Machu Picchu Circuit 2 Entrance Ticket with Guided Tour

I would not recommend this tour company. The tour description stated that Circuit 2 tickets were included, but after booking I found out that they had not actually secured the tickets. Even worse, the company never contacted me to explain the situation. I only learned about the problem because I reached out to them myself. I also tried contacting them through the Viator chat, but I received no response from the tour company. The lack of communication was very disappointing and caused a great deal of unnecessary stress while planning my trip. If your main reason for booking is to visit Machu Picchu on the circuit advertised, be aware that there is no guarantee the company has actually obtained those tickets. I expected much better communication and transparency.

This was one of the most stressful experiences I have ever booked. I booked circuit 2 at 9a, months before the tour date. The tour was immediately confirmed, with the instructions stating when I should be in Aguas Calientes to check in with the guide for a debrief prior to the tour. Days before the tour date I received a message stating that I would not get the tour I requested, that they would try to get me on another tour(and no guarantees!), and I needed to be in Aguas Calientes even earlier. Um, what? I lose 1 night payment on my Ollantaytambo hotel to change the reservation, I needed to book another hotel in Aguas Calientes and change my Perurail ticket. After arriving in Aguas Calientes I was told they got me a ticket on circuit 3 (phew - but not the one I booked), and then the next day told me it was at 6am. I paid a premium (way more than if you just book on the Peru website) for circuit 2 - at the time of booking circuit 3 was available on the Peru website. If I wanted circuit 3, I would have saved the money and booked direct. Days before the booking date I had no option but to acquiesce with what Viator booked, because nothing was available direct. Now - the tour guide I had at Machu Pichu was amazing. He was funny, super knowledgeable and made the tour a lot of fun. And I did really enjoy circuit 3 - it was basically just a walk, nothing strenuous. All in all, it worked out for me and was a great experience. But know, if you book with this company, there is a solid chance that you will not get the tour or timing that you request. My advice is just to book your ticket and guide through the Peru site.

Joel was an amazing guide! He knew so much about all the history of Machu Picchu, as well as all the different buildings we got to walk through as part of Circuit 3. I was so glad I'd chosen to do a guided experience because there aren't signs or anything available at Machu Picchu to give any of that information. Joel also texted me in advance to make sure I had my bus tickets (which I didn't) and help me figure out how to get them. I 100% recommend booking with Local Trekkers! I was by myself, stayed in Machu Picchu village the night before, and did not hike the Inca Trail, just took the bus up on the morning of the tour. Joel spoke amazing English and all his explanations were really thorough. I also speak Spanish and we chose at the beginning to do the tour in a mix of English and Spanish. The only thing I'll note is even though I signed up for Circuit 2 at 8:00am, that ticket is very popular and they weren't able to get it. Instead, Joel got me a ticket for both Circuit 3 (the royal path-- the only ticket where you walk through the houses and structures) and Circuit 1 (which has really great views). We did the tour for Circuit 3 at 6:00am, which I definitely recommend because you're getting to walk through all the structures as you learn about them, and it's much less crowded for that first slot of the day. I did Circuit 1 by myself at 8am, which I actually really enjoyed because it was a little warmer and I got to take my time and just sit taking in the view. All that to say, if you end up with a Circuit 1 and a Circuit 3 ticket instead of a Circuit 2 ticket, it's 100% worth it and you just get to spend more time there since you only get 2 hours per ticket anyway! No regrets and I never would have gotten to walk through all the structures on Circuit 2 anyway.

Ambiguous information regarding ticket withdrawal conditions

Unfortunately due to demand Circuit 2 was sold out, but was given tickets for both Circuit 3 and Circuit 1 (gets to see everything as you would in Circuit 2 anyway). This worked out better, as I got to do two circuits instead of just one. Personally, choosing Circuit 1 & 3 is better even though everyone online says circuit 2 is the one to do. Joel - the tour guide was excellent and very knowledgeable about the Machu Picchu. Note: the tour guide will show you around Circuit 3 and give you an in depth overview of each area of the circuit. Joel was fantastic and very keen on guiding and helping you out with any questions, etc. The tour was very structured and wasn’t rushed at all, even had breaks in between and sat down and taken in the views. Note for circuit 1 you’ll be by yourself but it’s straight forward and just follow the signs until you get the top view point to see the one of the seven wonders of the world. Must do activity if you’re unsure or don’t have the confidence or ability to organise the circuit tickets and bus tickets to get up the entrance point. The tour guide will either meet you at your hotel or meet you by the entrance gate. Note: definitely worth doing the early morning 6am one, you’ll get a better experience seeing before the crowds arrives

***SCAM SCAM DO NOT BOOK*** **BAIT & SWITCH** i bought my tickets for Circuit 2 a couple months ago and THE DAY BEFORE i was supposed to go to machu picchu, they messaged me saying they DIDNT have tickets and switched me to Circuit 1!! then they tried to blame me saying it was because i bought “too last minute” but if they dont have tickets they should not be selling them!!! they also told me i could either take the circuit 1 or just not go. i was in aguas calientes already and had no choice.

Scammed me out of my circuit 2 ticket. It was clear when I arrived and got handed a circuit 2 ticket (fake) and a circuit 1 ticket (real) that something was wrong. Asked if the circuit 2 ticket was fake and got told no. 10 minutes before the bus ride up the guy who gave me the tickets asked to look at the circuit 2 ticket and refused to give it back when I asked. The company realized they got caught trying to fake the ticket. Still ended up being able to do circuit 1 but definitely not what I paid for. Would have just bought my own ticket. Would have saved me $150 because the company basically just booked me a circuit 1 ticket and neglected to tell me until 10 minutes before the bus ride up

Very well coordinated and orchestrated. They ensured that we were on time, where we needed to be in the mist of the tourists and chaos. Great tour, very knowledgeable and what an amazing experience!

My guide never showed up at my hotel! I got the tickets via email so I was able to go to Machu Picchu but I had to hire an independent guide. I was still charged for the guide, even opened up a dispute and was still charged. Worst experience I have ever had with this company, $390 for a ticket with no guide, this was complete crap!!

Meeting Machu Picchu was one of the best experiences I have had today. Much mystery about this civilization that has abandoned this mythical place.