What makes Alpaca Expeditions different?

Trekking to Machu Picchu has become more popular than ever.  Peru has now become a hot spot for travellers, which has been amazing, but it has also caused a lot of people to create tourism companies selling treks and other adventure trips around the country.  We understand that it can be overwhelming to choose among the 100’s listed and we want to point out what makes Alpaca Expedtions stand out from the rest.

Alpaca Team on Salkantay Trek

The Importance of Being a Local Andean Company

Alpaca Expeditions (AE) was started by Raul Ccolque Ccolque.  Raul has lived in the Andes all his life and has worked on the Inca trail since he was 18 years old.  He was born in a small kechuan village called Seque Raccay (meaning Chicha village) where he went to a Kechuan speaking elementary and high school in his local village and then went on to continue his studies at Cusco University where he studied tourism.

Raul created AE with the goal to create a superior experience for our travellers, while focusing on giving back to the local community by providing jobs and investing in the community.  Since Raul started working the Inca Trail first as a porter before he became a guide and owner, he understands how some companies mistreat their porters.  AE makes sure that all porters have proper clothing and equipment, proper salaries and health insurance.  You will not find porters treated better than those wearing Alpaca’s signature green.

Some companies advertise that they are a sustainable and responsible tour company.  We believe that these two characteristics are extremely important and we operate with all the basic principles.  We hire only local people, buy only local products, we teach our travellers about our customs and our environment and how to respect it, and we support local projects/charities such as helping children get the proper school supplies and items for daily life.

Working with our Client to Create their Dream Vacation

Peru has so many wonderful things to explore.  Machu Picchu is amazing and one of the 7 Wonders of the World, but it is only one of our treasures.  Lima and her beaches, the Amazon, Lake Titicaca, the Nazca Lines, Colca Canyon, and the cobble stoned city of Cusco are just a few places to visit.  We understand that each traveller has their own needs and expectations from their trip to Peru.  Our site lists many itineraries for trips around the country, but these are just suggestions.  We will talk to each client and based on their time limit and what they are looking to see and do, create the perfect trip.

This is true for treks to Machu Picchu as well.  There are many options on days and routes for treks to Machu Picchu.  Those with a few days in the area can opt for the 2D/1N trek Inca Trail trek or the 3D/2N Huchuy Qosqo trek.  We have 7D treks for those with an unlimited amount of time – the possiblities are endless.  Again, depending on each clients needs, we can adjust our starting point for alternative treks to make them longer or shorter.

Before we start our trek, we ask each traveller about food restrictions, any health issue they may have.  We receive the trip with you to make sure you are prepared and not nervous.  Everyone can do it and we will be by your side reminding you of that every step of the way.

Our Guides are the Best!!! 

There are many good guides out there, but ours really are the best.  They all speak English and Spanish fluently.  Their knowledge and passion for the history is unmatched.  They are fun and full of spirit, but know when they need to be serious.  They are all trained in emergency care and are ready to help out if anything happens.  We hope that you feel like they are your friend by the end of the trek.  Test them on their knowledge – they will blow you away.

We Listen

We know we can’t be perfect, that doesn’t stop us from trying.  We hope that everyone leaves Peru thinking that it was the best vacation they have ever had.  We hope that we helped to create that amazing trip.  But that doesn’t stop us from asking, how can we improve.  How can we give more to our client and more to our community.  Please let us know how we can continue being the best tour company in Cusco.

We would love to hear from you – if you have suggestions on how we can be the best company on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, please let us know by leaving a comment.  We hope to see you soon in Cusco.