Small Group Peru Tours & Trip Packages

Small Group Peru Tours & Trips

5,217 Small Group trips. Tours from 569 tour companies. 25,975 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

275 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Peru
Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu - 5D/4N
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By Action Peru Treks
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Aguas Calientes, Andes Mountains, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo

Highlights

  • The Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu in the Peruvian Andes is a remarkable trail that remains off the beaten path. It is listed as one of National Geographic’s 20 dream hikes on their World Best Hikes list. The trek wanders through traditional villages like Chillipahua and its namesake Ancascocha (3.700 m / 12.136 ft). Along the way, it humps over big passes, including the high point at the Huayanay Pass (4.550 m / 14.925 ft), and takes in views of towering 6.266 m / 20.551 ft) Apu Salkantay.

Themes

High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Trekking & Expeditions, Photography

What travelers are saying

"The 4 day inca trail trek is an experience of a lifetime. We were lucky with the weather - cold in the early morning starts, but luckily no rain or snow. Certianly need to dress for all seasons as it does warm up during the day. The overnight stays in the tents were basic but with the nice touch of warm water delivered in the morning for a quick wake-up wash. So many stairs but worth it for the scenery..Thanks Action Peru Treks."

Trip dates & details
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Lares Trek to Machu Picchu - 4D/3N
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By Action Peru Treks
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Aguas Calientes, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley

Highlights

  • This 3-day trek traverses highland communities, renowned for their handwoven textiles, in the Lares Valley.
  • This trek is off the beaten path and the interaction with local villages and their vibrant cultures is superb.
  • You will see abundant llamas and alpacas.
  • The Lares Trek is also referred to as the Weaver's Trek. This is because you pass through many villages where the best textiles in the area are made.
  • You will see the women weaving and get some tips! You also get to visit the magnificent Lares hot springs. It ends at the town of Ollantaytambo, and from there the train trip to Machu Picchu is only 1 ½ hours.

Themes

High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Trekking & Expeditions, Photography

What travelers are saying

"The 4 day inca trail trek is an experience of a lifetime. We were lucky with the weather - cold in the early morning starts, but luckily no rain or snow. Certianly need to dress for all seasons as it does warm up during the day. The overnight stays in the tents were basic but with the nice touch of warm water delivered in the morning for a quick wake-up wash. So many stairs but worth it for the scenery..Thanks Action Peru Treks."

Trip dates & details
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Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu + Zipline - 5D/4N
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By Action Peru Treks
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Aguas Calientes, Cusco, Humantay Lake, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley, Urubamba

Highlights

  • Voted one of the top 25 treks on the planet by National Geographic. You will trek through the rainforest, cloud forest, over high passes, and around glaciers - your feet might get tired, but your eyes never will. This Salkantay trek with zipline is for adrenaline-seekers. Zipping before Hidroelectrica Station, the site of South America’s highest zip-line, 150 meters off the ground. And onwards to Aguas Calientes by foot and finally your adventure will conclude with your visit to one of the new seven wonders of the world, Machu Picchu.

Themes

High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Trekking & Expeditions, Photography

What travelers are saying

"The 4 day inca trail trek is an experience of a lifetime. We were lucky with the weather - cold in the early morning starts, but luckily no rain or snow. Certianly need to dress for all seasons as it does warm up during the day. The overnight stays in the tents were basic but with the nice touch of warm water delivered in the morning for a quick wake-up wash. So many stairs but worth it for the scenery..Thanks Action Peru Treks."

Trip dates & details
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Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 4D/3N
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By Action Peru Treks
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Camping
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Cusco, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo

Highlights

  • The Trail is a microcosm; lush green cloud forest alive with birds, Andean peaks and steep mountain passes, a landscape dotted with centuries-old Inca ruins, accessible only to those that follow this most famous pathway.
  • However, as truly beautiful as the hike may be, the real reason for its popularity lies at the very end of this four-day adventure; passing through the famous Sun Gate for that first magical sighting of Machu Picchu in the distance. Only Inca Trail hikers can access the gate early in the morning, and it is this crescendo, at one of the new seven wonders of the world which makes this hike a feature on so many ‘South America bucket lists’. The Inca Trail is the best way to arrive at one of the world’s most iconic attractions.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Train & Rail Journeys, Trekking & Expeditions, Photography

What travelers are saying

"The 4 day inca trail trek is an experience of a lifetime. We were lucky with the weather - cold in the early morning starts, but luckily no rain or snow. Certianly need to dress for all seasons as it does warm up during the day. The overnight stays in the tents were basic but with the nice touch of warm water delivered in the morning for a quick wake-up wash. So many stairs but worth it for the scenery..Thanks Action Peru Treks."

Trip dates & details
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Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu - 4D/3N
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
By Action Peru Treks
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Aguas Calientes, Cusco, Machu Picchu

Highlights

  • The Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu in the Peruvian Andes is a remarkable trail that remains off the beaten path. It is listed as one of National Geographic’s 20 dream hikes on their World Best Hikes list. The trek wanders through traditional villages like Chillipahua and its namesake Ancascocha (3.700 m / 12.136 ft). Along the way, it humps over big passes, including the high point at the Huayanay Pass (4.550 m / 14.925 ft), and takes in views of towering 6.266 m / 20.551 ft) Apu Salkantay.

Themes

High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Train & Rail Journeys, Trekking & Expeditions, Photography

What travelers are saying

"The 4 day inca trail trek is an experience of a lifetime. We were lucky with the weather - cold in the early morning starts, but luckily no rain or snow. Certianly need to dress for all seasons as it does warm up during the day. The overnight stays in the tents were basic but with the nice touch of warm water delivered in the morning for a quick wake-up wash. So many stairs but worth it for the scenery..Thanks Action Peru Treks."

Trip dates & details
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Iconic Peru Tour - 6 Day Peru Tour to Machu Picchu
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By Action Peru Treks
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Aguas Calientes, Cusco, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley

Highlights

  • If you only have 6 days to spare but want to see the main historical and archeological sites around Cusco, Maras, and Moray, experience a short Inca trail, and culminate with the Machu Picchu wonder, you can always go for the Iconic Peru Tour 6 Days, which always lives up to tourists' expectations and more.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Train & Rail Journeys, Trekking & Expeditions, Photography

What travelers are saying

"The 4 day inca trail trek is an experience of a lifetime. We were lucky with the weather - cold in the early morning starts, but luckily no rain or snow. Certianly need to dress for all seasons as it does warm up during the day. The overnight stays in the tents were basic but with the nice touch of warm water delivered in the morning for a quick wake-up wash. So many stairs but worth it for the scenery..Thanks Action Peru Treks."

Trip dates & details
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Amazon/Machu Picchu Experience - 11D/10N
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By Action Peru Treks
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Aguas Calientes, Cusco, Inca Trail, Lima, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Puerto Maldonado

Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in this magnificent 11-day itinerary that reveals the wonders of Peru.
  • Your journey begins in the capital city of Lima. Once known as the City of Kings, Lima is steeped in heritage and is hailed as South America’s culinary capital. Visit the amazing Amazon to search for the mysterious wildlife that comes out after dark and spot the magnificent outers in the wetlands.
  • Explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas, shaped by sweeping rivers, and an abundance of fascinating archaeological monuments and indigenous people. Enjoy the local village of Chinchero, famous for its market attracting tourists from all over the world, and hike the short Inca trail to arrive in Machu Picchu on foot via the famous sun gate. The trip concludes with a visit to must-see places in the area the one-day Umantay Lake hike and the famous Rainbow Mountain.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Trekking & Expeditions, Photography

What travelers are saying

"The 4 day inca trail trek is an experience of a lifetime. We were lucky with the weather - cold in the early morning starts, but luckily no rain or snow. Certianly need to dress for all seasons as it does warm up during the day. The overnight stays in the tents were basic but with the nice touch of warm water delivered in the morning for a quick wake-up wash. So many stairs but worth it for the scenery..Thanks Action Peru Treks."

Trip dates & details
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Sky Lodge & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - 5D/4N
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By Action Peru Treks
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Aguas Calientes, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley

Highlights

  • Sleep in the famous Sky Lodge, a Unique Cliffside Pod Hotel in Peru and the world.
  • For a truly unique experience, sleep in the flight zone of condors some 1,312 feet above the Sacred Valley just outside of Cusco and combine this unique experience with the visit to the astonishing sites in the sacred valley to finally embark on the iconic short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Themes

High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Train & Rail Journeys, Trekking & Expeditions, Photography

What travelers are saying

"The 4 day inca trail trek is an experience of a lifetime. We were lucky with the weather - cold in the early morning starts, but luckily no rain or snow. Certianly need to dress for all seasons as it does warm up during the day. The overnight stays in the tents were basic but with the nice touch of warm water delivered in the morning for a quick wake-up wash. So many stairs but worth it for the scenery..Thanks Action Peru Treks."

Trip dates & details
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275 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Peru

Small Group Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
25,975  Reviews
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Excellent
13,590
Great
3,623
Average
354
Disappointing
69
Terrible
43
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Oct 2023

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Pure Brazil

The time in the Pantanal was amazing. Did the day trip to see the jaguars which was a long day, but worth it. Lots of animals around the lodge too. If you are lucky,...

T

Trusted Customer

Oct 2023

Written on

Pure Brazil

Visit to the pantanal. Amazing lodge and wildlife.

T

Trusted Customer

Oct 2023

Written on

Pure Brazil

Covered the highlights of Brazil making sure the traveller saw the best of its highlights with sufficient enough time to take in the various areas and experience wha...

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Trusted Customer

Oct 2023

Written on

Pure Brazil

Pure Brazil was one of the few tours that covered my personal highlights of the country, Amazon, Pantanal, Iguazu falls and Rio. Accommodation overall was both comfo...

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Small Group Tour Selection Trips

  • ‘Small groups’ are loosely defined depending on which tour company you choose. Always read the details of the specific itinerary you are interested in or call the tour company to find out how many travelers will be in your group.
  • Be mindful of minimum number requirements, which means the minimum number of travelers that a tour must meet in order to depart. If it’s an option, look for ‘guaranteed departures’ which mean the tour will depart no matter how many (or few) travelers book on.
  • Small groups are a great way to see the world but usually also mean you have less variety regarding your fellow travelers. If you’re concerned about the group composition, ask your tour operator if they can tell you the general age range of people on your trip.
  • Find out how much flexibility there is in the itinerary. Are your days and nights fully booked with group activities and meals or are there opportunities to explore independently?
  • Make sure the pace of the tour is a good fit for your travel style. The best experiences happen when you don’t feel like you are being slowed down or slowing down others.

Additional details

How Many People Will I Be Traveling With?

Just how many new friends will you be making on your small group tour? That depends on the tour operator. We’ve found that there are group tours with intimate groups of 10 to 12 travelers, while some skew slightly larger with between 20 and 25 guests.

The sweet spot seems to be around 16 travelers and certainly no more than 25 if you want to maintain that small group ambience. The size of your group will depend on the popularity of the destination (hello, Europe tours!) and the time of the year in which you are traveling. 

These low numbers enable you to connect with other travelers, yet never feel like a face without a name in the group. There’s a great social vibe to that magic number of about 12 to 18 people that allows for a just-right level of camaraderie and energy.

It’s easier to delve deeper into your destination and spend more time in the places of interest to you when your tour size is manageable. Plus, smaller group sizes enable the tour operators to arrange for smaller-scale, boutique-style accommodations, meals in cozier, locally owned restaurants and off-hours visits to popular sightseeing attractions.

Are Departures Guaranteed?

Regrettably, not all small group tour departures are guaranteed. Perhaps there isn’t enough interest in a particular date. In some cases, the tour company will have to cancel that departure date.

This varies widely by tour operator, so read the fine print when researching and selecting your small group tour, even if you’re visiting a popular destination like Europe.

In some cases, the tour company won’t cancel the trip, but will instead collect a “small group fee” when the numbers drop significantly, say, to a group of just one couple. This is a helpful option, particularly in you are traveling a long distance to your destination, perhaps Australia or New Zealand, and are wary about putting down a deposit on an unguaranteed tour departure.

Benefits of a Small Group

  • A perfect blend of planned activities and independent exploration time
  • A great value, usually including admissions and fees (possibly discounted) that you would have to pay for individually if you planned your own tour
  • Just the right number of people to ensure a congenial ambience and enable you to stay in boutique hotels and dine in smaller, out-of-the-way restaurants
  • A tour operator specializing in small group tours that will take care of the itinerary, arrange your guides and plan your meals and accommodations
  • More time and independence to gain a deeper understanding of your destination with like-minded travelers
  • Passionate, local, expert guides eager to share the top experiences in their own countries
  • Spontaneous, off-the-beaten-path experiences 

Who Are Small Group Tours Good For?

If you have aspirations of traveling to the world’s top destination - from Europe to Asia to New Zealand - yet feel daunted by the planning and logistics, a small group tour is a great choice.

These thoughtfully curated escorted tours to some of the world’s most intriguing places - Europe, in particular - take the guesswork out of your planning. You’ll benefit from the knowledge and behind-the-scenes access a local guide can provide, while still maintaining a level of flexibility and independence that makes this feel like a trip you planned yourself.

When faced with a new destination, far from home, it can be overwhelming to determine how much you can fit into your schedule, which sights are not to be missed (and which ones can just as easily be skipped) and how to get from point A to points X, Y and Z. Don’t fret - just because you’re hearing the words “group tour,” doesn’t mean you’ll end up just another anonymous face on a giant tour bus.

Small group tour operators, from Egypt to Alaska to Italy, make it their mission to introduce you to real life in your chosen destination, taking you off the beaten path and with like-minded travelers with which to enjoy the journey. 

I’m Traveling Solo. Do I Need to Pay Extra?

If you have a thirst for adventure, what in the world are you waiting for? Get out there and explore on a small group tour. These days, more and more tour companies aren’t requiring a single supplement fee if you’re willing to room with another single traveler.

And, since you’ve chosen the same trip, it’s likely to be a fast friendship with your new roomie. Don’t balk at the opportunity to travel to a bucket list destination just because you might be going solo. Some of the world’s most intriguing destinations (think Iceland, Machu Picchu and Vietnam) are best explored with an esteemed guide leading the way and like-minded travelers at your side.

This way, you won’t fall into typical tourist traps or venture into an unsafe area. Your small group tour guide has your back! This being said, often the most high-end of small group tour operators still require a single supplement, so do your research in advance.

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 5217 trips to Small Group and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

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