A big part of your experience on the Inca Trail is influenced by the company you trek with. The best Inca Trail tours are run by licensed companies with years of experience. These experts all but guarantee an unforgettable hike to Machu Picchu
So, how do you pick a tour operator?
I’ve made it a little easier for you with some tips for choosing a good company.
In this article, you will find my picks for the most reliable Inca Trail Tour operators. These companies are the best based on sound practices, good equipment, and customer satisfaction.
Get an Inca trail trek quote
Start planning your Machu Picchu hiking holiday.
The Best Inca Trail Tours
How To Choose the Best Inca Trail Tour
Good Reviews
With sites like TripAdvisor and Reddit, it is easy these days to get unbiased feedback on a trekking company. It is worth a 5-minute search to check the reputation of the tour operator.
This is true even if your friends or family had a great experience with a particular company. Consistency is key. Companies with 95%-99% good reviews are generally considered a safe bet.
Professionalism And Ethics
In order to take trekkers on the Inca Trail, companies need to be registered with the Peruvian authorities. Currently, there are around 120 officially certified Inca Trail operators in Cusco.
Fast Tip: A company’s website is usually a good indicator of its business conduct. The best Inca Trail tour companies often have travel and tourism awards. These should be displayed on their webpage.
Also, look for the operator's policies on staff treatment. Guide, porter, and chef salaries are the easiest place for operators to cut costs. For this reason, you should be wary of booking the cheapest tour. If you do book with a cheaper company, you should include a decent tip in your budget to make up for the pay gap.
Quality Equipment
Nights in the Andes mountains are cold! Don’t wait until you are shivering in a thread-bare sleeping bag to realize you made a bad choice.
Don’t be afraid to email or call your tour operator (prior to booking) with questions regarding gear. Here are some practical questions you can ask:
- When did they buy their tents?
- What are their sleeping bags ratings?
Better yet, get in touch with someone who has done the same tour. Mentions of camping equipment are fairly easy to find in web reviews.
6 Of the Best Inca Trail Operators
If you are feeling overwhelmed by all the choices of Inca Trail tours, I am here to help. I’ve trekked with various operators over the years and can offer some sound advice as to the best Inca Trail tour operators.
1. Inkayni Peru Tours - Best Overall Inca Trail Tour Operator
Owned by three locals from the Sacred Valley. Edgar, Alex, and Percy consider themselves brothers and are joined in their mission to create unforgettable experiences. They run tours over several popular trails as well as day trips.
Everything is well organized down to the finest detail. I have personally trekked with this company, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. See their review profile.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
High level of professionalism | The last day’s organization can feel a little rushed |
Top-quality camp gear | |
Passionate and knowledgeable guides | |
Amazing customer service |
2. Alpaca Expeditions Inca Trail (Classic) 4D/3N - Most Popular Inca Trail Tour Operator
With over 12,000 excellent Tripadvisor reviews, Alpaca Expeditions is doing a lot of things right. Raul, the owner, started working the Inca Trail at the age of 18. He has built his company based on his inside-out knowledge of the trail and tourism industry. Alpaca is one of the companies leading the way in employing female guides and porters.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Passionate guides and team who show pride in their work | The tipping policy is not communicated well |
A strong ethic toward protecting the environment and uplifting local communities | Sometimes a bit rigid with the walking or eating schedule |
A well-laid-out website with detailed trek information | |
Equal opportunity employment |
Get an Inca trail trek quote
Start planning your Machu Picchu hiking holiday.
3. View Peru & Signatures Luxury Glamping Inca Trail - Best Luxury Inca Trail
View Peru are experts in custom, luxury Inca Trail treks. These exclusive tours are perfect for honeymoons and those who prefer high-end travel. This operator is known for luxury camp setups (see glamping on the Inca trail) with cotton sheets and fine dining. I love the admin team's rapid response to queries. All View Peru tours are completely customizable. See their Tripadvisor reviews.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Attention to detail and top customer service | High price (excluding tips) |
Flexible booking policies | |
Restaurant quality meals and presentation | |
Massages at the end of each day |
4. Explorandes Peru, Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Best Company for Sustainable Tourism
Explorandes has been in operation since 1975. They were the first tour company to operate a commercial Inca Trail tour package. With almost 50 years in business, Explorandes are pros in Inca Trail tours.
We love their commitment to the environment. All their tours are plastic free. Explorandes has won several awards recognizing their commitment to sustainability and protecting the environment during their trips. See their Tripadvisor reviews.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Quality equipment | Expensive compared to other options |
Plastic free tours | |
Strong focus on safety with guides being well trained in wilderness first responders | |
Unbeatable organization and attentive employees (admin and trail) |
5. Llama Path Inca Trail Group Service - Best Inca Trail Company for Porter Welfare
A relative newcomer, Llama Path is a local tour company founded in 2004. The owner worked for years as a porter. Because of this, the company takes initiative to improve porter welfare. Over the years, the company has built housing for porters. Llama Path is also the only company to take their porters on annual vacations. See their reviews.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Small average group size (8-10 people) | There were some issues with guide professionalism a few years back. This seems to have been ironed out. |
Prioritises porter welfare | |
Excellent guides with a wide knowledge of the region and great storytelling abilities | |
Exceptional customer service |
Intrepid Travel was started by friends who wanted to share their passion for adventures across the globe. The 7-day tour covers Cusco as well as the Inca Trail. The company is well organized and arranges all transport and accommodation. This tour package is perfect if you like to travel with a group. There are lots of add-ons available at an extra cost.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Near-perfect planning and detailed itinerary | Minimum age of 15 |
Professional company with a worldwide reputation | Usually larger group sizes |
Expert guides | Expensive compared to local companies |
Cusco tour included |
Conclusion
And that's a wrap on my Inca Trail Tours article! Hopefully, you'll choose one of these 6 amazing tour operators for an epic hiking trek to Machu Picchu.
If you know of any other amazing tour operators that I haven't mentioned in this article, feel free to leave a comment below and tell us all about your experience.