Peru Tours & Travel

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-- Cachiccata Trek --

Kimberly A. McMahon (Cachiccata Trek, Sep 2007)
The hotels were very nice but the hike and camping accommodations were the best of all!

Ayul our tour guide was AWESOME and made this trip the best I have ever been on! You have a great asset in Ayul and you should ensure he is happy and well taken care of as he is a great ambassador not only for Peru but also your company! I can't say enough about the service Ayul provided and his knowledge and passion for Peru! He was the differentiating factor in this trip being a really great for me vs. being the excellent trip that is turned out to be!

Mario, our cook on the hike, was the best. The food he prepared was better than most restaurant food! The porters were also amazing, we never wanted for anything and despite the language barrier with our cook and porters, we felt totally at home, welcome, and secure!

Adventure Life exceeded my expectations, you should consider starting excursions to Africa!! That is my next destination and you have set the bar so very high, I fear I will not find a tour company that will meet your level of service! Thanks for a memory that will last a life time.

David Charles and Carmen Scott (Cachiccata Trek, Jun 2007)
We could not ask for a better bunch of people. Mario, our cook, was terrific and prepared splendid meals. This tour was absolutely fantastic. Luis "Lobo" is so knowledgeable, friendly, funny, and always eager to please. We now have friends in Peru and felt sad to leave them. We will return for sure.

Kendra Gonnerman (Cachiccata Trek, May 2005)
I'm so happy that we chose the Cachiccata Trail. I would rate this trip as an A+, and I can't think of anything I would change. We were able to really see the true side of the Peruvian people. We brought supplies for the children and along the way we gave out crayons and pencils. The smiles on the faces of the children said it all! The Peruvian people were beautiful and kind. It is hard to explain the breathtaking views that we saw.

I want to thank everyone with Adventure Life, but especially our guide, Boris. He was so knowledgeable and patient, and he made our trip truly memorable. I really feel that all of us had a wonderful time, thanks to him! He always made sure we were happy, safe, and getting everything that we wanted from the trip.

Mary Kuopus (Cachiccata Trek, May 2005)
We felt so privileged to hike the Cachiccata Trail. The people, the vistas, the ruins and the beauty of the culture made for an experience that I'll never forget.

I went to Peru thinking that the ruins at Machu Picchu would be the highlight of my trip. However, as it turns out, the smiles of the children on the Cachiccata Trail were priceless. We brought pencils, sharpeners, and crayons to pass out. One pencil and a few crayons brought heaps of happiness to the kids. That was special.

Also we brought hats (made by the 5th grade students at Pueblo Elementary in Scottsdale) to the kids at Mantay as well as some school supplies. Again, the smiles and happiness of these kids was a delight.

I cannot tell you enough about how our guide, Boris, "made" this trip come to life! He was superb! He offered us so much about the history of Peru and also about the modern-day people and how they live and work. He was there for us at every step - pushing us to learn more and guiding us through some tough hikes. I cannot say enough about him!

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-- Inca Pathways --

Marilyn Bowden (Inca Pathways, Apr 2008)
Teddy Romero could not have been better! He was extremely friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable, and was able to get us through some problems because of his contacts and experience.

The food was delicious. The chef on the trek even fixed our requests: avocados, popcorn, and fresh ground coffee!

The adventures were unexpected and awesome! The different cultures at Lake Titicaca were an educational experience we had not anticipated. We felt like we had gone back in time several hundred years to see how these amazing people live. And they were all very hospitible and fun-loving. The actual reason for booking this trip was to hike the Incan Trail, and that was also more fun than we expected. The physical challenge of the hike took a back seat to the beautiful vegetation and the incredible ruins along the trail. And Teddy never hurried us along - we could leisurely enjoy the discoveries along the way. We did not expect such great gourmet meals on the trail, either. The other amazing bonus to this trip was having Teddy Romero all to ourselves! The personalized service we received has spoiled us for any large group trips we might othewise have considered in the future!

John Strange (Inca Pathways, Oct 2007)
What an adventure! Our guide, Vidal, was just excellent. He was patient and very knowledgeable. By the end of the trip, we considered him a good friend. I wanted this trip to be a special experience for my son and I. It met and exceeded all of our expectations. I would definitely recommend Adventure Life to anyone who wants to see the local culture up close and personal.

Monica Marquez (Inca Pathways, Sep 2007)
The 14-day Inca Trail tour was truly outstanding, in large part because of our guide, Marco Palomino, about whom I cannot say enough good things. My partner and I have traveled to several places in the world on our own but had never done an organized tour, so we were a little concerned that it would feel constrained. Instead, we were delighted with our wonderful small group (6), and Marco was simply amazing with the breadth of his knowledge and his passion for his country and its culture and history. He was sensitive to each person's individual needs throughout the trip, and his enthusiasm and sense of humor was infectious. I was impressed with how much we saw and experienced, and even more amazed by how much we learned along the way.

Chuck & Ann Mathewson (Inca Pathways, Oct 2006)
Thank you. We had the adventure of a lifetime. Vidal was wonderful. He not only was our Papa, he took care of all the people with problems on the trail. There was a girl from Australia who sprained her knee. Vidal had a knee brace that he just gave her. There was another girl from Australia that spent the whole time with our group because she said she felt like she belonged with us.

The porters, led by Miguel, were the greatest. You really have put together quite a crew in Peru. The girl in Lima was on top of everything. She even called us in Cusco to make sure everything was OK. The directions she gave us in Lima were perfect.

Thank you all--the crew in Montana and the crew in Peru!

Mike Rischbieter - Presbyterian College Group (Galapagos Category 3 Cruise - Eric/Letty/Flamingo, May 2006)
We had a GREAT time!! Everything worked out perfectly... all the accommodations were the best and our guides were top notch. The students loved the itinerary - just long enough at each place without too much time. You guys are the best!

Anne Wangh (Adventure Pacifica, May 2006)
I'm 87 and my granddaughter that traveled with me is 24. We both enjoyed the trip - each on her own level!

Elinor Petusky (Inca Pathways, May 2006)
Everything went off like clockwork and everyone took great care of us. Our guide was great - knowledgeable, caring, competent, enthusiastic and good company.

Puno, Cusco and the Inca Trail are like stepping back in time. Getting to know the people, the culture and the history was wonderful. To see the Sacred Valley of the Incas - a fertile farm area where everything is done by hand and the irrigation systems date back to the Incas - was quite amazing. The ruins are spectacular, but rubbing shoulders with people in the markets and in towns like Cusco, Puno and Aguas Calientes was the best part.

Thank you for organizing such a wonderful and carefree adventure for me and my friends. We will talk about it for years to come!

Elinor Petusky (Inca Pathways, May 2006)
Everything went off like clockwork and everyone took great care of us. Our guide was great - knowledgeable, caring, competent, enthusiastic and good company.

Thank you for organizing such a wonderful and carefree adventure for me and my friends. We will talk about it for years to come!

Cristine Jewett (Inca Pathways, Apr 2006)
I was extremely impressed! The Peruvian people are very proud of their country and made all of our tours and excursions interesting. The local crew was amazing! Our guide was great and made us feel at home and opened himself up to share his family and how they live their day-to-day lives.

Shirley and Dennis Davidson (Adventure Pacifica, Apr 2006)
We had a wonderful trip and it gave us an overview of the beautiful country. It left us with a desire to return.

Bill White and Garrett Blackmar-White (Adventure Pacifica, Apr 2006)
The guides were fantastic - very child-friendly and professional, punctual and flexible!

Dori Johnsen (Beaches and Rainforest + Tortuguero, Apr 2006)
The trip was flawless and outstanding! The coordination traveling between lodges made it completely stress-free. As with our previous trip to Belize, it felt like this was a private tour just for us. Thanks for doing so well on such short notice from us!

Hersh and Carli Hoaglan (Reefs and Cayes, Apr 2006)
We had a wonderful experience! Everything was taken care of down to the most minute detail. It was nice to be in a small group during our tour. All of our personalities meshed very well and we developed close friendships by the end of the trip. Thanks for such a memorable vacation!!!

Chris and Julie Adwell (Belize Explorer - Glover Reef + Ambergris Caye, Apr 2006)
Everything was excellent - far more than we expected!!

Kay Yost (Galapagos Category II Cruise - Archipel, Apr 2006)
The Galapagos is a very magical place that exceeded our high expectations!

Dennis Riordan (Galapagos Category 1 Cruise - Angelique + Sacha Lodge, Mar 2006)
Amazing! The duration of my trip was one month - and this was my first international travel experience! With Adventure Life I always knew someone was there for me. What a great comfort! The trip was far beyond my expectations!!

Dennis Riordan (Galapagos Category 1 Cruise - Angelique + Sacha Lodge, Mar 2006)
Amazing! The duration of my trip was one month - and this was my first international travel experience! With Adventure Life I always knew someone was there for me. What a great comfort! The trip was far beyond my expectations!!

Susan Davis (Iguazu Falls, Mar 2006)
What a wonderful trip - and everything arranged perfectly! I am amazed that I could just plop myself down in a foreign country with complete confidence that I will be taken care of like a child, and my confidence was not misplaced!

Yacutinga Lodge is a special paradise and is doing wonderful environmental work. Iguazu Falls cannot disappoint - it is unquestionably one of the most awe-inspiring sights in the world. And to be allowed to experience it so personally with the canopying, rappelling, and boat rides in the turbulent waters around Devil's Throat was an honor.

Trish Murphy (Beaches and Rainforest, Mar 2006)
The tour was beyond our expectations! Amazing! We especially loved feeling like we were off the beaten path and having a unique experience and interacting more with local people.

Selva Bananito Lodge is amazing!! Beautiful, peaceful, and the most unique ever. I loved the environmental/ecological focus on sustainability and making less of an impact on the earth!

Dot Meola (Hamanasi Adventure + Ambergris Caye, Mar 2006)
This was our second tour with Adventure Life and it was so relaxing and fun. We were very confident going to Central America knowing that everything would run smoothly. We had a great mix of adventure and relaxation, and are trying to decide where to go next!

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-- Islands and Incas --

Robin Storey (Islands and Incas + Cruise on Coral II, Sep 2008)
Teddy, our guide in Peru, was terrific, and the naturalists in the Galapagos were knowledgeable and very friendly. Everyone else who helped us with our travels were wonderful.

Especially enjoyed the barbecue dinner. Food was plentiful - not gourmet but adequate. Snacks following our outings were appreciated!

Important to pack lightly; be prepared for tourista and consider how you'll deal with the altitude (we took Diamox which worked well so we had no problems). While in the Galapagos, you are very out of touch with no news, internet and little cell phone coverage. That can be very relaxing but good for people to know that in advance. Very disappointed with the international cell phone we bought to use on our trip. Make sure you have lots of memory cards for your digital cameras! Fellow travelers were great and it was fun to meet people from all over the world. For most of your time in the Galapagos, there are no stores so don't think you can pick up what you need in a shop.

James Storey (Islands and Incas + Machu Picchu by Train Tour + Cruise on Coral I, Sep 2008)
Our guide in Peru,Teddy Romero, was excellent - a real wealth of historical, archaeological, and naturalist knowledge. The naturalists in the Galapagos were very good too.

The total experience in the Galapagos was fabulous. The boat was very comfortable and the crew was very nice and accommodating. We had day after day of jaw dropping sights and otherworldly vistas. The naturalists were very good and made sure that we saw all the various animals and learned about their habits. There was a good mix of hikes, beach walks and snorkeling. Each island had its own unique wow factor. A real photgrapher's paradise. I was very happy with the way we saw the Inca lands. Some people took the train right from Cusco to Machu Picchu and back, but by taking the car trip through the sacred valley, we say far more and got a much better appreciation of how extensive the civilization was. We spent the night in Ollantaytambo and even got to hang out in the town square for the Friday night festival. My compliments to whoever arranged for us to get the two front seats in the train to Machu Picchu - with full plate glass window view!

Michael Wood (Islands and Incas + Machu Picchu by Train Tour + Cruise on Millennium, Mar 2008)
The assistance with the Galapagos flight check-in in Quito (which is complex, confusing and poorly signed) was particularly invaluable. Two guides just dealt with it - one getting the passes and one dealing with the luggage while we just stood and boggled. Amazing service. We also arranged an on-the-fly unplanned city tour when we arrived in Quito. Your local office dealt with it instantly and the guide even called ahead and got a museum to stay open late for us - wow!

I can't praise all the guides enough. Always helpful, always friendly and extremely knowledgeable. Their enthusiasm for their countries and their profession was infectious. These were people who enjoyed what they did and were proud to do a good job.

You seem to have a good and well deserved reputation locally. We had an absolutely fantastic time and would unreservedly recommend you to our friends.

Suzanne Stroh (Island and Incas (Legend), Aug 2007)
I can't say enough good things about our experience in Peru. It is so culturally rich and colorful and such a physically beautiful country. Our time there was handled very smoothly. What really opened our eyes to Peru was our wonderful guide, Washington Gibaja. Actually, he was beyond wonderful! He is pleasant, knowledgeable, thoughtful, considerate, organized, flexible, sincere, and helpful. He has a lively sense of humor, shares his cultural heritage with proud enthusiasm and lives the principles of helping others every day. Washington shared many Inca traditions and stories, gave us both Quechua names, and generally put a human face on what it means to be the descendent of the Inca culture working to preserve the best of the traditional ways in these modern times. I can truly say that meeting him may prove to be life-changing as I think about the ways I might continue to be associated with the principles he shared with us! Visiting Peru with Washington as a guide made me feel that I would return in a heartbeat.

In the Galapagos portion of the tour, the food was excellent and has dining room service to match. The MV Galapagos Legend is the best-run cruise ship I have ever encountered. The ship itself is gleaming white, clean and polished, attractively and comfortably furnished. The transportation back and forth on the pangas is done with ... Read All

Kathie Keane and Grace Becton (Islands and Incas 13-Day, Dec 2006)
Our guides made our trip wonderful!

Casey Kaptur (Islands and Incas -- Beluga, Oct 2006)
The Adventure Life Incas and Islands trip was excellent. Every aspect was as good or better than we had hoped. The Adventure Life contacts were always where they needed to be, pick-ups were prompt, the hotels were very nice, and the tours excellent.

I can't say enough good things about Ayul Acuna. He was a superb guide, but perhaps even more importantly, just a wonderful man who obviously took great pride in his country and his culture. He made our tour of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Macchu Pichu a tremendous success.

Thanks for a great trip!

Rick and Barbara Desautels (Islands and Incas (Fragata), Dec 2005)
We had an exceptionally great trip! Our guides, both in Peru and the Galapagos, were excellent - very personable and very knowledgeable. All of the members of the crew on board the Fragata were exceptionally cheerful and helpful.

Clair and Jonson group (Islands and Incas (Eric/Letty/Flamingo) + Kapawi Lodge, Jul 2005)
The staff on the trip was great. Our transfer person in Quito even helped us by running back to get our camera that we forgot at the hotel! The tour was amazing. It was more than we expected in so many ways!

Jonathan Siekmann (Machu Picchu by Train + Inti Raymi, Jun 2005)
The tour was everything we expected and more! Peru is such a charming country. I really appreciated the values and spirit of Adventure Life. I got a sense of them from the website, and the reality on the ground reflected my expectations.

Jonathan Siekmann (Machu Picchu by Train + Inti Raymi, Jun 2005)
The tour was everything we expected and more! Peru is such a charming country. I really appreciated the values and spirit of Adventure Life. I got a sense of them from the website, and the reality on the ground reflected my expectations.

Layman Family (Salcantay Trek + Peru Amazon, Jun 2005)
What a fabulous trip! Everyone was warm and friendly, especially to our nine-year-old twins! Adventure Life does an outstanding job of finding the best local operators who made our tour so special. Thank you!

Mike Rossell (Inca Pathways, Jun 2005)
I had never visited South America before, so I wasn't sure what to expect! Likewise, I hadn't realized how much there would be to see and experience. It was very helpful that our guide was a Cusco local - it was so nice to have this local knowledge. On other holidays the tour guide has often been an enthusiastic European who quotes from guidebooks, so this was a welcome change! The best part of the holiday for me was probably the Puno/Lake Titcaca area.

Frances and Robert Gillis (Islands and Incas - Fragata, May 2005)
Our trip was excellent! If we had custom made this trip, it would have been the same as what we experienced with this tour package. We were surprised at how comfortable and relaxing it was on the boat. We were also pleased with the quality of and the quaint character of the hotels. Our guide in the Galapagos was very knowledgeable and his love of nature and his work was contagious! Our Peruvian guide was also exceptional. His shared not only his knowledge of his country but also his spirit and devotion to his land and his people. He made us feel like more than just tourists! What else can we say? You provided us with the perfect blend of creature comforts, nature, and activity. We were lucky to have found you!

James and Christine Ryan (Galapagos Deluxe Cruise - Cachalote, Mar 2005)
The tour was excellent! The crew on the Cachalote was the best!! We loved every minute with them.

Jennifer Nicole Miller (Islands and Incas, Dec 2004)
I would recommend your comany to my friends. Peru was filled with color, from the people to the food. I enjoyed the markets in Cuzco Pisac. Ollaytaytambo and Machu Picchu were very spiritual places. It was wonderful to have two full days for Machu Picchu. Galapagos is a biologists paradise. I hope to go back again with you. Our trip was, without a doubt, one of a lifetime.

Susan Karpeil and Martin Stanley Karpiel (Islands and Incas, Dec 2004)
In Cusco we had the extreme pleasure of being guided by Ayul. By far the best guide we have ever had our 30 years of traveling. He was knowledgeable, but not too much, fun, exuberant, entertaining, very athletic and compassionate. We cannot say enough good things about Ayul. As I mentioned earlier, he is the best guide we've ever had (we have been to 82 countries) so I have a good basis for comparison.

Lisa Urness (Islands and Incas, Oct 2004)
Thank you so much for a fantastic adventure! My husband and I will never forget it! Peru was an enchanted land, both culturally and scenically. Ayul Acuna was incredibly enthusiastic and introduced us to all aspects of Peruvian culture and antiquities with such humor and charm. We have no doubt that we would have missed many fascinating places had we chosen a different tour. The Galapagos leg of our tour was great fun and very relaxing. The Fragata is a wonderful yacht and the food was excellent. We have been home less than 24 hours and I'm already planning our next trip with Adventure Life to Costa Rica - I'm not kidding!!

George and Mary Beth McClain (Islands and Incas, Oct 2004)
This tour was better than we ever expected! We look forward to another "adventure" with Adventure Life. What else can I say? We kept pinching ourselves to make sure we weren't dreaming. It really was a much better trip than we though it was going to be. We had a wonderful time. THANK YOU ADVENTURE LIFE!

Brad Heric and Tara Parker (Islands and Incas, Jul 2004)
A life adventure. A fantastic honeymoon. A whole new world - well, three worlds we explored and loved. Thank you for making it go so smoothly for us!

Gregory Morrison (Islands and Incas + Sacha Lodge, Jul 2004)
Ayul in Peru was perhaps the best guide I have ever had in tours of >16 countries. He did tons of extra research and brought materials to heighten his oral presentations. Ayul was Superior!!! I understand why your company gets rave reviews. I concur.

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-- Machu Picchu by Train Tour --

James Storey (Islands and Incas + Machu Picchu by Train Tour + Cruise on Coral I, Sep 2008)
Our guide in Peru,Teddy Romero, was excellent - a real wealth of historical, archaeological, and naturalist knowledge. The naturalists in the Galapagos were very good too.

The total experience in the Galapagos was fabulous. The boat was very comfortable and the crew was very nice and accommodating. We had day after day of jaw dropping sights and otherworldly vistas. The naturalists were very good and made sure that we saw all the various animals and learned about their habits. There was a good mix of hikes, beach walks and snorkeling. Each island had its own unique wow factor. A real photgrapher's paradise. I was very happy with the way we saw the Inca lands. Some people took the train right from Cusco to Machu Picchu and back, but by taking the car trip through the sacred valley, we say far more and got a much better appreciation of how extensive the civilization was. We spent the night in Ollantaytambo and even got to hang out in the town square for the Friday night festival. My compliments to whoever arranged for us to get the two front seats in the train to Machu Picchu - with full plate glass window view!

Susan Marycz (Manu Biosphere + Machu Picchu by Train Tour, Sep 2008)
We had two guides - Boris Bonnett and Miguel (don\'t know last name - at Manu); I cannot say enough about Boris; as a native of Cusco, he was extremely knowledgeable about the city and all of the towns we visited in the area; his depth and breadth of knowledge were impressive; he was very patient as I asked many questions not only about the subject at hand, but about other aspects of the country; as our guide to Machu Picchu, he was exceptional; his interest in and respect for the Incas was obvious; he gave us recommendations for restaurants and every one we tried was excellent; he was generous with his time and knowledge; Boris is an excellent ambassador for Peru; we have been to many countries and traveled with many guides - he ranks at the top of our experiences. Miguel was also very knowledgeable and it was a joy to walk through the jungle with him; his ability to see and hear things that we initially could not was remarkable; he taught us much about jungle discoveries; he had a wonderful sense of humor, which kept us laughing.

The food varied depending on where we ate; for the most part, the food on the first part of our trip, with Boris as our guide, was quite good as he knew all the good places to go; the food in the Amazon was also good, surprising for being so remote.

I would recommend this trip to others, and already have; it was a wonderful ... Read All

Kate Gilbert (Machu Picchu by Train Tour, Sep 2008)
Vidal was my main tour guide. He was amazing! He is a true asset to your company. He made the tour exciting, fun, interesting and his personality and professionalism were impeccable and totally outstanding. Herberth was my guide in the Amazon. He was also excellent, very enthusiastic with his 'home' in the jungle and very knowledgeable. Very friendly and helpful.

The food available in Peru was awesome! So much better than I expected. fresh and delicious. The food at Sandoval Lodge was also excellent.

My trip to Peru far exceeded my expectations. The country is incredible, the food is delicious and plentiful of variety, the people are friendly and the tour staff were outstanding. Thank you for helping me turn my child hood dream of going to Machu Picchu and the Amazon into a reality that was much better than I expected. I had so much fun! I travel a lot around the world, mostly on my own, and doing this on a tour made it laid back, easy, enjoyable and I got to make some great friends. Thanks!

Rick Ress (Machu Picchu by Train and Galapagos Cruise on the Guantanamera, Jul 2008)
Jessie Ham and Reilly Sullivan were very helpful in getting the trip set up. They were quick with responses to our questions and made the process easy.

Teddy Romero was outstanding for our Cuzco - Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu portion of the trip. He's one of the best guides I've had in all my travels. It was apparent he really cared about the history and meaning of the places we visited.

Machu Picchu cannot be experienced through pictures and documentaries. It was breathtaking to see it in its setting and feel the aura of the site. Awesome!!! The Galapagos also cannot be prepared for. The actual experience was amazing. I want to go back to both places and see more.

The food on the boat was very good and the cook even made a cake for my birthday which was the last night on the boat. The crew was excellent.

It was apparent he really cared about the history and meaning of the places we visited. I will definitely use Adventure Life again to travel south. Everyone did a wonderful job!!! Thank you very much!

Cary Rosansky (Machu Picchu by Train, Jun 2008)
One of the reasons I chose Adventure Life was the level of support I received in planning this trip.

Our guide (Vidal) in Cusco/Machu Picchu was outstanding and represented the best part of our experience with Adventure Life Tours.

The Sandoval Lake Lodge was a very pleasant experience. It was very basic, but met all our needs. The food was good, and the lodge location was beautiful.

For travelers wanting a flexible,dependable, low cost tour Adventure Life was great. Our tour guides in both Cusco/Machu Picchu and at the Sandoval Lake Lodge were great.

Joseph Aubin (Machu Picchu by Train, May 2008)
The staff at all the hotels were accommodating and because most spoke some English (we speak VERY LITTLE Spanish), they were very helpful.

Teddy Romero was GREAT! He was knowledgeable and had a good sense of humor and we had a lot of laughs and he kept our spirits up!

Margaret (Alice) Webb (Machu Picchu by Train, Apr 2008)
My dream of a lifetime has been answered and it was far and above my expectations. My 820 photographs that I took are a real testament to my enthusiasm and joy for being there. Thank you so much for making it so very exciting. Our guide was like a college professor that you always remember because they make history fun and memorable!

Michael Wood (Islands and Incas + Machu Picchu by Train Tour + Cruise on Millennium, Mar 2008)
The assistance with the Galapagos flight check-in in Quito (which is complex, confusing and poorly signed) was particularly invaluable. Two guides just dealt with it - one getting the passes and one dealing with the luggage while we just stood and boggled. Amazing service. We also arranged an on-the-fly unplanned city tour when we arrived in Quito. Your local office dealt with it instantly and the guide even called ahead and got a museum to stay open late for us - wow!

I can't praise all the guides enough. Always helpful, always friendly and extremely knowledgeable. Their enthusiasm for their countries and their profession was infectious. These were people who enjoyed what they did and were proud to do a good job.

You seem to have a good and well deserved reputation locally. We had an absolutely fantastic time and would unreservedly recommend you to our friends.

Anne St. John (Machu Picchu by Train, Oct 2007)
Our Peru experience with Adventure Life was really outstanding. Visiting Machu Picchu with a personal guide rather than being chucked into a group of 15-20 other tourists really makes all the difference in learning about and understanding this incredible monument. Having a personal guide also allowed us the flexibility to modify plans and stop at that roadside stand for a taste of guinea pig or chicha.

Katie Egerton (Machu Picchu by Train and Wildlife Odyssey, Oct 2007)
A wonderful once in a lifetime experience. It was everything we expected, and better than expected in most parts!

I will definitely recommend Adventure Life to people planning to travel in South America. The standard of accommodation, tour guides and the fact that we could rely absolutely on being managed in transition was fantastic.

Kaitlin Leary (Machu Picchu by Train, Aug 2007)
I had a wonderful time in Peru. My tour guide Marco Palomino knew just about everything about the Incas and everyone was very impressed with him. My food at the rainforest lodge was excellent, much better than I would have expected being in the middle of the jungle. At first I was very hesitant to go on a tour of Peru, being a young, single female traveler, but once I arrived in Peru I knew that everything would be fine. Adventure life staff took care of everything for me, so I never had to worry once. Thank you for a wonderful trip!

Linda and James Woodward (Machu Picchu by Train: 7-Day Tour, Jul 2006)
Overall, this trip was more then we expected and everything went smoothly. The Adventure Life support staff on the phone really seemed to care and have a sense of urgency to make sure we got all the necessary information. A pleasure to deal with! Marco Palomino, our guide, was knowledgeable and enthusiastic. The trip was very well organized and all accommodations were fine. I used to be an European Tour director and am an Art Historian so I am a tough customer!

Mike Rischbieter - Presbyterian College Group (Galapagos Category 3 Cruise - Eric/Letty/Flamingo, May 2006)
We had a GREAT time!! Everything worked out perfectly... all the accommodations were the best and our guides were top notch. The students loved the itinerary - just long enough at each place without too much time. You guys are the best!

Anne Wangh (Adventure Pacifica, May 2006)
I'm 87 and my granddaughter that traveled with me is 24. We both enjoyed the trip - each on her own level!

Michael and Afshin Andreas (Rainforest and Ruins + Glover's Reef, Apr 2006)
All of the people made us feel so at home. They are what made the trip!

Cristine Jewett (Inca Pathways, Apr 2006)
I was extremely impressed! The Peruvian people are very proud of their country and made all of our tours and excursions interesting. The local crew was amazing! Our guide was great and made us feel at home and opened himself up to share his family and how they live their day-to-day lives.

Shirley and Dennis Davidson (Adventure Pacifica, Apr 2006)
We had a wonderful trip and it gave us an overview of the beautiful country. It left us with a desire to return.

Bill White and Garrett Blackmar-White (Adventure Pacifica, Apr 2006)
The guides were fantastic - very child-friendly and professional, punctual and flexible!

Dori Johnsen (Beaches and Rainforest + Tortuguero, Apr 2006)
The trip was flawless and outstanding! The coordination traveling between lodges made it completely stress-free. As with our previous trip to Belize, it felt like this was a private tour just for us. Thanks for doing so well on such short notice from us!

Hersh and Carli Hoaglan (Reefs and Cayes, Apr 2006)
We had a wonderful experience! Everything was taken care of down to the most minute detail. It was nice to be in a small group during our tour. All of our personalities meshed very well and we developed close friendships by the end of the trip. Thanks for such a memorable vacation!!!

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-- Machu Picchu Pilgrimage --

Peter Plackowski (Machu Picchu Pilgrimage, Sep 2008)
With the pre-departure information, there was plenty of communication without overdoing it and spamming me. I got just what I needed when I needed it.

Our guide, Teddy Romero, is top notch, friendly, enthusiastic and skilled.

I see no reason to use any other travel company in the future. You have all my adventure business as long as you keep this kind of service up.

Burt Magen (Machu Picchu Pilgrimage, Sep 2008)
Teddy Romero was a great guide and a good person. He was very knowledgeable. Throughout the trip he made adjustments to our itinerary based on our interests, the weather and other factors. I am also very interested in photography and Teddy was constantly pointing out goof photo ops.

The porters on the Inca trail were great. They worked hard, helped us and were very friendly. The cook was great. I was surprised how good the food was.

Adventure Life did a great job setting up our trip. It could not have gone any better. I have already started recommending it to my friends.

Steven Lew (Machu Picchu Pilgrimage, Sep 2008)
Reilly did a great job at keeping us up to date and in making adjustments to our trip. The support she provided helped to make the trip that much more enjoyable.

Our guide, Teddy Romero, was excellent. He was always friendly and as a group we all developed a good relationship with him.

The trip to Machu Picchu was difficult, but the trip was well worth the hike. Adventure Life did a great job in setting up the trip and with working with our group to make the arrangements. The flexibility and willingness to work with us as situations came up and in adjusting our accommodations helped to make this a great trip. As with all of my trips with Adventure Life they have always come through when issues came up to make the trip that much more enjoyable.

Evan Hughes (Machu Picchu Pilgrimage, Jul 2008)
Our guide, Ayule, was so passionate and informative and generous. We got along with all the others in our group so well. I definitely would recommend Adventure life to anyone considering this type of trip. This was a truly amazing trip, I think my best holiday/vacation I have ever been on. Physically challenging but so rewarding and getting engaged at Machu Picchu was pretty cool too.

Anne Marie Fealey (Machu Picchu Pilgrimage, Dec 2007)
The Machu Picchu trek was more than I expected because I learned so much about an ancient civilization and the local culture. I've recommended Adventure Life before and will do so again, not only because of the thoroughness with which you deal with the tours, but because you use local people who are friendly and knowledgeable, the tours are small and eco-friendly, and you give back to the communities where you work. A lot of the people you employ locally otherwise would not have jobs or the ability to make money and I think that's fantastic!

Ena Seltzer (Machu Picchu Pilgrimage, Oct 2007)
Alex was one of the best guides we have ever had. He is knowledgeable, friendly and a joy to be with. He was key to our enjoyment of everything we did in Peru, not just on the trail. We would want to be with him again if we returned.

We are very happy we chose the Inca Trail instead of the train to Machu Picchu. The feeling of accomplishment, the bonding with fellow trekkers, the 8 days of sharing with our guide Alex and the friendliness of our cook, porters and all the Peruvian people we met made this vacation a rare rewarding lasting memory.

Amy Ann Herrmann (Machu Picchu Pilgrimage, Aug 2007)
Boris Bonnett, our guide for Cusco and Machu Picchu, was outstanding! His overall knowledge about just about everything, his energy, and his amicability enhanced our trip greatly. He was even helpful with shopping and travel logistics. Richard and I have both recommended him to friends and family who are interested in the same trip.

Miguel, our cook, surprised us daily with fabulous meals cooked in the Andes, out in the middle of nowhere! Miguel and the meals were great! All the porters were helpful and friendly and very efficient. They sure made it easier on us.

The overall trip was one of the best vacations/adventures I have ever been on and that's saying a lot, as I have traveled extensively.

I have recommended Adventure Life and Boris to all my friends and family members who are even remotely interested in this trip. I will definitely consider Adventure Life for future travel.

Therese Trujillo (Machu Picchu Pilgrimage, Jun 2007)
Our tour guide was prompt and the service was great. The food was first class and we felt like we were first class the entire trip. I will recommend this tour to everyone I know who is interested!

Steven and Loretta Dodson (Machu Picchu Pilgrimage, Jun 2007)
You again succeeded in finding interesting, clean, functional, and quaint lodging without wasting money on four-star hotels. We travel the same way ourselves. The food was much better than expected and I ate better camping over a propane burner than at home. This tour was excellent and as usual I really have no suggestions for improvement.

Joanie Robinson (Machu Picchu Pilgrimage, Apr 2007)
Our guide, Wilber, was excellent. He really shared his culture with us and we learned so much. He also took great care in making sure we were comfortable, healthy, and well fed.

Kate Kovar (Machu Picchu Pilgrimage, Apr 2007)
Both Alfredo and Wilbur were top notch and really enhanced our experience with local history-very knowledgeable. This tour was a dream come true and an experience of a lifetime. I am so glad I went and Adventure Life made it special. We heard good things about Adventure Life as a very fair and eco-friendly tour operator in Peru-hats off to you!

Chuck Dougherty (Machu Picchu Pilgrimage 10-Day, Sep 2006)
I found this tour to be physically challenging, inspirational, educational, mind-expanding, unique, challenging to all senses, above and beyond my expectations (which were high), and a peak life experience.

Years ago I had made a list of the things I want to do before I die. Hiking the Inca Trail to Manchu Picchu was definitely on it. Once we had plans to go I read everything I could to prepare for this pilgrimage. As the trip progressed everything I had read about became real for me. The moment I crossed through the sungate (Intipunku) it overwhelmed me completely and I burst into tears. Cusco was great. The day in the Sacred Valley was a cultural immersion experience. The days before the hike were great preparation to adjust to the altitude. The ascent up to Dead Woman's Pass was even more physically challenging than I had guessed. Macchu Pichu itself felt very spiritual, especially at the end of each day when most of the tourists had left. A hike to the top of Puta Cusi (Happy Mountain) the day after the hike (with its multiple ladders and spectacular straight on views of Macchu Picchu) was very challenging, but definitely the icing on the cake for this very wonderful adventure.

I also wanted to mention that the guide, Boris, was excellent. He was adaptable and sensitive to our individual needs. He was willing to let the both of ... Read All

Troy and Martha Weisler (Machu Picchu Pilgrimage 10-Day, Aug 2006)
This tour was so much more than just seeing the Incan Ruins. We loved meeting the people, seeing the farms, learning about birds and flowers, and being in the mountains.

Again, this tour was everything we expected and a great mix of cultural and historic touring. Vidal, our tour guide, was great educating us about everyday life in Peru and the culture. As a result, we got a better feel for Peru that we would not have gotten on a regular tour.

Sandy Klausman and Dennis Karpuska (Machu Picchu Pilgrimage 10-Day, Jul 2006)
The local crew we encountered on our adventure were very friendly and went out of their way to make Dennis's birthday special. Caesar, our cook, made him a special birthday cake and they served us wine with our dinner. I never knew food on a hiking trip could be so good.

Our tour leader, Vidal, was excellent. He was very knowledgeable about the city of Cusco and Machu Picchu. In addition, he was very knowledgeable about the wildlife, birds, and flowers we encountered along the trail. Overall, this was an excellent tour.

Martha Cotton (Machu Picchu Pilfrimage, May 2005)
The tour was excellent. My #1 advise for others taking this trip is to have a few days in Cusco to prepare for the Inca Trail, both mentally and physically. I felt like this was such a smart approach. Our guide coached and advised us very well during the trek. We also hiked a little bit each day before the trek, which also helped. The guide, porters, and staff all did a great job. There were always polite and helpful.

Rick and Darcy Caron (Machu Picchu Pilgrimage, May 2005)
This was one of our best trips ever! Our guide Vidal was great fun - what a wild man! He was very knowledgeable, beyond accommodating, and really enjoyable to be around. The tour was everything we expected and more! The trip was professionally done, very educational, enjoyable, and a gastronomical fiesta!

Phillip and Brian Bovbjerg (Machu Picchu Pilgrimage, May 2005)
I loved this tour and have been recommending it to everyone! In particular the guide was the best that I have every come across. The guide and porters are polite, knowledgeable, always willing to help, and are warm and friendly. This has been the most spiritual and physically enjoyable trip of my life. I have traveled extensively around the world and this was the best! I look forward to using your organization again.

Laurel McNeeley (Machu Picchu Pilgrimage, Jul 2004)
Wilbur [tour leader] was wonderful. He made me feel at ease in every situation and made me fall in love with his country.

Marnie and Steven Green (Machu Picchu Pilgrimage+ Amazo, Jun 2004)
David Espejo [tour leader] made our trip. He's awesome. Porters on trek were great...Exceeded our expectations- would recommend Adventure Life to others!

Emily Lange (Machu Picchu Pilgrimage+ Arequipa, Jun 2004)
While Machu Picchu was the highlight of the trip, our visit to Colca Canyon was fascinating too. I don't think your description does it justice: Great hiking; incredible bird sightings in addition to the condor; 1000 year old terraced landscapes, clean, refreshing hot springs with unobstructed views of the Milky Way and the Southern Cross and altitudes that will impress everyone. It was a fantastic trip!

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-- Manco Multisport --

Molly Delamarter (Manco Multisport, May 2008)
We felt very supported as we planned for this trip.

I was very impressed with the accommodations, even the tents, believe it or not, seemed very clean (and bug proof) and it was nice to feel as though things were well planned. Each of the places we stayed were very welcoming and prepared for us.

Our guide Juan Barrios went above and beyond. Starting off by telling us that he was, "our guide, our bodyguard, and our friend" made him instantly likeable, and then his experience made this trip look effortless from our standpoint.

The food was exceptional. The cooks were VERY professional, and we were continually surprised at the variety and wonderful flavors that they provided.

I have never traveled with a tour company before, and the things that surprised me the most were all of the special extras that we could not have anticipated. A short tour here or there that lent insight to the bigger picture as we approached Machu Picchu, the guide's personal thoughts and experiences having lived in the midst of an evolving story of the past, and the feeling of camaraderie as you experience the challenges of this type of high-altitude adventure with your fellow tour-mates. We had an absolute blast!

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-- Manu Biosphere --

Susan Marycz (Manu Biosphere + Machu Picchu by Train Tour, Sep 2008)
We had two guides - Boris Bonnett and Miguel (don\'t know last name - at Manu); I cannot say enough about Boris; as a native of Cusco, he was extremely knowledgeable about the city and all of the towns we visited in the area; his depth and breadth of knowledge were impressive; he was very patient as I asked many questions not only about the subject at hand, but about other aspects of the country; as our guide to Machu Picchu, he was exceptional; his interest in and respect for the Incas was obvious; he gave us recommendations for restaurants and every one we tried was excellent; he was generous with his time and knowledge; Boris is an excellent ambassador for Peru; we have been to many countries and traveled with many guides - he ranks at the top of our experiences. Miguel was also very knowledgeable and it was a joy to walk through the jungle with him; his ability to see and hear things that we initially could not was remarkable; he taught us much about jungle discoveries; he had a wonderful sense of humor, which kept us laughing.

The food varied depending on where we ate; for the most part, the food on the first part of our trip, with Boris as our guide, was quite good as he knew all the good places to go; the food in the Amazon was also good, surprising for being so remote.

I would recommend this trip to others, and already have; it was a wonderful ... Read All

Neil Van Steenbergen (Inca Pathways + Manu Biosphere + Nasca, May 2004)
I got back from my 25 days in Peru just a week ago. My enthusiasm level for you and your help was high before I left, it was high during the trip and it continues to be high. I am so happy about my trip and about all that you did to make it happen.

I continue recommending you. Before I left, I asked you to send a catalog to two friends. Please send one to a third friend, you can use my name if you wish.

Back to the trip, I keep thinking I’ll forget something I want to tell you… I am very grateful for your pre-trip help and guidance and handholding. It was a pleasure to talk with folks who were not only knowledgeable and had been in Peru but who also seemed to be genuinely interested in me and care about me and my dreams. Thank you.

I liked the three separate parts of my trip: the Nazca extension was on my own (with support as needed), the Inca Pathways with a group, and Manu alone. It gave me a chance to experience Peru singly and in a group and that was a good balance. Entering solo and leaving solo also gave me a chance to feel comfortable at first with Peru and to leave with a chance to slow down and relax in Manu after the trail. It worked beautifully.

My arrival in Lima was about an hour late at midnight. I walked past the first line of taxis and got one from the second line quickly for $12 dollars, a somewhat broken down taxi ... Read All

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-- Panoramic Peru Tour --

Harold and Karen Greig (Panoramic Peru 16 Day, Sep 2006)
Carlos and Marco did more than provide us with services and information. They guided us into the very heart of Peru, leaving an incredible stamp on our souls. This is something that we will never forget. The intimacy of the small group provided a setting for the formation of strong friendships between guides and the members of the group. It allowed Carlos and Marco the time to greatly enrich our tour experience. They were able to go beyond basic historical and cultural information and provide us with alternate theories and mystic philosophies about Incan and pre-Incan civilizations, as well as about life in Peru today. Adventure Life is to be commended for hiring guides that possess courage to speak out in this way. We have traveled extensively since our retirement in 1998, and this has been our best trip so far. We are especially grateful to our guides for being sensitive to our age, and not letting it limit our experience.

Deena Cohen (Panoramic Peru, Sep 2005)
Carlos was one of the best guides I have ever had on a trip. He was educating, communicated, thoughtful and concerned. The overall trip was excellent.

Rabyn Shahda (Panoramic Peru, Jun 2005)
This trip was truly a magnificent experience. The itinerary was well though out and well paced. It really exceeded my expectations.

Wes Lui and Jodi McFadden (Adventure Pacifica, Jan 2005)
We just returned to Toronto from our trip to Costa Rica and wanted to express what an amazing time we had! Our tour guide Gerardo and our driver Marco were two of the most friendly most knowledgeable people we have ever met. Their incredible interest and passion for what they do, as well as their pride and excitement in sharing their beautiful country with us, made our trip one we will never forget. They were extremely accommodating to our needs and many times went out of their way to make our trip most enjoyable. Also they were quite professional in their conduct while at the same time became good friends that we were sad to leave behind. We would recommend both Gerardo and Marco as a great team to any visitor to Costa Rica and would definitely request to have them with us again for future trips.

On a side note, the trip itself was fantastic. However, we found that our last destination; La Cuisinga, as beautiful and secluded as it was, was a little too much of a change from such an adventurous trip up to that point. As much as we did enjoy the relaxation we would have like to stay longer in Manuel Antonio where we could have the option of enjoying more activities on the beach. We just found that there weren't as many activities at La Cuisinga as the itinerary lead us to believe. Perhaps one day at La Cuisinga instead of three would have been ... Read All

Brower Family (Machu Picchu by Train, Dec 2004)
We had a great time! There was an excellent combination of free/flexible time and formally guided activities. We especially enjoyed the extra day in Machu Picchu. The Adventure Life style suited us very well - a great mix of action, history, wildlife and fun.

Jane Zawacki (Machu Picchu by Train, Oct 2004)
Everything about this trip was great - I really can't thank of any comments other than keep us the great work. Thanks to all of you for answering my pre-trip questions.

Douglas Goldstein (Machu Picchu by Train, Jul 2004)
As an independent traveler my whole life I decided to try an organized group tour/trek for the first time. After my experience with Adventure Life and especially my guide, Wilbur Aparacio, I am hooked! My only 'concerns' on this trip was/were enjoyment - I never had to think about catching the last bus/train, having no place to sleep, getting lost, etc. Everything was taken care of for me by my guide, my cook, and my porters. I was in a small group. Myself and one other hiker. We all (our guide and porters) became a big family along the Inca Trail. We instinctively looked out for one another and bonded like we'd been on the Trail forever. As I sit back in my office in New York, I find myself re-visiting (in my mind) the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and my friends I made along the way and look forward to my next journey full of new adventures.

Chrisy Coughlin (Machu Picchu by Train, Jul 2004)
We were busy - what a whirlwind - and it was great! I felt I really made the right choice. Since I was only there a short time. I felt I got to see so many places (like Moray and the Salt Mines and horseback riding, etc) that I would not have been able to see on my own. Renny knew lots of local areas of interest and was flexible with the various fitness levels and interests within our group. Truly a great time - I hope to return!!

Sandy Schaffer (Machu Picchu by Train, Jul 2004)
Ayul (tour leader) was extremely good at his job. He was both knowledgeable and attentive to all our needs. He was our "bodyguard", "frieend", "leader", and guide"...I'm very impressed with your choices of local guides, places to stay and eat and group size.

Norton Gusky and Judith Dulberger (Machu Picchu by Train, Jul 2004)
Outstanding. Will recommend your services to friends and family...We were particularly taken by our two guides- Ayul and Marlena. They were so personable and knowledgeable.

James and Pamela McLean (Machu Picchu by Train, May 2004)
Williams Davalos the very best...We both love this trip and will recommend it to our friends. Peru is a wonderful country and your guides made the trip a real pleasure. Your staff took the worry and hassle out of this trip and we had the pleasure of just enjoying Peru.

Melissa Smith (Machu Picchu by Train+Amazon, May 2004)
Visiting Machu Picchu and the Amazon rainforest was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Thank you Adventure Life for making it a wonderful time!

Craig and Stephanie Smith (Excerpts from a 3 page letter ... Panoramic Peru, Mar 2002)
Excellent. Surpassed all expectations. Tour leaders were incredible. We learned so much more than we ever expected to and came home with a great affinity for Peru and its people...We just wanted to let you know how impressed we were with both of our guides during the Panoramic Peru trip. First we had Carlos Lazo. He was fantastic. We formed a bond with him immediately. He was very helpful in so many ways. He helped us to improve our Spanish and gave us the confidence to speak with the locals. He encouraged us to try local cuisine such as ceviche, alpaca, and cuy, as well as our beloved lucma ice cream. He taught us how to play sapo...His knowledge as a tour leader is invaluable. He is a treasure...Amantani Island just blew us away. Valeria and Elias were fantastic hosts. They welcomed us into their home and made us feel so included in their daily lives. Valeria cooked us a fantastic meal and sitting in the kitchen with her was magical. At the dance, she wanted to make sure that we were having fun and wouldn't let us sit out any dances. Thank you so much for coordinating this trip. It has changed our lives.

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-- Salcantay Trek --

Layman Family (Salcantay Trek + Peru Amazon, Jun 2005)
What a fabulous trip! Everyone was warm and friendly, especially to our nine-year-old twins! Adventure Life does an outstanding job of finding the best local operators who made our tour so special. Thank you!

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