Published on Mar, 2025
This is the best tour agency in Cusco, period. It's no surprise that Kantu of Nomad Travel won the best tour guide award. The service Nomad Travel provides is exceptional. They made sure to plan our trip to Machupicchu to perfection, each and every detail was thought out for us carefully.
My wife and I had been to Machupicchu years ago without the help of a quality tour agency and the difference was night and day. This time we didn't want to leave anything to chance as we were taking our 2 kids for the first time.
Every step of the journey that Nomad Travel planned for us was so enjoyable.
A comfortable private bus (large van) took us from downtown Cusco to the train station in Ollantaytambo. There we had a small break to stretch our legs and buy snacks.
Inka rail took us from Ollantaytambo to the town of Machupicchu (Aguascalientes). This train ride was so much better than the one we took years ago. Snacks, tea, music and theatre included! Beautifully renovated waggons, friendly service and breath taking views from the panoramic windows.
We spent one overnight in Aguascalientes, our lodging arranged as well by Nomad Travel along with the BEST restaurant recommendations for dinner and lunch the following day. So grateful for this expert insight provided by Kantu.
In the morning we took the bus from the station to Machupicchu gate entrance.
Years ago the Machupicchu experience was a more open, walk where you like, situation. Now you must choose a circuit and stick to that circuit. This is done to lessen negative impact on certain areas and to better spread out the constant flow of tourists walking through. I could go on and on about how amazing Machupicchu is, but you simply have to experience it yourself.
After our 3hr walk around our designated circuit, we returned to the nearby town of Aguascalientes by bus. We had a lunch at another absolutely fabulous restaurant recommended by Nomad Travel.
We squeezed in a visit to the local butterfly museum (totally worth while!) and then we caught our train with Inka rail back to Ollantaytambo and subsequent shuttle bus to Cusco.
All I can say is that if you are lucky or smart enough to choose Nomad Travel for your excursions, you will be blessed. Kantu is the real deal. A kind and generous local tour guide who speaks perfect English (a rare quality), with a profound understanding of the local history and a passion that is contagious.
