Excellent small group tours
Peru | Oct 3 - Oct 7, 2022

L
Linda F.
Carrboro, NC | Reviewed on Oct 14, 2022

I loved the trip to Cusco & Lima. I especially liked the size of our group: just my friend and I and our guide. We completed the two day Inca Trail and Machu Picchu as well as Rainbow Mountain with our guide. We were able to go at our own pace, stop and take pictures or just rest at any time. The only change I would make is to include beverages for the meals included in the tours with the guide. I understand not including beer or wine, but at least include water. We were expected to pay cash for beverages with our meals with our guide. It didn’t make sense that our meal was included, but the beverage was not.

Hotel Reviews
Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu, Cusco

While off the beaten path a bit, it was still close enough to the bus stop and restaurants. Our room had a spectacular view of the mountains and the dining room shared the same view. We saw beautiful hummingbirds visiting through the window.

Authenticity & Character
Lovely view of mountains
Location
Close enough to everything
Staff
Very attentive
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean, comfortable room
Casa Andina Standard Cusco Plaza
Cusco

Very comfortable, centrally located hotel.

Authenticity & Character
The room was clean and comfortable
Location
It was located near excellent restaurants
Staff
The staff were accommodating
Cleanliness & Comfort
It was very clean and the beds were comfortable
Activity Reviews
 Short Inca Trail Day 1: Hiking to Machu Picchu via Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna
Short Inca Trail Day 1: Hiking to Machu Picchu via Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna
Peru

We were able to set our own pace as it was just my friend and I and our guide. It was a wonderful experience! The only suggestion I would make is that the guide should explain/stress that there are no bathrooms at all after the train until pretty much the sun gate. This is many hours in (5 hours) and you must stay hydrated- creates an interesting paradox.

Quality of Experience
Small group
Food
The restaurant in Aguascalientes Calientes was just ok.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Driver (Edwin) was great. Guide (Valerio) was very good although repeated the same information a bit much.
Transport
Comfortable, well planned
Fly from Lima to Cusco, Explore the City
Fly from Lima to Cusco, Explore the City
Peru

The tour of Cusco was excellent!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cusco Tour
Cusco Tour
Peru

Excellent tour!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Short Inca Trail Day 2: Machu Picchu Guided Tour and Return to Cusco
Short Inca Trail Day 2: Machu Picchu Guided Tour and Return to Cusco
Peru

Day 2 of this Trail is spent at Machu Picchu and it is breathtaking. Be prepared to take lots of pictures. The guide (Valerio) was key in explaining the history and importance of the many areas here. Bring a few soles in change for the bathroom and a water bottle.

Quality of Experience
Food
We didn’t eat on Day 2 during the tour.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Rainbow Mountain Trek
Rainbow Mountain Trek
Peru

Our guide (Valerio) was key on this tour. He encouraged us, was patient, checked on our progress/condition and reminded us we could get a horse at any time.

Quality of Experience
Food
We ate at the same buffet restaurant for breakfast and lunch. The food was just ok. Once again, beverages weren’t included with our prepaid lunch- not even water.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Johanna Fabian
Johanna
Johanna Fabian
Local specialist in Lima, Peru | Replied on Oct 15, 2022

Hi Linda,
Thank you so much for you review and feedback, I'll be sure to share this with my team so we can improve some things in the future.

Glad to hear you enjoyed your short Inca Trail!
Johanna