The trip to Machu Picchu offers a tour of the main buildings. We invite the thousands of tourists who arrive to take a tour of the Inca citadel accompanied by a guide. The guides are mostly people from Cusco, so during the tour they offer knowledge about the Inca culture. In this way, a truly enriching cultural experience is created that often impacts the tourist more because they even learn some words in Quechua and some other cultural traditions. Let’s learn more about this cultural experience below.

• What is a cultural experience?
• The guided tour of Machu Picchu
• What experiences enrich the cultural experience at Machu Picchu?
• How to acquire a tour guide to Machu Picchu?
• The best circuit to explore Machu Picchu with a guide
• Frequently Asked Questions

A guided tour is the best way to get to know Machu Picchu

What is a cultural experience?

A cultural experience is characterized by the fact that during various activities one can learn about and actively participate in the cultural practices of a society. Normally, the practices carried out are linked to various activities such as: artistic, social and even philosophical representations.

Many times these activities are shared during activities as simple as conversations and walks. This is especially true when there is an exchange of information between two people of different nationalities and cultures. In Cusco and Machu Picchu there are many activities that can be done.

Cultural experiences can have enriching moments. For example, residents of nearby communities or regions can learn more about their inherited culture. These customs are important to better understand the entire history of their ancestors.

On the other hand, this type of experience is one of the tourist activities that has the greatest impact on visitors. This is why many people are encouraged to visit other destinations, with varied architecture, and why it promotes destinations and activities of social inclusion. The latter, because cultural practices that are being forgotten are transmitted, known and disseminated.

Llamas in Machu Picchu

The guided tour of Machu Picchu

The best way to tour Machu Picchu is with a tour guide. They offer the cultural experience of knowing every detail of the Inca citadel. The tour guide can also offer valuable information that is not covered by the tour.

The latter refers to the value, somewhat frowned upon, by some people of learning a few words or greetings in Quechua. Most of these words or terms in Quechua are simply common expressions, but they are quite commonly used by local people.

In fact, one of the advantages of doing tourism with a local guide is that you learn precisely these details. Details that escape or go unnoticed by the presence of a seriousness and formality that sometimes produces an informative but not very integrative tour.

Thus, the best way to have cultural experiences is to contact a tour guide who dares to promote part of his culture when touring the Inca citadel. Sometimes the details make the difference and the work of the guides who dare to create new experiences is greatly appreciated.

What experiences enrich the cultural experience at Machu Picchu?

Discover the history of Machu Picchu

• The history of Machu Picchu is closely linked to the rise of the Inca Empire.
• Among the Inca constructions one can observe the particularity of Inca architecture.
• It highlights and allows the study of the Inca construction technique.
• Notable temples include the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Intihuatana and the Sacred Rock.

Daily life of the Incas

• The use of agricultural terraces or platforms stands out.
• A strong and important inclination towards agricultural life.
• Relevant use of water and its fluidity through water channels.
• A relationship can be found between the common or social sectors, wide esplanades and the sector of the main temples.

Cultural Influence

• There are records of pre-Inca cultural importance, such as Wari architecture.
• In Machu Picchu, pottery from Cusco and some pieces from the north were found.
• The Incas acquired several techniques inherited from the cultures they assimilated or conquered.
• Cultural exchange was important to the Incas.

Mythologies and legends

• In the Incas, one can see a religion and worldview very different from the Catholic and Western ones.
• Legends and myths are a source of inspiration for some constructions such as the Temple of the Three Windows and the Temple of the Condor.
• Likewise, it is believed that the exhausting battles of the Cusco warriors reached Machu Picchu in the form of legends.
• Mythology is also present in the synchronicity that exists in some temples such as the Intihuatana and the Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern.

Symbolism and religion

• Social and religious value in much of the daily activity of the Incas.
• Strong inclination towards the sacred expressed in nature and its harmony.
• A clear example of the sacred, religious and symbolic can be found in the Sacred Rock.
• The wide esplanades were used specifically for the population to get involved in rituals and ceremonies.
• In Machu Picchu you can find a strong cultural tradition already expressed as something everyday, we refer to the observation of stars.

Sacred Rock of Machu Picchu

The Sacred Rock of Machu Picchu
The Sacred Rock is a large stone located almost at the end of the Inca citadel. It is located right at the passage to the Huayna Picchu routes, so it has a strong religious and ceremonial value. The Sacred Rock is considered a “Huaca” or “Sacred Stone”. This imposing stone was a symbol of some entity, being or protective mountain. Therefore, the population left offerings in order to thank it for its blessings and other times to ask for more security or more blessings for their next adventure.

How to acquire a tour guide to Machu Picchu?

Tour guides can be hired in advance, that is, virtually and well before arriving at Machu Picchu. However, you can also find several guides who will be ready to provide their services at the entrance gate to Machu Picchu.

We will now explain the correct way to make contact with the tour guide and visit Machu Picchu. Only in this way will you be able to have one of the best cultural experiences when visiting the Inca citadel.

• Get a guide virtually

  • The easiest way is to contact a travel agency and purchase the complete package.
  • Some agencies only offer the guiding service.
  • Get a quote for the tour you want to take with the guide on duty.
  • You only need to indicate the date and time of entry when you booked the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
  • Payment must be made by digital and secure means.
  • You can find the guiding service here.
  • The agency you are contacting must ensure that it is an experienced guide with an authorized certification or license.

• Get a guide at the entrance area to Machu Picchu

  • Make the trip until you reach the access area of the archaeological site of Machu Picchu.
  • It is advisable to make the trip after making the correct reservation for the train ticket and the ecological bus.
  • Once in the entrance area, you will be able to contact an independent guide.
  • During the dialogue or conversation, he will let you know the cost of the service and the number of people admitted for the tour.
  • Likewise, you will be asked for the entrance ticket you have reserved.
  • The guide you contact must carry his/her current tour guide license.
  • In both cases, the tour only through the Inca citadel lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Guide explaining in Machu Picchu

The best circuit to explore Machu Picchu with a guide

Machu Picchu is one of the most visited destinations in Peru and also in the world. That is why a series of circuits have been created that many tourists confuse and others simply ignore.

Now you can find 10 types of entrance tickets and 3 new circuits that practically divided the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. Of all these circuits, we are only interested in circuit number 2.

Circuit 2 has two entrance tickets, so you can do 2 routes. The routes are not very different and take the same amount of time. All tours of the Inca citadel are done on foot and in this case, they start from the agricultural sector. What is Circuit 2 like?

• It starts from the agricultural sector, but from the lower area.
• You climb these platforms until you reach the lower platform.
• From this point you have a view similar to a panoramic one.
• It also begins with the access area to Machu Picchu and the main temples.
• This sector is of great value due to the presence of imperial-type Inca constructions.
• Imperial-type constructions were only used in temples of great value.
• Circuit 2 allows you to see buildings such as the viewpoint of the Temple of the Sun, observe the Intihuatana pyramid, the 12 spans, the Sacred Rock, the set of Water mirrors, pass through the Pisonay plaza and the Temple of the Condor.
• Both routes of circuit 2 can be done in 2 hours and 30 minutes. This time includes the guide’s explanation and several photo sessions.

Map of the classic route of Machu Picchu

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long does a guided tour in Machu Picchu last?

  Machu Picchu has some of the most impressive buildings you can see in the world, the Intihuatana, the temple of the sun, the temple of the condor, the temple of the 3 Windows or the temple of the moon on the Huayna Picchu mountain are just some of the amazing structures you can see in the Inca city of Machu Picchu. Touring just the Inca city will take you between two and two and a half hours. The mountains of Machu Picchu will take you an additional time of between 2 and 3 hours; also, the only way to see the temple of the moon is by reserving the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket at least a month in advance, there are only 400 tickets and they sell out very quickly.

• What is the guided tour to Machu Picchu like?

  Until a few years ago, you could tour the Inca city of Machu Picchu however you wanted and stay as long as you wanted in the place you liked best; however, nowadays it no longer works like that. The huge number of people who visit Machu Picchu every day has meant that the tour can only be done in one direction, to relieve congestion in the areas that house the main buildings.

• How to take a guided tour to Machu Picchu?

  The guided tour will depend on how you wish to enter Machu Picchu.

  1. Entering Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail

     If you are one of the lucky ones who will enter Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail, then know that your guide will accompany you from the city of Cusco to the Inca city of Machu Picchu; in reality, there will be no way for you to walk the Inca Trail if you are not accompanied by a guide from an authorized company.

  2. Entering by train, through the Sacred Valley of the Incas

     There are two ways you can book a guided tour in Machu Picchu:

     • The first option is to hire a guide at the entrance to the Inca city of Machu Picchu; this will cost you between S/ 30 and S/ 50 (US$ 10 and US$ 18) per person; however, there is no guarantee that your guide will be competent.
     • The other way is when you book your Machu Picchu tickets; we will take care of hiring a guide for you; depending on your language, whether you are coming with children and other characteristics of your trip. We have insightful, friendly guides who love their job. Don’t let your guide ruin your trip to Machu Picchu, book one with us.

• How to hire a good guide in Machu Picchu?

  You can trust your instinct, but we assure you that a friendly face does not guarantee a good guide service, but we can guarantee it. If you want to ensure your tour of Machu Picchu with a good guide, contact us at info@boletomachupicchu.com.

• Can I find guides for other routes through Machu Picchu?

  Of course, although hiking routes such as those to the mountains of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu or the Great Cavern, have a different cost than those normally offered to tour the Inca citadel. If you have any doubts, the best option will be to book your guide online to guarantee everything you need.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Nadia C.

“Discovering the wonder“

“Machu Picchu was always on my bucket list. I felt the positive energy that recharges you, I felt like I was transported back in time and I could imagine everything people did in that ancient city. A unique place in the world, recommended for anyone.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, December 28, 2024