If you read our previous blog posts Why choose Exploor Peru and Plan your perfect Peru tour in 5 minutes, you may have a clearer idea when looking for the right travel agency.
But on the off-chance you may still be wondering “alright, but why the big price range difference between similar services offered by similar agencies? Which one should I go for without taking any risks?, then this post is for you.
It all boils down to getting the right travel experience at the right price, right? We’ll shine a light on choosing the right travel agency for you for a perfect match and since the question has two sides i.e. travel style and budget, we’ll cover both because at the end of the day, flexibility is the name of the game.
The first step to weed out less-than-ideal travel agencies is to do a little online browsing on some key websites. This shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes altogether per travel agency.
This is a must. TripAdvisor is all about building trust. First, look for potential red flags such as fake reviews or low ratings.
After that, we can move on. How many reviews? What percentage of 5-star ones? Focus especially on the long reviews to get all the details. Then, filter the 1 and 2-star reviews and check what happened. An agency with really good standing should be around 95% of 5-star review conversion. Above that, while perfectly possible, it may be suspicious.
Lots of reviews from travelers leaving reviews for the first time? That’s fishy, too.
Good to know: travel agencies that are fully focused on a B2C (business to consumer) business model as opposed to B2B (business to business) put a lot of effort on improving their ratings on TripAdvisor.
We’re looking for consistency here. What’s the main selling point? Is the message clear? Do they produce original content (blog posts, pictures and videos) on a frequent basis? Do they have a unique voice or do they sound like the rest? Do they display lots of tours and trips or do they focus on explaining which trip is the right one for you?
Do they have fresh and original content or is it just copy/paste? How many followers and what kind of engagement and interaction do they have? Do they have the right balance of evergreen and trendy content? Did they already collaborate with big influencers/brands giving them credibility?
If everything seems legit, then we can move on to the second part.
With our tours, you will definitely visit all of the most instagrammable spots!
There are 4 main services offered by travel agencies when planning your trip:
Let’s take a closer look at each of them.
This may represent up to 35% of the final price. Most agencies won’t let you book your own accommodation which may work for some travelers but definitely not for everybody.
With options like Airbnb around, you may be leaving out some great deals by going straight to hotels.
The meaty part with the tour guides taking the leading role. From having the key characteristics, such as being professional, enthusiastic and having a special touch to immerse you into the local Peruvian culture to the basic ones, such as having a command of English, assembling the right team of tour guides is not an easy task.
It’s definitely doable but great guides come at the right price, too.
On the tour side, it is the small differences that always add up for a great experience. How comprehensive the tour is, how many stops along the way, the group size, the time of arrival at key spots, etc. We invite you to take a look at our Peru tours so you can get inspired for your upcoming trip.
Our guide Darwin exploring Palccoyo with some happy travelers.
This has to do with the quality of the fleet. Nice comfortable vehicles with all permits (tourism bureau and insurances) up to date and with experienced drivers. Review our article about the transportation options in Peru for more information.
Most travel agencies can book domestic, international and flights from USA to Peru for you. Also, keep in mind that prices for domestic flights bought outside of Peru may vary greatly.
Finally, always check out the company policies and their cancelation policies. Are they crystal clear? How about experiences from previous travelers? How did the go?
As a rule of thumb, the easiest way to compare travel agency prices (once you’ve made sure they are offering the same services) is to divide the final quote by the number of travel days by the amount of travelers.
So, let’s say you are planning a 7-day trip for you and your boyfriend and the final quote is $3500.
Following the formula: $3500/7/2 = $250.
That’s your daily budget per traveler. Now, use that number to shop around for the best deal that fits your needs.
The moment you’re all waiting for: standing in front of the magical Machu Picchu.
If you made it all the way to this points: congrats! That means that you’re more than ready to make an effective cost/benefit analysis. We wish you the best time in Peru and safe travels.
If you have any questions about planning your Peru tour, feel free to contact us.
A reliable Peru travel agency is registered, insured, and open about its legal information. It shares its full company name, local registration details, and contact information on its website. Reliable agencies have many recent, detailed reviews on platforms like Google, TripAdvisor, or Trustpilot, with feedback about guides, timing, communication, and problem solving. They provide clear terms and conditions, including payment methods, cancellation rules, and refund policies. When you contact them, they reply in a reasonable time and give specific answers to your questions, not vague sales talk.
A good Peru itinerary has clear times, meeting points, and a day-by-day breakdown. It lists what is included, such as entrance tickets, train tickets for Machu Picchu, domestic flights, meals, and transfers. It also explains what is not included, for example tips or personal expenses. Look for realistic timing between sites so you are not rushed, and enough time for acclimatization in high-altitude places like Cusco. The itinerary should match your travel style, such as cultural focus, nature and hiking, or family-friendly pacing, and it should state the group size and language of the guide.
Tour prices vary because agencies include different levels of service and quality. Some use experienced, certified local guides, better vehicles, and higher quality hotels, while others cut costs with larger groups or cheaper providers. Prices may also differ based on what is included, such as entrance fees, Machu Picchu tickets, trains, and transfers. Agencies with strong safety standards, licensed guides, and proper insurance usually charge more than informal operators that skip these costs. Instead of choosing the cheapest option, compare the full list of inclusions, group size, and support.
Booking Peru tours online in advance is usually safer for popular sites like Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and the Sacred Valley. Tickets and entry times can sell out, especially in high season, and train schedules can fill quickly. When you book ahead with a trusted agency, you secure your dates and can plan your flights and hotels around a confirmed itinerary. Booking after you arrive may offer more flexibility and sometimes lower prices, but you risk limited choice and lower quality operators. A mix can work well: book key tours in advance and leave some free time for local experiences.
Before you book, ask the agency about group size, guide language and certification, and what is included in the price. Ask how they handle delays, weather changes, or strikes, which can happen in Peru. Request sample itineraries, hotel names, and details about transport and meals. Clarify payment options, deposit amount, and cancellation or change fees. You can also ask how often they run the tour, how long they have operated in Peru, and whether they offer 24/7 support during your trip. Clear and detailed answers are a strong sign of a trustworthy agency.
Genevie Neason16 January, 2023 at 10:46 am
I just finished reading your article and I have to comment, it was an outright pleasure. Your writing technique is engaging and descriptive, making me feel like I was right there with you on your experience. The picture you included were also remarkable and really added to the overall experience. good-luck
dtcyuvi
Konsti from Exploor Peru21 January, 2023 at 9:23 am
Thanks a lot for your positive Feedback Genevie.
Best,
Konsti
Rob G8221 October, 2022 at 9:13 am
This is very impressive and an interesting blog about your company. I just send you guys a request for a 6-day tour! Can’t wait talking to your sales agent. bye
Oliver from Exploor24 October, 2022 at 8:22 am
Hey Rob! Thanks for your message and for your interest in our 6-day Peru tour. We sent you a mail on Saturday, please check your inbox. 🙂 Looking forward to planning your trip together!
Take care and all the best,
Oliver