Peru 13-Day Tours and Trips

I’m so sad that my time in Peru had to come to an end. It was a trip of a lifetime thanks to Charlie and his team. Everything was amazing, from the lodging to the guided tours. Whenever we had an issue, Charlie and his team were always there to assist us.

Really excellent trip. Altitude is an issue. We needed the first few days acclimatising in Cusco, where walking up hills seemed an effort. But we were acclimatised when the trek started. There are two parts to the trek although they merge seamlessly. The Salcantay trek is more remote, higher and supported by horses. Highest pass 5k metres. Highest campsite is cold enough to freeze your bootlaces (even Cusco is hot water bottle cold at night). Then you join the Inca trail which is more mainstream, less wild but still breathtaking, no horses but plenty of porters who skip up and down the trail carrying their loads. Not the most challenging walking, probably half the days were proper level 5 and the other half more like level 3. But on the Salcantay part of the trek you really do feel that you are in places where humans are not supposed to tread. Macchu Pichu is very touristy but stunning. The nights at Agua Calientes and Olanta are delightful and Cusco is a fabulous city to spend a few days. Lots of Inca sites - possibly a little too many history lessons for some. We were humbled by the care provided by the leader Edwind and his crew of chefs, horsemen and porters. A wonderful crew who really added to the trip. We felt safe and very well fed. Oh and Peru is a very welcoming country, no litter (pachamama), no smoking and very pleasant people.

Absolutely loved every minute of it. From the guides, Freddy, Richard, Katie, and all the porter Names of Local Guides in Peru: Jungle Luis and Wigner Cusco Sacred Valley and Inka Trail: RICHARD y Katya Cusco stay guide: Wenny Puno Lake Titikaka Guide: Juan Manuel They all worked so hard to get everything to run like clock work. 10/10 and would highly recommend

Really enjoyed the trip. I just found it hard to cope with the extreme cold. The views made up for that but it would definitely put me off going again.

Galapagos is truly where the wild things are! The animals are not really afraid of you, everything you see is unique in some way, perfectly evolved for its environment. The different islands vary from moon to mars like landscapes, with cactuses, giant tree daisies, clear (cold) seas and wonderful creatures including giant tortoises (like small armoured cars gracefully moving through the undergrowth), marine and land iguanas, turtles, Galapagos penguins, sea lions and so many birds including blue footed boobies - their feet fantastic shades of turquoise blue. Words fail to describe what Machu Picchu is like, its more a feeling! Go and see it for yourself (for the full emotional experience please do the one day Inca Trail) then you will know what I mean. Epic, wonderful, ethereal do not do it justice. Cusco in Peru and Quito in Ecuador are wonderful old cities, people were friendly, happy to help and we had wonderful guides in all locations. Our ship experience was wonderful, we were well looked after on board, good food, excellent guide (Juan) - getting to the heart of Galapagos experience.

We added a day at the beginning to do Lima, which is worth a visit. Accomodation varied, was expecting it to be all 5*, but although everything very clean, and hotel staff very friendly, it could be a bit cold without heating in smaller hotels. Your leader, Darwin, excellent, full of enthusiasm for the history of Peru, and our itinerary was rearranged to ensure we didn't miss Machu Picchu despite industrial action there. Be prepared for cold mornings and hot days in some areas in September. Overall, exceeded my expectations, and well worth a visit.