The 5 Best Inca Trail Trekking Companies
All companies operating the Inca Trail must be registered and have a special Inca Trail operators license. This license is issued annually each January. There are 188 licensed operators (2019). Many of these companies, however, may only operate a trek a couple of times a month during the high season and these treks are mainly private groups for overseas tour companies. Great care has to be taken when choosing a tour operator since many companies have great looking websites but operate out of a bedroom on the outskirts of Cusco!! There are really only a handful of reliable tour operators that offer the Inca Trail trek with fixed-date departures throughout the year. When making a trek booking you will be asked to pay a deposit of about 50%. This is needed by the company to buy your trek permit and reserve your train tickets.
When making a trek booking you will be asked to pay a deposit of about 40% to 50%. This is needed by the company to buy your trek permit and reserve your train tickets. Always ensure that this deposit is paid to a company account and not to an account in the name of one of the employees. Below are well established and highly recommended operators in at least one major guidebook so you shouldn’t have any problems. Many accept payment of the deposit by credit card or PayPal to their company account. For added security try to avoid wiring money to individuals working for these companies and ask for their company account details. Beware of “too good to be true” trek prices. It may be a scam because all operators have certain fixed costs set by the government for permits and tickets plus licensed Inca Trail guides. No one can provide quality services for very low prices, the overhead costs are too high.
The best Inca Trail trekking companies to Machu Picchu authorized Update 2024 by tripadvisor
1.Alpaca Expeditions
Alpaca Expeditions is a 100% local company based in Cusco-Peru, we are a leading company in the operation of tourist packages to Machu Picchu, our operations are executed under quality standards in services, we offer the best options in treks with camps and cultural tours. We also have a staff of highly trained and motivated personnel to assist you on your trip. Traveling with Alpaca Expeditions is synonymous with quality, safety and guaranteed satisfaction in all services purchased. Alpaca Expeditions provides quality service from the moment the clients contact the company to the HOTEL to HOTEL service, since for any tour we will start from your hotel and at the end of it we will leave you at your hotel.
website:https://www.alpacaexpeditions.com/
2.-SAM Travel Peru
SAM TRAVEL PERU is an innovative adventure trekking company that offers unparalleled experiences to unknown and untouched wilderness areas. Our adventure treks are specific and carefully designed to cater to your needs. Our passions are sharing our tours with you through the incredible landscapes the Andes has to offer! We highly recommend our alternative treks to Machu picchu and other locations as a remarkable and insightful way to go Off the Beaten Path and experience the authenticity of Peru. We have the HIGHEST QUALITY SERVICE, an OUTSTANDING REPUTATION because we can GUARANTEE the best quality service through our SAM TRAVEL PERU staff and guides to strictly operate our treks. We are a locally sustainable and responsible tour operator, that incorporates universal principles of tourism. With this in mind, we have trained all of our staff within these principles
Website: https://www.samtravelperu.com/
3.-Trek Experience Peru
TreXperience is a 100% Peruvian tour operator, allowing travelers to explore Peru in an authentic and responsible way. From the ancient Citadel of Machu Picchu to the stunning landscapes of the Andes, TreXperience offers a wide variety of tours and activities that will allow you to experience the best of what Peru has to offer. We are committed to providing travelers with an authentic Peruvian experience, which is why our tour guides are locals who know the country inside and out.
website:https://trexperienceperu.com/es
4.-Salkantay Trekking
Salkantay Trekking is one of the main tour operators in Peru that is trusted for its professional, efficient and highly hospitable services. We focus mainly on Treks and Adventure Tours to Machu Picchu, which encourages us to refine our itineraries and constantly improve services. All of our treks have been carefully researched and vetted before being launched by our team of trekking guides.
website: https://www.salkantaytrekking.com/
5.Machu Picchu viajes Peru
Machu Picchu Viajes Peru is a tourism operating agency located in the heart of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incas. This agency was established in 2003 by local guides who have been working in the tourism industry for over 10 years. We primarily operate in the Cusco area, offering a wide variety of Traditional and Adventure tours, among others. We provide visits to the Machu Picchu sanctuary and tours around the city of Cusco.
web site: https://machupicchuviajesperu.com/en/
When choosing a company, consider reading reviews, checking their safety standards, their commitment to responsible tourism, group sizes, equipment provided, included services, and the overall experience they offer. Additionally, it’s advisable to book your trek well in advance, especially for the classic Inca Trail, as permits are limited and sell out quickly.
Always verify the most recent reviews and current offerings as the quality and services offered by trekking companies may change over time. Additionally, ensure that the company follows ethical and sustainable practices to preserve the environment and local communities along the trail.