Machu Picchu Travel Package: Your Complete Guide to Tours & Booking - Voyage Privé
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Machu Picchu travel package


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Booking a Machu Picchu travel package transforms a dream into reality by bundling flights, transfers, train tickets, expert guides and entry permits into one seamless journey. Whether you choose a quick 3-day escape or a luxury 11-day circuit combining the Sacred Valley, Cusco and extensions to the Amazon or Galapagos, these curated itineraries handle altitude, cultural immersion and the thrill of reaching the ancient citadel by train or trek, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

The most beautiful tours for Machu Picchu packages

Machu Picchu & the Galapagos Islands Tour - Lima

Machu Picchu & the Galapagos Islands Tour - Lima

This combined Peru and Galapagos itinerary offers the ultimate South American adventure, pairing the ancient wonders of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu with the unique wildlife of the Galapagos archipelago. The detailed day-by-day programme includes guided tours, internal flights, transfers and carefully selected accommodation. Perfect for travellers seeking both cultural immersion and natural discovery, this package balances Andean heritage with island exploration. All essential services—permits, train tickets and expert guides—are included, ensuring a seamless, unforgettable journey across two of the continent's most iconic destinations.

What we love: The seamless blend of Inca history and Galapagos wildlife, comprehensive inclusions and expertly planned logistics that remove all booking stress.

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Private Peru Tour - Lima

Private Peru Tour - Lima

Experience Peru at your own pace with this private multi-destination tour covering Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca and Cusco. Designed for travellers who value exclusivity and flexibility, the package includes private transfers, personalised guides and a sample itinerary tailored to your interests. Explore ancient ruins, vibrant markets and breathtaking Andean landscapes with the comfort of dedicated service throughout. All logistics—domestic flights, train tickets and entrance permits—are arranged in advance, allowing you to focus entirely on the experience. Ideal for couples, families or small groups seeking an intimate, bespoke Peruvian adventure.

What we love: The privacy and personalisation, expert local guides and the freedom to explore Peru's highlights without the constraints of group schedules.

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Luxury Tour of Peru Including The Amazon

Luxury Tour of Peru Including The Amazon

Indulge in a luxury 9-night tour featuring hand-picked 5-star properties, private services, a guided Machu Picchu visit and an immersive Amazon lodge stay. This premium package combines cultural exploration with natural adventure, offering exclusive experiences such as private city tours, gourmet dining and wildlife excursions in the rainforest. Every detail is curated for comfort and style, from boutique hotels in Cusco to eco-lodges deep in the Amazon. All transfers, internal flights, train tickets and expert guides are included, ensuring a seamless, stress-free journey. Perfect for discerning travellers seeking the very best of Peru in one unforgettable itinerary.

What we love: The 5-star accommodation, private services throughout and the perfect balance of Andean culture and Amazon wilderness.

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Peru Adventure 3/4*

Peru Adventure 3/4*

For active travellers, this adventure package features the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, optional Amazon extensions and a range of outdoor activities. Trek through cloud forests, camp under the stars and arrive at the Sun Gate for an unforgettable sunrise over the citadel. The itinerary includes trekking permits, professional guides, porters and lodge or camping options depending on your preference. Beyond the trail, explore Cusco's colonial streets, the Sacred Valley's terraced hillsides and the vibrant biodiversity of the Amazon. All logistics—permits, trains, transfers—are pre-arranged, so you can focus on the adventure ahead.

What we love: The authentic trekking experience, the thrill of the Inca Trail and the flexibility to add Amazon exploration for a complete Peruvian adventure.

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Discover Machu Picchu and nearby highlights

Machu Picchu: what to expect on your first visit

Machu Picchu, the 15th-century Inca royal estate perched high in the Andes, captivates visitors with its dramatic mountain scenery, intricate stonework and enduring sense of mystery. First-time visitors arrive by train or on foot, passing through the entrance with a mandatory certified guide and exploring terraces, temples and plazas within a timed entry slot, usually four hours. Advance permits are essential—they sell out months ahead during high season—and acclimatising to altitude in Cusco for at least two days is strongly recommended. The standard guided tour lasts two to three hours, covering key structures such as the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone and the agricultural terraces, with rich historical and cultural context. Morning mist often shrouds the citadel at dawn, creating an ethereal atmosphere and unforgettable photo opportunities. A well-organised Machu Picchu travel package handles permits, transport and guides, removing all logistical stress so you can focus entirely on the awe-inspiring experience.

The Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes — companion sites

The Sacred Valley, the fertile heartland of the Inca Empire, is dotted with archaeological sites such as Pisac, Moray and Chinchero, alongside traditional villages where Quechua-speaking communities maintain centuries-old customs. Most Machu Picchu tours include a day exploring the valley before or after the citadel visit, taking in vibrant markets, circular terraces and ancient ruins. Ollantaytambo serves as both a living Inca town and the main train departure point for Machu Picchu; many travellers spend a night here to break the journey and explore the impressive fortress that towers above the cobbled streets. Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, is the gateway village at the foot of the citadel, where most visitors overnight before taking an early-morning bus up to the ruins. Packages typically include accommodation in Aguas Calientes, allowing time to relax in the natural hot springs or browse artisan craft markets. These companion sites enrich the Machu Picchu experience, offering cultural context, altitude acclimatisation and logistical convenience for a well-rounded Andean adventure.

When and why to add Amazon or Galapagos extensions

Many travellers combine Peru's highlands with lowland rainforest or island wildlife for a more diverse South American adventure. Amazon extensions, lasting two to four nights, appeal to nature lovers: jungle lodges near Puerto Maldonado or Iquitos offer wildlife spotting—monkeys, macaws, caimans—alongside canopy walks and river excursions. The Amazon is accessible throughout the year, though the dry season from May to October provides easier trails and better wildlife visibility. Galapagos extensions, spanning four to seven nights, represent a premium add-on for those with more time and budget, combining Machu Picchu's cultural heritage with the islands' unique fauna: giant tortoises, marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies. Combined Peru-Galapagos packages require careful planning—flights via Lima and Quito or Guayaquil—and suit itineraries of 12 to 16 days. Curated multi-destination packages, such as the Machu Picchu & Galapagos tour, handle all logistics, flights and transfers, delivering a seamless journey across two of the world's most celebrated natural and cultural landscapes.

Sample itineraries and package types

Short/Classic packages (3–5 days): best for quick trips

Short Machu Picchu travel packages, spanning three to five days, focus on Cusco and Machu Picchu only, skipping extended valley tours or treks. A typical four-day itinerary runs as follows: Day 1, arrive Lima and connect to Cusco to acclimatise; Day 2, half-day Cusco city tour covering Plaza de Armas and Sacsayhuamán; Day 3, train to Aguas Calientes and overnight; Day 4, early guided visit to Machu Picchu, return train to Cusco and fly to Lima. These packages usually include domestic flights (Lima–Cusco return), Vistadome or Expedition train tickets, one night in Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu entrance with a certified guide and all airport or station transfers. Short packages suit time-pressed travellers or those combining Peru with other South American destinations. While compact, these itineraries deliver the essential Machu Picchu experience, though they allow little time for acclimatisation or exploration of the Sacred Valley. Curated short packages bundle all essentials at competitive rates, ensuring a streamlined, memorable highland escape.

Standard 7–11 day circuits: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu

The most popular Machu Picchu package format comprises 7 to 11-day circuits covering Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. A typical nine-night itinerary includes two nights in Lima (city tour, Larco Museum, Miraflores clifftop walks), two nights in the Sacred Valley (Pisac market, Ollantaytambo fortress, Moray terraces), one night in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu visit), three nights in Cusco (city tour, Sacsayhuamán, free time) and one night in Lima as a departure buffer. These packages include all domestic flights, private or shared transfers, daily breakfast (often half-board), guided excursions, train tickets (Vistadome or Expedition) and Machu Picchu entrance with a certified guide. Seven to 11-day circuits allow proper acclimatisation—crucial at 3,400 metres in Cusco—and time to explore markets and ruins at a relaxed pace, with optional add-ons such as cooking classes or Andean community visits. This format suits first-time visitors seeking a comprehensive introduction to Peru's highlights without rushing. Several nine to ten-night packages, including the 9-night Peru Andean Experience and Essentials of Peru, offer flexible extensions for those wanting more.

Luxury & extended packages (Amazon, Galapagos, beach extensions)

Luxury and extended Machu Picchu packages, lasting 9 to 14 nights, feature five-star hotels (Belmond, Inkaterra, Palacio del Inka), private guides and transfers, gourmet dining and exclusive experiences such as private Machu Picchu tours, helicopter flights and spa treatments. Extended packages often combine the core Machu Picchu circuit with Amazon lodges (two to four nights of wildlife immersion), Galapagos cruises (four to seven nights island-hopping), Lake Titicaca (Uros floating islands, Taquile), Arequipa (Colca Canyon condor watching) or northern beach resorts (Mancora, Tumbes) for post-trek relaxation. A sample 14-night luxury itinerary might include Lima (2 nights), Sacred Valley five-star lodge (2 nights), Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge or Sumaq (1 night), Cusco boutique hotel (2 nights), Amazon eco-lodge (3 nights), Lima (1 night) and Galapagos cruise (4 nights). These packages require larger budgets—£4,000 to £8,000-plus per person—but deliver unparalleled comfort, personalisation and access. Luxury offerings, such as the Luxury Tour of Peru Including The Amazon, bundle premium properties and private services at exclusive member rates.

Trek and transport options

Train options (Vistadome, Expedition) and what they include

The two main PeruRail services for reaching Machu Picchu are Expedition (comfortable, budget-friendly carriages with large windows and onboard snacks) and Vistadome (panoramic windows, complimentary refreshments, live entertainment and more spacious seating). Both depart from Ollantaytambo or Poroy (near Cusco) and arrive in Aguas Calientes after a journey of around 1.5 to 2 hours. Most Machu Picchu travel packages include return train tickets in Expedition or Vistadome class; upgrades to the luxury Hiram Bingham train—with gourmet meals, bar car, live music and guided tour—are available at extra cost. Train tickets are date- and time-specific, issued with passenger names and must be booked well in advance, particularly from May to September. Inclusions cover an assigned seat, a scenic journey through the Urubamba Valley, luggage allowance (one carry-on, maximum five kilograms) and arrival or departure coordination with hotel transfers. The train is the most popular and comfortable way to reach Machu Picchu, offering stunning views and a stress-free journey, with packages bundling tickets, transfers and accommodation for seamless logistics.

Trek options: Inca Trail, Salkantay — duration, permits and difficulty

The Classic Inca Trail, lasting four days and three nights, is the iconic route, following ancient Inca paths through cloud forest, mountain passes (Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215 metres) and archaeological sites, culminating in sunrise arrival at the Sun Gate overlooking Machu Picchu. Permits are strictly limited to 500 per day (including guides and porters), sell out four to six months ahead and are non-transferable; packages include the permit, certified guide, porters, camping equipment and meals. The trek is moderate to challenging—altitude, steep climbs—and requires good fitness. The Salkantay Trek, spanning five days and four nights, is a popular permit-free alternative, crossing high-altitude passes (Salkantay Pass at 4,650 metres) and descending through diverse ecosystems to the cloud forest; it's longer and more strenuous but offers dramatic mountain scenery and fewer crowds. Shorter options—two-day Inca Trail, one-day Inca Trail from km104—suit those with less time. Trek-based packages, such as the Peru Adventure, handle all permits, logistics and equipment; trekkers should book early and acclimatise in Cusco for two to three days beforehand.

How transfers, internal flights and trains are usually organised

Upon arrival in Lima, travellers are met by a representative holding a name board and transferred to their hotel; the next day, they're collected for the domestic flight to Cusco (LATAM or Avianca, around 1.5 hours), met again at Cusco airport and driven to their Sacred Valley or Cusco hotel. Train transfers are coordinated seamlessly: a driver collects guests from their hotel, drives to Ollantaytambo or Poroy station (luggage stored if needed) and hands over train tickets; upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, a local representative meets them and escorts them to their hotel. Return journeys follow the same pattern, with drivers waiting at stations and airports. Most packages offer shared group transfers (cost-effective) or private transfers (more flexible, included in luxury packages). All transfers, flight tickets and train reservations are pre-arranged and confirmed by the tour operator, with 24/7 local support and clear vouchers or itineraries provided. This seamless organisation is a key benefit of booking a Machu Picchu travel package, removing language barriers, navigation stress and the risk of missed connections.

Activities, cultural experiences and practical tips

On-site activities: guided visits, sunrise tours, Wayna Picchu and Sun Gate

All visitors must enter Machu Picchu with a certified guide (solo exploration is no longer permitted); the standard guided tour lasts two to three hours and covers the main plazas, temples (Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Three Windows), the Intihuatana stone, royal residences and agricultural terraces, with historical and cultural context. Sunrise tours, entering at 6am, offer the chance to see the citadel emerge from mist and enjoy softer light for photography, though they require very early departure from Aguas Calientes (4 to 5am bus). Optional add-ons requiring separate permits (booked months ahead) include Wayna Picchu (the steep peak behind the citadel, 400 daily permits, 1 to 1.5-hour climb, rewarding panoramic views) and Machu Picchu Mountain (longer, less crowded climb, 800 permits). The Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the Inca Trail's final approach, is reachable via a one-hour hike from the main site (no extra permit needed), offering a classic postcard view. Packages typically include the standard guided tour and entrance; add-ons must be requested and confirmed at booking, as permits sell out fast in high season.

Cultural experiences: local markets, community visits and food

Visits to local markets such as Pisac and Chinchero allow travellers to browse textiles, ceramics and produce, meet Quechua-speaking vendors and witness traditional bartering. Community visits—to weaving cooperatives in the Sacred Valley, for instance—showcase families demonstrating ancient textile techniques, natural dyeing and llama or alpaca husbandry; these visits often include a home-cooked meal and the chance to purchase handicrafts directly, supporting local livelihoods. Peruvian food experiences range from cooking classes (learning to make ceviche, lomo saltado or pisco sour) to market tours with chefs and meals at quinoa-focused or farm-to-table restaurants. Many packages include at least one cultural activity—market visit, weaving demonstration—as part of Sacred Valley day tours; others can be added for a small supplement. These experiences deepen understanding of Andean culture, connect travellers with local communities and provide memorable, authentic moments beyond the archaeological sites. Curated itineraries often feature these cultural touchpoints, enriching the overall journey and offering insights into the living traditions of the Inca heartland.

Practical advice: best time to go, altitude, health, visas and packing

The best time to visit Machu Picchu is the dry season from May to September: clear skies, warm days, cool nights and lower rainfall, though this is peak season (higher prices, crowded sites, permits sell out early). Shoulder months (April, October) offer good weather with fewer crowds, while the wet season (November to March) is greener and quieter but brings afternoon rain and occasional trail closures (the Inca Trail closes in February for maintenance). Cusco sits at 3,400 metres, the Sacred Valley at 2,800 metres and Machu Picchu at 2,430 metres; travellers should arrive in Cusco, rest for one to two days, drink coca tea, stay hydrated and avoid alcohol and heavy meals to minimise altitude sickness. UK citizens need no visa for stays up to 183 days; passports must be valid for six months. No vaccinations are mandatory, but hepatitis A, typhoid and yellow fever (for Amazon extensions) are recommended; consult a travel clinic six to eight weeks before departure. Pack layers (temperatures vary widely), sun protection (high UV at altitude), a rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes, a small daypack and a reusable water bottle. Travel insurance covering altitude, adventure activities and cancellations, plus ATOL protection when booking packages, is essential.

Choosing a Machu Picchu travel package transforms a complex, multi-layered journey into a seamless adventure, bundling permits, trains, transfers, guides and accommodation into one curated itinerary. Whether you opt for a quick highland escape, a comprehensive circuit through Peru's cultural heartland or a luxury odyssey combining Andean ruins with Amazon wildlife and Galapagos islands, the right package delivers convenience, value and peace of mind, allowing you to focus on the awe-inspiring experience of discovering one of the world's most iconic archaeological treasures.

Machu Picchu travel package

Short 3–5 day packages start around £800–1,200 per person (flights from the UK not included), while standard 7–11 day circuits range from £1,500–3,000. Luxury or extended packages—including Amazon or Galapagos extensions—can exceed £4,000–8,000. Prices vary by season (May–September is peak), accommodation standard (3-star versus 5-star), group versus private tours and inclusions such as domestic flights, train class and number of meals. Exclusive member rates and curated packages often save 30–50% on comparable market prices, delivering exceptional value for comprehensive itineraries.

The absolute minimum is 3–4 days (1 day travel, 1 day Cusco acclimatisation, 1 day Machu Picchu, 1 day return), but this is rushed and allows no buffer for altitude adjustment or exploration. A comfortable experience requires 7–9 days: 2 days Lima, 2–3 days Cusco and Sacred Valley, 1 day Machu Picchu, plus travel days. Trekkers need an additional 4–5 days for the Inca Trail or Salkantay, while those adding Amazon or Galapagos should plan 12–16 days. Longer itineraries reduce altitude risk and allow deeper cultural immersion.

Most packages sold in the UK include domestic flights within Peru (Lima–Cusco return, sometimes Lima–Arequipa or Puerto Maldonado for extensions) but do not include international flights from the UK to Lima. Some operators offer flight-inclusive packages from London (via Madrid or Amsterdam with Iberia, KLM or Air Europa), though these are less common and more expensive. Check package details carefully: look for "including domestic flights" or "land-only" in the description. Packages clearly state what is included, and members can often add international flights at competitive rates.

Yes, all visitors need a timed entrance ticket (permit) to enter Machu Picchu; tickets are date- and time-specific (morning or afternoon slots) and must be booked in advance, especially in high season (May–September) when they sell out weeks or months ahead. Permits are included in all Machu Picchu travel packages and are arranged by the tour operator using your passport details. Additional permits are required for Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (limited daily quotas, must be requested at booking). Booking a package ensures permits are secured and avoids the risk of sold-out dates.

The choice depends on fitness, time and preferences. The train (Vistadome or Expedition) is comfortable, scenic, suitable for all ages and fitness levels and takes just 1.5–2 hours from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes; it's ideal for those with limited time or who prefer not to camp. The Inca Trail trek (4 days/3 nights) is a bucket-list adventure, following ancient paths, camping under stars and arriving at the Sun Gate for sunrise; it requires good fitness, acclimatisation and advance permits (selling out 4–6 months ahead). The train offers convenience and comfort; the trek delivers adventure and immersion. Many packages offer both options or combinations (trek one way, train return).

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