Travel News

5 Best Tour Companies in Peru (Updated 2025)

Three travelers embark on the Salkantay trek in Peru on a guided tour

Peru is one of the most popular destinations in South America, as it is home to bucket list favorites and the Wonder of the World Machu Picchu. About 500,000 people visit the ancient Inca capital each year – a number that would be much higher if it weren’t for the overcrowding regulations in place.

But there is more to Peru than just Machu Picchu. And there is more to the Andes than the Inca Trail.

Peru is very diverse geographically and culturally (the third largest country on the continent) so there is more to offer here than most travelers expect. From the restaurants of Lima to the floating islands from Uros to the Peruvian Amazon to the towers and tombs of Batán Grande to the desert of Huacachina, there is much to see in this South American nation that limits itself to the Holy. Valley would be a missed opportunity.

For the intrepid traveler with plenty of time, many of these places can be explored on their own. However, getting around Peru can be challenging and budget travelers with limited time should consider opting for an organized tour. And there are many reliable and affordable tour companies in Peru that can make your trip smooth, allowing you to focus your attention and energy on the sites, people, culture, and history of the area.

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 hiking tours to multi-day tours to guided tours full of adventure, these trips may not be as expensive as traveling alone but will absorb the headaches that often come with traveling to a foreign country (especially a large and slow-to-navigate one like Peru).

Here are the best tour companies in Peru:

1. Walking Boldly

Intrepid runs tours in all corners of the world and is always a solid choice due to its focus on sustainability and sustainable travel. I’ve been on a few of their tours over the years and they never disappoint. And although Intrepid offers tours of Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, it also emphasizes other parts of this beautiful country.

Their classic Peru tour ($2,057 USD), for example, lasts 9 days and circles the country, covering many of the highlights, including Machu Picchu, Cusco, and Lake Titicaca.

Vintage Peru travel map from Intrepid TravelVintage Peru travel map from Intrepid Travel

Intrepid is one of my go-to companies for multi-day trips. Whenever I book a multi-day trip I go with them. It should. I can’t recommend them enough!

Book Brave Travel here!

2. Alpaca Expeditions

Alpaca trekkers wearing green shirts at Machu Picchu in PeruAlpaca trekkers wearing green shirts at Machu Picchu in Peru
This Cusco-based company is owned and operated by local Peruvians. Calling themselves “The Green Machine,” Alpaca Expeditions is committed to being a completely sustainable travel company. The hikes are tough on Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail—because the Alpaca is very limited to them—but it also offers “alternative trips” to some off-the-radar places like hiking in Salkantay. You can 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 tours to the seven lakes of Ausangate, and other places around the Sacred Valley. Their classic four-day Inca Trail tour costs $795 USD per person while their five-day Choquequirao tour is $700 USD.

Book Alpaca Expeditions here!

3. Choquequirao Trek

A narrow staircase built into the mountain near the Choquequirao trail in PeruA narrow staircase built into the mountain near the Choquequirao trail in Peru
The Lost Incan City of Choquequirao can be reached in a two-day trip from Cusco. And this local tour company specializes in hiking to the ruins of the 15th century city which is an alternative to the heavily trafficked Machu Picchu (fewer than 10,000 people visit each year, compared to the 2,500 people who visit Machu Picchu each day).

You can do a classic four-day trek to Choquequirao for $520 USD or you can mix things up and take a longer eight-day trek from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu for $1,250 USD, or you can combine it with Incan fun. A clue. There are tons of affordable options!

Book the Choquequirao Trek here!

4. Colca Tours

A sweeping view of the great Colca Canyon in PeruA sweeping view of the great Colca Canyon in Peru
Based in the city of Arequipa, Colca Tours specializes in hiking and bus tours to the Colca Canyon, a deep and spectacular canyon with ancient villages. One of the deepest canyons in the world, it is home to the Andean condor and boasts amazing (and challenging) hikes and views. In addition to hiking, they also run bicycles and horses. Most tours last one to four days and some tours include new features such as rafting and rock climbing. Their standard four-day tour is only $150 USD.

Book Colca Tours here!

5. Amazon Explorer

A sweeping view of the great Colca Canyon in PeruA sweeping view of the great Colca Canyon in Peru
Amazonas Explorer is a private tour company operating in the Sacred Valley and the Amazon. They organize private group tours and will not only take you to Machu Picchu but to many different places around the region. They also do non-touring activities such as ebikes and white water rafting. Their guides are really nice, they speak good English, and they are so knowledgeable that you feel like you are learning from a professor. (They are featured in the book Turn right at Machu Picchu. They are a great option if you want to do something solo, get more off the beaten path, or a large group of people looking for a tour that fits your needs.

Read more about Amazonas Explorer here!

***

Peru is such a diverse place in terms of geography and culture, it will 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 visiting on one or all of your trips. After all, the money comes back; there is no time.

Book Your Trip: Planning Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find the cheapest flight using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines worldwide so you always know that no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it always returns the cheapest prices on guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft and cancellation. It is a comprehensive protection in case something goes wrong. I have never taken a trip without it as I have had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Want to Travel for Free?
Travel credit cards let you earn points that can be used for free flights and lodging — all without spending extra money. Check out my guide to choosing the right card and my current favorites to get you started and see the latest great deals.

Need help finding activities for your trip?
Find Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun tours, skip tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip?
Check out my resource page to find the best companies to use when traveling. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your travels.


Source link

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button