Machu Picchu
Our company was born from a genuine connection to this land and built through years of firsthand experience as porters, guides, and travel professionals. We understand the Andes not only as a destination, but as our home—a place shaped by living traditions, Quechua heritage, resilient communities, and profound respect for Pachamama.
Every journey is carefully designed and operated by local professionals who understand the routes, weather, altitude, culture, and logistical challenges of traveling in the Andes. Our purpose is to help visitors experience Peru with confidence while creating genuine connections with the people, history and landscapes that make this country extraordinary.
When you travel with Peru Hikers, you travel directly with local people who know this region, care for it, and proudly call it home.
MEET OUR FOUNDER
From Porter to Pioneer
From an Inca Trail porter to a professional guide and founder of Peru Hikers.
Daniel was born in Peru’s Sacred Valley and grew up surrounded by the mountains, traditions, and Quechua culture of the Andes. His relationship with tourism began on the Inca Trail, where he worked as a porter and experienced firsthand the strength, teamwork, and sacrifice required to operate a successful expedition. Working as a porter taught Daniel lessons that could never be learned in an office. He came to understand every stage of the journey—from transporting equipment and organizing camps to adapting to unpredictable mountain conditions and supporting travelers at high altitude. Determined to continue growing, Daniel trained as a professional guide. He went on to lead travelers along the Inca Trail, through the sacred valley, to Machu Picchu and across some of Peru’s most remarkable trekking routes. These years allowed him to combine his local knowledge with a deeper understanding of history, archaeology, nature, safety, and the expectations of international travelers. After more than 16 years of experience in Andean tourism, Daniel founded Peru Hikers with a clear vision: to create professionally managed journeys that remain deeply connected to local people and culture. He also wanted to build a company where guides, porters, chefs, drivers and office staff would be recognized as essential members of one team. Daniel’s journey from porter to guide and founder continues to shape every Peru hiker's experience. His leadership is grounded in humility, practical knowledge and a belief that tourism should create meaningful experiences for travelers while generating respect, recognition and opportunities for local people.
To inspire a new way of traveling Peru—deeper, more authentically, and with a lasting positive impact.
Local knowledge. Personal service. Journeys created with care.
Why travel with us
Traveling through the Peruvian Andes requires more than booking transportation and entrance tickets. It requires detailed local knowledge, careful coordination, and a team that understands how to manage changing weather, high altitude, remote trails, and the complex logistics of visiting Machu Picchu. Peru Hikers combines firsthand Andean experience with professional travel planning. Because we are based in Cusco and operate our journeys locally, we remain closely involved in every stage of your experience—from your first inquiry and itinerary preparation to your final day in Peru. Our small-group and private journeys provide greater personal attention, more meaningful interaction with your guide, and a more comfortable pace. Rather than making you feel like one traveler among many, we take time to understand your interests, concerns, and expectations. Our local guides do more than explain historical facts. They help you understand the deeper meaning of the places you visit by sharing stories, traditions and perspectives rooted in Andean life. Behind every guide is a wider team of travel specialists, chefs, porters and drivers working together to ensure that your experience runs smoothly.
With Peru Hikers, you receive:
- A founder-led and 100% locally owned Cusco tour company
- More than 16 years of firsthand tourism and trekking experience
- Professional local guides with deep knowledge of Andean history and culture
- Small-group and private travel options
- Carefully planned trekking, transportation and accommodation logistics
- Direct assistance from our Cusco-based travel specialists
- Personalized attention before, during and after your journey
- Responsible experiences that support local families and communities
- A genuine connection to the people, culture and landscapes of Peru
We do not simply take you to Machu Picchu. We help you understand the journey, connect
with the Andes and return home with an experience that continues to hold meaning long
after your travels have ended.
The people who bring every journey to life.
Our local team
Peru Hikers is supported by a dedicated local team of professional guides, chefs, drivers, porters and travel specialists. Each person contributes essential knowledge, experience and care to the journeys we operate. Our guides share the history, culture and living traditions of the Andes. Our chefs prepare nourishing meals in demanding mountain environments. Our drivers provide reliable transportation across the region, while our travel specialists coordinate the many details required for a seamless experience. Together, we work as one team with a shared commitment to safety, hospitality and professional service. Their work often happens behind the scenes, but it is present in every well-prepared meal, every comfortable transfer, every carefully organized campsite and every unforgettable moment along the journey.
The backbone of every Inca Trail expedition.
Elite Inca Warriors
Our porters—proudly known as the elite Inca warriors—are the backbone of the Inca Trail. Every successful expedition depends on their strength, endurance, teamwork and extraordinary knowledge of the mountains.
They carry the essential equipment that makes the journey possible, including tents, food, cooking equipment and camping supplies. They move across steep mountain passes, changing weather and challenging terrain to ensure that camps are ready, meals can be prepared, and travelers receive the support they need throughout the trek.
However, their role extends far beyond carrying equipment. Our porters understand the rhythm of the trail, the mountain environment and the responsibilities required to keep an expedition moving safely and efficiently. Many come from Quechua-speaking Andean communities where knowledge of the land, agriculture and mountain traditions has been passed from one generation to the next.
They are not invisible workers behind the journey. They are skilled professionals, cultural representatives, fathers, brothers, farmers and respected members of their communities. Their dedication, resilience and spirit are central to every Inca Trail experience.
At Peru Hikers, we believe that porters must be treated with dignity and recognized as equal members of the expedition team. We are committed to respectful treatment, fair working conditions, appropriate equipment, regulated carrying limits, nutritious meals and genuine recognition for their essential contribution.
We also encourage meaningful and respectful interaction between travelers, guides, chefs and porters. Sharing names, stories and moments along the trail helps create a more inclusive expedition where everyone feels valued.
Without the elite Inca warriors, the Inca Trail experience as travelers know it would not be possible. They carry much more than equipment—they carry the strength of the expedition, the knowledge of the Andes, and the proud legacy of their communities.
Elite Inca Warriors — carrying dreams to Machu Picchu.
Our Core Values
The heart of every journey we create
Travel with the real Peru.
We share Peru from a local perspective, honoring Andean traditions, Quechua culture, and the communities that make each journey meaningful.
Travel with the real Peru.
Our trips are more than sightseeing. We create genuine connections between travelers, local communities, guides, and the landscapes of the Andes.
Journeys that change you.
We believe travel should leave you with more than photographs. Every adventure should inspire personal growth, unforgettable memories, and a deeper appreciation for Pachamama.
In short:
We create authentic journeys that connect people with Peru and leave a positive impact on
travelers, communities, and nature.
In short:
To inspire a new way of traveling Peru—deeper, more authentically, and with a
lasting positive impact.
2k + Brands Trust Us
Contact our local team
Speak directly with our Cusco-based travel specialists and receive personalized
assistance when selecting your itinerary, travel dates, and preferred experience.
Whether you are planning an Inca Trail expedition, a scenic train journey to Machu Picchu or a personalized tour through the Andes, our team will help you prepare with clarity and confidence.