Cusco is special. Not only is it a stunning city packed with history at every turn, it is also the main gateway to some of Peru’s most popular attractions and iconic experiences, including Machu Picchu and the legendary Inca Trail. For many travellers, visiting Cusco is the start of a much bigger adventure.
If you are planning a trip here now, you have probably already realised something important — the easiest and most stress-free way to explore Cusco and the surrounding region is by booking with a tour agency. The only problem? There are a lot of tour companies to choose from.
So how do you know which one to trust? Which company will actually show up on time? And which ones focus on giving you a great experience rather than treating you as just another face in a large tour group?
That is exactly why Feet Do Travel has put together this guide: to help you choose the best tour companies for trips to Cusco so you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying the journey.
If you are planning a trip here now, you have probably already realised something important — the easiest and most stress-free way to explore Cusco and the surrounding region is by booking with a tour agency. The only problem? There are a lot of tour companies to choose from.
So how do you know which one to trust? Which company will actually show up on time? And which ones focus on giving you a great experience rather than treating you as just another face in a large tour group?
That is exactly why Feet Do Travel has put together this guide: to help you choose the best tour companies for trips to Cusco so you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying the journey.
Colourful slopes of Rainbow Mountain is an iconic must-see highlight in Peru
GuruExplorers
If you are looking for something a little more personal, trips that go beyond the usual mass-produced tours, then GuruExplorers is a fantastic option to consider. What really sets this company apart is its focus on smaller group sizes and genuinely local experiences. The result? You get to experience the real Cusco without giving up comfort, and without feeling swept along in an overly touristic rush.
One thing they do particularly well is weaving authentic experiences into their itineraries. A good example is how they add local cooking lessons, hidden gems you might never find on your own, off-the-beaten-path attractions, and knowledgeable local guides who bring stories of the region to life. Of course, they also cover the major tourist spots and must-see highlights, including Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Humantay Lake, and the colourful slopes of Rainbow Mountain.
Perhaps the best part is that each trip feels unique, and no two trips feel the same. Experiences are tailored around your interests, pace, and even your fitness or energy levels, which makes a big difference when travelling at altitude. All of this makes GuruExplorers an excellent choice, especially for first-time visitors who want a smoother, more meaningful introduction to Cusco and its surroundings.
One thing they do particularly well is weaving authentic experiences into their itineraries. A good example is how they add local cooking lessons, hidden gems you might never find on your own, off-the-beaten-path attractions, and knowledgeable local guides who bring stories of the region to life. Of course, they also cover the major tourist spots and must-see highlights, including Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Humantay Lake, and the colourful slopes of Rainbow Mountain.
Perhaps the best part is that each trip feels unique, and no two trips feel the same. Experiences are tailored around your interests, pace, and even your fitness or energy levels, which makes a big difference when travelling at altitude. All of this makes GuruExplorers an excellent choice, especially for first-time visitors who want a smoother, more meaningful introduction to Cusco and its surroundings.
We all want to see an Alpaca on an Inca Trail don't we?
Alpaca Expeditions
If you enjoy trekking or hiking, there is a good chance you have already heard of Alpaca Expeditions. They are one of the most well-known adventure tour agencies in Peru, particularly when it comes to hiking routes leading to Machu Picchu. Their speciality is the famous Inca Trail and its different variations, making them a popular choice for travellers looking for a properly organised trekking experience.
One of their biggest strengths is their guides. Reviews consistently mention how experienced and supportive they are, especially during the tougher uphill sections where motivation can suddenly become very important. Guides are fluent in English and genuinely passionate about Inca history, which adds a lot more depth to the journey rather than feeling like just another hike.
Another standout feature is their strong focus on porter welfare. Alpaca Expeditions has built a reputation for treating its team well, with fair pay, quality equipment, and better working conditions, something many travellers now actively look for when choosing a trekking company.
And then there is the food, which often surprises people the most. On a multi-day trek you might expect simple camp meals, but instead, hikers are treated to fresh soups, hot breakfasts, and even baked treats prepared at high altitude. After a long day on the trail, it is exactly the kind of comfort you did not realise you needed.
One of their biggest strengths is their guides. Reviews consistently mention how experienced and supportive they are, especially during the tougher uphill sections where motivation can suddenly become very important. Guides are fluent in English and genuinely passionate about Inca history, which adds a lot more depth to the journey rather than feeling like just another hike.
Another standout feature is their strong focus on porter welfare. Alpaca Expeditions has built a reputation for treating its team well, with fair pay, quality equipment, and better working conditions, something many travellers now actively look for when choosing a trekking company.
And then there is the food, which often surprises people the most. On a multi-day trek you might expect simple camp meals, but instead, hikers are treated to fresh soups, hot breakfasts, and even baked treats prepared at high altitude. After a long day on the trail, it is exactly the kind of comfort you did not realise you needed.
Llama Path
Another company that often stands out for the right reasons is Llama Path, particularly for travellers who value responsible and sustainable tourism. Their approach goes beyond simply running tours — they place strong emphasis on ethical porter treatment and environmental responsibility throughout their operations.
A significant portion of their earnings supports both their trekking teams and a community initiative known as the Llama Path Culture House, a project designed to help underprivileged children from local communities. Alongside this, the company actively works to protect the trekking routes by helping clean the trails and following strict leave-no-trace principles.
When it comes to the tours themselves, Llama Path covers all the popular destinations and major highlights as well as alternative routes and day trips around Cusco. Their treks to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail are especially popular, and travellers frequently mention how smoothly everything is organised from start to finish.
Another reason Llama Path is often praised and recommended is that group sizes are small. With fewer people, there is usually less waiting around and more opportunity to connect with both the guides and fellow travellers. The overall experience feels more personal, almost as if you are exploring the Andes with knowledgeable friends who just happen to know the history, the trails, and a few well-timed jokes along the way. Their Inca Trail tours are well organised, and many travellers say their guides are both informative and funny.
A significant portion of their earnings supports both their trekking teams and a community initiative known as the Llama Path Culture House, a project designed to help underprivileged children from local communities. Alongside this, the company actively works to protect the trekking routes by helping clean the trails and following strict leave-no-trace principles.
When it comes to the tours themselves, Llama Path covers all the popular destinations and major highlights as well as alternative routes and day trips around Cusco. Their treks to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail are especially popular, and travellers frequently mention how smoothly everything is organised from start to finish.
Another reason Llama Path is often praised and recommended is that group sizes are small. With fewer people, there is usually less waiting around and more opportunity to connect with both the guides and fellow travellers. The overall experience feels more personal, almost as if you are exploring the Andes with knowledgeable friends who just happen to know the history, the trails, and a few well-timed jokes along the way. Their Inca Trail tours are well organised, and many travellers say their guides are both informative and funny.
A scenic snow-capped mountain pass is a stunning alternative trekking route
Salkantay Trekking
While the Inca Trail may be the main attraction and most famous trek in the region, it is not always the right fit and not everyone wants to do it, and that is perfectly okay. Permits often sell out months in advance; some travellers prefer a quieter, less crowded route, and others simply want to experience something different after already completing it. That is where Salkantay Trekking comes in.
They are best known for organising the spectacular Salkantay Trek, which is a stunning route widely considered one of the most scenic alternative routes to Machu Picchu. The journey takes you through dramatically changing landscapes, from snow-capped mountain passes and turquoise alpine lakes to lush jungle trails as you get closer to your final destination.
The agency offers both group and private tour options, giving travellers flexibility depending on their travel style. Another highlight often mentioned by hikers is how well organised the camps are, with comfortable sleeping arrangements that make multi-day trekking far more enjoyable than many people expect. After long days on the trail, having a well-prepared place to rest can make all the difference.
They are best known for organising the spectacular Salkantay Trek, which is a stunning route widely considered one of the most scenic alternative routes to Machu Picchu. The journey takes you through dramatically changing landscapes, from snow-capped mountain passes and turquoise alpine lakes to lush jungle trails as you get closer to your final destination.
The agency offers both group and private tour options, giving travellers flexibility depending on their travel style. Another highlight often mentioned by hikers is how well organised the camps are, with comfortable sleeping arrangements that make multi-day trekking far more enjoyable than many people expect. After long days on the trail, having a well-prepared place to rest can make all the difference.
Lima is the vibrant capital of Peru
Valencia Travel Cusco
Now, I know that a multi-day hiking trip and nights spent camping in the mountains are not for everyone, and that is perfectly fine. If hiking boots and sleeping bags are not quite your travel style, there are plenty of other incredible places to explore across Peru, from the Amazon regions around Puerto Maldonado and Iquitos to the colonial beauty of Arequipa or the vibrant capital, Lima. For trips like these, Valencia Travel Cusco is often considered one of the best options.
On the other hand, if you are interested in visiting Machu Picchu but would prefer a more comfortable or luxury-style experience, this agency could be your go-to choice. Valencia Travel Cusco focuses on comfort, customised itineraries and elevated travel experiences, offering private tours, carefully planned Sacred Valley excursions, and multi-day packages that include higher-end hotels and smoother logistics throughout the journey.
Their team works with travellers to design personalised itineraries. Whether that means adding a cooking class in Cusco, visiting local markets with a guide, or enjoying a relaxed day exploring the Sacred Valley with scenic stops along the way, they can tailor the experience to match exactly how you want to travel.
On the other hand, if you are interested in visiting Machu Picchu but would prefer a more comfortable or luxury-style experience, this agency could be your go-to choice. Valencia Travel Cusco focuses on comfort, customised itineraries and elevated travel experiences, offering private tours, carefully planned Sacred Valley excursions, and multi-day packages that include higher-end hotels and smoother logistics throughout the journey.
Their team works with travellers to design personalised itineraries. Whether that means adding a cooking class in Cusco, visiting local markets with a guide, or enjoying a relaxed day exploring the Sacred Valley with scenic stops along the way, they can tailor the experience to match exactly how you want to travel.
Conclusion
Before planning your trip to Cusco, the first thing to ask yourself is simple: what kind of experience are you actually looking for? Do you want adventure and the true Inca Trail experience through the Andes? If the goal is to experience the legendary Inca Trail the traditional way, then travelling with Alpaca Expeditions is often a great fit thanks to their strong trekking expertise and experienced guides.
On the other hand, if comfort, flexibility, and a more tailored luxury experience are higher on your list, companies such as GuruExplorers offer a more personalised and higher-end way to explore the region without missing the highlights.
Machu Picchu is unforgettable. The one thing which quickly becomes clear when you arrive is that Cusco really is magical, and visiting Machu Picchu is every bit as breathtaking as people say. Choosing the right tour company simply helps ensure your first visit feels exciting and seamless, rather than stressful, so you can focus on enjoying the experience from start to finish.
On the other hand, if comfort, flexibility, and a more tailored luxury experience are higher on your list, companies such as GuruExplorers offer a more personalised and higher-end way to explore the region without missing the highlights.
Machu Picchu is unforgettable. The one thing which quickly becomes clear when you arrive is that Cusco really is magical, and visiting Machu Picchu is every bit as breathtaking as people say. Choosing the right tour company simply helps ensure your first visit feels exciting and seamless, rather than stressful, so you can focus on enjoying the experience from start to finish.
