Is Alpaca Expeditions Legit?
HasTrust rates Alpaca Expeditions Trusted (92/100), checked 2026-06-23: Generally positive reputation for organization, guides, and food; Strong focus on porter welfare and sustainability certifications; Extensive experience with popular treks like the Inca Trail and Salkantay.
Wondering if Alpaca Expeditions is legit? HasTrust gives this Cusco-based Inca Trail tour operator a trust score of 90/100 (Trusted), reflecting consistently strong reviews of its guides, porters, and logistics. Just be aware that some travelers report rigid non-refundable deposit policies and pressure around tipping, so confirm your plans before booking.
What we measured
Why this score?
Alpaca Expeditions is a well-established and highly-rated tour operator based in Cusco, Peru, specializing in treks like the Inca Trail. While the vast majority of travelers report excellent experiences with their guides, porters, and logistics, some users have cited concerns regarding rigid non-refundable deposit policies and uncomfortable pressure related to tipping expectations. Prospective hikers should verify their plans thoroughly before booking, as the company maintains a strict no-refund policy for deposits regardless of the reason for cancellation.
Video reviews
Pros
- Generally positive reputation for organization, guides, and food
- Strong focus on porter welfare and sustainability certifications
- Extensive experience with popular treks like the Inca Trail and Salkantay
- Well-established local business in Cusco
Cons
- Non-refundable deposit policy with no exceptions
- Reports of high pressure regarding tips for guides and staff
- Variability in campsite facility quality and privacy
- Strict weight limits for personal gear
⚠ Red flags
- Non-refundable deposit policy is rigid with no exceptions for medical issues
- Some customer reports of aggressive tip expectations creating uncomfortable group dynamics
Better options
Why switch: Because hikers are required by law to use a licensed tour operator for the Inca Trail, travelers should compare several reputable local companies to find one that best matches their budget, preferred tour size, and social/environmental policies.
What web sources say (not checked by us)
Third-party ratings
Facts
Based on 8 sources
Alpaca ExpeditionsHiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Alpaca Expeditions Review - Cardpe DiemAlpaca Expeditions Reviews | Read Customer Service Reviews of www.alpacaexpeditions.comAlpaca Expedition review: An organized, unforgettable experience | Calgary HeraldTerms & Conditions - Alpaca ExpeditionsInca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu | Salkantay Tour | Alpaca ExpeditionsOur Licenses - Alpaca Expeditions100% Local Peruvian Tour Operator - 5 star Reviews from TripAdvisor Peru💬 Ask about this shop
Answers come from what we checked about this site — the AI only picks the topic, it writes nothing.
🛡️ Site safety check
What you should do
- Still pay with a method that has buyer protection (credit card or PayPal), never a bank transfer.
- Check the returns policy and delivery time before ordering.
- We keep tracking this site — check back here if anything feels off later.
🔍 What we checked ourselves
Each row is a check HasTrust ran, and the day it ran.
| Check | What we found | How | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTTPS certificate | Certificate expired 2026-09-08 — not re-checked since | TLS handshake from our servers | before 2026-06-23 |
| Domain registration | 2010-04 (16 years old) | RDAP registry record | before 2026-06-23 |
| First seen on the web | 2010 | Internet Archive | before 2026-06-23 |
| Popularity rank | #600053 on Majestic Million | Majestic Million list | before 2026-06-23 |
| Contact & legal pages | email, phone, address | Read from the site's own pages | |
| Blocklist | Not listed | HasTrust blocklist | |
| Trust score history | 2 recorded points since 2026-06-23, 90 → 90 | HasTrust score model |
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Checked 98 days ago. · How we score →
Frequently asked
Is Alpaca Expeditions legit?⌄
Trusted. HasTrust trust score: 92/100. Alpaca Expeditions is a well-established and highly-rated tour operator based in Cusco, Peru, specializing in treks like the Inca Trail. While the vast majority of travelers report excellent experiences with their guides, porters, and logistics, some users have cited concerns regarding rigid non-refundable deposit policies and uncomfortable pressure related to tipping expectations. Prospective hikers should verify their plans thoroughly before booking, as the company maintains a strict no-refund policy for deposits regardless of the reason for cancellation.
Is Alpaca Expeditions a scam?⌄
Possible concerns from our check: Non-refundable deposit policy is rigid with no exceptions for medical issues; Some customer reports of aggressive tip expectations creating uncomfortable group dynamics
What is the Alpaca Expeditions trust score?⌄
HasTrust rates Alpaca Expeditions 92/100 (Trusted). Buy
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