How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Lobo, a native of Cusco, was so caring and quietly managed everything. Never once did we miss a connection between transport, and there were many of them. When altitude sickness struck, as it surely will, he was there and attentive. 

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

Be aware that there is a lot of road travel, and through some pretty barren countryside. Not to say that it is not interesting, but that there is just so much of it. You'll feel that you want to stay in places longer, not just for respite, but because everywhere is so interesting.

Do you have anything else to add?

As I said on my report form at the end of the trip, I felt that the tour, whilst taking in all the hot spots, was a bit ambitious for 14 days. A flight from Nascar to Arequipa would pull back on some travel time. Alternatively make the trip a few days longer.

 

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Joana Alaroon

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

There are long walks to destinations in the Amazon Rainforest - there are a lot of tripping obstacles (tree roots, stumps, etc.)  I would have been quite lost if I hadn't brought my walking poles and suggest others bring them. Have loads of patience while waiting to spot animals in the Rainforest, as they do not appear out of now where immediately, as they imply on National Geographic.

 

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Alex Martinez was amazing,so knowledgeable about the tour and his country, was always on hand to help and advise us , even when we had "free time", always went the extra mile and we never had to worry about anything, he is a credit to Explore.

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

There are some long journeys by bus on this tour, so would be good to have a travel pillow,and also due to the possibility of altitude sickness, it is a good idea to buy the Coca candy available in all shops,they certainly taste better than the tea !

Do you have anything else to add?

If you are considering a trip to Peru and Matchu Pitchu, this trip is amazing. you get the best of both worlds,you get to see the culture and diversity of this country, from the the Nazca lines to Lake Titicaca and the reed people of the Uros islands,the city life of Arequipa and Cuzco and then onto Matchu Pitchu  with the added benefit of not having to trek there, This trip is truely a trip of a lifetime. SO GET BOOKING!!

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

First class. Very careful with us- no flip flops no lettuce!! Took us to all the best restaurants for safety reasons.

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

Prepare for very long days and to be tired. Loads of camera space and you will not be able to stop! High altitude leaves you breathless and with palpitations sometimes at the very least. Contrast completely to Amazon extension where the high humidity is also tiring and you WILL get wet. Loved every minute of it. Need more money than is said because of the meals you buy in the main route.

Do you have anything else to add?

Suggest the dollars money you recommend is raised. We spent much more and accessing money proved complicated.  Local currency is used in the main and good restaurants took credit cards.

This tour was the most fantastic experience which exceeded our expectations in many ways.  The tour leader was incredibly personable who took care of every little detail ensuring that we worried about nothing, even when both of us became unwell.  The knowledge and passion of the tour leader and the local tour guides was exceptional.  Trip highlights were the obvious ones, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, and the Amazon.  Unexpected highlights were Arequipa - the cathedral and the convent, Puerta Inca and the coastal road journey from there to Arequipa - was absolutely stunning!  The hotel in the scared Valley (Yucay) and playing Sapo in the beautiful gardens.  There were many more surprise highlights, too many to mention!  We would strongly recommend this tour to anyone.  Explore and Condour Travel, with whom most of the transportation and local tours were arranged, were excellent throughout.  Peru is an incredible country and we cannot praise enough this particular tour and Explore as a company.  We are now looking at which tour we want to do next! ( PSA - 23rd July 2011)

Trip highlights: Aguas Calientes, which looked like the set of Mad Max the movie, Machu Picchu of course, and the incredible Refugios Amazonas and the guided jungle walks.  Unexpected: The coach breaking down in the desert, and my spare walking boot lace being used as an accelerator cable.  Advice: Take cyprofloxacine - I needed two separate courses. If you drink the Pisco sours - they are lovely, but contain crushed ice - so might have been the source of some of our problems.  Take spare clothing to the Amazon - we got totally soaked one day. (PSA - 21st August 2010)

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)

Peru has everything you could wish for on an adventure tour - historic cities, stunning scenery, amazing wildlife, activities, and a beautiful coastline. Altitude is always a concern, but the itinerary really does help you to acclimatise and although everyone in my group felt it, nobody was really ill so it did not prevent us from doing anything. Our guide, Eliuth, was great, very good at understanding the different personalities in the group. I did not use the group flight but when my luggage did not arrive, Condor travel took over all of the arrangements which took a huge weight off my mind! As for highlights, I would say seeing the condors at Colca Canyon was amazing, obviously seeing Machu Picchu for the first time (there is time to do a second visit which I would recommend, also make sure you get the passport stamp!), Cusco cathedral and the town itself, Arequipa (go see Juanita - I had not heard of her before I went but found the museum visit very interesting), and spending time appreciating the diversity of the rain forest - plants, insects, animals and birds- including sharing my shower with a frog! All in all this is a brilliant experience and I would encourage everyone to visit Peru. (PSA- 8th August 2009)