Home to the A-list favorite and wonder of the world Machu Picchu, Peru is one of the most popular destinations in South America. About 500,000 people visit the ancient Inca citadel each year, a number that would have been much higher were it not for mandates put in place to prevent overcrowding.
But there is more to Peru than just Machu Picchu. There is more to the Andes than the Inca Trail.
Peru is very geographically and culturally diverse (it’s the third largest country on the continent) so there’s a lot here that most travelers expect. From the exquisite dining destination of Lima to the islands floating off the Uros River to the Peruvian Amazon to the pyramids and tombs of Batan Grande to the desert oasis of Huacachina, there is so much to see in this South American country that confining itself to the sacred valley would be a missed opportunity.
For the intrepid traveler with plenty of time, many of these destinations can be explored on their own. However, getting around Peru can be difficult, and budget travelers with limited time should consider choosing an organized tour. There are plenty of reputable and affordable tour companies in Peru that can make your trip much smoother, allowing you to focus your attention and energy on the sites, people, culture and history of the place.
To help you save money and make the most of your time, I’ve compiled a list of the best tour companies in Peru. From walking tours to multi-day excursions to adventurous guided tours, these tours may not be as cheap as traveling on your own but they will alleviate the headaches that often come with traveling to a foreign country (especially if it’s large and slow to navigate (Peru). .
Here are the best tour companies in Peru:
1. Intrepid travel
Intrepid runs tours in every corner of the planet and is always a solid choice thanks to its focus on sustainability and responsible travel. I’ve been to a few of their tours over the years and they never disappoint. While Intrepid offers tours of Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, they also emphasize other parts of this beautiful country as well.
For example, their Classic Peru Tour ($2,057 USD) spans 9 days and circles the country, covering several major landmarks, including Machu Picchu, Cusco, and Lake Titicaca.
Intrepid is one of my go-to companies for multi-day tours. When I book a multi-day trip I go with them. You should. I can’t recommend them enough!
2. Alpaca Expeditions
This Cusco-based company is owned and operated by local Peruvians. Alpaca Expeditions calls itself the “Green Machine,” and is committed to being a completely sustainable tour company. Trekking tours heavy on Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail – because alpacas are highly prized for them – but they also offer “alternative tours” to some off-the-radar places like the treks in Salkantay. You could spend five days there, hiking around the Humantay Blue Lagoon, for example, or if you don’t want to commit, they even offer a day trip.
There are also trekking tours to the Seven Lakes of Ausangate and other sites around the Sacred Valley. The four-day Classic Inca Trail trek costs US$795 per person, while the five-day Choquequirao trek costs US$700.
3. Choquequirao Trek
The lost Inca city of Choquequirao can be reached via a two-day trek from Cusco. This local tour company specializes in hiking to the ruins of the 15th-century city and is a great alternative to the high-traffic site of Machu Picchu (fewer than 10,000 people visit it each year, compared to the 2,500 people who visit Machu Picchu every day).
You can do the classic four-day trek to Choquequirao for US$520, or you can mix things up and take the longer eight-day trek from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu for US$1,250, or you can combine it with a short Inca River cruise. effect. There are tons of affordable options!
4. Colca Tours
Colca Tours is based in Arequipa and specializes in trekking and bus tours of Colca Canyon, a deep and dramatic canyon dotted with ancient villages. It’s one of the deepest canyons in the world, home to Andean condors and boasts amazing (and challenging) treks and scenery. In addition to hiking tours, they also offer bike and horse tours. Most tours last from one to four days, and some tours include more adventurous elements such as rafting and rock climbing. The price for a standard four-day hike is just $150.
5. Amazon Explorer
Amazonas Explorer is a private tour company operating in the Sacred Valley as well as the Amazon region. They arrange private group tours and will take you not only to Machu Picchu, but to plenty of off-the-beaten-path excursions throughout the area. They also do non-trekking activities like e-bikes and white water rafting. Their guides are really good, speak good English, and are so knowledgeable that you feel like you are learning from a professor. (It was mentioned in the book Turn right at Machu Picchu.) It’s a great option if you want to do something on your own, get off the beaten path, or you’re a large group of people who want to take a tour tailored to your specific needs.
Peru is a geographically and culturally diverse place, and it would take a lot of time, energy and money to see it all in one trip – especially if you plan on hiking. If you’re short on time, consider taking a tour for some or all of your trip. After all, the money is back. Time no.
Book your trip to Peru: logistical tips and tricks
Book your flight
is used Sky Scanner To find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines all over the world, so you always know that no stone is left unturned.
Book your stay
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld Because they have the largest inventory and the best offers. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com Because they constantly offer the cheapest prices for cheap guest houses and hotels.
Don’t forget travel insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft and cancellation. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it because I’ve had to use it several times in the past. Our favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Are you looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resources page for the best companies to use when traveling. I list everything I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when traveling too.
Want more information about Peru?
Be sure to visit my powerful Peru destination guide for more planning tips!