Written by Sam Corporations December 28, 2022
It’s a given that you will want to choose one of the best Companies for your tour in Peru and Machu Picchu in 2024 or 2025. One with a good reputation, that fits your budget, and that offers the style of tour or trek you really want (simple or luxury, two, three or four-day itineraries, group tour or private).
The Travel Companies or Tour Operators in Peru must be registered on PromPeru, Sernanp and in the Miniterio de Cultura (www.machupicchu.gob.pe). Make sure they have a Ruc to operate officially in Peru and Machu Picchu. There are a lot of companies offering tours in Peru but many of them are not licensed.
Here, we have put together a list featuring some of the best Companies and direct local operators based in Peru, based on a few different criteria. This includes interviews we have made with some guides (Unions) of Peru and Machu Picchu. Personal experience with a number of the companies (be it trekking, kayaking or other outdoor activities). Recommendations from friends and colleagues working within the Peruvian tourism industry, especially in Cusco. Positive reviews in travel guides and travel websites, including — cautiously — websites with user-generated content (TripAdvisor).
We don’t claim that this is a definitive list; indeed, we have updated this list for 2024. Some tour operators have been removed from this list due to our disagreement with their labor practices, even though they might rank well elsewhere. There are certainly other new and old tour companies that probably deserve to be featured here but aren’t. But the trek operators listed here are among Peru’s most established, respected, and reliable.
There are many, many travel companies that are licensed to operate all over Peru. The list we have provided includes some of the most well-established and reputable Cusco-based travel companies. In order to choose the best ones, we take a variety of recommendations into account. Included are companies that are featured frequently in the latest Peru travel guidebooks. Review sites like Trip Advisor and travel fórums.
To add to the glowing recommendations that these companies have received, it’s also important to note that they are all based in Peru. You get the benefit of local guides with a wealth of knowledge and information. Your money also helps the economical development of the communities of Peru and contributes to sustaining the ecosystem.
All these companies offer alternative treks to Machu Picchu, as well as various other tours around Cusco and beyond.
Sam Corporations is a 100% Peruvian family-owned company with no shareholders. We offer a highly exclusive personalized service of the highest quality. Our treks are operated by our regularly trained and highly experienced SAM CORPORATIONS staff and guides. We strive to be environmentally sustainable and a responsible tour operator by incorporating the most important universal principles of tourism.
Website: https://www.samcorporations.com
SAM Travel Peru is a highly professional tour & trekking company that caters for travellers of all age groups, making sure everyone makes it to their intended destination. A key feature offered by SAM Travel is small group sizes. They never exceed eight trekkers per group, unlike many operators who will happily reach the maximum group limit of 16 people. What’s more, the company’s Peruvian owner, Saul Alvarez, has been working along the Inca Trail since the age of 18, as a porter and later as a guide.
Website: https://www.samtravelperu.com
This company thats focused on long term community growth and sustanaibility has been growing in leaps and bounds since its humble beginnings. Its driven by its hardworking employees, who have a vested interested in the company. The owner of this establishment has always focused on the people in small isolated communities, who have very few employment opportunities. The tour guides, porters and cooks have shares in the company, with people earning a fair amount for their level of contribution. When you choose this company, you make a direct impact to all the lives of the people that make your adventure memorable. The company also has plenty of excellent reviews on TripAdvisor. Definitely one to consider.
Website: https://www.orange-nation.com/
Glamping Peru Treks creates treks and tours that offer unsurpassed luxury and comfort while hiking off the beaten track. All accommodations, food, and services are of the highest quality and standard. If you are looking for something UPSCALE AND LUXURIOUS while trekking or touring, this is the absolute best option for you. Do not be afraid to work with their service operators to create your dream personalized luxury trek or tour. The company group size averages 2 to 4 people, not exceeding 8 people. If you love your privacy, be sure to ask for a private tour. This company is the child of the well established and experienced Sam Travel Peru.
Website: https://glampingperutreks.com/
Spider Travel is a new & innovative local tour operator in Cusco, covering the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Lares Trek, Tour Packages to Machu Picchu, Luxury glamping treks, Rainbow Mountain and the Choquequirao trek.
Website: https://www.spidertravelperu.com
APPLE TRAVEL was established in 2021 , by a group of experienced tour guides from around the Cusco region. Their main feature is their compentitive pricing. They work to ensure that they don´t comprimise on quality, while saving you a buck. Striving to provide simplified quality service. Experience, small group sizes and reasonable prizes, what more do you need?
Website: www.appletravelperu.com
As noted earlier, there are plenty of Travel Agencies out there. We suggest you browse their websites, have a look at whats on offer for yourself and get in contact them. This way you can test their efficiency and effectiveness.
As for non-Peruvian international operators, they typically offer tours and trek as part of a larger package. These larger international tour operators often use local operators to actually run their tour in Peru, Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
Generally speaking, if you just want to book a trek along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, it’s best to use a local company like Orange Nation. But if you want a full travel package (e.g, Lima- Cusco-Machu Picchu- Lima, all inclusive), try companies like SAM CORPORATIONS. They offer package tours to all major spots around Peru. Including hot spots like Iquitos, Huacachina, Paracas, Puno, Areiquipa, Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca among many other locations.
We recommend you checkout tripadvisor reviews, reviews on google business, independent blogs and if its actually a registered business with RUC. Each company offers a different type of service. Some lead large groups, whereas others lead smaller more personalized groups. The size is usually a big factor in determining pricing and service standard. Smaller groups ensure a more personal experience that can more easily be tailored to the groups needs. Whereas a larger group has a more difficult time adjusting to the groups needs and will also not be as personal.
The Top RATED Tour Operators in Peru information has been updated in June 2024.
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