How to Plan Your Machu Picchu Tour: Purchase Official Ticket with Private Guide

Machu Picchu, a mountaintop Inca city located in Peru, is considered one of the most beautiful and breathtaking attractions of the world. If you are planning a trip to this iconic landmark, it’s essential to get well prepared beforehand. Having a well-planned itinerary, avoiding long ticket lines, and having a private tour guide can make the journey more enjoyable and comfortable.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on planning a Machu Picchu tour with an official ticket, private guide, bus ticket, and lunch.

Step 1: Choose a Reputable Tour Company

There are multiple tour companies available in Peru that offer Machu Picchu tours. It’s essential to choose a reputable company that can meet your tour expectations. Viator is a world-renowned travel company that specializes in tours, activities, and excursions worldwide. You can book your official pass with a private guide along with a bus ticket and lunch through the Viator website at the following link book the tour here.

Step 2: Purchase an Official Ticket

Once you have reserved your tour, you will receive an official ticket for Machu Picchu. The ticket is 100% guaranteed, and you can skip the ticket lines, which can sometimes take hours. You can enter Machu Picchu at any time of the day and stay as long as you like. With a prepaid admission ticket, you guarantee your entry, and even when the numbers are limited, you will still be guaranteed entrance.

Step 3: Private Tourism Guide

Your tour includes a knowledgeable private tourism guide who will brief you on the history of Machu Picchu, the Inca empire, and how the Inca built this beautiful mountaintop city. You will gain insight into the beautiful architecture and the cultural significance of Machu Picchu. Having a private guide will make the journey more interactive and memorable.

Step 4: Bus Ticket Up/Down to Machu Picchu Site

Your tour includes a bus ticket to and from the Machu Picchu site. You don’t have to worry about arranging transportation as everything is taken care of by the tour company. The bus ride is scenic, and you get spectacular views of Machu Picchu and the Urubamba River.

Step 5: Lunch

The tour includes lunch, so you don’t have to worry about bringing your food. The food served is delicious and authentic to the Andes region, so you get to sample the local cuisine.

Step 6: Meeting and Pickup, Start Time, and Opening Hours

The tour company will provide you with the meeting location and pickup time beforehand. It’s essential to confirm the meeting and pickup time with the local provider in advance of your experience. The opening hours of Machu Picchu are from 6 am to 6 pm, and we recommend that you arrive early to beat the crowds.

Conclusion

Planning a Machu Picchu tour may seem daunting at first, but with a reputable tour company like Viator, you can rest assured that your excursion will be well-planned, and your expectations will be met. With an official ticket, private tourism guide, bus ticket, and lunch, you can go on this breathtaking journey smoothly and efficiently. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience and want to visit one of the most beautiful and breathtaking wonders of the world, book your Machu Picchu tour today through Viator.

Insider’s Guide to Cusco, Peru: A Journey to the Heart of the Andes

Cusco, once the heart of the Inca empire and now the gateway to Machu Picchu, is a city that’s steeped in history and culture. In this insider’s guide, we’ll walk you through the best attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions that this city has to offer.

Attractions
– Machu Picchu: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the world’s greatest marvels. The lost city of the Incas is perched high up in the Andes and will leave you speechless.
– Saqsaywaman: This ancient fortress overlooking Cusco is made of megalithic stones weighing more than 100 tonnes each.
– Plaza de Armas: The main square in Cusco is a great spot to relax and people watch. The square is surrounded by colonial buildings, including the Cusco Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus.
– San Pedro Market: This bustling local market is where you can get a taste of Andean culture. Here you will find fresh produce, handicrafts, local snacks, and street food.

Dining
– Chicha by Gaston Acurio: The godfather of Peruvian cuisine has a restaurant in Cusco that serves traditional dishes with a modern twist. Don’t miss the alpaca burgers and the Andean ceviche.
– Kion Peruvian Kitchen: This trendy Peruvian restaurant serves classic dishes with a modern flair. Try the lomo saltado, a beef stir fry with onions, tomatoes, and fries.
– El Valeriano: This Italian restaurant is one of the best in town, and it is known for its homemade pastas and pizzas.
– Pacha Papa: This restaurant located in the bohemian district of San Blas, is a great place to try traditional Andean dishes. Try the cuy, or guinea pig, a Peruvian delicacy.

Cultural experiences
– Qoricancha: The temple of the sun was once the most important religious site in the Inca Empire. Today, it’s a museum that showcases the fusion between Inca and Spanish architecture and art.
– Inti Raymi: The festival of the sun takes place every year in Cusco in June. It’s a vibrant celebration that honours the sun and the Inca culture.
– Museo de Arte Precolombino: This museum has an impressive collection of pre-Columbian art from various Andean cultures, including the Inca, Moche, Nazca, and Chimu.
– Andean Music Museum: This museum showcases the history and instruments of Andean music. It’s a great place to learn about this rich musical tradition.

Local history
– Inca Trail: The four-day trek to Machu Picchu is a journey through the Andean mountains and the remnants of the Inca civilization. You’ll walk along ancient paths and see amazing sights such as the ruins of Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate.
– Cusco Cathedral: This stunning cathedral was built on the site of the former Inca palace of Viracocha. The cathedral contains a number of religious art pieces and artifacts from the Spanish colonization.
– Qenqo: This is an ancient archaeological site that was used for different ceremonies and rituals by the Incas.
– Sacsayhuamán: This fortress located near Cusco was constructed during the Inca Empire and is considered one of the architectural wonders of the world. It is made of massive stones that are cut and fitted together perfectly.

Off-the-beaten-path suggestions
– Rainbow Mountain: This spectacular mountain located three hours from Cusco contains bands of vibrant colours that are a result of the geological processes that occurred thousands of years ago.
– Maras salt mines: These salt mines have been in operation since the Inca Empire and produce over 200,000 tonnes of salt per year.
– Moray: These ancient circular terraces considered to be an agricultural laboratory of the Incas are a great place to explore and have an amazing view of scenic Andean mountains.
– Choquequirao: This ancient city in the Vilcabamba mountain range is known as the “sister” to Machu Picchu. It’s a challenging trek but well worth the effort.

In conclusion, Cusco is an enchanting and captivating city that represents the heart of Andean culture. It’s a perfect blend of history, culture, and gastronomy. From the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu to the vibrant Plaza de Armas, there’s always something to explore and discover in this city.