Hi,

I can't find a local tour operator online for Machu Picchu. I'd prefer to find a local operator both to support the local economy, as well to save money. The ones I've found online seem to be operated by big companies. Can anyone share references?

Having spent 6+ months in Peru on multiple trips over a good number of years, traveling through Cusco twice, but never going to Machu Picchu - here's my "expertise".

There are many small tour vendors located at the central plaza of most tourist destination towns in Peru. I suspect many don't have web sites. Besides international travelers, they also cater to Peruvians. I'm sure you can find a tour operator in Cusco, including English speakers.

Not sure what you're looking for; trekking to Machu Picchu (definitely tours available including mule to haul gear). Guide from Cusco, including the train ride and Machu Piccu or even drive by car to Agua Calientes - probably a custom tour to discuss with an operator in Cusco or Agua Calientes.

Once you get to Cusco, have enough time available and the willingness to ask. I saw many folks in cars or even combi busses participating in a tour.

I never took a tour myself, but I did speak to several tour operators during my travels. Check out "Cusco Moto Tour Peru". I did spend time there getting travel information, and they appear to be a top notch operation who do offer tours. Not sure they offer what you want, but contacting them will answer that. They are a small operation. That's my level of "expertise"

Not sure whether I misunderstand this, but I don't think anyone's driving to Aguas Calientes. The rest sounds like good advice.

we booked with Inca Rail in Cusco the day before. We parked our Sprinter in the paid parking lot at the train station. Train and entrance fee including guided tour of Machu Pichu.



Rolf

I think the best is to just arrive there and look around. Most of these places for tourists are already taken by big companies. The most you can do to support them financially is to buy things made over there and/or pay musicians playing there. I understand and admire your goal here.

You can read sometimes that there are just a limited amount of visitors available, each day. Similar to the Galapagos at Equador.

In my eyes more advertising than an real issue for travellers, far I know - but you never know.

We didnt try to use a custom tour, did it similar to cheldon, book train & entry at the day before - which was amazing expensive at 2015.

Probably it makes sence to check online if there are overbookings visible:
https://incarail.com/
https://pax3.perurail.com/ecommerce/www/

You can choose the exact time of the train departure/arrival, "most like daytime" may be sold out sooner...

Check prices when you are there. You probably can get discounts, combos, specially when travelling together with kids.

It is a big business & ripp off & overrated location - because the country did offers so much more, and most of it completely free of charge.

Your bucks will help there. Will helps probably more if you are doing overlanding, use restaurants, bars, loundrys, guesthouse, campsites - not just at the tourists hyper hotspots.

Here is my (daily written) diary about that day: Adventure-Overland: Machu Picchu

Surfy

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our parking and overnight stay opposite the train station



Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Rolf

I went there a few years ago on my own and had a guide show me around. His knowledge of the area was fine but I think if you hook up with a group once you get to the site you will get a more knowledgable guide as the tips from many are more than from one .Pecking order. Book ahead to venture to the outermost part of the ruins.

Thanks for the great advice! I will definitely save this post for later

That's what I'm planning to do buy locally made things to support small vendors. Thanks!

That's what I'm trying not to do, I am sure that local guides are just as good as the ones from tour companies.

Thanks for the advice!