a poncho that goes over your bag as well is the best option
- Bring water and snacks as the climb up Machu Picchu can be tiring, and it's expensive to buy refreshments at the top, however be respectful and make sure you take all your rubbish with you
- A camera - we're not joking about the views
- Leggings or light weight trousers - Mosquitos and Sand Flies are in abundance in the jungle
- Light weight jumper - it can get chilly at night or in the shade of the mountain but check the expected weather before you go
- Swim wear - on the Jungle Trek you visit the hot springs on the 2nd day
Requirements
Eligibility:
To join you must be in good physical shape and apply early as permits and places are limited throughout the year. There are different trips for all abilities and interests, you might also like to combine experiences and apply to volunteer in Peru too.
Accommodation:
Usually travellers of the same sex will share a twin room, but there is also the option to pay a little extra and get a private room. Accommodation can vary depending on the tour and location. Some tours also include homestays which allow for a facsinating cultural exchange.
Group Sizes:
Typical group sizes are around 10-18 travellers with an average of 12 but this can vary between the tour and operator.
How to Book
If you have a specific time in mind we recommend booking well in advance with a tour operator which uses local local guides so you can learn more about the history and past of this famous route. Prices can vary depending on the tour operator and trip you select. There are also challenges available to book where you can trek as part of a group raising money for charity. You might also like to view all of our South America trips.
Machu Picchu Tour Reviews
Have you ever been to see Machu Picchu? Would you like to review a trip or tour company? Contact us with your feedback. You can view reviews of Machu Picchu tours above.
