Are Tour Guides Required to Enter Machu Picchu?

Are you seeing statements that tour guides are required to enter Machu Picchu? Tour guides are not required to enter Machu Picchu at this time. However, the official rules state that tour guides are recommended when entering Machu Picchu. So what's up with that? The reason for the compelling recommendation is due to the complexity of putting together all the moving parts it takes to get to the middle of the Andes Mountains! It can be helpful to consult with a licensed tour operator for advice and to arrange the service of a private tour guide to make sure you don't miss anything.

Machu Picchu is a huge ancient Inca city in the middle of nowhere, with 3 routes divided into 10 circuits spanning 34 acres. Are visitors required to hire a tour guide? So far, no. But here's why the discussion is bubbling to the surface.

There are 10 circuits to choose from. Do you understand the difference between each of the 10 circuits? Six of the 10 circuits come with hikes. Which circuit or hike should you choose? Can you buy more than one ticket? Can you explore everything in one day? How long does it take to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco? Do you know the correct answer to each of those questions?

And now we have hikes that are open only during the high season. What are the dates of the high season, you say? Ha! Don't assume the dates are the same every year!

Whether or not you need a tour guide to enter Machu Picchu varies from person to person. Vidal, our manager in Cusco, believes it's only a matter of time until they start requiring licensed tour guides.

Why is the Peru government not only recommending tour guides, but allowing visitors to think that tour guides are required in order to enter Machu Picchu?

For visitors who just want to lay their eyes on the ancient city, soak up the Inca atmosphere, and snap a few photos, it's not essential to hire a tour guide. However, for people who want to see certain historical monuments or want assistance choosing the best tickets based on their interests and logistics, then a tour guide booked in advance may be crucial.

You only get one chance to set it up. Once you buy your tickets, it's difficult to make changes. While a one-day trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco is possible, the travel time is at least 5 hours each way. One of the biggest mistakes people make is not allowing enough time for the transitions between trains and buses.

Need to read more on the topic of one-day trips to Machu Picchu? CLICK HERE.

What is the official policy regarding tour guides for entry to Machu Picchu?

Article 17.1: To enter the Llaqta de Machupicchu, visitors must carry their entrance ticket and official identity document. It is recommended that they be accompanied by a tour guide to contribute to the conservation of Cultural Heritage and the organization of the tourist visit. PANM staff may require the ticket and/or identity document while inside the Llaqta de Machupicchu.

Our manager, Vidal, in Cusco says he believes it's only a matter of time until licensed tour guides will be required for entry to the ancient citadel.

When is a licensed tour guide required to enter Machu Picchu?

At this time, licensed tour guides are required only for the Inca Trail hikes, with up to 16 people per group on the 4-day trek or 7 people per group on the short 2-day Inca Trail hike.

For visitors arriving at Machu Picchu by train, officially licensed tour guides are only recommended.

Recently, people have reported to us that, upon entry to a historical site (not just Machu Picchu), they were asked where their tour guide was. This is most likely to happen to large groups.

I discussed the parameters for not having a tour guide for Machu Picchu with Vidal, our manager in Cusco. He noted that when buying Machu Picchu entry tickets, you can purchase up to five tickets per transaction. In his opinion, if your group has more than five people, this is a situation where they may ask you to get a guide.

Even though it's not required, you may feel pressured by the fact that you're in a foreign country and don't want to argue or attract negative attention. On the other hand, having a guide can be beneficial for larger groups. You're on vacation—you don't need one more thing to worry about.

Who should hire a tour guide to enter Machu Picchu?

Most independent visitors—including individuals, couples, or small groups of up to five people—probably don't need a tour guide. It's perfectly fine to enter and explore on your own.

Be aware that each of the 10 circuits is one-way, and all circuits end at the Machu Picchu exit gate. Currently, the only historical monument that is closed is the Sin Dial (Inti-huatana) on circuit 2. However, if they need to close one of the sacred sites or temples, they will do it without any notice. You find out when you show up. That's just how it is.

Groups larger than five and visitors who want to see particular historical structures should hire a tour guide in advance. The same applies to people who need help choosing circuits or hikes.

How can visitors find a Machu Picchu tour guide?

You can hire a "pickup" tour guide on the day you visit Machu Picchu. These guides usually wait around the bus stop in Aguas Calientes and sometimes near the main entrance to Machu Picchu.

It's acceptable to negotiate for either a private tour or to join a small group.

Otherwise, you can contact a tour operator in advance. (Here's a link to view our day excursions, including a 1-day guided trip to Machu Picchu)

CLICK HERE to read more about our Machu Picchu private tour guides.

How to enter Machu Picchu without a tour guide

You can buy up to five Machu Picchu tickets per transaction online. And you can make more than one transaction if you need to buy more than 5 tickets.

Our manager in Cusco believes that if you show up at the entry gate as a large group, you're more likely to draw attention and may be "pressured" into hiring a pickup guide. Technically, however, tour guides are not required for people entering Machu Picchu by train.

To avoid this situation, here are a few tips:

• For groups of six adults or more, each adult can enter the Machu Picchu gate separately using their own ticket and the same passport used to purchase the ticket online.
• When buying tickets online for a large group that includes children, make sure each transaction includes at least one adult if you're purchasing children's tickets. Have that adult and the children enter together in a group of no more than five.
• Once you're inside the gate, avoid gathering into one large group or blocking the pathways.
• It may be useful to split into two groups: "fast" walkers and "slow" walkers. Or divide the group between those who want to explore the longer Circuit 2 and those who prefer an easier, shorter walk on lower circuit 3. Once they're finished, they can take the bus back to Aguas Calientes and wait for the others.

Compare the services of a "pickup" tour guide with experienced tour guides

Professional Machu Picchu tour guides usually come from Cusco and are scheduled to lead only one group. These guides should be reserved in advance. They typically don't have strict time limits, and guided tours can be customized to your interests and needs. Groups who have members with special needs can benefit greatly from the personal attention that comes with a private tour guide arranged in advance. These guides come prepared with trekking poles for visitors who need support going up and down the steps, or can plan ahead for making sure hearing impaired get extra attention.

Private tour guides can also be scheduled for multiple days if you're staying overnight in Aguas Calientes. Groups who book multi-day trips receive full-time tour guide service at all historical sites, including Machu Picchu. If requested, these guides can also accompany you on hikes within the park. Professional guides speak English.

Pickup tour guides, who are located at the bus stop in Aguas Calientes and outside the Machu Picchu entrance, can be hired on the day of your visit. These guides are often building experience. They may combine individuals, couples, and small families into one group, although that's less common today because there are now 10 different entry tickets with different entry times.

Tours of each circuit are generally standardized, with limited time for lingering, since these guides often return to the entrance to find more customers. While some have excellent English-speaking skills, the challenge is that you won't know their experience or communication skills until you speak with them.

Their skills vary, and the more groups they guide, the more money they earn. You can negotiate for longer private tours if you have the time, and that's what you're looking for. These guides usually do not accompany visitors on hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain unless additional private service is arranged.

A professional guide is generally dedicated to serving one group, tailoring the experience to your interests, and even accompanying you on hikes. With advance notice, they can also provide trekking poles.

If you need help choosing Machu Picchu tickets, organizing a multi-day trip, or planning other logistics, contact our US office to speak with an expert. CLICK HERE.