Machu Picchu is one of the best destinations on the planet. The grandeur of each of its buildings has much greater value thanks to the different investigations that were made of the place. Taking the tour with an official tour guide drastically changes the experience of any person. This is mainly because you will have all the information, details of the construction and a better understanding of the entire cultural, agricultural and political process that took place in this citadel located on the top of a mountain. In addition, it allows you to appreciate many more vestiges that are still being investigated regarding all the mysteries created by the Incas.

• Is it really necessary to take the tour with a tour guide?
• How do I identify an official tour guide?
• The best circuit to do in Machu Picchu with a guide through Machu Picchu
• Are there only guides for the Machu Picchu tour?
• Prices for guided tours in Machu Picchu
• Frequently Asked Questions

Guide taking photo with group of tourists in Machu Picchu

Information
Machu Picchu remained for many years on top of a mountain without the world knowing of its presence. It was in 1911 that, after the arrival of Hiram Bingham, a settler, acting as a guide, took him to the enigmatic constructions that were absorbed by the abundant vegetation. This is one of the main references made to the world about local guides and the importance of the cultural contribution they have to talk about what they live and know. Without the presence of a local settler, it is unlikely that one would have even come close to Machu Picchu. This person knew about the citadel and in good faith, after understanding what Hiram Bingham’s expedition requested, accompanied him to the desired site and the rest is already known history. In addition, some of the settlers began to share their experiences with the site that lay abandoned. Next, we will talk more about the presence and importance of the guides. We will also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the tour of Machu Picchu. Let’s get started!

Is it really necessary to take the tour with a tour guide?

The latest updates on Machu Picchu admission mention that it is not mandatory to take the tour with a guide. However, most visitors and tourists recommend visiting Machu Picchu with a guide.

But below we detail some of the reasons why you can take the Machu Picchu tour with a professional guide:

• Some of them can accompany you from the start of your trip in Cusco. Of course, this will have an additional cost.
• It guarantees safety and a pleasant journey.
• Receive all the information not only about the Inca citadel, but also about some details and spaces that you can see during the trip to Machu Picchu.
• Most guides are local, from Cusco and some regions close to this region.
• During the ascent to Machu Picchu it is possible to learn more about the local culture thanks to the guides.
• Guides can offer you a variety of restaurant and hotel options.
• As for the tour, you will have all the information about each Inca site.
• Thanks to a tour guide, you will be able to properly complete the route or circuit through Machu Picchu.
• You will not miss any of the sites that your local guide has scheduled for you to visit.
• You can hire guides to do the hiking trails that connect to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
• The guide is kind enough to take photos of you.
• As for group trips, he will also show interest in each of the members.
• Group tours are also a great option to ensure everyone receives up-to-date information at the same time.

Official guide in Machu Picchu

How do I identify an official tour guide?

Machu Picchu, being a destination with many visitors, will also have a large number of tourist guides. Some of them will be easy to identify by their uniform and because they wear their identification properly.

If you have any other questions, here are some tips to help you identify and contract with an official tour guide. Only then will you be guaranteed a good experience during your adventure of visiting Machu Picchu.

• You must carry an updated credential as an official tourist guide in Machu Picchu.
• Most guides choose to wear uniforms to be more visible in the crowd.
• All guides must be registered with DIRCETUR CUSCO tourism service providers.
• Most guides are able to communicate in different languages.
• Sometimes guides offer two types of prices: private service and shared guide service.
• What is the private guide service like? The guide will only do the tour with a small group of a couple or similar.
• The private guided service is more expensive because the guide deals exclusively with his small group.
• What does the shared guide service work like? The guide can wait for a group to form so that everyone can make the corresponding payment.
• Shared guided tours are cheaper, but sometimes there are delays or the guide’s explanation becomes complicated.
• Where can I book a guide service? You can book a guide service just before entering. It is also possible to make a reservation online.
• Sometimes the packages or tours already offer the guided service so it will not be necessary.

Official tourist guide at the entrance to the Wonder of the World

The best circuit to do in Machu Picchu with a guide through Machu Picchu

The best circuit to do with an official guide is Circuit 2. This circuit offers 2 variations that are actually very similar. In addition, the route is easy to do and you get to know the citadel and the narrow streets of Machu Picchu up close. Below are the places you visit.

• Includes a visit to the Sacred Square.
• The Sacred Rock.
• The Temple of the Sun.
• The Main Temple. The Temple of the Three Windows.
• The agricultural sector.
• The Temple of the Condor.
• The Hall of Mirrors.

It allows you to do the following activities:

• A tour of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• It allows you to take the classic postcard photo right at the start of the tour.
• Take other photographs when entering the temple area, the wide esplanades and also at the Sacred Rock.
• The tour of Circuit 2 of Machu Picchu can be done by people of all ages.
• Please note that this tour does not include a trip to the mountains or other destinations.
• Take pictures of the main temples.
• Learn in detail the architectural techniques of the Incas.

Map of circuit 2 of Machu Picchu

Are there only guides for the Machu Picchu tour?

The guided service is not only available in Machu Picchu. Cusco, being a tourist destination, offers the opportunity to visit other destinations. That is why this service is not exclusive to Machu Picchu, but also to these places that can be the perfect complement to your trip to Machu Picchu.

• Cusco City Tour – Visit the Cathedral, Coricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Tambomachay, Qenqo and Pucapucara. The service lasts between 4 to 5 hours. It is ideal for the first few days of your visit. The guided service is essential for visiting these tours because you can appreciate and learn more about the history of the Incas.
• Sacred Valley of the Incas – Visit the Inca archaeological sites of Písac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero. Here the guides give an explanation similar to that of Machu Picchu, where the main Inca constructions, such as the temples and terraces, are explained.
• Maras and Moray – Learn more about the Maras Salt Mines and the circular terraces of Moray in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Take the opportunity to visit the town of Maras with its colonial buildings. The guide will explain each of the destinations presented.
• Cusco Southern Valley – A guided tour will take you to the Inca site of Tipón, the pre-Inca (Wari) buildings of Piquillacta and the colonial church of Andahuaylillas. During the tour, which begins in the city of Cusco, the guide will explain the geography and historical process of each of the destinations we visit.
• Humantay Lagoon – It is possible to hike to Humantay Lagoon with the help of transportation and even muleteers to get to the mountain. The hike and the entire adventure is done with a guide, who explains details of the geography and some legends that have formed around this lagoon.
• Vinicunca – It is also possible to hike with the assistance of transport and muleteers until reaching the 7 Colores Mountain through beautiful landscapes. Likewise, the guide will accompany us during the route and will explain details of the geographical formation, and will also advise us so that the hike is comfortable and safe. Of course, you can also find some new routes upon request of the clients, especially multi-day hiking routes.

Guide explaining about the archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman

Prices for guided tours in Machu Picchu

Returning to Machu Picchu, you can find different activities in which you can be accompanied by a guide. Below, we present some of the routes and circuits to take.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) Where can I reserve my entrance tickets to Machu Picchu?

  Reservations for tickets to Machu Picchu can be made on our website. You can find all the information and types of tickets to enter Machu Picchu here .

• 2) Where can I book a guided tour?

  Guide services in Machu Picchu can be purchased at the entrance area of the Machu Picchu archaeological site. You can also do so from our website, where you will be guaranteed a private or shared guide service.

• 3) When does the high season start?

  The official high season in Machu Picchu starts on June 1st and lasts until October 15th. During this season, all entrance tickets are available. That is, you can choose between 10 options.

• 4) When does the rainy season begin?

  The rainy season begins in November and becomes more intense as the months go by. During the months of January and February there is a greater amount of rain and it ends in March.

• 5) Is it possible to tour Machu Picchu without a tour guide?

  Yes, it is possible, but it is not recommended. The guides will help you to follow the route you choose and not miss any of the attractions you can visit. In addition, you will learn all the information about the place during the tour.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Luis R.

“Amazing“

“Without a doubt, the most amazing place I have been to so far. Just at the door you can feel the incredible energy of the place. The structures are amazing, the landscapes beautiful, the mountains where Machu Picchu is located are surrounded by a mighty river hundreds of meters below. All its beauty can be best appreciated from the Huayna Picchu mountain (book this ticket well in advance).“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, December 23, 2024