Who can offer Inca Trail hikes?
All Machu Picchu Trekking Companies and Inca Trail tour operators must be registered. They have to acquire a special Inca Trail operators license. Companies must renew the licence yearly. There are about 200 operators for (2026). 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.
Top rated professional companies that specialize in the Inca Trail do more than 300 treks a year. They guide groups leaving daily during high season. Their guides are some of the best in the industry and get high reviews on the treks they guide.
Who can you trust for an Inca Trail trek?
You have to be really careful when choosing a company for your Inca Trail. They do not usually service the treks they sell, they transfer them to another company to provide the trek. You may not know what company is really doing the trek and there are usually no guarantees that you will go if they do not get an adequate group size.
There are really only a handful of reliable professional tour operators that offer the Inca Trail Trail with fixed-dates that the trek leaves throughout the year. They always guarantee if you book a trek you will go!
How do you book an Inca Trail Trek?
When making a trek booking you will pay a deposit of about 40% to 50%. The company needs this to buy your trek permit and reserve your train tickets. Always ensure that this deposit goes to the corporate account not personal accounts.
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 “fly by nights”, where the prices are just unbelievably cheap. 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 following trekking companies have received consistently good reviews on TripAdvisor, Google and other forums:
Recommended Machu Picchu Trekking Companies.
Among the strongest local operators in Cusco right now, three names consistently appear in reviews and travel discussions: 69 Explorer Peru, SAM TRAVEL PERU, and Orange Nation Peru. All three are licensed local companies with strong reputations for trekking experiences to Machu Picchu.
| Feature | 69 Explorer Peru | SAM TRAVEL PERU | Orange Nation Peru |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Budget-conscious travelers wanting reliable service | Balanced premium experience with strong logistics | Travelers wanting comfort, smaller groups, and immersive service |
| Style | Mid-range adventure operator | Professional trekking specialist | Boutique-style local operator |
| Group Experience | Usually social and active | Well-organized with personalized attention | Smaller, more intimate groups |
| Guide Reputation | Friendly local expertise | Highly praised historical knowledge | Strong cultural and community focus |
| Comfort Level | Standard trekking comfort | Mid-to-high comfort | Higher-end touches and upgraded experience |
| Food & Camps | Good value for price | Consistently strong reviews | Often praised for meals and organization |
| Ideal Traveler | Backpackers and active couples | First-time trekkers wanting reliability | Couples, families, and comfort-focused hikers |
| Reputation Online | Fast-growing local favorite | One of the most reviewed operators in Cusco | Strong reputation for personalized service |
| 2026 Availability Advice | Book early for dry season | Permits sell out very quickly | Limited smaller departures available |
Why travelers choose these companies
69 Explorer Peru
69 Explorer has been growing quickly thanks to its combination of fair pricing and reliable trekking quality. Travelers often mention the balance between affordability and organization, making it a strong option for younger travelers or those wanting a more adventurous vibe without sacrificing professionalism.
Sam Travel Peru
SAM Travel is probably the most established of the three in terms of volume and online reputation. The company is frequently recommended for its logistics, experienced guides, and personalized service on both the Classic and Short Inca Trail. Multiple discussions on Reddit and travel forums highlight their educational guides and strong operational consistency.
Orange Nation Peru
Orange Nation tends to appeal to travelers looking for a more curated experience. They focus heavily on smaller groups, cultural immersion, and comfort-oriented trekking. Their tours are often described as more personal and detail-oriented, especially for couples or travelers who want something beyond a basic trek.
