Choosing the best Inca trail tour companies is somewhat difficult if you do not know the criteria to use. If you are looking for an adventure that combines history, culture and nature, you might want to consider hiking the Inca Trail in Peru. The Inca Trail is a network of ancient paths that connect various Inca sites, including the famous Machu Picchu. It is one of the most popular treks in the world, attracting thousands of travelers every year who want to experience the beauty and mystery of the Andes.
However, hiking the Inca Trail is not something you can do on your own. You need to book a tour with a licensed and reputable company that can provide you with the necessary permits, guides, porters, equipment and services. Booking a tour with a reliable company will ensure your safety, comfort and enjoyment on the trail, as well as your respect for the environment and the local communities.
But how do you choose the best Inca trail tour companies for your Inca Trail adventure? There are many factors to consider, such as the price, the itinerary, the group size, the quality of the guides and the social and environmental responsibility. In this article, we will help you compare and evaluate different tour options and give you some tips on how to find the best deal for your budget and preferences.
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How to Choose the Best Inca Trail Tour Company
If you are planning to hike the Inca Trail, one of the most important decisions you will have to make is which tour company to book with. There are hundreds of tour operators offering different packages and services, but not all of them are reliable, reputable and responsible. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the best Inca Trail tour company for your adventure:
– The experience and qualifications of the guides. The guides are the ones who will lead you through the trail, share their knowledge and culture, and ensure your safety and comfort. You want to choose a company that hires professional, licensed and bilingual guides who have undergone extensive training and certification. You also want to check how many guides will accompany your group and what is their ratio to the number of hikers.
– The size and composition of the group. The Inca Trail has a limit of 500 people per day, including guides, porters and cooks. This means that the trail can get crowded and noisy during peak season. You want to choose a company that offers small group tours, ideally no more than 16 people, to have a more intimate and personalized experience. You also want to know who are the other people in your group, their ages, fitness levels and expectations, to make sure you are compatible and comfortable with them.
– The equipment and facilities provided. The Inca Trail is a challenging trek that requires proper gear and equipment to cope with the weather, terrain and altitude. You want to choose a company that provides high-quality tents, sleeping bags, mats, poles and other essentials that are clean, comfortable and in good condition. You also want to check what facilities they offer along the way, such as toilets, showers, dining tents, etc.
– The itinerary and flexibility of the tour. The Inca Trail can be done in different ways, depending on the length, difficulty and attractions of the route. You want to choose a company that offers an itinerary that suits your preferences, budget and schedule. You also want to check how flexible they are in case of changes, delays or emergencies that may affect your trip.
– The environmental and social responsibility of the company. The Inca Trail is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that needs to be preserved and protected from over-tourism, pollution and degradation. You want to choose a company that follows the principles of responsible tourism and minimizes its environmental impact by using eco-friendly practices, such as proper waste management, water conservation, etc. You also want to choose a company that respects and supports the local communities that live along the trail, by hiring local staff, paying fair wages, providing adequate working conditions, etc.
To find out more about the different tour companies that offer Inca Trail tours, you can use online platforms such as TripAdvisor, Lonely Planet, etc., where you can read reviews and testimonials from previous customers who have shared their experiences, opinions and recommendations. You can also contact the companies directly and ask them any questions or concerns you may have before booking with them. Remember that choosing the best Inca Trail tour company is not only about getting the best price or service, but also about having the best experience possible.
The Best Inca Trail Tour Companies
After doing our research and comparing different options, we have selected the best Inca Trail tour companies that meet our criteria of reputation, reviews, price, service, group size, and itinerary. These tour companies have proven to be reliable, reputable, and responsible, as well as offer the best value for your money, the best quality of service, and the best fit for your preferences. Here is the list of the best Inca Trail tour companies and some information about them:
| Name | Website | Overview | Price | Availability | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpaca Expeditions | www.alpacaexpeditions.com | One of the most reputable and experienced tour operators in Peru. Offers a variety of tours, from classic to alternative routes, with different levels of difficulty and duration. Provides high-quality equipment, food, and guides, as well as social and environmental responsibility. | From $650 to $2,500 per person, depending on the tour and season | Year-round, except February (when the trail is closed for maintenance) | 5/5 on TripAdvisor, based on over 6,000 reviews |
| Llama Path | www.llamapath.com | A family-owned and operated company that specializes in the Inca Trail and other treks in the region. Emphasizes sustainability, fair treatment of porters and staff, and authentic cultural experiences. | From $600 to $1,800 per person, depending on the tour and season | Year-round, except February | 5/5 on TripAdvisor, based on over 3,000 reviews |
| G Adventures | www.gadventures.com | A global leader in adventure travel that offers a range of tours in Peru and beyond. Combines hiking the Inca Trail with other activities and destinations, such as Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lake Titicaca, and the Amazon. | From $1,000 to $4,000 per person, depending on the tour and season | Year-round, except February | 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, based on over 8,000 reviews |
| Intrepid Travel | www.intrepidtravel.com | Another well-known and trusted company that operates tours around the world. Similar to G Adventures, offers a variety of tours that include the Inca Trail and other attractions in Peru. | From $900 to $3,500 per person, depending on the tour and season | Year-round, except February | 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, based on over 6,000 reviews |
| SAS Travel | www.sastravelperu.com | A local company that has been running tours in Peru since 1990. Focuses on small groups and personalized service. | From $700 to $1,500 per person, depending on the tour and season | Year-round, except February | 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, based on over 2,000 reviews |
| Action Peru Treks | www.actionperutreks.com | A relatively new company that was founded in 2016 by former guides and porters. Offers unique and off-the-beaten-path tours that avoid the crowds and showcase the beauty of nature. | From $600 to $1,200 per person, depending on the tour and season | Year-round, except February | 5/5 on TripAdvisor, based on over 800 reviews |
| Peru Treks | www.perutreks.com | One of the oldest and most established companies in Cusco. Has a strong commitment to social and environmental projects, such as supporting schools and communities along the trail. | From $600 to $1,200 per person, depending on the tour and season | Year-round, except February | 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, based on over 1,000 reviews |
| Inca Trail Reservations | www.incatrailreservations.com | A popular and reliable company that has been operating since 2002. Offers competitive prices and flexible itineraries. | From $500 to $1,000 per person, depending on the tour and season | Year-round, except February | 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, based on over 1,000 reviews |
| Trek Peru | www.trekperu.com | A boutique company that specializes in customized and luxury tours. Provides top-notch service, accommodation, and amenities. | From $1,000 to $3,000 per person, depending on the tour and season | Year-round, except February | 5/5 on TripAdvisor, based on over 300 reviews |
| Andean Treks | www.andeantreks.com | A US-based company that has been organizing tours in Peru since 1980. Offers a variety of tours, from classic to alternative routes, with different levels of difficulty and duration. Provides high-quality equipment, food, and guides, as well as social and environmental responsibility. | From $1,000 to $3,000 per person, depending on the tour and season | Year-round, except February | 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, based on over 500 reviews |
How to Book Your Best Inca Trail Tour
If you want to experience the adventure of hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you need to plan ahead and book your tour in advance. The Inca Trail is one of the most popular treks in the world, and the permits are limited and sell out quickly. Here are some steps and requirements to book your Inca Trail tour:
– The best time to book and travel: The Inca Trail is open all year round, except for February when it is closed for maintenance. The high season is from May to September, when the weather is dry and sunny, but also crowded and expensive. The low season is from October to April, when the weather is wetter and colder, but also less busy and cheaper. You should book your tour at least six months in advance if you want to travel in the high season, or three months in advance if you want to travel in the low season.
– The permits and documents needed: You need a valid passport and a permit to hike the Inca Trail. The permits are issued by the Peruvian government and can only be obtained by licensed tour operators. You cannot buy them yourself or transfer them to someone else. You need to provide your passport details and a deposit to your tour operator when you book your tour. Your passport must match the permit on the day of the trek, so make sure it is not expired or renewed before then.
– The payment and cancellation policies: The payment and cancellation policies vary depending on the tour operator you choose. Some operators require full payment at the time of booking, while others allow partial payment or balance payment closer to the departure date. Some operators offer refunds or rescheduling options if you cancel your tour, while others do not. You should read the terms and conditions carefully before you book your tour and consider getting travel insurance in case of unforeseen circumstances.
– The packing and preparation tips: You should pack light and smart for your Inca Trail tour. You will need a backpack, a sleeping bag, a sleeping pad, a headlamp, a water bottle, a rain jacket, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, hiking shoes, hiking clothes, warm clothes, personal hygiene items, snacks, and a camera. You can rent some of these items from your tour operator or in Cusco. You will also need some cash for tips, souvenirs, and extra expenses. You should prepare physically and mentally for your trek by doing some cardio exercises, drinking plenty of water, eating well, and resting well before and during your trip.
The Inca Trail is an amazing experience that you will never forget. By booking early and securing your spot, you will be able to enjoy the beauty and history of this ancient trail without any hassle or stress.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Inca Trail tour Experience
Hiking the Inca Trail is an amazing and unforgettable experience, but it also comes with some challenges and risks. Therefore, you should follow some tips and tricks to make sure you have the best Inca Trail experience possible. Here are some of them:
- How to train and acclimatize for the hike: The Inca Trail is a moderate to difficult hike that covers about 45 km (28 miles) and reaches altitudes of up to 4,200 m (13,800 ft). Therefore, you should be in good physical shape and have some prior hiking experience before attempting it. You should start training at least two months before your trip, by doing some cardio exercises, such as running, cycling, or swimming, and some strength exercises, such as squats, lunges, or push-ups. You should also do some practice hikes on similar terrain and elevation, preferably with a backpack. Additionally, you should acclimatize to the high altitude by spending at least two days in Cusco or another nearby town before starting the trek. You should drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and caffeine, and eat light and high-carbohydrate meals. You should also take it slow and steady on the trail, and listen to your body and your guide.
- How to deal with altitude sickness and other potential health issues: Altitude sickness is a common problem for hikers on the Inca Trail, as it can affect anyone regardless of their fitness level or age. The symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. The best way to prevent and treat altitude sickness is to follow the acclimatization tips mentioned above, and to take some medication, such as acetazolamide or ibuprofen, if needed. You should also consult your doctor before your trip and get a prescription for antibiotics, in case you get a stomach infection or diarrhea, which are also common on the trail. You should also bring a first aid kit with some basic items, such as bandages, antiseptic, painkillers, and sunscreen. You should also have travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation and medical expenses, in case of a serious injury or illness.
- How to respect the local culture and environment: The Inca Trail is not only a natural wonder, but also a cultural and historical heritage. Therefore, you should respect the local culture and environment by following some simple rules and etiquette. You should not litter or damage the trail or the archaeological sites, and you should dispose of your waste properly. You should also not feed or disturb the wildlife, and you should stay on the marked path. You should also respect the local people and their customs, and you should ask for permission before taking photos or videos of them. You should also learn some basic words and phrases in Quechua, the local language, and you should greet and thank the people you meet on the trail. You should also tip your guides, porters, and cooks generously, as they work hard to make your trip enjoyable and comfortable.
- How to pack light and smart: Packing light and smart is essential for the Inca Trail, as you will have to carry your own backpack or pay extra for a porter. You should pack only the essentials, such as clothing, toiletries, documents, and money, and you should leave the rest at your hotel or in a locker. You should also pack according to the weather and the season, as the Inca Trail can have different climates and temperatures, from hot and sunny to cold and rainy. You should pack layers of clothing, such as a t-shirt, a fleece, a jacket, and a raincoat, and you should also pack a hat, gloves, and a scarf. You should also pack comfortable and sturdy hiking shoes, socks, and sandals, and you should also pack a sleeping bag, a sleeping pad, and a pillow. You should also pack some snacks, such as nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate, and you should also pack a water bottle, a water filter, or some purification tablets. You should also pack some entertainment, such as a book, a journal, or a card game, and you should also pack some personal items, such as a camera, a phone, a charger, and a flashlight.
- How to capture the best photos and videos: The Inca Trail is a photographer’s dream, as it offers stunning views and scenes, from the snow-capped mountains and the lush valleys, to the ancient ruins and the colorful villages. Therefore, you should capture the best photos and videos of your Inca Trail adventure by following some tips and tricks. You should use a good camera, preferably a DSLR or a mirrorless, and you should also use a tripod, a remote, and a polarizing filter. You should also use different lenses, such as a wide-angle, a telephoto, and a macro, and you should also use different settings, such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. You should also take advantage of the golden hour, the time before sunrise and sunset, when the light is soft and warm, and you should also take advantage of the blue hour, the time after sunset and before sunrise, when the sky is dark and blue. You should also take photos and videos from different angles and perspectives, and you should also include some people and animals in your shots. You should also edit your photos and videos, using software such as Photoshop or Lightroom, and you should also backup your files, using a cloud service or a hard drive.
- How to enjoy the scenery and the company: The Inca Trail is not only a physical and visual experience, but also a social and emotional one. Therefore, you should enjoy the scenery and the company by following some tips and tricks. You should be present and mindful, and you should appreciate the beauty and the wonder of the trail. You should also be curious and adventurous, and you should explore and discover the secrets and the stories of the trail. You should also be friendly and respectful, and you should interact and bond with your fellow hikers and your guides. You should also be grateful and humble, and you should acknowledge and thank the people and the forces that made your trip possible. You should also be happy and positive, and you should have fun and laugh along the way.
These are some of the tips and tricks that will help you have the best Inca Trail experience possible. By following them, you will not only complete the trek successfully, but also enjoy it fully. You will also create some memories and stories that will last a lifetime.
CONCLUSION
You have reached the end of this blog post, and we hope you have learned a lot and enjoyed it. In this article, we have provided you with some essential information and tips on how to prepare for and choose the best Inca Trail tour company, as well as some of the best Inca Trail tour companies that we have selected and reviewed for you. We have also given you some advice and recommendations on how to make the most of your Inca Trail experience, from training and acclimatizing, to packing and capturing.
The Inca Trail is a bucket list adventure that will challenge you, inspire you, and reward you with unforgettable views and memories. Booking your Inca Trail trek with a tour company is a wise choice that will ensure your safety, convenience, guidance, and support, as well as your satisfaction and enjoyment. Therefore, we encourage you to take action and book your Inca Trail trip with one of the best tour companies featured in this blog post, as soon as possible, before the permits run out.
We thank you for your time and attention, and we hope you have found this blog post helpful and interesting. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to leave them below. And if you liked this blog post, please share it with your friends and family, who might also be interested in hiking the Inca Trail. Happy trails!
