The 5 Coolest Tour Companies in Peru

Hey there, travel enthusiasts! Peru is like a super popular hot - spot in South America, and it's all because of that bucket - list - worthy, World Wonder Machu Picchu. Around half a million peeps visit that ancient Incan citadel every year. But hey, if it weren't for those rules to keep the crowds in check, that number would be way higher!

But hold up, Peru has so much more than just Machu Picchu. And the Andes? There's more to it than just the Inca Trail. Peru is a total geographical and cultural mash - up (it's the third - biggest country on the continent, ya know). So, there are heaps of things to see here that most travelers don't even expect. From the awesome food scene in Lima to the floating islands of the Uros, the Peruvian Amazon, the pyramids and tombs of Batán Grande, and the desert oasis of Huacachina, this South American nation is jam - packed with cool stuff. Limiting yourself to just the Sacred Valley would be such a bummer!

For the super - adventurous travelers with tons of time, a lot of these places can be explored solo. But let's be real, getting around Peru can be a bit of a challenge. If you're on a tight budget and short on time, you might wanna think about going for an organized tour. Luckily, there are plenty of reliable and affordable tour companies in Peru that can make your trip a breeze. Then you can just focus on soaking up the amazing sites, meeting the locals, and diving into the culture and history.

To help you save some cash and make the most of your time, I've rounded up a list of the best tour companies in Peru. These tours might not be as cheap as going solo, but they'll sure save you from the headaches that often come with traveling in a foreign country (especially one as big and a bit tricky to navigate as Peru).

Here are the top tour companies in Peru:

1. Intrepid Travel

Intrepid is all over the world, and they're always a great pick. They're really into sustainability and responsible travel, which is super cool. I've been on a few of their tours over the years, and they've never let me down. Sure, they do tours of Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, but they also shine a light on the other amazing parts of this beautiful country.

Take their Classic Peru tour ($2,057 USD), for example. It's a 9 - day adventure that takes you all around the country, hitting up major highlights like Machu Picchu, Cusco, and Lake Titicaca. Intrepid is my go - to for multi - day tours. Whenever I'm booking a multi - day trip, I choose them. You should too! I can't recommend them enough.

2. Alpaca Expeditions

This company, based in Cusco, is run by local Peruvians. They call themselves the "Green Machine" and are all about being a sustainable tour company. Their trekking tours focus a lot on Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail (and they're highly rated for them), but they also have some "alternative tours" to off - the - radar places like trekking the Salkantay. You could spend five days hiking around the Humantay Blue Lagoon, or if you don't want to commit for that long, they even have a one - day hike option.

They also have trekking tours to the seven lakes of Ausangate and other spots around the Sacred Valley. Their classic four - day Inca Trail hike is $795 USD per person, and their five - day Choquequirao trek is $700 USD.

3. Choquequirao Trek

The Lost Incan City of Choquequirao can be reached by a two - day trek from Cusco. This local tour company is all about hiking to the ruins of this 15th - century city. It's a great alternative to the super - crowded Machu Picchu (less than 10,000 people visit 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 $520 USD, or mix it up and do an eight - day hike that goes from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu for $1,250 USD. You can even combine it with a little jaunt on the Incan Trail. There are so many affordable options!

4. Colca Tours

Based in Arequipa, Colca Tours specializes in trekking and bus tours to Colca Canyon. It's this deep, dramatic ravine full of ancient villages. It's one of the deepest canyons in the world, home to the Andean condor, and has some seriously incredible (and challenging) trekking and views. Besides hiking tours, they also do bike and horse tours. Most of the tours last from one to four days, and some have more adventurous bits like rafting and rock climbing. Their standard four - day hike is only $150 USD.

5. Amazonas Explorer

Amazonas Explorer is a private tour company that operates in the Sacred Valley and the Amazon. They arrange private group tours and don't just take you to Machu Picchu, but also to a bunch of off - the - beaten - path treks in the area. They also do non - trek activities like e - bikes and white - water rafting. Their guides are really good, speak perfect English, and are so knowledgeable, it's like learning from a professor. (They were even in the book Turn Right at Machu Picchu!) If you want to do your own thing, get off the main tourist track, or you're in a big group and want a tour made just for you, they're a great option.

Peru is such a big, diverse place, both geographically and culturally. It would take a ton of time, energy, and money to see it all in one trip, especially if you're into hiking. If you're short on time, think about getting a tour for part or all of your trip. After all, you can always earn money back, but time? That's precious!

Book Your Trip to Peru: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight

Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. It's my favorite search engine because it searches all the websites and airlines around the world. You know you're not missing any deals!

Book Your Accommodation

Book your hostel with Hostelworld. They have the biggest selection and the best deals. If you'd rather not stay in a hostel, use Booking.com. They always seem to have the cheapest rates for guesthouses and budget hotels.

Don't Forget Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is like your safety net. It protects you from illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. I never go on a trip without it. I've had to use it a bunch of times in the past. My favorite companies that offer great service and value are:

• Safety Wing (good for everyone)

• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

• Medjet (for extra evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?

Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money on the road. They'll help you save too!

Want More Information on Peru?

Visit my super - detailed destination guide on Peru for even more planning tips!