Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Vendors near the Aguas Calientes train station and on Plaza de Armas in Cusco sell counterfeit or already-used Machu Picchu entrance tickets, often at slight discounts. Since tickets are time-slotted and require passport verification at the gate, buyers discover the fraud only upon arrival at the citadel entrance. Purchase tickets only through the official Peruvian Ministry of Culture portal (machupicchu.gob.pe) or authorized travel agencies. Carry the same passport used during booking.

Question 2

What is the "Train Ticket Scalping" scam in Machu Picchu?

Accepted Answer

PeruRail and Inca Rail tickets sell out weeks in advance during high season (June-August). Scalpers near Cusco's San Pedro market and Poroy station offer "spare" tickets at two to three times face value, some of which are fraudulent PDFs that will not scan at the station. Book train tickets directly through PeruRail.com or InkaRail.com as early as possible. If sold out, contact the official ticket office directly rather than purchasing from strangers.

Question 3

What is the "Unlicensed Guide Upsell at the Citadel" scam in Machu Picchu?

Accepted Answer

Individuals without official MINCETUR guide licenses offer tours inside the citadel at rates below licensed guides, providing inaccurate historical information and sometimes abandoning groups mid-tour once full payment is collected. Licensed guides wear visible ID badges issued by Peru's Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism. Hire guides only through the official guide association office in Aguas Calientes or through your tour operator in Cusco. Verify the MINCETUR badge before paying.

Tour & Activity Scams in Machu Picchu

Fake Machu Picchu Tickets

Train Ticket Scalping

Unlicensed Guide Upsell at the Citadel

Experienced a scam here?