Machu Picchu and the guiding service
Are you thinking about visiting Machu Picchu and wondering if you really need a tour guide? The answer isn’t so simple. Although many recommend it, not all travelers consider it necessary. In this guide, we explain the pros and cons of having a guide during your visit, so you can decide what best suits your travel style.
- General information about guiding in Machu Picchu
- Prices and types of guides
- Languages and availability
- Guiding from other routes
General information about guiding in Machu Picchu
Is it mandatory to hire a guide in Machu Picchu?
Traveler, I see you’re very curious. One point you should keep in mind is that it is not mandatory to hire a guide for your visit to Machu Picchu, but it is highly recommended. Remember! You will be traveling to a place of great historical significance, internationally recognized as one of the wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Machu Picchu is a fascinating place, full of history, mysteries, and secrets that its streets and buildings hold. A tour guide can help you uncover all these details and ensure you don’t miss anything during your visit.
How long does the guided tour in Machu Picchu last?
If you have hired a tour guide or if this service is included in your travel package, keep in mind that the guided tour usually lasts about 2 hours. During this time, the guide will provide you with all the information about Machu Picchu.
It’s important to know that the guide will accompany you only up to a certain point. From there, you can explore Machu Picchu on your own. Take note! Upon entering Machu Picchu, especially if you take the Circuit 2 routes, you will have 3 hours to stay within the citadel. After the guided tour, you will have about 1 more hour to take photos and continue exploring the route you’ve booked.
What is the difference between a private guide and a group guide?
Both travel agencies and freelance tour guides offer these two types of services, both private and group. It’s important for you to know which one to choose to avoid surprises when you arrive at Machu Picchu.
A group guide means that you will be in a group with other travelers you don’t know, and you’ll tour the Machu Picchu citadel with them. If there are tourists who speak other languages, keep in mind that your guide will constantly speak in two languages.
On the other hand, the service of a private guide is different: the guide will be solely for you and your friends and/or family, without other travelers in the group. This makes your experience much more personal, and the guide will also have more flexibility to adapt to your needs.
Prices and Types of Guides
How much does a guide cost in Machu Picchu?
Type of guide Approximate price Group size Shared guide S/ 20 to S/ 40 per person 10 to 20 people Private guide S/ 100 to S/ 250 per group 1 to 6 people (private) How much does a tour guide charge per day in Peru?
To begin with, you should know that some guides have fixed monthly salaries, regardless of the type of service, tour duration, or group size provided by a travel agency.
Now, to know how much guides earn per day, we will focus on freelance guides, who usually earn between 15 and 30 dollars per person for a full-day group tour. On the other hand, those who provide services for private groups tend to charge between 50 and 100 dollars per group.
Where can I hire a guide for Machu Picchu?
Traveler, there are three ways to hire a tour guide for your visit to Machu Picchu. Here’s an explanation of each one, so you can choose the option that best suits you:
- Option 1: If you didn’t book a travel package with a travel agency and you’re already near Machu Picchu, you should know that there are guides offering their services near the entrance to the citadel. In this case, you will have to practice your negotiation skills, as each guide charges different rates.
- Option 2: If everything is set and you just need to hire a tour guide, a very good option is to find one through the TripAdvisor platform. You can also do it directly with us.
- Option 3: One of the easiest and most preferred ways to have a tour guide is by booking a travel package offered by a travel agency. These packages usually include a tour guide, allowing you to have everything organized for your visit.
Languages and Availability
Are there guides in Spanish and English in Machu Picchu?
Of course. As mentioned earlier, you will also find guides offering their services near the entrance to Machu Picchu. You should know that most of them speak both English and Spanish, so it’s common to see them guiding Spanish- and English-speaking groups.
On the other hand, if you hired a travel agency that includes a tour guide, it’s important to inform them of your preferences, such as the language of the guide. Why? Because not all tour guides speak English, and there’s a chance they might assign you to a Spanish-only speaking group, and you may not understand anything. Be aware of that!
Can I find a guide in my language at Machu Picchu?
Traveler, something very important you should always keep in mind is that most guides speak both English and Spanish. If you speak another language, it will be more difficult to find available guides near the entrance; in that case, the best option is to check with a travel agency if they offer this type of service. Typically, guides in other languages tend to provide private services, as they are not as common in the area.
On the other hand, some guides also speak Mandarin, German, French, Russian, or Portuguese. What does this mean? If you speak a language other than English or Spanish, it would be ideal for you to have a basic understanding of English, as it will be hard to find a guide who speaks your language. Another option is to travel with your own translator from your home country, who can help you understand the information the tour guide shares during your visit to Machu Picchu.
Language Availability Additional cost Observation Spanish High No Most common language among guides English High No Second most offered language Portuguese Medium Sometimes Requires advance booking French Low Yes Limited guides, better to book online German Very low Yes Few guides available Russian Very low Yes Only with special reservation Mandarin Chinese Very low Yes Requires advance request through agency. Are guides available year-round?
Absolutely! You should keep in mind that tourism in Peru is constant, so the sector does not stop on holidays or Sundays. This makes finding a guide as easy as any other day.
Take note! During the high season (from June to October), it’s important to book your guide or hire a travel agency at least 3 to 4 months in advance. Why? During this time, the influx of tourists is so high that it can be difficult to find available guides.
How can I tell if a guide in Machu Picchu is official?
To start, you should know that only official tour guides are allowed in Machu Picchu, so encountering an unauthorized guide is very unlikely.
Now, how can you tell if a guide is official or not? Usually, guides wear a badge hanging from their neck, which is also shown at the checkpoint when entering Machu Picchu.
If you want to avoid any doubts, it’s best to hire a travel agency that provides an authorized guide. These agencies are aware of the regulations established by the Ministry of Culture for tourism activities in the Machu Picchu citadel.
How to book an official guide in advance?
Let’s make it practical! If you decide to book through the TripAdvisor platform, the first thing you need to do is register and create an account. Then, use their search engine (which works quite well) to find a tour guide. TripAdvisor will show you all the available listings, and you can choose the one you like best. Once you choose your ideal guide, you just need to make the reservation and complete the payment.
If you prefer to do it through a travel agency, you can search for a suitable option online, such as the agency iMachupicchuticket. They have a platform where you can hire a guide by filling out a small form and making the payment directly from their website.
For either option, you can make your reservation up to a week in advance, which is enough time to find availability. Note: if it’s your ticket to Machu Picchu, you should do it at least 3 to 4 months in advance.
Guided Tours from Other Routes
Does the Inca Trail include a guide to Machu Picchu?
Traveler, if you plan to do the Inca Trail, you should know that the only way to access this route is through an authorized travel agency, which will provide you with everything necessary during the journey. This includes the mandatory presence of a tour guide. This rule was established to preserve this important trekking route, so only a few agencies are authorized to operate it.
Take note! A good way to verify if your agency is authorized is by asking for their certification issued by SERNANP. If they don’t have this document, it means they don’t have permission to enter the Inca Trail. Another helpful tip is to check reviews from other travelers who have already used their services, so you can ensure a good experience and avoid any setbacks.
Does the Salkantay tour include a guide in Machu Picchu?
For the curious traveler: if you’ve booked through a travel agency (which is highly recommended), it’s very likely that the guided service is included, whether it’s for this trekking route or another. The guide will be the person in charge of orienting you during the journey and providing useful information about the route and everything you’ll encounter along the way.
Can I do it without a guide? Of course, you can do the route without a guide, as long as you’ve already done it before and know the path like the back of your hand. If that’s not the case, it’s better to have one, since signposts are scarce. You don’t want to get lost, right?
