Considering taking a guided tour through Machu Picchu? I chose to and here’s why I think you should too! This post will go over why going with a guide turned Machu Picchu, an already bucket-list destination, into an unforgettable experience.
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Intro
If you’re planning a trip to Peru then you’re probably looking into visiting the world-famous Machu Picchu. This ancient Incan city is located among the clouds in the Andes and is definitely a must-visit for culture, history, and ancient engineering. Although it is perfectly acceptable to explore the Incan ruins on your own, taking a guided tour of Machu Picchu will elevate your experience visiting this wonder of the world. I took a guided tour and here’s why I can’t recommend it enough!
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Organized & Stress-Free
We met our tour guide in Aguas Calientes who led us to the bus up to the Machu Picchu entrance. Right from the beginning, the organized and care-free logistics and included entry tickets already made going with a tour worth it for me. We didn’t have to “fight” flocks of other people to get on the bus since our guide easily led us to it, and we were simply on our way up.
Once we entered Machu Picchu, having the guide direct and navigate us through the ruins also made our experience so seamless and smooth. Having our guide gave us a stress-free adventure that allowed us to spend more time soaking in the mysterious ancient city of Machu Picchu.
Heading to Machu Picchu • photos by Jeanie A
Hidden Stories You’d Miss
Of course, any visit to Machu Picchu will be mind-blowing with or without a guide. Just seeing the world wonder with your own two eyes (even if you don’t really know what you’re looking at) is still jaw-dropping. But! having a guide will add meaning and context to everything you’re seeing!
Our guide pointed out little details that we otherwise would have missed, and also added stories and speculations to what certain things or areas were used for. From the importance of the site’s layout, to an astronomical stone, and even sacrificial rooms.
The stories helped us imagine how ancient Incan life was like, and how the site would have looked like at its peak.
Machu Picchu Guide shows us sacrifice room, astronomical stone, and symbolic boulder • photos by Jeanie A
Not only that, but our guide also told us about the amazing engineering marvels here. From the efficient water channels and drain system to prevent landslides, to the stone walls built to withstand earthquakes!
He also told us the story of how the American explorer, Hiram Bingham, arrived at Machu Picchu in 1911. His connections as an explorer and documenter ultimately led to Machu Picchu’s world-wide popularity, becoming a wonder of the world.
The stories I mentioned here are just a fraction of the information our guide gave us. He also brought a binder full of photos and graphical representations to help us better understand the Incan site and culture.
Machu Picchu Guide explains engineering marvels and site layout • photos by Jeanie A
Better Photo Opportunities
The Machu Picchu guides visit the ruins all the time so they KNOW the best spots for photos. Our guide brought us to 3 or 4 viewpoints up in the terrace where we were able to get amazing photos of and with the entire mountain-top city. He also generously offered to take photos of our groups so that we didn’t have to take awkward selfies.
Since we were also one of the first groups inside, our guide quickly brought us to “claim” his favorite spot before the crowds started rolling in and potentially photobombing our photos. When we first got to his spot, there were clouds covering the site at first, but after waiting about 15 minutes, the clouds cleared and Machu Picchu emerged!
Machu Picchu Photo Opportunities with a Guide • photos by Jeanie A
Efficient Use of Time
Going through Machu Picchu is a one-way route system where you can’t really go backwards once you start. Having an expert tour guide who already knows the lay of the land, the major highlights, and amazing viewpoints will know exactly how to spend and pace your time.
Our guide also gave us 20-30 minutes free time at the end of the tour to explore on our own before we’re ready to hop on the bus back to Aguas Calientes.
Machu Picchu offers various ticket types with varying duration too. The Machu Picchu Classic ticket type has a 2.5 hour max duration, as the longer ones such as the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu is 6 hours. So if you’re planning on buying the classic ticket type, then going with a guide will surely make the most out of your time!
Going through Machu Picchu • photos by Jeanie A
Tips to Make the Most of Your Adventure
1. Bring Your Passport
To enter Machu Picchu, you must present the Passport you purchased your tickets with. So don’t forget to bring it with you!
2. Wear Layers
Being up in the mountains can get cold yet also can quickly get hot. To be prepared for any range of weather, wear layers you can easily take off or put on.
3. Bring a Waterproof Jacket
It’s also possible for it to rain during your visit to Machu Picchu, it did when we went! So bring a light waterproof jacket to keep you nice and dry.
2. Stay on the PAths
To keep the integrity of the ancient site as well as your own personal safety, STAY ON THE PATHS AND DON’T CLIMB ON ROCKS! The site does limit the amount of visitors per day to help keep Machu Picchu pristine. And not to scare you, but there also have been fatalities by tourists leaving the marked paths. I mean Machu Picchu IS atop a mountain so better to be safe!
Final Words
If you’re a first-timer visiting Machu Picchu, then I strongly encourage you to go with a guide for an organized and stress-free experience. Exploring Machu Picchu with a guide also offers meaningful context and cultural value to what you’re seeing at this Incan wonder of the world.
Have a favorite memory from Machu Picchu?
Share it in the comments below — I’d love to hear about your experience!
(peruvian spanish “thank you!”)
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