Anyone can set up a trip to Peru, but not everyone can organize it well. The internet swarms with stories about people who didn't understand the extent of the planning it takes to get to the middle of the Andes Mountains on a dream trip to the remotely located Inca city of Machu Picchu. And with all the changes to the Machu Picchu website and ticketing processes in 2024, it's even more complicated. 

Do you know the order of planning? What should you book first? Planes, trains or Machu Picchu entry tickets? And where should you pay special attention to reduce the risk of mishaps? This is where the Adios team comes in. There's nothing like a group of knowledgeable caped crusaders to put it all together. A first-rate Machu Picchu travel expert should know the step by step process and all the variations for planning an adventure of a lifetime for all ages and abilities.

What's the difference between a Travel Agent and a Tour Operator:

A travel agent is a person who arranges cruises, flights, transportation, accommodations and tours they find on their computers or the internet, Agents may or may not have traveleed to these destinations and usually don't know the tour guides, drivers and people you may encounter during your trip.

A tour operator is a person who arranges activities or tours to specific destinations that may or may not include accommodations and transport. It may or may not include flights. Operators arrange local services including entry tickets, permits for hikes, or off the beaten path cultural or gastronomic activities. A tour operator often has established relationships with particular tour guides and drivers. Operators can also be referred to as a DMC (Destination Management Company) known for their local knowledge, expertise and resources.

Travel agents often work with tour operators because of their connections to local resources.

Tips for planning your trip to Peru:

  • Get assistance from licensed tour operators to plan your trip to Machu Picchu or to get permits for the Classic Inca Trail hike. 
  • Use reliable resources to get up-to-date information and advice about Machu Picchu entrance policies 
  • Every traveler can benefit from connecting with "a fixer" to troubleshoot unexpected circumstances from time to time
  • Having access to knowledgable local people while traveling is more than handy
  • Use reputable experts with local knowledge to arrange activities and logistics for multi-generation groups

Fortunately, it's not required or expected that all travelers should find an agent to work with. There are plenty of clever travelers who may not need the help or advice of a travel agent or tour operator. Plenty of people do it themselves using free tools on the internet. You know who you are. 

Can travelers use a travel agent or tour operator to organize parts of their trip to Machu Picchu?

This depends on the travel agent. Some agents act as travel advisors and charge by the hour for their services. Tour operators usually don't charge for their advice. The cost of expert travel advice is included in the cost of the guided tours and activities you reserve. If you're not sure, just ask. 

If you made it this far in the blog post, I"m going to elaborate on our situation at Adios Adventure Travel. All the experiences offered on our website are based on our personal hands-on participation. Another interesting factor about the way we established our company finances is that Vidal and i share equity. Not to mention responsibility. We review and discuss issues, solutions and our policies. It's a different approach to running a DMC, but we figured out how to make it work.

How much does it cost for a travel expert to help you plan your trip to Machu Picchu?

Many travel experts earn commissions from the companies whose services they organize. Adios Adventure Travel includes the cost for travel assistance in the cost of your travel itineraries. This applies to inclusive trips with hotels, all transport, entry tickets and tour guides, or to independent travelers who only want us to arrange specific tours and activities. Either way, there are no additional hidden fees. From time to time we get emails from travelers who just need a simple answer to their question. For this kind of thing, we are happy to help out. Send your emails! 

Links to view itineraries and costs of a couple of trips to Machu Picchu:

7-Day Machu Picchu Walking Vacation

2-Day Inca Trail Hike