Peru · GUIDED
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 guided tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Leave Lima early for a full day in Paracas and Huacachina. You’ll cruise to the Ballestas Islands for sea lions and penguins, taste pisco at a vineyard, then ride a dune buggy and sandboard near the oasis. Guides such as Franklin, Aymeth, Fio, and Diego are praised for clear English, good organization, and helpful Peru tips.
“Everything went as expected, very happy with my trip :)”
Leave Arequipa before dawn for Colca Canyon, with breakfast in Chivay, canyon viewpoints, an hour at Condor’s Cross, hot springs, Andean food, and alpaca and vicuña sightings. Guides such as Nelson, Angel, and Walter are praised for clear English and good humor. Expect about 14 hours, long drives, high altitude, and extra entrance fees.
“It was amazing and so organized! Loved all the stops- the breakfast and lunch were also delicious. Our guide, Angel, was engaging, informative and funny!”
Travel from Lima to Paracas and Huacachina in one packed day. You’ll take a boat toward the Ballestas Islands, spot sea lions, penguins, and guano birds, sample Ica pisco and wine, then ride dune buggies and sandboard at Huacachina. English and Spanish guides may include Celeste, Chris, Javier, or another assigned guide.
“Fantastic excursion with Spanish and English speaking guide, Javier. He was very knowledgeable about the locations and very helpful with questions. Very fun excursion!”
Start with Barranco’s Bridge of Sighs, colonial streets, and boulevard, then visit Pachacamac’s temples, museum, and Temple of the Sun. Guides such as Milagros, Mily, Christian, and Janet are praised for clear English and strong local insight. Expect a small-group van, hotel pickup, some walking, and bumpy roads.
“I had a really good time on this tour - as it was only myself on it there was plenty opportunity to give detail on Pachacamac and its history. The guide spoke perfect English and was really informative, the driver was also very nice!”
Travel from Cusco by train, hike from KM 104 through Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate, then sleep in Aguas Calientes before a guided Machu Picchu visit. English speaking guides such as Walter, Victor, and Alex are praised for patient pacing and vivid Inca stories. The small group is limited to 16 people.
“Walter and the food and the hotel were top notch. Beyond expectations!”
Travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu by tourist train, then explore the citadel with a private guide such as John, Eduardo, Sam, or Rubí. Your package includes hotel transfers, entrance, shuttle buses, and lunch in Aguas Calientes. Expect a long 12 to 18 hour day, with about two hours inside the sanctuary.
“Excellent tour that was arranged very well by tour company. I had 1 of the best tour guides. His knowledge was by far the best”
Meet Eric or a team guide in Aguas Calientes, ride to Machu Picchu, and spend up to three hours touring the citadel in a group of 10 or fewer. Expect clear English, Spanish, or Portuguese explanations, historic photo materials, patient pacing, and help taking polished photos with your phone.
“Emerson was absolutely fantastic and so enthusiastic about the mountain and its meaning. I couldn’t have asked for a better tour guide. He is also a professional photographer and will help you pose and get the greatest pictures! Thank you so much Emerson! You’re the best!”
Spend about six hours with an English- or Spanish-speaking guide visiting Qoricancha and four Inca sites around Cusco. You’ll see Sacsayhuaman’s huge stonework, Qenqo’s ceremonial chambers, Puka Pukara’s mountain views, and Tambomachay’s water fountains. Guides such as Luis, Alfredo, Romulo, and Hyame have led past departures.
“Brilliant trip - great guide who was very knowledgable and spoke excellent English. Highly recommended”
Meet your private guide, such as Roberto, Gregory, or Sara, at your Aguas Calientes hotel or train station. Together, you’ll take the bus to Machu Picchu, then spend about two hours touring the citadel’s viewpoints, temples, palaces, and major buildings. The private format suits families, older adults, and anyone who wants time for questions and photos.
“Amazing. Roger was great, had a lot of interesting information and was very professional. Came on time (5:15 am) and we were very satisfied.”
Visit Machu Picchu on Circuit 2 with an advance entrance ticket and a 2.5-hour guided walk. You meet your English- or Spanish-speaking guide at the sanctuary entrance and handle transport yourself. Guides such as Frank and Edgar are praised for clear explanations, personal attention, and excellent photos. Groups are limited to 10 people.
“Great English and communication.super nice and took great photos.Highly recommend .very sweet”
Spend 4 days and 3 nights at Monte Amazonico Lodge near Puerto Maldonado. With an English- or Spanish-speaking guide and groups of up to 10, you will visit Monkey Island and Sandoval Lake, search for caimans, walk the forest at night, cross the Madre de Dios River by kayak, fish, and ride a jungle zip-line. Meals, lodging, and transfers are included.
“Great food, lovely team and guides. They taught us so much. Remember long sleeves and repellent.”
Explore Machu Picchu for about three hours with a private IncaGo Expeditions guide such as Eric, Sophia, or Ericson. Expect a history-focused walk through the farming terraces, temples, royal areas, Intiwatana, and condor shrine, plus help with memorable photos. Pickup is available from your Aguas Calientes hotel or train station. Entry and bus tickets cost extra.
“I booked this tour at practically the last possible minute (dinnertime before our sunrise Machu Picchu tickets) because the hotel I was staying at spooked me by telling me we needed a guide to get in. That's not true, but my decision was our gain: Noe was a tremendous guide who made an already unbelievable experience even better. His knowledge of the ruins and the Inca (he's been doing this for more than a decade), and his love for his country and people, really helped bring it to life. What's more, he was easygoing, down to earth, relatable, and a great companion. I can't emphasize enough that we were fortunate…”
Join local guide Marlon Ashanga for a 2.5-hour visit to Belén Market and La Venecia Loretana. Ride a motokar, taste Amazonian fruits and local foods, learn about medicinal plants and market goods, then travel by boat through the floating and stilted homes of Belén. Small groups are limited to 10 people.
“Absolutely great experience! Our guides were real locals and it was very interesting to walk through the market listening their stories and explanations. The tour included some tastings, motortaxi ride and boat tour as well - all great!”
Travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu by bus and standard train, then tour the Lost Citadel for about 2.5 hours with an English or Spanish guide. Rodrigo handles the pre-tour briefing and tickets, while guides such as Alvin and Walter have received praise for clear explanations and photo help. Expect a very long day with several transport changes.
“Wet one was punctual and super professional. I would book with them again for sure :)”
Spend three days at Maniti Eco-Lodge near Iquitos with boat trips, Monkey Island, pink river dolphins, piranha fishing, night walks, caiman spotting, jungle hikes, and a local community visit. Guides such as Alfredo, Linder, Edwin, Ashoku, and Rene have led past departures. Lodging, meals, transfers, boots, and excursions are included.
“First off, I do want to say that this is not a private tour, but a group tour. Our tour guide Rene was very friendly and knowledgeable, and everyone really enjoyed him. Monkey Island was amazing to see, as were the dolphins. I think we were quoted a more expensive price for the butterfly habitat than is normal when the woman taking the entrance fee was trying to give us change back, but our guide is telling her no.”
Pick a ruin, a ridge, a river or a table.
