Common Scams in Cusco and How to Avoid Them
Common Scams in Cusco and How to Avoid Them
Cusco is, overall, a safe destination — but like any mass tourist city, it has its known scams. Here they are so you can spot them before they happen to you.
1. Unauthorized agencies selling "the same tour" cheaper
There are informal agencies, with no permits or insurance, offering prices well below market. The risk: they cancel the tour last minute, have no insurance if something goes wrong, or simply don't show up to pick you up. Verify the operator is MINCETUR-authorized before paying.
2. Street currency exchange
Exchanging dollars or euros with street "money changers" is risky: fake bills or math manipulated in the changer's favor. Exchange only at established exchange houses or banks.
3. Unofficial "guides" inside Machu Picchu
People offering to guide you in line or on the bus, with no official credential, charging cash. Hire guides through your operator before arriving, not on-site.
4. Unauthorized taxis
Only get into authorized taxis or request one via an app. "Pirate" taxis sometimes charge inflated fares to tourists, especially from the airport.
5. Sellers of "last-minute tickets" to Machu Picchu
The official ticket is sold only through authorized channels (Ministry of Culture or registered agencies). Anyone offering you a "discounted" ticket on the street is suspicious.
6. Textiles sold as "100% alpaca" that aren't
Many souvenirs are sold as "pure alpaca" while being synthetic blends. See our Cusco shopping guide to tell the real difference.
7. "Free" photos with llamas or people in traditional dress
It's common to be invited to a "free" photo with a llama or someone in period dress, then asked for a mandatory tip. Not illegal, but ask the price before the photo.
How to protect yourself in general
- Book tours with verifiable operators, with a website, social media and real reviews.
- Carry only the cash you need for the day.
- Keep digital copies of your passport and tickets.
- Travel insurance covers the unexpected that no amount of caution fully prevents.
Want to book with a verified operator with a real track record? Get to know us or check our tours.
Red flags before paying for a tour
These signs don't always mean a scam, but if you see several together, be careful:
- A price far below everyone else's: an "all-inclusive" Machu Picchu at half price almost always hides something (local train instead of tourist train, entrance not included, a guide who doesn't exist).
- They ask you to pay everything in cash, on the street, with no receipt.
- No physical address or website, or a website with no real contact details.
- Pressure to decide now: "only two spots left, pay now".
- They won't put in writing what the tour includes or the cancellation policy.
What to always get in writing
Before paying, any serious operator can send you:
- What's included and what isn't: transport, guide, entrance tickets, meals, train (and which type).
- Schedule and pickup point.
- Cancellation and refund policy. Ours is published in our cancellation policy.
- Company details: name, address and contact information.
This is how we work: each quote spells out what every tour includes, and you pay a deposit through PayPal, with a receipt.
Scams at the airport and on arrival
- "Your hotel is closed" or "it's full": some touts at the airport say this to take you to another place that pays them a commission. Confirm your booking directly with the hotel.
- Informal taxis that overcharge: agree on the price before getting in, or have your hotel or agency send the transfer.
Scams in restaurants and bars
- A menu without prices: ask the price before ordering, especially at places where someone invited you in from the door.
- Charges you didn't order: check the bill. Some places add a cover or service charge without telling you.
- Drinks from strangers: don't accept drinks from people you just met at clubs.
If something goes wrong
- Keep all receipts and screenshots of conversations.
- Report it to iPerú, the tourist information and assistance service.
- If something was stolen, file a report with the Tourist Police for your insurance.
If you're booking with us, you can see who we are in about us and compare what each tour includes before paying. For more safety tips, also read common tourist mistakes in Cusco.
Clear prices from the start
On our tours we publish the price and what each one includes: for example, the Sacred Valley VIP at US$32 with buffet lunch, or Humantay Lake at US$35 with breakfast, lunch and entrance. That way you can compare before you pay.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if an agency is authorized?
You can verify their tax ID and MINCETUR registration, and check verified reviews on Google or TripAdvisor before booking.
Is it safe to pay for tours in advance?
Yes, with established operators that publish a clear cancellation policy on their site.
What do I do if I've already been scammed?
Report it to iPerú (the tourist assistance line) and, if applicable, to the local tourist police.
