
Peru is one of the most popular destinations in South America as it is home to bucket list favorites and world wonders machu picchu. About 500,000 people visit this ancient Inca citadel every year – a number that would be much higher if not for regulations put in place to prevent overcrowding.
But there’s more to Peru than Machu Picchu. The Andes are more than just the Inca Trail.
Peru is very diverse both geographically and culturally (it is the third largest country on the African continent), so it has much more to offer than most travelers expect. From the gastronomic wonders of Lima, to the floating islands near Uros, 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 you would be missing out if you only visit the Sacred Valley.
For the intrepid traveler with enough time, many of these destinations can be explored independently. However, visiting Peru can be challenging, and budget travelers with limited time should consider opting for an organized tour. There are many reputable and affordable tour companies in Peru that can make your trip smoother, allowing you to focus your attention and energy on the local attractions, people, culture and history.
To help you save money and make the most of your time, I’ve listed the best tour companies in Peru. From hiking tours to multi-day excursions to adventure-filled guided tours, these tours may not be as cheap as traveling alone, but they can solve the headaches that often come with traveling in a foreign country (especially a country as large and slow to navigate as Peru).
Here are the best tour companies in Peru:
1. Travel fearlessly
Intrepid offers tours in every corner of the planet, and due to their focus on sustainability and responsible travel, they are always a reliable choice. I’ve been on several of their tours over the years and they’ve never let me down. While Intrepid offers Machu Picchu and Inca Trail tours, they also emphasize other areas of this beautiful country.
For example, their Classic Peru Tour ($2,057) is a nine-day trip around the country that covers many major attractions, including Machu Picchu, Cusco, and Lake Titicaca.


Intrepid is one of my go-to companies for multi-day tours. Whenever I book a multi-day tour, I go with them. You should do this. I highly recommend them!
2. Alpaca Adventure


The Cusco-based company is owned and operated by local Peruvians. Alpaca Expeditions calls itself a “green machine” and is committed to becoming a fully sustainable travel company. Hiking tours focus on Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, as alpacas are highly rated in those two places, but they also offer some “alternative tours” to lesser-known places, such as hiking Salkantay. For example, you could spend five days there hiking around the Humantay Blue Lagoon, or they even offer day hikes if you don’t want the commitment.
There are also hikes to the Seven Lakes of Ausangate and other attractions around the Sacred Valley. Their classic four-day Inca Trail hike is $795 per person, while the five-day Choquequirao hike is $700 per person.
3. Choke Kilau Hike


From Cusco, it’s a two-day hike to the lost Inca city of Choquequilao. This local tour company specializes in walking tours to the ruins of the 15th-century city, making it a great alternative to the heavily trafficked ruins of Machu Picchu (less than 10,000 people visit Machu Picchu annually, compared with 2,500 daily).
You can do a classic four-day hike to Choquequirao for $520, or mix it up and do a longer eight-day hike from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu for $1,250, or you can combine it with a shorter excursion on the Incan Trail. There are tons of affordable options!
4. Tour to Colca


Colca Tours, based in Arequipa, specializes in hiking and bus tours to Colca Canyon, a deep and spectacular canyon dotted with ancient villages. It’s one of the deepest canyons in the world, home to Andean condors, and offers incredible (and challenging) hiking and views. In addition to hiking tours, they also offer biking and horseback riding tours. Most tours last between one and four days, and some include more adventurous elements such as rafting and rock climbing. Their standard four-day markup is only $150.
5. Amazon Explorer


Amazonas Explorer is a private tour company operating in the Sacred Valley and Amazon region. They arrange private group tours that will take you not only to Machu Picchu, but also to the many off-the-beaten-path hikes in the area. They also do non-hiking activities like e-biking and whitewater rafting. Their tour guides are very good, speak fluent English and are so knowledgeable that you feel like you are learning from a professor. (They are mentioned in the book Turn right at Machu Picchu.) They’re a great option if you want to do something on your own and experience more off the beaten path, or if you’re in a large group and want a tour tailored to your needs.
Peru It’s such a geographically and culturally diverse place that it takes a lot of time, energy and money to see it all in one trip – especially if you plan on hiking. If you are limited on time, consider joining a group tour for part or all of the itinerary. After all, money pays off; time does not.
Booking a trip to Peru: Logistical tips and tricks
Book a flight
use Skyscanner Find cheap flights. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines all over the world so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book accommodation
You can book a hostel via hostel world Because they have the largest inventory and the best prices. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hotel, use Booking.com Because they always provide guesthouses and budget hotels at the cheapest prices.
Don’t forget travel insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft and cancellation. It provides complete protection in case any issues arise. I wouldn’t travel without it as I have used it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Looking for the cheapest company?
look at mine Resources page Providing you with the best companies to use when traveling. I’ve listed all the ways I use to save money while traveling. They also save you money when you travel.
Want to learn more about Peru?
Be sure to visit my A Powerful Destination Guide to Peru Learn more planning tips!