Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

Our trip to Peru was fabulous! Jimena did a wonderful job of planning activities that would be appropriate for both myself (age 65) and my son (age 35). We were able to complete separate guided hikes at Machu Picchu and then enjoy one of the circuits together. She reworked our itinerary when our flight schedule changed, and her communication both before and during our trip was excellent.
Our guides through Peruvian Soul and other tour companies/freelancers were top-notch. Nancy, who introduced us to Lima, was such a sweetheart. She was very knowledgeable about Peru’s history, and her love of and pride in Peru was evident in her enthusiasm.. the lunch spot she took us to was so cute and cultural, and we appreciated her ordering the food for us. Delicious all around!
Danny was our second guide and was with us for several days/outings. He was also very knowledgeable and answered all of the many questions we had about Peruvian culture. He was very flexible within our routine, and made time one day to visit Seminario Ceramics which I requested on a whim. Danny always explained the plan for the coming day(s) so that we were aware of places and times. He has a great sense of humor and made our time not only interesting but also fun. Danny made an extra effort.(along with Eddy ) to return my jacket which I’d accidentally left in Eddy’s backpack at Machu Picchu. I didn’t specifically request the jacket back, just mention that I’d left it behind, and somehow between the two of them, the jacket was returned to me. This was above and beyond what was necessary and I am very grateful for their efforts and thoughtfulness.
Our Machu Picchu guides (Eddy snd Wilson) we’re also terrific. Eddy provided so many details I’d not known about Machu Picchu. He kept the pace comfortable and stopped when he felt like I needed a breather and/or a moment to rest. He was very patient and attentive to my questions and picture requests. Thank you, Eddy,for a great MP tour and for getting my jacket back to me!
Miguel was with us at Rainbow Mountain and was, as the others, an exemplary guide. He was willing to let us explore a bit on our own yet kept a watchful eye on us as we climbed higher..
He stopped on our way to give a ride to a native Peruvian woman carrying a pack - a lovely gesture.
Marco was our guide on the bus trip to Puno. He gave us great service and kept Andrew and me aware of what would occur at each stop, speaking personally to us in English as we were the only native English speakers on the tour.. We appreciated the extra effort. Marco made to help us understand what he was saying and to make us feel more comfortable.
Our final guide was Aldo, who led our group tour to Lake Titicaca. He again was very knowledgeable and entertaining. He kept us traveling at a doable pace and made us aware of the altitude changes that might affect us. He also provided valuable tips about interacting with the native folks at Uros and on Taquille Island. Aldo encouraged me at lunch to try the trout.(I don’t care for Midwestern.U.S. trout), and I’m glad he did as it was delicious.
One other delicious aspect, I must mention was the market tour and cooking class we did at the Mama Seledonia restaurant. Mama.Seledonia wasn’t able to be there, but her son stood in for her and did a great job. It was such fun! I will be trying to make Pisco sours at home.
Our drivers were excellent all week - Luis, Kevin, others whose names I missed -we felt safe and in good hands. So glad we had experienced drivers to get us from one place to another, safely and on time.
All in all, our trip to Peru was truly a “once in a lifetime experience” thanks to kimkim, Peruvian Soul, and all of the above. I’m sure I missed a few names and I apologize but send a big thank you to all. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience!

Our entire trip was well planned. We asked for a change in itinerary and the local tour operator really was flexible with accommodating our request. Our guide David in Cusco was really great. He was patient, explained all the history and culture and we will be sure to ask for him if we return! Our guide Gilmer for the Humantay hike was also excellent - very patient with our (slower of course) pace and explaining the history. Overall it was well organized trip focus and well worth it.

Exactly the trip I wanted. I appreciated getting to know the country in a variety of ways, particularly in terms of the history, culture and nature. I also really enjoyed getting off the beaten path for several days of more aggressive hiking, and away from the crowds. I had great guides all around - Guido, Hugo + Team, Juan Carlos and Dennys. Many thanks to Jimena for creating a great itinerary.

Hotel Reviews

Casa San Blas Boutique

Cusco

Great location, beautiful hotel. A little loud. Great staff.

Location

Staff

Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay

Urubamba

Beautiful and relaxing. An extra special place

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Activities-a-la-carte at Tambopata Research Center

Tambopata

Beautiful lodges. Very interesting set of activities and opportunities to engage with the research.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Choquequirao Trek 1/6

Peru

A challenging hike, and totally worth it. Great to get away and get in to Choquequirao.

Quality of Experience

Food

Amazing food in very remote locations.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Amazing team. Hugo, Martin, Fortunato, Juan Carlos y Jose

Transport

Moray circular terraces and soft hike to Maras salt mines

Peru

Sacsayhuaman, Temple of the Moon and Koricancha

Cusco

A great base of knowledge for the entire trip.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport