How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Very good. Everything worked well. And the guides and drivers and organization provided by Condor Travel was excellent.

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

"There are very early starts and long coach journeys - moreso than suggested in the literature.

The $500 recommended as a start is not enough by far for the holiday. Because so few meals are included - not even some breakfasts - and a lot of the tours are 'optional' (but they weren't really, because there wasn't much of an alternative)I felt that I was spending money quickly - and I kept off the Pisco sours until the end of the hol!

Fears of dud notes were completely unfounded.

By taking Diamox and Coca tea and sweets, altituse sickness was kept at bay.

Our hotel (the Monte Real) in Miraflores at the end of the holiday was near the mud-brick pyramid of Huaca Pucllana. Well worth walking to, but a viait there does cut out a chance of more time in Lima."

Do you have anything else to add?

Very good holiday. I've returned to the UK with good memories of the places we visited, the hotels, the food, and the people - all very friendly and helpful.

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

First class did everything that could have been asked of him ,although to be honest we were a very easy group to manage .No Whineing no lateness  and basically no sickness.

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

"IF you want to do other climbs at Manchu book well in advance .All booked out when we tried .
Also if you want to see Nazca book a flight well in advance of leaving ."

Do you have anything else to add?

"Unlike another trip i did recently there was a good cross section of people who all pulled together had a laugh ang got on well
Ages ranged from a girl who turned 14 on the first day of the trip to well me.
This was the best trip ( ive done 5 ) and that was down to the people on the trip."

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Jo was our tour leader. She was fantastic. Passionate about her country and very knowledgeable. She handled any situation professionally and nothing was too much for her. Her enthusiasm made this holiday very enjoyable.She had great advise on all aspects and knew all the safe, clean places to eat. Her local knowledge at each stop ensured we got the best from the holiday.

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

Take a plug for the sink. Not all places have them. Also, some of the hotels don't have heating, so it does get chilly at night. Take lots of layers to wear and a warm jumper. Definately take loo roll as sometimes during the long bus journeys you have to pull over on the side of the road. You don't need malaria tablets at all. Just Deet for Macchu Pichu.The hotels were all clean and adequate and any issues were sorted out straightaway. Don't be afraid to ask if you need something. The Peruvians are happy to assist.

Do you have anything else to add?

If your tour leader is as good as ours was, you are in for a great experience.

This holiday takes you to all the main tourist sites in Peru and more. The scenery was amazing and varied (don't bother taking lots of  books as you'll spend your time on  the bus looking out of the window), there were plenty of opportuntities to shop for local handicrafts and to experience different facets of life in Peru .We had breakfast in the market at Arequipa, went  swimming in the Pacific and  in hot springs at Chivay, met peruvian farmers near Titicaca and got to be quite expert in Incan life and society , thanks to Explore's local  guides.The organisation of the tour was excellent and our tour guide a font of  knowledge on old and modern Peru - even if lunch was a bit of a moveable feast and investing in breakfast is recommended. The range of wildlife was fantastic - definitely take the optional tour to the Ballestas islands and the Amazon which was out of this world. And I regret not taking a flight over the Nazca lines (breakfast definitely not recommended!) Lots of people warn about safety in Peru but I didn't find it an issue when I went off on my own. It helps to speak a little Spanish. The highlight for me was Sullistani which was a very atmospheric place. And if you're travelling from the UK give Heathrow a miss and fly with KLM from Amsterdam on a direct flight to Lima with excellent food and entertainment. I only picked Explore as they did what I wanted in a specific time period but I would recommend them. ( PS - 14th May 2011)

The holiday exceeded my expectations in the variety of landscapes, sights and places we saw during the trip. I had thought that the highlight would be Macchu Picchu which was why I had chosen the trip, but other sites like Sacsayhuaman were equally impressive. The condors flying at the Colca Canyon were also an amazing experience- I couldn't decide whether just to watch in awe or try to get some decent photos. There was unfortunately industrial action around Cusco while we were there which meant a change in plans, but one that our courier Jo handled very well. What was most unexpected was that although various websites said that the rail link to Aguas Calientes had been restored, it is still not possible to do more of the journey by train. If your thinking about whether to add the Amazon Extension or not - then if at all possible do! It was amazing to be in the jungle for three days and I suppose that should also count as a highlight! The Refugio Amazonas is an amazing place to stay- our guide Paty was absolutely great and nothing was too much trouble for her. I'm so glad to be eating beans on toast for the rest of the year as I wouldn't have missed the jungle for anything. A good camera is a major asset on a trip like this! (PSA- 29th May 2010)