Question 1

What is the "Overpriced Machu Picchu Ticket Broker" scam in Cusco?

Accepted Answer

Touts and unofficial "agencies" in Cusco sell Machu Picchu entry tickets at inflated prices or on fake platforms that mimic the official site. Tickets are extremely limited and the scam exploits the real difficulty of obtaining them. Book Machu Picchu tickets only at culturacusco.gob.pe (official Peruvian Ministry of Culture site). Book months in advance for peak season.

Question 2

What is the "Fake Machu Picchu Train Tickets" scam in Cusco?

Accepted Answer

Touts on streets near Cusco's bus station sell counterfeit Peru Rail or Inca Rail tickets at a discount. The tickets fail verification at the Poroy or San Pedro station and tourists must buy legitimate tickets at full price with no refund. Buy train tickets only from Peru Rail or Inca Rail official websites or their ticket offices at the station. Never purchase from anyone on the street or from guesthouses claiming to resell. Print or download official QR-coded tickets.

Question 3

What is the "Counterfeit Entry Tickets for Inca Sites" scam in Cusco?

Accepted Answer

Unofficial vendors sell counterfeit Boleto Turístico passes (the combined ticket for Cusco's main archaeological sites) at a slight discount. The fake tickets are rejected at turnstiles. Buy the Boleto Turístico only at the official COSITUC office on Avenida El Sol or at the site entrances themselves.

Tour & Activity Scams in Cusco

Overpriced Machu Picchu Ticket Broker

Fake Machu Picchu Train Tickets

Counterfeit Entry Tickets for Inca Sites

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