Posted: July 21, 22 | July 21, 2022
Peru is one of the most popular travel destinations in South America, as it is home to the bucket-list wonder of the world, Machu Picchu. About 500,000 people visit the ancient Inca citadel every year. This number would be much higher if there were no regulations in place to prevent overcrowding.
But there is more to Peru than Machu Picchu. And there's more to the Andes than the Inca Trail.
Peru is so diverse both geographically and culturally (the third largest country on the continent) that it has more to offer than most travelers expect. From the great dining scene of Lima to the floating islands of the Uros River, the Peruvian Amazon, the pyramids and tombs of Bataan Grande and the desert oasis of Huacachina, this South American country has too much to see and do to limit itself to its sacred sites. Valley is a missed opportunity.
Intrepid travelers with plenty of time can explore many of these destinations on their own. However, traveling through Peru can be difficult, so travelers with limited time should consider choosing an organized tour. And there are many reputable and affordable travel agencies in Peru that can make your trip smoother and allow you to focus your attention and energy on the places, people, culture and history.
To help you save money and make the most of your time, we've put together a list of the best travel agencies in Peru. From walking tours to multi-day excursions to adventurous guided tours, these tours aren't as cheap as traveling alone, but they absorb some of the headaches that often come with traveling abroad (especially larger, slower countries). Peru).
The best travel agencies in Peru are:
1. A bold journey
Intrepid operates tours all over the planet and is always a solid choice due to their focus on sustainability and responsible travel. I've been on a few of their tours over the years and have never been disappointed. Intrepid offers tours of Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail while also highlighting other parts of this beautiful country.
For example, the Classic Peru Tour (USD 2,053) lasts nine days and travels around the country, covering many of the 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 trip, I go with them. That's how it should be. I can't recommend them enough!
2. Alpaca Expedition
Based in Cusco, the company is owned and operated by local Peruvians. Alpaca Expeditions, which calls itself a “Green Machine,” is committed to being a fully sustainable tour operator. Because alpacas are so highly regarded, trekking tours to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail are heavy, but they also offer “alternative tours” to some of the more off-the-beaten-path places, such as the Salkantay trek. For example, you could spend five days hiking around the Humantay Blue Lagoon. Alternatively, if you don't want to make a commitment, they also offer one-day hikes.
There are also trekking tours to the seven lakes of Ausangate and other places around the Sacred Valley. A typical four-day Inca Trail hike costs $695 USD per person, and a five-day Choquequirao trek costs $650 USD per person.
3. Choquequirao Trekking
The lost Inca city of Choquequirao can be reached via a two-day trek from Cusco. And these local tour companies specialize in scenic hikes to the 15th-century city ruins, a great alternative to the heavily trafficked ruins of Machu Picchu (less than 10,000 people visit Machu Picchu each year, compared to 2,500 ) afternoon).
You can do a traditional four-day trek to Choquequirao for $520 USD, or mix it up with a longer eight-day hike from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu for $1,250 USD, or combine it with an Incan excursion. trace. There are lots of affordable options!
4. Colca Tour
Colca Tours, based in the city of Arequipa, specializes in trekking and bus tours of the Colca Canyon, a deep and dramatic valley dotted with ancient villages. One of the deepest canyons in the world, it is home to Andean condors and offers incredible (and challenging) trekking and views. In addition to hiking tours, they also offer bicycle and horseback riding tours. Most tours last between 1 and 4 days, and some include adventurous elements such as rafting and rock climbing. A standard four-day hike costs just US$140.
Peru is a very diverse place, both geographically and culturally, so seeing it all in one trip will require a lot of time, energy, and money. This is especially true if you plan on hiking. If you're short on time, consider exploring part or all of your trip. Eventually the money comes back. Time is not like that.
Travel Booking: Logistics Tips and Tricks
flight reservation
Find cheap flights with Skyscanner. It's my favorite search engine. Because we search websites and airlines from all over the world, so you always know that you can avoid making any decisions.
Accommodation Reservation
You can book hostels through Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, try Booking.com. We consistently offer the lowest rates for guesthouses and hotels.
Don't forget travel insurance
Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft and cancellation. Comprehensive protection in case something goes wrong. I can't go on a trip without it, as I've had to use it several times in the past. Here are some of my favorite companies that offer the best service and value:
Want to travel for free?
Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and lodging without spending extra. Check out my guide to choosing the right card and some of my current favorites to get started and check out the latest and greatest deals.
Need help finding activities for your trip?
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find great walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.
Ready to book your trip?
Check out my resources page for the best companies to use when traveling. I've listed all the things I use when traveling. They are best in class and you can't go wrong using them while traveling.