Hiking the Inca Trail is an unforgettable experience that for some is a once in a lifetime hike. It’s no wonder that hikers who chose this trail put a lot of time and energy into booking and planning the hike. In order to make this experience the best possible make sure you book through one of the best rated Inca Trail operators. Chose a tour operator with a good professional reputation, one that fits your budget, and that provides the type of tour you want.
The tour operator you pick has a huge impact on your experience, making sure you pick the right one is very important. We have done extensive research on the best Inca Trail tour operators based on reputation, experience and satisfaction.
Please be assured that with our recommended tour operators you are guaranteed to have a unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu while staying safe and comfortable the entire time. Without further ado let us go over the best rated tour operators in Cusco 2024.
Is my tour operator licensed?
Inca trail tour operators must be registered and authorized by the National Service of Natural Protected Areas by the State (SERNANP) in order to operate officially. This year in 2024 there are currently 212 registered travel operators.
Below we have created a list of our most recommended and top rated tour operators. The picks are based on personal experiences, recommendations from friends and family working in the Cusco tourist industry and good reviews on travel websites like Trip Advisor, Google, and Machu Picchu Travel Guide.
Travel agencies such as Orange Nation, and SAM Travel Peru have been touring The Inca Trail for many years. Agencies such as these are granted 7-10 year long permits and have tours every day. Because of this their reputation is good and they are more reliable than the competition.
This is not a complete list. We are aware there are some companies not listed here. Please if you have a company to recommend write the name in the comments section below and we will add it to the list.
Additional Considerations When Choosing an Operator
There are a ton of different operators to chose from, because of this it’s important to do your own research. Reach out to tour operators directly by contacting them through email or phone and make sure to look over their websites.
Foreign operators not based in Peru are typically offering the Inca Trail treks in addition to wider travel packages. For this reason they usually hire a local tour guide to organize and operate the Inca Trail tours.
Typically its best to book your Inca Trail hike with a local company. However if you want a full Peru Travel Package (Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Ica etc.) you can go through companies like SAM CORPORATIONS. Companies like this provide tours to all the desirable locations in Peru including but not limited to Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Huacachina, Paracas, Puno, and Lake Titicaca.
Conditions That Tour Operators Must Meet To Operate The Inca Trail
Only local tour guides who have business addresses in the city of Cusco are provided with Inca Trail licenses. Foreign non local companies have to hire a local licensed guide to run their Inca Trail Tours.
Tour companies are required to have storage areas full with Inca Trail equipment. Stored away are various different types of equipment including, kitchen and dining tents, kitchen equipment, first aid and emergency equipment, sleeping bags and mattresses, and extra clothing. Every storage area is inspected yearly by SERNANP.
Best Inca Trail Tour Operators in 2024
1. Sam Travel Peru
Over 80 trips Completed | Regional Expert Service level: top
- Small intimate groups of 2 to 8 person
- Guaranted and Secure Trips
SAM TRAVEL PERÚ is a family-owned Travel Company & Tour Operator located in Cusco, Peru that creates customized uniquely designed adventure treks and tours to untouched wilderness places, OFF THE BEATEN TRACK, in the High Andes Mountains of Peru. Our many years of experience is demonstrated in our excellent reviews!
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2. Orange Nation Peru
Over 45 trips Completed | Regional Expert Service level: Standard
- Small intimate groups of 2 to 8 person
- Guaranted and Secure Trips
ORANGE NATION is Peruvian owned Travel Company that specializes in tour and trekking in Cusco Peru. They are experienced in offering small group personalized service for tours from the BREATHTAKING ANDES MOUNTAINS TO THE MAJESTIC MACHU PICCHU CITADEL. Making your experience beyond what even you could have dreamed!
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3. Spider Travel Peru
Over 45 trips Completed | Regional Expert Service level: Standard
- Small intimate groups of 2 to 8 person
- Guaranted and Secure Trips
SPIDER TRAVEL PERU is an innovative adventure travel company in Cusco Peru that offers UNPARALLELED EXPERIENCES TO UNTOUCHED WILDERNESS AREAS. Our adventure treks and tours are specific and carefully designed to cater to budget and personal needs!
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4. Glamping Peru Treks
Over 45 trips Completed | Regional Expert Service level: Luxury
- Small intimate groups of 2 to 8 person
- Guaranted and Secure Trips
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 standards. 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 persons, not exceeding 8 people. If you love your privacy, be sure to ask for a private tour.
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5. 69 Explorer Peru
Over 45 trips Completed | Regional Expert Service level: basic
- Small intimate groups of 2 to 8 person
- Guaranted and Secure Trips
Welcome to 69 Explorer, a premier tour operator based in the heart of Cusco, Peru. As a company born and nurtured in the lap of the Andes, we specialize in creating unforgettable travel experiences in one of the world’s most enchanting destinations.
Explore websiteAdditional Inca Trail Tour Companies
- 69 Explorer Peru
- Wayki Trek
- Explorandes
- Llama Path
- Trek Experience
- Alpaca Tours
- XtremTourbulencia
How to know if a travel company is good?
It’s a good idea to check various different websites for reviews such as google, Trip Advisor, and Machu Picchu Travel guide. Blogs are also a good recourse and can help you determine if a company is reputable and reliable. The type or style of tour that each company offers vary. For example, some companies offer large group tours while others offer smaller more intimate tours, and some have both. The amount of people on each individual tour effects the cost and level of service drastically.
PLEASE NOTE: Every travel agency will offer a Machu Picchu tour even if they don’t have a permit. Operators with no permit will hire a company that does have a permit. We recommend you book with a company that has a permit directly such as Orange Nation.
There are 4 key considerations when choosing a travel guide
Reliability and Professionalism
While searching for a locally owned Peruvian tour company based in Cusco its important to consider the company’s reliability and professionalism. The best way to tell how professional a company is is to check the reviews on TripAdvisor, google or travel blogs. Try and see how quickly a company responds to their customers reviews and how good their communications skills are.
Years of experience
Finding a tour operator with years of experience on the trail is very important. Experienced travel guides will know the culture of the region, what to expect on the trail, and how to react when confronted with emergencies.
Price
The price of Inca Trail tours can vary immensely from one tour operator to the next but generally the average price is $800 per person.
Finding a local tour operator
Choosing a local tour operator will add a level of knowledge not offered by foreign tour agencies. For extensive knowledge and competitive prices consider a local tour operator such as Orange Nation Peru
