Machu Picchu Flexible schedule Tours & Trip Packages

Machu Picchu Flexible schedule Tours & Trips

486 Machu Picchu trips. Tours from 140 tour companies. 1,330 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

54 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Peru, The Way Of The Incas
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Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Wheelchair Accessible
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Aguas Calientes, Andes Mountains, Cusco, Lima, Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley, Urubamba

Highlights

  • 5 nights hotel accommodation
  • 3 nights camping along the Inka Trail
  • Private transfers in Lima and Cusco
  • Private city tour of Lima visiting Plaza de Armas, Palacio de Gobierno, Cathedral of Lima, and the Municipalidad (City Hall), La Casa Aliaga and Convento de Santo Domingo (Santo Domingo Convent)
  • Private Cusco City Tour and Sacred Valley Tour
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Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"My friends and I had a wonderful, wonderful Italian vacation this spring. Our Sky Vacations consultant put together an amazing package for Rome, Florence and Venice. This was our first trip so we experienced everything that a first trip should include. Each hotel was perfect! Thank you!"

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Machu Picchu by Train Independent Adventure
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Aguas Calientes, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley

Highlights

  • Explore colonial cusco
  • Travel by rail to ancient machu picchu
  • Learn ancient traditions at the g adventures-supported women's weaving co-op

Themes

Cultural, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

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Machu Picchu by Train Independent Adventure - Upgraded
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley

Highlights

  • Explore machu picchu with an expert guide
  • Learn ancient traditions at the g adventures-supported women's weaving co-op
  • Enjoy a scenic train journey through the sacred valley

Themes

Cultural, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

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Peru Family Vacation
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5/5 Excellent
81 reviews
Vacation / Holiday Package
Why we love them
They’ve been recognized by major travel publications for their pioneering adventure travel expertise that spans back to their founding in 1979.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Andes Mountains, Cusco, Inca Trail, Lima, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley

Highlights

  • visit all of the sacred sites like Machu Picchu, The Sacred Valley
  • Visit Inca Trail, Lake Titicaca and other monuments and ruins important to the Peruvian culture and people.
  • Explore places truly have a mysterious, yet revered, feel to them.
  • Our local guides will accompany you every step of the way
  • Also experience delectable local cuisine and stay at fantastic four-star hotels along the way.

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Family Friendly

What travelers are saying

"I have travelled with ROW numerous times, including four trips on the Rogue River. Every trip has been wonderful and every person associated with ROW has been nice, knowledgeable, professional and fun. The Rogue is a great river and the trip is an excellent one for two people or a large group—and I have done both. I’ve taken both of my kids, one time each, and have organized groups of colleagues twice; most recently in 2019 when 14 of us gathered. The guides at ROW are great and help to make the trip very enjoyable. The scenery, lodging and the wonderful outdoors including warm air and refreshing water, make for a wonderful escape from the everyday routine. The fact that this trip offers beds and indoor plumbing is a nice benefit and allows those who have an aversion to camping a chance to see the wilderness. I have recommended ROW and the Rogue trip more times than I can count and my group has already reserved our trip for 2021. What are you waiting for?"

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Peru Extensions
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5/5 Excellent
81 reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve been recognized by major travel publications for their pioneering adventure travel expertise that spans back to their founding in 1979.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Andes Mountains, Cusco, Inca Trail, Lima, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley, Urubamba

Highlights

  • Explore Andes Mountains to Cusco, the heart of the Inca Empire.
  • Visit Machu Picchu
  • Experience hike towards Ollantaytambo
  • Discover Cusco

Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"I have travelled with ROW numerous times, including four trips on the Rogue River. Every trip has been wonderful and every person associated with ROW has been nice, knowledgeable, professional and fun. The Rogue is a great river and the trip is an excellent one for two people or a large group—and I have done both. I’ve taken both of my kids, one time each, and have organized groups of colleagues twice; most recently in 2019 when 14 of us gathered. The guides at ROW are great and help to make the trip very enjoyable. The scenery, lodging and the wonderful outdoors including warm air and refreshing water, make for a wonderful escape from the everyday routine. The fact that this trip offers beds and indoor plumbing is a nice benefit and allows those who have an aversion to camping a chance to see the wilderness. I have recommended ROW and the Rogue trip more times than I can count and my group has already reserved our trip for 2021. What are you waiting for?"

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Discovering Machu Picchu and the Galapagos
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Aguas Calientes, Cusco, Galapagos, Guayaquil, Isabela Island, Isla Bartolome, Isla Floreana, Isla Santiago, Lima, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Pisa, Quito, Sacred Valley, Santa Cruz Island

Highlights

  • Learn about the incredible wildlife of the Galápagos Islands with the most knowledgeable, experienced naturalists
  • Use high-tech onboard tools like video microscopes, hydrophones and splash cams to discover the marine environment around you
  • Marvel at the mysterious beauty of Machu Picchu, the iconic mountain sanctuary left behind by the great Inca Empire

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, High Adventure, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

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Machu Picchu & the Galápagos
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Cusco, Galapagos, La Paz, Lima, Machu Picchu, Quito, Sacred Valley, Urubamba

Highlights

  • Visit Lima's National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology
  • See how entrepreneurial Peruvian women are turning their traditional craft into a business venture.
  • Visit the massive Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo
  • Enjoy a moving musical performance by the Sinamune Disabled Children's Orchestra
  • See work by local artists, and hear musicians.
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Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"This letter is effectively what was communicated no less than 8 times in writing and conversation to OAT representatives up the chain, beginning 19 days before the trip. OAT was IMMOVABLE on allowing us to find an alternative travel companion and it was 100% due to rigid policy, not real barriers. We never expected a refund and wouldn't have blamed them if we could not fill my spot. They refused to even give us the opportunity. Appalling and sadly representative of their customer service. Congratulations, you lost two customers and one long time referral source. I only think it is fair that folks know the nature of the company at this point. An absolute shame. As a dedicated Edmund Hillary member of OAT with a history of introducing countless friends to your service including 4 who booked trips, I am writing to express my deep concern over the handling of our Galapagos trip booking in light of a recent medical emergency. This situation not only highlights significant gaps in customer communication and care but also underscores the need for immediate, effective action. Timeline of Events and Communication Issues: Initial Contact on 11/22: We contacted OAT 19 days before the trip, scheduled for 12/11, as soon as it became clear that extended surgical complications would prevent my travel. Policy of No Refunds or Changes Under 30 Days: We were informed that the trip is non-refundable under 30 days, which is understood. However, OAT also refused to allow a replacement traveler, posing zero risk to the company. Both of us called, met with the same response. Response from Exceptions Department on 11/22: The no-change policy was reiterated by the Exceptions Department on the same day. Written Escalation on 11/22: Both parties sent written letters to escalate the matter. Delayed Response Until 11/29: We did not receive any response until 11/29, with OAT mentioning the inability to make changes 12 days before the trip. Policy vs. Practical Reasons: The response seemed more policy-based than practical. We offered to cover the cost for a replacement traveler for the internal Galapagos flight, which was declined. The rep always returned to the policy prohibiting it. She further added we do not sell trips within 30 days. Upon looking the next day, I found no less than 7 different itineraries with no less than 13 different trips that I could have booked within 30 days. Further Escalation Request and Conversation on 11/30: A further request for escalation resulted in a 23-minute conversation on 11/30 without any change. Given these circumstances, I propose the following practical solution: Future Travel Credit in Exchange for Re-Selling My Space: If finding a substitute traveler is unfeasible, I suggest OAT resell my space to another interested party, crediting me for a future trip. This solution aligns with my preference and ongoing loyalty to OAT. The lack of a constructive response and rigid adherence to policy without considering exceptional circumstances is alarming. It not only affects this immediate trip but also impacts my ability to continue advocating for OAT in good conscience. An amicable and prompt resolution to this issue would speak volumes about OAT's commitment to customer satisfaction and flexibility. Unless there is a prompt and constructive resolution to this matter, we will be forced to escalate our concerns further. This includes reaching out to higher management within OAT, engaging with consumer protection agencies, sharing our experience through travel forums, and social media for breach of service. Our preference is to resolve this amicably, yet the current trajectory leaves us little choice but to pursue these avenues. I implore you to seriously consider these options and respond in a manner that reflects OAT's values of empathy and customer support. Your immediate attention to this matter is not only appreciated but necessary for a resolution that respects both parties' interests. Thank you for your understanding and prompt attention to this critical issue."

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Classic Machu Picchu Tour & Galapagos Cruise
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4.6/5 Excellent
19 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Cusco, Galapagos, Lima, Machu Picchu

Highlights

  • Explore Machu Picchu & Cusco
  • Tour the Galapagos on a 5-day cruise
  • Visit an ancient Inca Fortress
  • Discover villages in the Sacred Valley

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"At the last minute I had to rebook my trip to the Galapagos. Damon and staff were very helpful. My son and I had Markus Medina for a guide and he was knowledgeable-even being asked by other tour guide to help out! It was amazing to have a tour group of 3-so much flexibility. The islands were so beautiful with friendly people. I plan to return to South America and will definitely use Andean Discovery again."

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Machu Picchu Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
1,330  Reviews
See all Machu Picchu tour reviews
Excellent
1,104
Great
253
Average
21
Disappointing
5
Terrible
3
A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Qué paja el Perú !

Before I went on this holiday, anyone I talked to about Peru seemed to equate it principally with Machu Picchu and Inka trails. Frankly, as beautiful and wondrous...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Awesome Peru

Very long bus rides but to great places. Beautiful sunny day at Machu Picchu. Fernando - very enthusiastic, full of detailed knowledge, always keen to do the best...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Brilliant Adventure

What a brilliant time we had on our recent visit to Peru. From the moment we met our guide Sebastian at Lima airport the fun started. The itinerary was full on but...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

An amazing trip of a life-time!

This was my first experience of Exodus and I was very impressed. All of the communication prior to travelling was excellent and this continued with my arrival in ...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Perutastic

A great and very enjoyable trip with a very good guide / tour leader (Daniel). Such varied culture, food and scenery too. I felt like I learned and saw a lot. My ...

Write a Review

Machu Picchu Tour Selection Trips

  • Book your Machu Picchu tour well in advance! Machu Picchu tickets sell out days, weeks, and even months ahead, especially for spots hiking the highly coveted Incan trail. Booking early can ensure that your trip will go smoothly and you will get to see everything you want to during this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
  • Take a tour to truly understand the history of some of the more incredible monuments, but also leave some time to explore the ruins for yourself and connect with the “apus” or spirits of the mountain.
  • Bring altitude medicine and don’t forget to acclimate. You may be at the highest altitudes of your life and a journey plagued by altitude sickness is not ideal.
  • Bring layers at all times, the Peruvian Andes can sometimes require a jacket and at other times you may simmer in tropical heat. 
  • Avoid the rainy season of January and February but also consider avoiding the high tourist months of June through August. Often, trips in April, May, September, and October lead to the best weather with fewer crowds
  • During your tour...

    Arrive at Machu Picchu early. You will beat the tourist rush that hits between 10am and 3pm. Also, the sunrise over Machu Picchu is not to be missed.
  • Certain food is not allowed inside. Eat a big breakfast and take a lunch break outside of the ruins before returning for more exploration.
  • Don’t forget to take a photo of yourself in the “classic postcard view” to be found just beside the Guardian’s hut.
  • With all of the trekking, hiking, and sightseeing options, it is easy to try to take on too much -- keep in mind that even the best Switzerland tours don't tackle all of the Swiss Alps in one day. The altitude and weather will make your trip challenging enough. Try to relax and take the experience slowly. This will allow you to enjoy yourself as well as appreciate the mystical setting of Machu Picchu. 

Additional details

Coronavirus Travel Update for Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is set to open on November 1st, 2020, after a 7 month closure.

The closure has been devastating for the country of Peru. Machu Picchu is one of the world's most popular tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors every year - contributing heavily to Peru's local economy. 

Visitors will have their temperature taken, masks are required, as is adherence to standard social distancing.

How to Get to Machu Picchu

You can get to Machu Picchu in many different ways. If you choose to visit by hiking the Inca Trail, you must reserve these tours far in advance. The Inca Trail only allows tickets for 500 people per day on the trail, including porters and guides. This leaves 200 spots open for trekkers! So be sure to reserve your tour at least 6 months prior to departure.

You might also choose to tour Machu Picchu via the two other main treks: Lares or Salkantay. These take a day or two longer than the Inca Trail, but tend to be less crowded.

If hard core trekking in altitude is not your cup of tea, never fear! Machu Picchu is also accessible via the train from Cusco. This is a great option for older traveler and families with young kids. The train is fitted with large viewing windows, and you can take in the other historic sites of Peru along the way as you approach Aguas Calientes.

Machu Picchu is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, so on your tour of the famous ruins, it’s important to stay on marked paths, and respect the ruins. Travel on a tour to learn about the Incan history of Peru, and the archaeological history of the site itself. 

The Best Time to Tour Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is open for tours all year round. The Inca Trail is also open all year, except for February, when the trail is closed for maintenance. You need to first determine if you want to tour Machu Picchu in the Dry Season (April - September) or the Rainy Season (October - March).

January and February are generally thought to be the worst months to tour Machu Picchu. You will likely experience a lot of rain, which means you’ll also encounter a lot of mud and the stone pathways will be very slippery. You also won’t be able see Machu Picchu at sunrise, which many travelers strive for.

The cloud cover will be very heavy, usually not clearing until 9am when the sun is already up. On the flipside, this is the lowest point of the year for crowds, so if you want to see Machu Picchu without many other tourists around, choose a time during the rainy off season.

Between April and September, you’re likely to have less crowds at the end of the dry season. May, June, July, and August are the busiest months. This is when Northern Hemisphere travelers plan their summer vacations, and many people around the world get out of school.

Machu Picchu: Altitude and Altitude Sickness

Machu Picchu sits at a staggering 7,970 feet above sea level, in the heart of the Peruvian Andes. Because of this, there is a risk of getting altitude sickness, although it is rare.

The symptoms of altitude sickness include lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. If any of this happens, descend until you begin to feel better. You should remain hydrated, and avoid smoking or drinking alcohol.

If you have had altitude sickness before, look into potentially taking a preventative medication, like Diamox, or drinking coca leaf tea as a natural remedy.

Machu Picchu Facts

  1. Machu Picchu is one of the seven wonders of the world.
  2. The name “Machu Picchu” means “Old Mountain”
  3. It was built in the middle of the 15th century (1450s).
  4. The buildings on site are remarkable for two reasons: the massive stones were cut to fit exactly together without mortar or cement, and moved up the steep mountainside by hand.
  5. It is widely believed that Machu Picchu was built as a royal residence for the Incan king Pachacuti.
  6. The city was abandoned and forgotten until 1911, when it was rediscovered by an American archaeologist named Hiram Bingham.
  7. After Bingham’s discovery, he transported dozens of artifacts, including mummies, silver, and pottery, back to Yale University for study. The entire collection was only completely returned in 2012.
  8. Machu Picchu can be subject to earthquakes. The Incas not only knew this, but built their buildings tilting inwards to help enforce them.
  9. Despite archaeological evidence, group called the New Age Andean Cosmologists believe that aliens built Machu Picchu.
  10. Nobody knows why Machu Picchu was abandoned, although some believe it may have been because of an outbreak of smallpox.
  11. Machu Picchu was a site of human and animal sacrifice, as was common in Incan culture.

What to Wear & Machu Picchu Weather

Machu Picchu has a rainy season between November and March. At this time, the surrounding villages are prone to mudslides and flooding.

However, because of its proximity to the Amazon Jungle, there is always a possibility of rain when visiting Machu Picchu. The warmest months to visit Machu Picchu are between May and October, where temperatures can reach up to 80 degrees. However, we still recommend wearing closed-toe, athletic shoes or hiking boots in case it rains (the pathways can become very slippery if wet).

If you are staying overnight or camping along the various treks to the Lost City, make sure you bring especially warm clothing -- because of the altitude, temperatures tend to plummet at night.

Machu Picchu and Over Tourism

One growing problem for Machu Picchu is over tourism. The city, which was virtually unvisited 100 years ago, now sees thousands of tourists each day. This crowds the thin, snaking roads that lead to the site, and has come with other problems. With tourists overwhelming the number of guards, some visitors have taking to marking or stealing stones from the city.

In response to these issues, the Peruvian government has begun to rope off certain attractions, and limit the number of visitors allowed on the grounds at once. Another solution to the problem that is being considered is that guided tours will be mandated.

With all this being said, now is a better time to visit Machu Picchu than ever!

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