Cusco Tours and Trips

Very-well designed itinerary, starting with a couple of long coach journeys at the beginning (including the overnight coach journey) to bond the group, with the tour getting better and better as it progressed. Our leader, Darwin, was simply brilliant, going the "extra mile" on various occasions and providing several experiences that were not set out in the itinerary (including a view of the sunset over Arequipa from a rooftop bar, plus a brewery tasting session in Cusco). Macchu Picchu lived up to all the hype, but my personal highlight was the night on Taquile Island, despite the basic accommodation, and the morning walk across the island. All the local guides were excellent. All in all, a fantastic introduction to southern Peru.

Excellent tour. In my view Arturo our guide made sure we made the best of our two weeks making sure we arrived at sites at a good time to make the most of the experience. He had an excellent knowledge of Peru and its history and this made the trip very interesting. We were a mixed group of 10 and we all enjoyed each others company making every day a pleasure.

The pace and points of interest on this trip were fantastic. It was a great combination of “must sees” and “off the beaten path.” Our tour leader was knowledgeable and genuine. We felt very well-looked after. The rail trip from Puno to Cusco was a highlight. Don’t miss it! I also highly recommend a follow-up trip to Machu Picchu. The first group tour was educational, but my individual trip the following day was a spiritual event. Be ready for some significant hiking, especially on Taquile Island. If you think you might want to bring a trekking pole- do it. The sights are worth it, but they are all uphill.

Every day exceeded my expectations. A minor niggle was that after a long haul and connected flight, the arrival hotel was unable to allow access to our rooms until 4hrs after check in. I have been on over 10 Explore tours over 3 decades and our tour leader was equal best.

Our extensive trip by air, minibus and water launch was coordinated superbly well by our Explore Leader Julio. Julio was a font of information well beyond providing details of our tour and places visited. His input to our enjoyment of the trip was invaluable. The itinerary itself provided important stages of acclimatisation with high altitudes being reached. Arequipa was a good start to the acclimatising process and the 'White City' had many attractions. Beyond Arequipa Lake Titicaca and our stay on Taquile Island was memorable. Condors soared over the Colca Valley and the Sacred Valley was stunning with Inca ruins. And of course the extraordinary Mach Pichu visit before finishing in Cusco the one time capital of the Inca Empire. An added trip to Pisac in the Sacred Valley was highly enjoyable. In addition to Julio's input supporting local guides and drivers were most professional and considerate too. Hotel accommodation was a high standard with a more simple arrangement on the remote Taquile Island. Highly recommended for those with a mind for adventure.

We saw amazing sites and wildlife on our tour! Our guides, Nilton in Peru and Myriam in Ecuador, were friendly, organized and knowledgeable. It was fun hanging out and chatting in with Myriam, and Nilton helped me recover from a day of food/altitude illness. There were a lot of early morning starts and transfers between various transports- plane to bus to train to bus to boat to bus to boat to bus, etc. Glad they arranged it all!