Tips for Picking a Machu Picchu Tour

By Tony Dunnell. Peru Travel Expert

Tony Dunnell has been living and traveling in Peru since May 2009. From his base in the jungle town of Tarapoto. he continues to explore the rich culture and endless attractions of his adopted home.

With so many options to choose from, picking a Machu Picchu tour can seem like a daunting prospect. A trip to the Inca citadel is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for many travelers, and booking a good tour can make all the difference. Here are some tips to bear in mind as you weigh the available options.

Tip 1: Decide When to Go to Machu Picchu

The tourist high season in both Cusco and Machu Picchu runs from May to September, with June, July and August being particularly busy.

This is the dry season, with the clearest skies and the lowest daily rainfall averages. That s good for photos, but not so good if you want to avoid the tourist hordes. Low season carries a greater risk of cloud and rain (and a misty Machu Picchu as seen here ), but there will be fewer people at the site itself.

Tip 2: Consider Your Machu Picchu Tour Options

The next step is deciding what type of tour you want. There are various options available, so you should be able to find something to suite your schedule and your style of travel.

Here are some key areas to think about:

• Where to Start? Do you want to join a tour group when you arrive in Lima, or do you want to travel to Cusco independently and take it from there?
• Trek or Short Tour? Do you want to trek the Inca Trail (or an alternative route) or go directly to Machu Picchu by train and bus?
• Budget or Luxury? There are some luxurious Machu Picchu tours to choose from, but maybe you are happy with a simpler, less expensive option?
• All-Inclusive? Some tours include airport pickups, accommodation in Cusco and meals with your tour group. If you are a more independent traveler, you might not want all the additional extras.

Continue Reading Below

• Extended Tours: A standard short tour will take you straight to Machu Picchu and then back to your hotel. Alternatively, book an extended tour package and spend a few pre-planned days exploring the numerous sites around Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

Tip 3: Choose a Machu Picchu Tour Company

There are two main types of tour companies: the big international outfits and the Peruvian agencies based in Lima and Cusco. Both types have good and bad options, so size alone is no indicator of quality. What you need to do is look around for some up-to-date recommendations.

• Authoritative Independent Recommendations: Check the latest editions of well-respected guidebooks for reviews and recommendations. You should also look online, but make sure the information is current and the source is reliable. For a list of our own recommended tour companies, read The Best Inca Trail Tour Operators in Peru (all of which offer alternative treks to Machu Picchu and other tours in the Sacred Valley).

• Peru Travel Forums: Popular travel forums have plenty of recent Machu Picchu tour reviews and recommendations. Remember that one person s idea of quality may not match your own, and keep in mind that tour agencies sometimes write the posts themselves. Use forum recommendations as a starting point only; don t rely on one glowing write-up alone.

• Ask Other Travelers: If you are already in Peru, ask other tourists for recommendations. You ll come across plenty of people who have already been to Machu Picchu, especially in tourist hotspots like Lima. Arequipa and, of course, Cusco.

Tip 4: Check What Each Machu Picchu Tour Includes

By now, you should have a good selection of Machu Picchu tours from which to choose. Before making your final decision, check the finer details of each tour to see what you get for your money.

For single day excursions (direct to the site, no trekking), check the tour details for the following:

• Are there English-speaking guides?
• Number of people in each group (less than 15 is ideal)
• Is a meal included?
• Hotel pickup
• Are train and bus tickets to Machu Picchu included in the price?
• Is the Machu Picchu entrance fee included in the price?
• Is the hike up Huayna Picchu included in the tour (and if not, is it an option)?
• Time spent at the site (three to four hours is standard)

For the Inca Trail and alternative treks. check for the following:

• Are there English-speaking guides?
• Number of people in each group
• What equipment does the agency provide (sleeping bags, tents, stoves, etc)?
• Are daily meals and drinks included?
• Are porters or pack animals available?
• Estimated arrival time at Machu Picchu (the earlier the better; ideally for sunrise at Machu Picchu )
• Time spent at the site (and access to Huayna Picchu)

Extra Tip: If you are booking your tour in advance, call or email each potential agency with a question or two. The response might give you an insight into the standard of customer service and the agency’s overall attention to detail.

Tip 5: Booking Your Machu Picchu Tour

With your search narrowed down to two or three reputable tour agencies, all that remains is to compare the prices, check availability and book your tour of choice. Booking in advance is always a good idea -- if you want to trek the Inca Trail, reserving a place is essential (at least two or three months in advance).

You can book alternative treks and one-day tours when you arrive in Cusco, but you might have to hang around for a few days. Overall, it’s easier, more secure and much more reassuring to have your tour booked and confirmed before you arrive in Cusco.

For more Peru travel tips and information, follow me on Facebook .