Machu Picchu Small Group Tours
Ever fancied combining Lima's historic streets with high-altitude Cusco treks? Skilled chefs turn mountain camp cooking into something special, while select tours add Cusco's Chocomuseo for chocolate making, Chinchero weaving sessions and authentic pachamanca feasts. The 8-day combos linking Machu Picchu with Amazon explorations let naturalist guides help you spot macaws, monkeys and secretive nocturnal creatures.
10 best Machu Picchu small group tours
Compiled by

MelissaMachu Picchu travel expert at TourRadar
- 5 Day - Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu - Group Service
- 5/4 Salkantay Machu Picchu Hike (Small Group Trek)
- 10/09 Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Tambopata National Reserve Jungle (Small Group)
- Classic Inca Trail To Machu Picchu - 4 Days And 3 Nights
- 03 Day Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu - Group service
- 8/7 Christmas Machu Picchu Peru (Small Group)
- The Inca Trail Experience 8D7N
- Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 6 Days / 5 Nights
- Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 8 Days/7Nights
- 5 Day Journey of colors to Machu Picchu
Duration 5 days Destinations Cusco, Machu Picchu Age Range Ages 7+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type Group Operator Valencia Travel Cusco From
- US$1,374
Groups cap at 2-12 hikers so your bilingual guide gives personal attention tackling the tough 4,650m Salkantay Pass. Professional camping gear, chefs cooking Peruvian meals, and mules carrying your stuff make the 7-hour days through remote villages more manageable.
Duration 5 days Destinations Cusco, Mollepata, Santa Teresa, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator ILE Tours From
- US$795
Groups of 8-15 visitors tour Machu Picchu together. The intimate setting allows detailed guidance through Temple of the Sun and Room of Three Windows, plus time for individual exploration and prime sunrise viewing spots.
Duration 10 days Destinations Lima, Tambopata National Reserve, Puerto Maldonado, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, Portuguese, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator ILE Tours From
- US$2,190
Classic Inca Trail To Machu Picchu - 4 Days And 3 Nights
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Amazing inca trail experience. The service and organization were top-notch.”
Megan, traveled in July
Intimate groups of 2-12 trekkers enhance Machu Picchu's ruins visits. Guides offer detailed commentary at the Sun Gate and throughout the citadel, ensuring comfortable pacing on the final descent.
Duration 4 days Destinations Cusco, Sacred Valley, Patallacta, Wayllabamba, Llulluchapampa, Runkuraqay Mountain, Sayacmarca, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes Age Range Ages 8+ Group Size Max Group Size 25 Group Type Group Operator Action Peru Treks From
- US$845+$30 local payments
03 Day Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu - Group service
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The activities were all great and very well organised along with the travel between the different locations.”
Olukayode, traveled in April
Limited to 8 travelers, groups receive dedicated attention during the 2-hour Machu Picchu guided tour. Larger parties include an assistant guide, ensuring detailed coverage of the ancient citadel's architecture and history while maintaining intimate exploration dynamics.
Duration 3 days Destinations Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Abra Malaga Mountain, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator Inkayni Peru Tours From
- US$599
The private Machu Picchu citadel tour offers 2-hour expert commentary plus free exploration time. Climb Huayna Picchu if desired. Intimate setting guarantees personal attention while visiting the Inca Bridge and East Gate trails.
Duration 9 days Destinations Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator ILE Tours From
- US$1,979
The Inca Trail Experience 8D7N
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The kindness and warmth of the team and the beautiful views make it a trip to repeat in the future.”
DIEGO, traveled in September
Limited to 8-12 travelers, this tour offers close-up views of Machu Picchu's terraces and temples. Personal porters handle gear during the 4-day trek, while expert guides share exclusive insights. Early access provides crowd-free sunrise views over the ancient citadel.
Duration 8 days Destinations Cusco, Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Patallacta, Pacaymayo Valley, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes, Rainbow Mountain Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Alpaca Expeditions From
- US$1,295
Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 6 Days / 5 Nights
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trek was definitely a challenge, the scenery amazing and the destination well worth the effort.”
Daniel, traveled in July
Small groups climb Machu Picchu with expert Alpaca Expeditions guides. Personal porters handle gear on challenging trails, while professional chefs prepare meals in private dining tents. Huayna Picchu climb available for $75.
Duration 6 days Destinations Cusco, Cachora, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Alpaca Expeditions From
- US$850
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 8 Days/7Nights
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The views, terrains, and trails are worth each and every step. Every day was unique and offers a complete experience of Peru's nature.”
Amy, traveled in October
Small groups with dedicated guides ensure intimate monument access at Machu Picchu. The exclusive Llactapata campsite offers unmatched views, while limited numbers allow flexible sunrise timing and detailed archaeological insights during the 2.5-hour guided tour.
Duration 8 days Destinations Cusco, Pisac, Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Mollepata, Salkantay Mountain, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Alpaca Expeditions From
- US$1,095
5 Day Journey of colors to Machu Picchu
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“His enthusiasm and knowledge of the Incan and Andean cultures as well as the Peruvian environment made for a wonderful experience.”
Matthew, traveled in January
Duration 5 days Destinations Cusco, Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Pisac, Rainbow Mountain Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator Inkayni Peru Tours From $1,198
35% Off- US$779You save $419
Reviews of Small Group tours to Machu Picchu
- Classic Inca Trail To Machu Picchu - 4 Days And 3 Nights
I hiked the Inca Trail and I had a great experience with Action Peru. I would recommend this company to anyone planning to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
- 03 Day Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu - Group service
This was an amazing tour with our guide Jaime who made us feel incredibly comfortable over the three days. The activities were all great and very well organised along with the travel between the different locations. Jaime was a brilliant tour guide throughout Machu Picchu and we felt his knowledge of the wonder added to how much we enjoyed the experience. We would definitely recommend and thanks again to Jaime for amazing experience.
- Cachicata Quarry Trail Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days 3 nights
We wanted a trek that wasn't too challenging or too long and this was the perfect antidote. The scenery was amazing.
What our customers ask about Machu Picchu Small Group Tours
How far in advance should I book a small group tour to Machu Picchu Mountain?
Book your small group tour 6-8 months ahead especially for travel between June and August. The limited Inca Trail permits are in high demand for smaller groups that offer more personalized experiences. Tour operators report strong advance bookings with companies like Alpaca Expeditions already taking reservations for 2025. During the prime hiking months when the weather is best for visiting sites like Phuyupatamarca and Intipunku some travelers book up to a year ahead to secure their preferred dates.
What unique cultural experiences are possible with a small group that aren't available with larger tours?
Small groups can enter local communities for genuine cultural exchanges in places like Patallacta and Huayllabamba. The intimate size allows access to private camping locations quiet coffee farms in Lucmabamba and traditional pachamanca feast experiences. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "Being in a smaller group allowed us to visit a local farmer's house in Lucmabamba learn about coffee making and have an intimate traditional meal - something impossible with larger groups."
What accommodations can I expect on a small group tour to Machu Picchu Mountain?
Tour operators provide quality camping gear and comfortable lodging options throughout the journey. Groups often stay in spacious 4-person tents shared by just 2 travelers at camps like Wayllabamba and Chaquicocha. After the trek many groups stay at established hotels such as Casa Andina in Aguas Calientes. According to one TourRadar traveler "The camping felt luxurious with dining tents good meals and porter service making it very comfortable."
What support staff is provided on small group tours to Machu Picchu Mountain?
Each tour includes professional guides chef teams and porters to handle logistics. Groups under 8 typically have one guide while larger groups get two guides plus porters who carry camping equipment and up to 7kg of personal items per guest. At key sites like Llactapata and Wiñay Wayna experienced guides share detailed historical context. TourRadar travelers often mention "the incredible support from guides chefs and porters making the journey possible."
What level of fitness is required for small group treks to Machu Picchu Mountain?
The trek demands moderate to high fitness with daily hikes lasting 6-8 hours at elevations between 2400m and 4215m. Groups face challenging sections including Dead Woman's Pass and steep descents to Wiñay Wayna. One TourRadar participant noted "The trek was demanding but our small group size allowed guides to adjust the pace and provide support when needed." Regular cardio workouts and previous hiking experience help prepare for the journey.
More about Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley: Hike, Cost & DifficultyHow to get to Machu PicchuMachu Picchu & Peru tickets, permits, vaccinations, and visaDo I need a guide for visiting Machu Picchu?Machu Picchu Packing List (Tried and Tested)Training for Machu Picchu & How to Prepare (Updated 2026)Best time to visit Machu Picchu (Peru) in 2026/2027Weather in Machu Picchu in 2026/2027




















