Continuing Adventure Machu Picchu
Peru | May 20 - May 26, 2019

Daniel
Daniel P.
Canada | Reviewed on Jun 09, 2019

Aspiring Adventures (Katy, Steve) did a great job ahead of the trip making sure they knew us and providing 2 itineraries with equipment lists. We were all well prepared. Guide Alex met us the first day introduced himself. You could tell how proud his was of his country (same with Angela), Cusco and the Inca legacy. Right from the start Alex (and Angela) couldn't do enough for us. Whether it was ensuring dietary restrictions were met or getting waiters attend for beer. Note: Angela wasn't on the Inca Trail with us, so most of my comments are on Alex. From my wife, Angela was excellent.

Inca Trail
- Aspiring Adventure equipment was excellent. One member of team rented sleeping bag and thermal rest. That equipment was first rate. Especially liked the built in pump on the mattress.
- Porters were very professional and looked good in matching "uniforms". First night out Alex had all the porters, chef & server, and clients introduce themselves.
- Meals especially the soups (and cake on last day) were great. Lots of variety of food. Went away from table full every time. Servers, chef, water porter & Alex did an excellent job. Alex always making sure everyone was happy.
- Everyone liked the after lunch siesta.
- Alex keep us informed on what we were seeing, why we were leaving a location at a specific time, and what to expect. He answered every question we asked. Let us set the pace of the hike. Almost always bring up the rear but appearing in time to explain something, make sure we were Ok or didn't miss something.
- Inca trail is wonderfully maintained. No litter.
- Sun Gate on Day-4 on Inca Trail was everything I wanted it to be.

Non-Inca Trail
- Angela was excellent accommodating Devina & Susan every wish. Giving them more or less time as they wanted. . Great explanations & tried really hard with dietary. Very proud of her country.
- small issue - itinerary activity was changed. "Farm to Table" was cancelled. The replacement activity turned out to be great. Devina and Susan just would have liked to know about it ahead of time.
- "rustic hotel" in the Amazon was wonderful.
- food was excellent, and Angela was very attentive.
- Driver was excellent & always help Susan with mobility issues in and out of the vehicle. Helping with luggage.

Local specialist: Steve Wilson
Steve
Steve Wilson
Local specialist in Cusco, Peru; Dunedin, New Zealand; Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany | Replied on Jun 10, 2019
Dan, thanks so much for your thoughtful and detailed report!
Katy and I enjoyed working with you in the months before the trip, developing the trip and communicating its details to the members of your group.
Trips like this, where the group is split for several days - in your case most of you went on the Inca Trail with Alex, and two group members explored the jungle and Sacred Valley with Angela - present their own logistical challenges, and I'm proud to see the team carried it off without...
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Dan, thanks so much for your thoughtful and detailed report!
Katy and I enjoyed working with you in the months before the trip, developing the trip and communicating its details to the members of your group.
Trips like this, where the group is split for several days - in your case most of you went on the Inca Trail with Alex, and two group members explored the jungle and Sacred Valley with Angela - present their own logistical challenges, and I'm proud to see the team carried it off without a hitch!
The one fly in the ointment was with the farm to table supplier deciding they didn't feel like running the activity for us - luckily we were able to arrange a good alternative and everyone was happy, but we're looking for a more robust arrangement for future trips!
At the end of the day, it's our brilliant guides who make the trips, and as always, Alex and Angela have shone.
It's been a pleasure creating this amaazing trip for you and your family, and we hope to see you again in the future! Thanks again Dan!