Amazing Trip
Peru | Jun 19 - Jun 29, 2025

Phillip
Phillip W.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Jul 03, 2025

Luis was exceptional. He gave us his undivided attention every moment of every day we were with him. His knowledge of the history and culture of the Cusco/Sacred Valley region facilitated extremely education experiences, and his energy kept us active and ensured days full of adventure. Though we spent less time with them, our guides in Lima and the Altiplano were wonderful too.

Hotel Reviews
Terra Andina Mansion Colonial
Cusco

The breakfasts and staff were very good. Unfortunately, the accommodations left quite a lot to be desired. The room was very cramped, had no windows or other means of ventilation, and was way too warm at night. There was no room for unpacking luggage. The bathroom smelled of sewage. The hot water was unreliable. And, the soap and shampoo dispensers remained empty, despite our requests that they be refilled. The building has a beautiful interior, but we would opt for a Motel 6 over such an uncomfortable facility.

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful colonial interior
Location
Close to main square, market, and other attractions
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cramped. Sewage smell. Hot at night. No window or other means of ventilation.
Urubamba Ava Valle Sagrado Spot
Urubamba

Beautiful rustic hotel with great staff. Unreliable hot water and no bathroom ventilation.

Authenticity & Character
Pleasantly rustic
Location
Close to town and restaurants
Staff
Great staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very comfortable except for lack of hot water and bathroom ventilation
Sonesta Posadas del Inca Puno
Puno

Beautiful view, great staff, good restaurant, comfortable room. More modern than our other accommodations while in Peru.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Lakefront with mountain view
Staff
Very helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tierra Viva Miraflores Larco
Lima

The accommodations were comfortable, and the locations was convenient. There was no electricity or hot water the first night.

Authenticity & Character
I'm not sure what's meant here by authenticity. This is a modern boutique hotel without a lot of character, but it was comfortable. The breakfast was good.
Location
Close to restaurants and a short drive to Barranco.
Staff
The staff were courteous.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room was comfortable, but the lack of electricity the first night was a little inconvenient. The room was clean.
Tierra Viva Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu

Beautiful hotel in a great location. Close to all the in-town attractions. Very friendly staff.

Authenticity & Character
Modern but with a lot of character. Spacious room. Welcoming entrance atrium with an interesting glass door elevator.
Location
Close to everything in Aguas Calientes.
Staff
The staff were very helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The accommodations were clean and comfortable.
Activity Review
Walking food tour at Barranco
Walking food tour at Barranco
Lima

Ceci was a great guide. The tour was very informative, and we got to try quite a lot of different foods. Most of the food was prepared in front of us with the chefs explaining the process as they went. Barranco is beautiful. A must-do tour.

Quality of Experience
Great guide, beautiful area, great food, and helpful demonstrations and explanations.
Food
All the food was great.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Ceci told us about her and her families experiences and customs with particular foods and drinks. This helped us to understand the food within the greater context of the local culture. All the chefs and hosts were courteous and eager to provide detailed explanation.
Transport
It was a walking tour, which suited us and made for a more relaxing experience.
Local specialist: Jimena Salazar
Jimena
Jimena Salazar
Local specialist in Lima, Peru | Replied on Jul 04, 2025
Hi Phil! Thank you so much for your nice review. We’re really happy to hear that you had a wonderful trip overall and that each of your guides made the experience memorable for you and Melyssa. I also appreciate your honest feedback about the hotels. I’m glad you loved Sonesta Posadas in Puno and had a good experience with the staff at Ava Valle and Terra Andina. I’m sorry that the cleanliness and comfort at those two hotels didn’t fully meet your expectations. Wishing you all the best in... Read more

Hi Phil!

Thank you so much for your nice review. We’re really happy to hear that you had a wonderful trip overall and that each of your guides made the experience memorable for you and Melyssa.

I also appreciate your honest feedback about the hotels. I’m glad you loved Sonesta Posadas in Puno and had a good experience with the staff at Ava Valle and Terra Andina. I’m sorry that the cleanliness and comfort at those two hotels didn’t fully meet your expectations.

Wishing you all the best in your future travels. And if you ever plan to come back to Peru, I’d be very happy to help you again!

Best,
Jime