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Best Inca Trail Tours – 6 Top Operators For Quality Treks

Alison Macallister

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.

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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.

inca trail campsites

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

inkayni peru tours

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

alpaca expeditions

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


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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

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

llama path

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

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. 

Alison Macallister

With a degree in Nature Conservation and experience working with wildlife including the Big 5, Alison works as a guide for a 5-star reserve. She enjoys sharing her passion for all things nature-related. She enjoys hiking, horseriding, 4x4 driving and kayaking.

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