When I decided to fulfill my dream of hiking in Cusco, I chose Conde Travel and their 4-day Inca Jungle. It was the first time I experienced a truly small group with a guide (Manuel) who, besides knowing every trail, knew how to read the group. There was a tough section after the downhill biking, and he said: “The road becomes more beautiful when we share it.” It may sound romantic, but that human touch is what makes the difference between “going to Machu Picchu” and truly experiencing Machu Picchu.
What stuck with me —and what I now use as a filter— is the strong organization: ready-to-go equipment, clean lodging, clear routes, schedules that are followed, and a solid plan B when the weather changes. We even saw how he handled a teammate with altitude sickness: coca leaves, warm water, and practical advice without making it a big deal. That type of protocol is not an extra; it’s part of what a good agency does.
Key takeaway: prioritize logistics, protocols, and customer care. Price matters, but safety and operational quality matter more.
1) Key criteria to choose a reliable agency (practical checklist)
- Detailed itinerary (what is included/not included: tickets, buses, trains, guides, equipment).
- Clear policies for rescheduling/cancellation and what happens in case of bad weather.
- 24/7 contact (active WhatsApp and fast response).
- Certified guides and a defined maximum group size.
- RUC, address, and contract in writing.
- Plan B for weather/contingencies.
- Recent reviews with real photos.
- Payment transparency (methods, fees, receipt/invoice).
2) Top 10 travel agencies in Peru (by specialty and city)
Selection designed to cover Peru and different traveler profiles (trekking, families, luxury, soft adventure, corporate). Complement with your own review of documents, reviews, and policies.
| # | Agency | Base city | Specialty | Ideal for… | Why choose them |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Conde Travel | Cusco | Trekking (Inca Jungle, Inca Trail, Salkantay) | Travelers who value small groups | Careful organization, close-knit guides, and a solid plan B. My experience was flawless from day 1 to 4. |
| 2 | Real Cusco Tour | Cusco | Machu Picchu and classic tours | First-time visitors in Cusco | Broad portfolio and simple navigation; a great starting point for standard itineraries. |
| 3 | Mapi Travel | Cusco | Machu Picchu & City + Sacred Valley | Couples or friends with little time | Compact packages to see the essentials without complications. |
| 4 | Terra Explorer | Cusco | Tailor-made / luxury experiences | Demanding travelers | Focus on trip design and fine details. |
| 5 | Rap Travel | Cusco | Adventure & culture | Groups mixing adrenaline and heritage | Balanced combinations without losing safety. |
| 6 | Viajes Pacífico | Lima | Multidestination & inbound | Families seeking comfort | Wide coverage and support from Lima. |
| 7 | Travel Group Peru | Lima | Coast–highlands–jungle circuits | Those who want “all of Peru” | Integral focus for long itineraries. |
| 8 | AVG Lima | Lima | Corporate & outbound | Business travelers | Paperwork and logistics for frequent travelers. |
| 9 | Pangea Peru | Lima | Personalized trips | Couples & special trips | Curation and personalization based on interests. |
| 10 | Responsible Trek | Cusco | Responsible adventure | Eco-conscious travelers | Focus on sustainability and well-measured routes. |
Even if an agency is not “#1,” it may be the best for you if its specialty fits your travel style.
3) Trekking agencies: Inca Trail, Inca Jungle, and Salkantay
- Inca Trail: limited permits; ask about permits and campsite logistics.
- Inca Jungle: biking + hiking + zipline (depending on the operator). In my tour, the equipment was ready from the very first section.
- Salkantay: high-mountain terrain; evaluate acclimatization and weather plans. They gave us coca leaves and warm water when needed.
A good guide doesn’t just recite facts; they take care of you and understand you. At sunrise facing the citadel, our guide shared such a passionate story that the whole group went silent. That love for his land cannot be faked.
4) Local agency or OTA platform?
- Local agency: direct service, fast adjustments on-site, better insights. Requires verifying documentation and policies.
- OTA platform: easy comparison and payment, but the actual operator is not always clear.
My rule: I request quotes from 2–3 agencies, check who actually operates the tour, and ask for the guide’s name and group size. If the agency is proud of its operation, they will tell you.
5) How to verify certifications and reputation
- Ask for RUC, address, and contract.
- Confirm whether the guide is certified and whether the company has official tourism registration.
- Check recent reviews with real photos.
- Make sure they reply on WhatsApp before booking.
6) Prices, policies, and rescheduling
- Low price without details = red flag. Check what is NOT included (tickets, trains, bus, equipment).
- Request written policies for weather-related rescheduling or strikes.
- Define refund terms and timelines.
- Ask about suggested tips and equipment (bikes, trekking poles, helmets).
Respecting schedules saves you stress and avoids confusion. Well-organized logistics show from the very first briefing.
7) Tips for altitude, weather, and logistics
- Acclimatize for 24–48 hours if doing demanding hikes.
- Bring a rain layer and dress in layers.
- Hydrate well and eat light carbs.
- Coca leaves or coca tea may help (check if you have medical conditions).
- Confirm a plan B if the weather gets difficult.
Conclusion
Choosing an agency in Peru is not just about filtering by price — it’s about ensuring strong operations, safety, and human care. I personally prefer operators who truly love their land and their people; the day we reached Machu Picchu at sunrise, I understood that this “extra human touch” is what turns a trip into a lifelong memory.
