peru One of the most popular destinations in South America, due to the fact that it is home to a bucket-list favorite and Wonder of the World. Machu PicchuAbout 500,000 people visit the ancient Inca citadel each year – a number that would have been much higher if orders had not been put in place to prevent overcrowding.
But there’s more to Peru than Machu Picchu. And there’s more to the Andes than just the Inca Trail.
Peru is very diverse geographically and culturally (it’s the third largest country on the continent) so it has much more to offer than most travelers expect. From the great dining scene of Lima to the floating islands near Urosa to the Peruvian Amazon, from the pyramids and tombs of Bataan Grande to the desert oasis of Huacachina, there is so much to see in this South American nation that calls itself sacred. Keeps limited. The valley would be a missed opportunity.
For the intrepid traveler with enough time, many of these destinations can be visited alone. However, getting around Peru can be challenging and budget travelers with limited time should consider opting for an organized tour. And there are plenty of reputable and affordable tour companies in Peru that can make your trip easier, allowing you to focus your attention and energy on the sites, people, culture and history of the place.
To help you save money and get the most of your time, I’ve put together a list of the best tour companies in Peru. From walking tours to multi-day excursions to adventure-filled guided tours, these trips may not be as cheap as traveling alone, but they will absorb the headaches that often come when traveling in a foreign country (especially as a relatively large and slow-moving journey). Peru).
Here are the best tour companies in Peru:
1. Fearless Travel
Intrepid runs tours to every corner of the planet and due to their focus on sustainability and responsible travel they are always a solid choice. I’ve been on a few of their tours over the years and they never disappoint. And while Intrepid offers tours of Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, they also emphasize other parts of this beautiful country.
Their Classic Peru tour ($2,057 USD), for example, lasts 9 days and circles the entire country, visiting many of the top attractions including Machu Picchu, Cuzco, and Lake Titicaca.
Intrepid is one of my favorite companies for multiday tours. I go with them whenever I book a multi-day trip. You should do it. I can’t recommend them enough!
2. Alpaca Campaign
Based in Cusco, the company is owned and operated by local Peruvians. Calling themselves the “Green Machine,” Alpaca Expeditions is committed to becoming a completely sustainable tour company. Trekking tours to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail are heavy – as alpacas are highly rated for them – but they also offer “alternative tours” to some off-the-radar locations, such as Salkantay trekking. For example, you can spend five days there hiking around the Humanate Blue Lagoon, or if you don’t want the commitment, they also offer one-day hiking tours.
There are also trekking tours to the seven lakes of Ausangate and other places around the Sacred Valley. Their classic four-day Inca Trail trip is US$795 per person, while their five-day Choquequirao trip is US$700 per person.
3. Choquequirao Trek
The lost Incan city of Choquequirao can be reached via a two-day trek from Cuzco. And this local tour company specializes in walking tours to the ruins of the 15th-century city, a great alternative to the highly trafficked Machu Picchu site (fewer than 10,000 visit Machu Picchu each day, compared to 2,500 a day). Are) .
You can do the classic four-day trek to Choquequirao for $520 USD or you can mix things up and do an eight-day hiking trip that goes from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu for $1,250 USD, or you can do it on an Incan Can be combined with Jaunt. trail. There are plenty of affordable options!
4. Kolka Tours
Based in the city of Arequipa, Colca Tours specializes in trekking and bus tours to Colca Canyon, a deep and dramatic canyon filled with ancient villages. One of the deepest canyons in the world, it is home to the Andean condor and boasts incredible (and challenging) trekking and scenery. In addition to hiking trips, they also run bike and horse trips. Most tours last from one to four days and some tours include more adventurous elements such as rafting and rock climbing. Their standard four-day hike is only $150 USD.
5. Amazonas Explorer
Amazonas Explorers is a private tour company that operates in the Sacred Valley as well as the Amazon. They arrange private group tours and will take you not only to Machu Picchu, but also to several offbeat treks around the area. They also do non-trek activities like ebikes and white water rafting. Their guides are really nice, speak fluent English, and are so knowledgeable that you feel as if you are learning from a professor. (He was featured in the book Turn right at Machu Picchu.) They are a great option if you want to do something on your own, want to do something off the beaten path, or have a large group of people who want a tour tailored to your needs.
peru It’s such a geographically and culturally diverse place, it would take a lot of time, energy and money to see it all in one trip – especially if you’re planning on hiking. If you’re short on time, consider a tour for some or all of your trip. Eventually, the money comes back; There is no time.
Book Your Trip to Peru: Logistical Tips and Tricks
book your flight
Use skyscanner To find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines from all over the world so you always know no stone has been left unturned.
Book your accommodation
You can book your hostel Hostelworld Because they have the largest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use booking.com Because they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Don’t forget travel insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellation. This is comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never travel without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that provide the best service and value are:
Are you looking for the best companies to save money?
check out my resource page Use the best companies when you travel. I made a list of all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will also save you money when you travel.
Want more information about Peru?
be sure to visit me Strong Destination Guide on Peru For even more planning tips!