Peru Small Group Tours
The Inca Trail's legendary for a reason - four days of trekking to Machu Picchu, watching sunrise from the Sun Gate over the ruins. Cusco's streets are steep and beautiful, altitude takes a day or two to adjust to. Salkantay Trek's the tougher alternative, Sacred Valley's weaving communities still do everything traditionally, and those Nazca Lines from the air are bizarre and massive. Peru's Andean mountains and Inca history everywhere you look.
10 best Peru small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaPeru travel expert at TourRadar
- 8/7 Lima, Paracas, Nazca, Cusco, Machu Picchu (Small Group Tours)
- 10/09 Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Tambopata National Reserve Jungle (Small Group)
- Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu – 6 Days
- Lima, Cusco, Machupicchu & Titicaca Lake: Budget Trip
- 04 Day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Small Group Service
- 02 Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Group Service
- 03 Day Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu - Group service
- 10/09 Lima, Chan Chan, Chiclayo, Sipan, Machu Picchu (Small Group Tours)
- 10/09 Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Puno (Small Group)
- Humantay Lake - Group Service
8/7 Lima, Paracas, Nazca, Cusco, Machu Picchu (Small Group Tours)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“this tour was one of the best that I took in years, we got an inolvidable trip.”
Joseph, traveled in March
Bilingual guides provide personal attention at each destination. The itinerary includes Cusco's Koricancha temple, Sacsayhuaman ruins, Andean buffet lunch in Urubamba, and Machu Picchu exploration. Suitable for moderate fitness levels.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lima, Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Nazca, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Chinese, Russian Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator ILE Tours From
- NZ$3,575
Small groups of 8-15 travelers receive personal attention at Sacsayhuaman fortress and Q'enqo cave temple. Intimate setting allows close wildlife viewing in Tambopata Reserve and detailed cultural insights at Sacred Valley's weaving demonstrations in Chincheros.
Duration 10 days Destinations Lima, Tambopata National Reserve, Puerto Maldonado, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, Portuguese, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator ILE Tours From
- NZ$3,773
Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu – 6 Days
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The beauty of sacred valley and Machu Picchu can't be described in words. One needs to visit to appreciate.”
Devanand, traveled in April
Intimate groups averaging 40 years old immerse themselves in Peru's highlights. The small setting allows personal attention at sites like Sacsayhuamán fortress and San Blas quarter. Private transport enables flexible visits to Cusco's Plaza de Armas and Mercado Central de San Pedro.
Duration 6 days Destinations Lima, Cusco, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Unu Raymi Expeditions From
- NZ$1,359
Lima, Cusco, Machupicchu & Titicaca Lake: Budget Trip
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We had so much fun! We were a group of four and we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and created memories to last a lifetime.”
Amanda, traveled in June
Small groups receive focused guidance at sites like Pisac's Inca ruins and Ollantaytambo's ancient dwellings. Daily activities accommodate flexible pacing through Cusco's archaeological sites with personalized attention from English-speaking guides at Machu Picchu.
Duration 9 days Destinations Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, Andahuaylillas, PucaraSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Peru Trek 4 Good From
- NZ$1,361
04 Day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Small Group Service
55 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything was perfect from beginning to end. The cuisine was superior to that which we had in various Cusco places.”
Jon, traveled in February
Small groups of 2-8 trekkers follow English-speaking guides, receiving personal attention at archaeological sites like Patallacta and Runkurakay. The intimate size allows flexible pacing through challenging sections and quieter camping experiences at Wayllabamba and Pacaymayu camps.
Duration 4 days Destinations Cusco, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Patallacta, Runkuraqay Mountain, Sayacmarca, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type Group Operator Inkayni Peru Tours From $1,542
10% Off- NZ$1,388You save $154
02 Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Group Service
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The tour was AMAZING! The hotels and surrounding town was nice as well.”
Anon, traveled in July
Small groups of 8-12 travelers receive personalized attention at sites like Wiñay Wayna and Machu Picchu. An assistant guide joins groups larger than 9, providing detailed cultural insights along the 10km trail through Peru's Sacred Valley.
Duration 2 days Destinations Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 9 Group Type Group Operator Inkayni Peru Tours From
10% Off- NZ$965
03 Day Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu - Group service
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The activities were all great and very well organised along with the travel between the different locations.”
Olukayode, traveled in April
Groups under 8 travelers receive personalized guidance through Machu Picchu's ancient ruins. Additional guides join larger groups, ensuring detailed attention during mountain biking from Abra Málaga and zip-lining adventures near Santa Teresa.
Duration 3 days Destinations Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Abra Malaga Mountain, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator Inkayni Peru Tours From
10% Off- NZ$1,032
Bilingual guides lead intimate groups through Peru's highlights in each region. Visit San Francisco Convent in Lima, Cusco's Sacsayhuaman fortress, and Machu Picchu with expert insights. Daily WhatsApp support ensures personal attention throughout the approx. $2,300 journey.
Duration 10 days Destinations Lima, Chiclayo, Tucume, Trujillo, Huanchaco, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator ILE Tours From
10% Off- NZ$4,273
Local guides lead intimate tours in every city, featuring small group visits to Sacred Valley's Pisaq market and Ollantaytambo fortress. English-speaking guides provide dedicated attention at Machu Picchu and during Lake Titicaca's traditional reed boat rides.
Duration 10 days Destinations Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Puno, Uros Reed Islands, Taquile Island, Juliaca Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Russian Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator ILE Tours From
10% Off- NZ$3,928
This moderate trek attracts travelers averaging 35 years old. Small groups ensure personalized attention from bilingual guides while exploring Humantay Lake's turquoise waters and surrounding Andean peaks.
Duration 1 day Destinations Cusco, Mollepata, Salkantay Mountain Age Range Ages 15+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type Group Operator Inkayni Peru Tours From
10% Off- NZ$86
Reviews of Small Group tours to Peru
- Machu Picchu Adventure
Fernando was a great guide, the itinerary was great and Machu Picchu was amazing - a great trip.
- Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu – 6 Days
For the second time, I've chosen the team at Unuraymi, and again, I've not been disappointed. James and Edwin are outstanding and cared for us above and beyond expectations. The whole walk and the navigating the process of acquiring tickets for Machu Picchu became a surprising, exciting part of the memorable experience. For anyone wishing to travel with confidence in a local team, James and Edwin are the way to go. Their connections are knowledgeable, kind, and willing to share their passion for their communities and cultures. We are blessed to be invited to encounter the people and nature in such a unique way. Thank you for everything, team! I will be back!
This is our 2nd trip with Tour Radar and we are extremely satisfied again. The communication, the quality of guide, the accomodations, the timing are all excellent! Thank you Tour Radar for another batch of memories.
5 days Special Honeymoon in Cusco
What our customers ask about Peru Small Group Tours
What is the ideal duration for a small group tour in Peru?
A well-planned small group tour in Peru takes between 7-12 days. This timeframe lets travelers adjust to high altitudes and explore major destinations at a comfortable pace. A standard trip includes time in Lima (2-3 days) Cusco and the Sacred Valley (3-4 days) and Machu Picchu (1-2 days). As one TourRadar traveler noted: "Our 8-day small group tour felt perfect - enough time to see everything without feeling rushed."
What type of accommodations can I expect on a small group tour in Peru?
Small group tours provide varied lodging options from city hotels to local guesthouses. In Cusco travelers often stay at established properties like the Hilton Garden Inn while Sacred Valley stays feature boutique options such as Casa Andina Premium Valle. For trek experiences like the Salkantay route spacious 4-person tents are shared by just two guests. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The campsites had excellent views of the surroundings and the tents were in perfect condition."
How far in advance should I book a small group tour to Peru?
Book Peru small group tours 6-8 months ahead particularly for trips including the Inca Trail which requires permits. Space fills quickly on popular routes like the Classic Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek due to limited group sizes. One TourRadar traveler advised: "We booked our small group tour 7 months ahead and were glad we did as the permits for our preferred dates were almost sold out."
What is the guide-to-traveler ratio on small group tours?
Tours maintain one guide for every 6-8 participants with extra guides added for larger groups. Companies like TreXperience provide one guide for groups up to 8 people and two guides when numbers increase. A traveler noted: "Having two guides for our group of 10 meant we could split up based on hiking pace and still get detailed information about the sites we visited."
What is the ideal group size for a small group tour in Peru?
Groups typically include 8-16 travelers creating a close-knit atmosphere while exploring Peru's highlights. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "Our small group allowed for personalized attention from our guide Percy who made the experience much more meaningful with his deep knowledge of Inca history." Accommodations include stays at select properties like Casa Andina Private Valle Sagrado and El Mapi by Inkaterra in Aguas Calientes.
What safety advantages do small group tours offer in Peru?
The limited size allows guides to closely monitor each traveler's wellbeing especially during altitude adjustment in high-elevation areas like Cusco at 11152 feet. One TourRadar traveler noted: "Our guide was always checking on each person's condition since we were at 16000+ altitude. With just 8 people in our group we received constant attention and felt very safe throughout the journey."