When planning your trip on the legendary Inca Trail, you should know that there are several Inca trail tour companies and choosing the right tour company is more than a decision; it is the first crucial step towards an unforgettable experience. Each year, the National Service of Natural Areas Protected by the State (SERNANP) authorizes companies to operate within the Inca Trail network, ensuring that they meet strict standards of quality, safety and sustainability. To date, 227 operators have the privilege of guiding travelers like you along these sacred trails. This diversity of options ranges from new companies with temporary permits to established agencies with decades of experience and long-term permits.
Here at Adventure In Peru, we believe that companies with a long history not only guarantee your place on the Inca Trail, but that their in-depth knowledge and experience enriches every step of your journey. These agencies, with 7 to 10 year permits, have the ability to offer daily groups and a promise of unparalleled experience.
Read on to discover how to navigate this maze of options and choose the operator that is perfect for you!
Before choosing an Inca trail tour operator, please check Inca Trail availability.
Factors To Consider To Choose The Best Inca Trail Operator
These are the 10 things you should consider when choosing one of the authorized inca trail tour companies. We understand the importance of making an informed decision. Here are the key factors to consider:
1. Commitment to Sustainability
Look for companies that demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainable and responsible practices. This includes waste management, support for local communities, and respect for nature and Inca culture. A responsible company contributes positively to the environment and the local economy.
2. Experience and Local Knowledge
The experience of the guide can completely transform your trip. Prefer companies that employ local guides with deep knowledge of the history, culture, and biodiversity of the Inca Trail. Your guide’s passion and experience will enrich your connection to this ancient trail.
3. Group Size
There are Inca Trail companies that focus on a smaller group, this offers a more personalized experience and allows for more interaction with your guide. Check the maximum group size and consider whether you prefer a more intimate tour or if you don’t mind sharing the experience with a larger group.
4. Porter Support and Welfare
Porter welfare is a key indicator of a company’s ethos. Make sure the company provides fair wages, adequate equipment, and respectful working conditions for its doormen. This reflects not only respect for your team but also for the company’s overall ethical principles. We consider that one of the best Inca Trail tour companies are those that care so much about the porters.
5. Equipment Quality
From tents to kitchen equipment, the quality of the equipment provided will directly affect your comfort and safety during the trek. Inquire about the type of equipment the company uses and how they handle adverse weather situations.
6. Flexibility and Customization
Every traveler has unique needs and desires. Look for companies that offer the ability to customize your trip, either by adjusting the route, including additional cultural experiences, or adapting the food to specific dietary requirements.
7. Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Safety should be a top priority. Confirm that the company has emergency plans and equipment in place, including access to satellite communication and first aid. Ask about the training of guides in emergency procedures.
8. Reputation and Reviews
The experiences of previous travelers can offer valuable insights. Seek out reviews and testimonials to better understand the quality of service, overall experience and how the company handles any mishaps.
9. Price and Value
Consider the price in relation to the value you receive. A more expensive option might be justified by better accommodations, high-quality equipment, and a strong commitment to sustainability and gatekeeper welfare.
10. Personal Connection
Finally, pre-trip communication and customer service can be indicative of the experience you will have. A good company should be accessible, informative, and enthusiastic about sharing this incredible tour with you.
At AdventureInPeru, we strive to meet these criteria, offering you an unforgettable Inca Trail experience that not only meets but exceeds your expectations.
Best Cusco-based Inca Trail Tour Companies In 2024
Now check these 10 top best Inca trail tour companies:
1. Andventure in peru (Recommended)
If you’re seeking a tour company that specializes in Peru travel, Adventure in Peru is the epitome of excellence. Specializing in personalized, private tours, Offers a variety of Inca Trail tours that can be customized to meet your specific needs and interests.
Website: adventureinperu.com
2. Alpaca Expeditions
A locally owned and operated tour company, Alpaca Expeditions, offers a variety of tours to Machu Picchu, including the classic Inca Trail trek and the Salkantay trek. Their commitment to sustainability and porter welfare sets them apart in the industry.
Reviews: Tripadvisor.
3. AB Expeditions
AB Expeditions is a reputable tour operator offering a range of Inca Trail experiences. With a focus on quality service and responsible tourism, they provide a memorable and enriching trekking experience.
Reviews: TripAdvisor.
4. Enigma Adventure
Enigma is a boutique tour operator that specializes in personalized travel experiences in Peru. They are known for their attention to detail, meticulous planning, and commitment to service. With Enigma, you can expect a unique and genuine journey that is tailored to your interests and preferences.
Reviews: Tripadvisor.
5. Wayki Trek
If you’re passionate about responsible tourism, Wayki Trek stands out as an excellent choice. As a Rainforest Alliance-certified tour operator, and with certification for their environmental management system, they demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainable and responsible travel.
Reviews: Tripadvisor.
6. Explorandes
For those committed to responsible tourism and environmental management systems, Explorandes is a stellar choice. With a legacy dating back to 1975, the company has received numerous accolades for its dedication to sustainability, including certification by the Rainforest Alliance.
Reviews: Tripadvisor.
7. Sam Travel Peru
As a 100% Peruvian-owned tour operator, Sam Travel Peru provides exceptional treks while prioritizing the welfare of their porters and guides. They are among the top Inca Trail tour companies in 2023 and 2024, holding official authorization from the National Service of Natural Protected Areas by the State (SERNANP).
Reviews: Tripadvisor.
8. Trexperience
Trexperience is a local operator known for their personalized approach to Inca Trail treks. They pride themselves on providing an authentic and immersive experience for all types of travelers.
Reviews: TripAdvisor.
9. Conde Travel
Conde Travel is a tour company that specializes in providing hiking and trekking experiences in Machu Picchu. With a strong focus on sustainability and responsible tourism, they work closely with local communities to ensure a positive impact on the environment and the people who live in the area.
Reviews: TripAdvisor.
10. Valencia Travel
Valencia Travel is a reputable tour operator offering a variety of Inca Trail experiences. With a focus on high-quality service and responsible tourism, they provide an exceptional trekking tour.
Reviews: TripAdvisor.
More Inca Trail Tour Operators to consider
These international tour companies are also companies to consider, as they have been operating the Inca Trail for years.
- G Adventure (International tour company)
- Intrepid Travel (International tour company)
- Inkayni Peru
- Action Peru Trek
List of all the Inca Trail Operators Base in Cusco
Here is a list updated to 2024 of Inca Trail tour companies registered and authorized by the Peruvian government. It is in alphabetical order. If you are going with one of them, be sure that they are authorized.
- AB Expeditions E.I.R.L.
- Action Peru Treks E.I.R.L.
- ADV Gregory Cusco Peru.S.A.C.
- Adventours-SAS E.I.R.L.
- Adventure Peru Tour Operator S.A.C.
- Agencia De Viajes Ecotime Peru E.I.R.L
- Agencia De Viajes Y Turismo Apu Salkantay E.I.R.L.
- Agencia De Viajes Y Turismo Ethnias Peru E.I.R.L.
- Agencia De Viajes Y Turismo Peru Top Adventure S.R.L
- Agencia De Viajes Y Turismo Raices Tours E.I.R.L.
- Agencia Prueba S.A.C.
- Agencia Turismo K.B. Adventures S.A.C
- Allyn Pacha Travel E.I.R.L.
- Altura Travel S.A.C.
- Amazing Adventures E.I.R.L.
- Amazon Andes Peru S.C.R.L.
- Amazonas Explorer S.A.C.
- America Trek SAC.
- Andean Adventures S.R.L.
- Andean Amazon E.I.R.L.
- Andean Expeditions & Adventures S.A.C.
- Andean Killa Tours SAC.
- Andean Treks & Adventures SAC.
- Andean Hiking.
- Andes Amazon Trails Peru E.I.R.L.
- Andina Travel Treks & Eco Adventure E.I.R.L.
- Andean Spiritual Path EIRL.
- Apu Andino Travel E.I.R.L
- Apu Travel Service E.I.R.L.
- Apumayo Expediciones S.A.C.
- Apus Peru Adventure Travel SpecialistsS.A.C.
- Auqui Mountain Spirit E.I.R.L.
- Auqui Peru Mountain Spirit E.I.R.L.
- Ausangate Travels SRL.
- Aventuras Ecotrek Peru E.I.R.L.
- Aventuras X-Treme Tourbulencia En Cusco E.I.R.L.
- Best Andes Travel SRL.
- Caminos De Llama S.A.C.
- Camping Tours E.I.R.L.
- Ceci’s Travel E.I.R.L.
- Chaska Tours Agencia De Viajes Y Turismo E.I.R.L.
- Chaski Tours S.A.C.
- Conde Travel E.I.R.L.
- Condor Travel S.A.C.
- Corporation BECRI SAC.
- Crossover Peru SAC.
- Cultural Immersion Travel Peru E.I.R.L.
- Culturas Peru Viajes Y Servicios S.R.L.
- Cusco Native Travel Agency E.I.R.L
- Cusco Peruvian Adventures SAC
- Cusco Sunrise Peru Trek Tour Operator E.I.R.L.
- Cusi Travel International S.C.R.L
- DHSG E.I.R.L.
- Daily Tours E.I.R.L.
- Danzak Peru E.I.R.L.
- Destinos Turisticos Group Peru S.A.C.
- Discover South America E.I.R.L
- Eco Path Trek E.I.R.L
- Eco Wayky’s Tour Aventura E.I.R.L.
- Ecoinka S.R.L
- Ecs Travel S.A.C.
- Enigma Adventure Tour Operator S.A.C.
- Epitour’s Trek E.I.R.L.
- EricXpeditions SAC
- Evolution Treks Peru E.I.R.L
- Experience Colibri Peru E.I.R.L
- Explora Peru Co SAC
- Explorandes S.A.C.
- Explore Adventures S.R.L
- Exploring Peru Travel Service E.I.R.L.
- Fiesta Tours International S.A.
- Go2Inkas S.A.C
- Golden Empire Tours E.I.R.L.
- Grand America Tour SAC
- Green River Expedition SAC
- Group Empire Tours E.I.R.L
- Grupo Caminos del Peru E.I.R.L.
- Grupo Peru Raymi Travel S.A.C.
- Grupo Tourbulencia En Peru S.C.R.L.
- Hatun Qhapaq Nan Expeditions EIRL
- Illa Yaku S.A.C.
- Illapa Culturas Andinas Inversiones S.R.L.
- Inca Peru Travel Tour Operator E.I.R.L.
- Inca Trail Bamba Experience E.I.R.L.
- Inca Trail Machu EIRL
- Inca Trail Peru Treks S.A.C (Peru Treks)
- Inca Wonders Travel E.I.R.L
- Incas Journey Adventure E.I.R.L.
- Inca’s Discovery & Eco Lodges S.A.C
- Incredible Peru Tours SAC
- Infocusco S.A.C
- Inka Sites Adventures S.C.R.L.
- Inka Trail Expeditions Peru E.I.R.L.
- Inka Trail Machupicchu E.I.R.L.
- Inkaland Group S.A.C.
- Inkanatura Travel S.A.C.
- Inkayni Peru Tours S.C.R.L
- Instinct S.C.R.L..
- Intense Peru S.A.C.
- Inti Kuntur EIRL
- Into Paths
- Inti Sun Trek E.I..R.L.
- Inversiones Inca Trail Reservations E.I.R.L.
- Inversiones Arsa Tours S.R.L
- Inversiones Cusco Explorer’s E.I.R.L.
- Inversiones En Turismo Coavoy Peru Travel E.I.R.L.
- Inversiones Mako’s S.R.L
- Inversiones Receptour S.A.
- Inversiones TP E.I.R.L
- Inversiones Turisticas Andean Explorer’s Cusco E.I.R.L.
- Inversiones Turisticas K’intu E.I.R.Ltda.
- Inversiones Turisticas Maza E.I.R.L.
- Inversiones Turisticas Peruinca Explorer E.I.R.L.
- Inversiones Unitours S.A.C
- Ittacca Experience SAC
- Inca Trail Company SAC
- Journey Experience S.A.C.
- Karavaniers Peru E.I.R.L.
- Katachillay Travel E.I.R.L.
- Kaypi Peru S.R.L.
- Killa Expeditions EIRL.
- Kondor Path Tours E.I.R.L.
- Kusa Treks Peru E.I.R.L
- Kusisqa Travel E.I.R.L
- Liberty Peru SAC.
- Lima Tours S.A.C.
- Llama Tours Peru S.R.L.
- Lorenzo Expeditions EIRL.
- Machete Tours S.R.L.
- Machu Picchu INC EIRL.
- Machupicchu & Beyond E.I.R.L.
- Machupicchu Mega Travel E.I.R.L.
- Machupicchu Reservations SAC
- Machupicchu Travel Adventure E.I.R.L
- Manu Expeditions E.I.R.L.
- Marquez Viajes Y Servicios Turisticos E.I.R.L. (SAS)
- Matours E.I.R.L.
- Mava Travel Service S.R.L.
- Mayuc Cusco EIRL
- Mire S.R.L
- Naty’s Travel Agency E.I.R.L.
- NC Travel Cusco E.I.R.L.
- New Inca Wasi Travel Corp EIRL.
- Nikkand EIRL.
- Operador de Aventura Superior EIRL.
- Orange Nation Peru
- Pachatusantrek S.A.C.
- Papi’s Treks E.I.R.L
- Peak DMC South America SAC.
- Peak South America S.A.C.
- Personal Travel Experience S.A.C.
- Peru Adventures Paradise S.C.R.L.
- Peru Andes Top Grupo Path of the Andes E.I.R.L.
- Peru By Locals S.A.C
- Peru Eco Adventures And Cultural Trips E.I.R.L.
- Peru Fantastic Travel E.I.R.L.
- Peru Grand Travel E.I.R.L.
- Peru Inka s Collection SRL.
- Peru Nao Tours S.A.C.
- Peru On Road E.I.R.L.
- Peru Top Times SRL.
- Peru Sur Nativa E.I.R.L
- Peru Tours And Adventure S.A.C.
- Peru Tours Incorporation SAC.
- Peru Travel Conexion S.A.C.
- Peru Travel And Healing S.A.C.
- Peru View Tours SRL.
- Peru Winayhuayna Adventure EIRL
- Peru XP Travel SAC
- Peruvian Highland Trek Expedition E.I.R.L.
- Peruvian Sacred & Adventure S.R.L.
- Peru Travel Dos Manos SRL
- Private Machupicchu E.I.R.L
- Pukupuku Travel SRL.
- Pumadventures SAC.
- Pumapath Adventures Peru E.I.R.L.
- Peru Unique destination EIRL.
- Qhapaqnan Adventure S.A.C.
- Quechua Treks Peru E.I.R.L
- Quechuas Expeditions Peru S.A.C
- Q’ente South American Trek Tours E.I.R.L.
- Raices Peru Operadores Mayoristas S.A.C.
- Rasgos Cusco Tours Operator E.I.R.L
- River Explorers Specialists In River And Adventure E.I.R.L.
- Royal Crown Adventures E.I.R.L.
- Saca Expeditions Servicios Turisticos S.C.R.L.
- Salkantay Trekking E.I.R.L
- Sam Travel Peru Expeditions E.I.R.L.
- SAM Corporations Peru
- Scenic Peru E.I.R.L
- Sky Viajes Y Turismo S.R.L
- South Adventure Peru Tours E.I.R.L.
- South American Travel Services S.R.L.
- Southern Peru Explorers EIRL.
- Southwild S.A.C.
- Sun Gate Tours S.A.C.
- Sunshine Travel Peru E.I.R.L
- Terra Explorer Peru E.I.R.L.
- Tierra Biru Expeditions SAC.
- Tierras De Los Andes S.A.C.
- Tierras Vivas E.I.R.L.
- Tour in Peru E.I.R.L.
- Traveleez Peru S.A.C. (New)
- Tucano Representaciones Peru Latin Trails S.A.C.
- Tucanos Peru E.I.R.L.
- Turismo Perufull EIRL.
- United Mice Tour Operator E.I.R.L.
- Valencia Travel Agency S.A.C.
- Valentin’s Pachamama Journeys SRL.
- Vamos Expeditions S.A.C.
- Viajes Colon E.I.R.L.
- Viajes Pacifico SAC.
- Viajes y Servicios Turisticos Flamenco S.A.C.
- Viracocha Turismo Internacional SAC.
- Wake Up Peru Trekking E.I.R.L.
- Wari Adventures SAC.
- Wayki Trek Transportes Turisticos S.A.C.
- Welcome South America Travel E.I.R.L.
- Worldwide Exotic Adventures SAC.
- Www Happy Gringo Tours E.I.R.L.
- Yupi Adventure E.I.R.L.
This list represents a wide range of travel agencies and tour operators, from those specializing in tours and expeditions in the Cusco region and the Inca Trail, to those offering cultural and nature experiences throughout Peru.
When it comes to embarking on the remarkable journey of the Inca Trail, choosing from the best Inca Trail tour company is crucial. With their unmatched expertise, commitment to sustainability, and dedication to providing extraordinary experiences, these tour operators elevate your trip to Machu Picchu. This article “Best Inca Trail Tour Companies” is your compass to selecting the perfect partner for an unforgettable trek. May your journey be filled with wonder, discovery, and moments of pure awe.
Read also: Best Salkantay Trek Tour Operators.
I am Juan Carlos, the founder of AdventureInPeru, a local tour operator based in Cusco, Peru. With over 15 years of professional experience as a tour guide, I specialize in providing immersive and authentic travel experiences in the Machu Picchu and beyond. My deep knowledge of Inca history and culture, combined with a passion for sharing Peru’s rich heritage, ensures that every journey with AdventureInPeru is unforgettable.
