A company shaped on the ground in Peru
Destination Peru was founded in 2012, while Jared Snow and his wife Paola were living in Peru. At the time, they were working in the travel industry and continually meeting travelers who were struggling to navigate the country well. Peru is extraordinary, but it is not always easy to travel smoothly. Even with today’s tools, it can take significant time to understand how to plan a journey that makes the most of one’s time, budget, and overall experience.
The company began in a simple way: by helping people. Travelers who needed guidance, support, and better answers began sharing Jared and Paola’s information with others, and over time that grew into a real business. What started as practical help for a small number of travelers gradually became Destination Peru, a company built around the belief that Peru should be experienced thoughtfully and operated well.
Built through trust, relationships, and time on the ground
Over the years, Destination Peru has served more than 2,000 guests and supported a wide range of travel throughout the country, from private custom journeys to hosted delegations, university programs, and high-end luxury travel. Along the way, the company developed exceptional partnerships in Peru, including a longstanding relationship with Inkaterra, whose properties are proudly featured in many of its journeys.
Destination Peru also played an important role in supporting the growth of Treehouse Lodge in the Peruvian Amazon, helping it develop into a globally recognized brand. These relationships reflect the kind of company Destination Peru has always aimed to be: deeply connected, locally rooted, and committed to doing things the right way.
Inca Trek by Destination Peru
Several years after founding the company, Jared made the decision to pursue certification to operate the Inca Trail directly. It is a demanding process that requires time, investment, and long-term commitment. After several years of work, Destination Peru received approval from the Peruvian government and is now honored to be the only U.S.-owned company approved to operate the Inca Trail.
That work became Inca Trek by Destination Peru, the company’s specialist trekking arm and one of the offerings it is most proud of. While most guests experience Machu Picchu by train as part of a broader private journey, Inca Trek reflects Destination Peru’s belief that Peru’s most iconic routes deserve specialist attention, operational depth, and real care on the ground.
Why Peru Matters
Destination Peru’s story is also a personal one. Jared’s connection to Peru begins with his wife Paola, who is from Lima and first introduced him to the country. From that first experience, Peru became far more than a destination. It became family, purpose, and the foundation of the work they would go on to build together.
That connection continues to shape the company today. Destination Peru exists not only to help travelers experience Peru well, but to represent the country well, contribute positively to it, and leave it better than it was found. That idea remains central to how the company works, who it partners with, and what it hopes every guest takes away from the experience.