South America Train Trips

A full on tour which covered a huge amount of ground and was an excellent overview of Peru. The tour guide, Arturo, was outstanding and did sort out one or two minor problems with two of the hotels. He was very caring and knowledgeable and added considerable value to the trip. Highlights include the boat trip on Lake Titicaca and the floating islands and the visit to Tequile Island. Also the train from Puno to Cusco. He provided a first rate visit to Machu Picchu getting the timing absolutely right so that we were there late in the afternoon when the crowds had diminished. I would rate the upgraded hotels as between good and excellent with the exception of the Xima in Cusco - some of the rooms look over an internal atrium with no outside window, (feels dark and claustrophobic) with a window onto a corridor so it was necessary to keep curtains drawn at all times, and overlooking the atrium meant there was a lot of noise in the early morning when tour groups were departing. However, Arturo did sought out alternative rooms. The food was also less good at this hotel and I wonder whether an alternative in Cusco should be sourced. The one slight disappointment was the tour on the first day which went to a rather boring market (the one in Arequipa was much more interesting) and I don't think the ceviche making demonstration added any value. A visit to the colonial centre of Lima would have been better use of time. Otherwise the itinerary and all visits definitely exceeded expectations. The food in restaurants generally (hotel and external) is of a high standard and reasonably priced - both tourist menus and higher priced The tour is fast-paced with some early starts but necessary to cover the ground. As a reasonably fit 67 year old, I was able to keep up and enjoy this holiday fully. There were nine people in the group which was great with a nice dynamic Recommended!

The upgraded Peru trip with explore was excellent and I created lots of amazing memories ! The itinerary was done in a great way to ensure we got use to the altitude and also ensured we saw a lot of Peru . Our tour leader Arturo was excellent and he really made the experience better. He was friendly and chatty with all of us on the tour and went out of his way to make the holiday as smooth as possible. He has such in depth knowledge of Peru including all the history and culture and information of the sites we visited . I would highly recommend both Arturo and this trip and I will always look on my time in Peru with great memories and hopefully I will be back one day !

Our guide Arturo was amazing. His knowledge of history and local traditions and customes was excellent. He was easy to understand and was very mindfull of some of the less able members of the group. He managed to balance the needs of everyone in our group to ensure they had the best time. Hi friendly and caring nature made the whole trip a real joy. I really feel that his love of his country and his involment really made the trip for me. Thanks.

This was a great tour. We visited the main highlights and had a few “foodie” experiences to showcase Peru’s emerging food scene. Accommodation and transport were clearly upgraded. The tour featured the Inti Raymi festival and easy viewing was arranged for us, despite the crowds. Our tour leader, Arturo, gave us his undivided attention 24/7 for the entire trip. He was knowledgeable, well organised, attentive and friendly. We could not have asked for more. Local guides joined us in some regions and they were excellent too. Good humoured and informative. Overall it was an excellent trip and I would recommend it highly.

It was a fantastic trip. Everything was taken care of and we were led by Arturo. Everyday had something special and all planned activities were amazing. Couldn’t recommend the itinerary more highly. Historical information, cultural current events and visits to Inca sites and local communities were great. The guides for their specialists were all great.. Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon, Machu Picchu covered by all the guides. Not to forget the memorable cuisine sessions.

Arturo was the best leader ever and would highly recommend him for the leader of the year. The trip was varied and taught be so much. Definitely ( if you can!) go to Inti Raymi. The most spectacular event I have ever seen The Amazon extension was well worth the money as stayed in superb lodges with excellent food