Peru Reviews
Review 1
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Inca Trail
What did you think of your tour leader?
excellent, really helpfull, effecient and good recomendations for each local town
What advice would you give to other travellers?
to go with a good tour company
Reviewed by Sheena Patel who travelled in November 2011 on the Andean Adventure trip
Review 2
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Inca Trail
What did you think of your tour leader?
excellent, really helpfull, effecient and good recomendations for each local town
What advice would you give to other travellers?
to go with a good tour company
Reviewed by Sheena Patel who travelled in November 2011 on the Andean Adventure trip
Review 3
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Inca Trail
What did you think of your tour leader?
excellent, really helpfull, effecient and good recomendations for each local town
What advice would you give to other travellers?
to go with a good tour company
Reviewed by Sheena Patel who travelled in November 2011 on the Andean Adventure trip
Review 4
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I really enjoyed the Inca Trail and the Amazon trips. I'm a keen photographer and I enjoyed seeing all of the different animals in their natural habitat rather that in a zoo and have some good photos as well!
What did you think of your tour leader?
She was great. All the restaurants she recommended or took s to were very nice and her english was very good (although I do speak spanish).
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Take lots of spare clothing for the Amazon as it's very humid and you'll sweet lots. Expect to tip. This is the only complaint I have about the tour. I would rather the tipping be managed by the tour leader and it be included in the total cost of the tour so that there are no hidden extras.
Reviewed by Jonathan Grief who travelled in October 2011 on the Peru Encompassed trip
Review 5
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The arrival at the Macchu Picchu Sun Gate to see the sunrise.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Make sure you are fit for the altitude whether or not you are going to do one of the trails.
Reviewed by Barbara Prynn who travelled in July 2011 on the Peru Encompassed trip
Review 6
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Salt Flats in Bolivia and Macchu Picchu
What did you think of your tour leader?
Various different levels of competency and quality. The Bolivian tour leader Freddy was by far the best an outstanding guide and advocate for his country
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Check first if the tour is shared with real gap itineries if you don't want a lot of teenagers on your trip. Don't go on this if you don't like very very long bus journies!
Reviewed by Sacha Wright who travelled in May 2011 on the Quito to Buenos Aires trip
Review 7
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Salt Flats in Bolivia and Macchu Picchu
What did you think of your tour leader?
Various different levels of competency and quality. The Bolivian tour leader Freddy was by far the best an outstanding guide and advocate for his country
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Check first if the tour is shared with real gap itineries if you don't want a lot of teenagers on your trip. Don't go on this if you don't like very very long bus journies!
Reviewed by Sacha Wright who travelled in May 2011 on the Quito to Buenos Aires trip
Review 8
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I think it was 3 fold, Nazca lines, Lake Titicaca and of course Machu Picchu
What did you think of your tour leader?
He was great and certainly helped us to escape Puno! He was one of us.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Make sure you have the correct equipment, some on our tour didn't
Reviewed by Christine Raywood who travelled in May 2011 on the Inca Highway trip
Review 9
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Macchu Picchu
What did you think of your tour leader?
Rene was ok
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Go there The difference in scenery is breathtaking. The people are wonderfull.
Reviewed by Menna Bakker who travelled in April 2011 on the Essential Peru trip
Review 10
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Galapagas Islands seeing the wildlife
What did you think of your tour leader?
Tour leaders were efficient and provided a good service.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
No advice they have to experience it themselves.
Reviewed by Carita Caldicott who travelled in April 2011 on the Cusco & the Inca Trail with Galapagos Adventure trip
Review 11
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whole thing was memorable!! The group size was just right and we were lucky enough to have a great group of people.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Miguel was amazing!! Very knowledgable and heaps of fun.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Take a packet of wet ones!!!
Reviewed by Alexandra Taylor who travelled in April 2011 on the Inca Trek & Machu Picchu trip
Review 12
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whole thing was memorable!! The group size was just right and we were lucky enough to have a great group of people.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Miguel was amazing!! Very knowledgable and heaps of fun.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Take a packet of wet ones!!!
Reviewed by Alexandra Taylor who travelled in April 2011 on the Inca Trek & Machu Picchu trip
Review 13
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The Inca trail
What did you think of your tour leader?
Good - although I would have liked more contact at the start of the tour, particularly as I was travelling on my own
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
I hope so - I did get a sense from the trek leader on the inca trail that our presence made a difference.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Absolutely - the combination of using local transport and the island stay all added to this
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Pack lightly!
Reviewed by Penny Crook who travelled in November 2010 on the Inca Highlands trip
Review 14
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The Inca trail
What did you think of your tour leader?
Good - although I would have liked more contact at the start of the tour, particularly as I was travelling on my own
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
I hope so - I did get a sense from the trek leader on the inca trail that our presence made a difference.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Absolutely - the combination of using local transport and the island stay all added to this
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Pack lightly!
Reviewed by Penny Crook who travelled in November 2010 on the Inca Highlands trip
Review 15
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Peru trip (Geckos): too many fantastic memories. To name but a few: Inca Trek to Macchu Picchu, Jungle (and it's amazing accomodation; Lake Titicaca and Amantani Island, followed Cusco, Arequipa and Nazca Kines)
What did you think of your tour leader?
Absolutely Excellent. Our main guide Fiorella Morales was excellent throughout and really made the trip. Other notably good guides were: the trek guides (Celso, Franklyn, Richard); jungle guides and the colco canyon guides. They all seemed to study to a high level and for a long time before becoming a guide and it appear to be worth it (for us tourists in particular)
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
The guides always have in mind local traditions and how we should fit in/experience them
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Yes, due to local guides and esp in Jungle lodge run by local people
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Take the trip which passes through the costal region then to Arequipa, Colco, Titicaca etc before doing the trek (not the other way around). It is perfectly designed to avoid altitude sickness and non of our group were seriosuly ill in any way. Take good care to listen to guides and ensure you do all you can to acclimatise to the altidude otherwise your trip may be ruined. Pack light! Washing is possible and not expensive after Lima. Backpacks need to be lifted on top of minibuses! Fodd is inexpensive and very good - experience as much variety as you can.
Reviewed by Helen Sumpton who travelled in August 2010 on the Peru Encompassed trip
Review 16
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Walking up the last set of stairs and going through the Sungate was a moment I'll never forget. Seeing Machu Picchu on the mountain below was breathtaking.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Fabulous tour leaders, the worked their butts off to make sure everyone was happy, enjoying themselves and getting to do things they liked.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Sometimes. The local people did get some work, e.g. the porters, and they really appreciated the tips from the everyone.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
I think Peru got under my skin.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Fab journey, if possible, spend more time in Cusco... it's an amazing city.
Reviewed by Georgetta Powis who travelled in August 2010 on the Cusco & the Inca Trail trip
Review 17
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The Inca trail is a definite highlight - the company that ran it looked after us extremely well, food was always delicious, the staff were always on hand to help, answer questions or generally listen to our bad jokes, they made everyone feel special! The trail itself is hard, but the views are worth it.
What did you think of your tour leader?
The main tour leader was exceptional, extremely organised and very amusing! There are many others you will encounter throughout the trip, personally i thought there were too many others especially when it comes to tipping.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
I don't think you can class Peru as a poor country where the local people need to benefit from your trip in the first place. However the hotel staff probably benefited quite well - in one hotel all my bank cards were stolen from the safe, in another hotel my husband's new fleece jumper was stolen from his bag, so yes, they did well out of us.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
You will definitely get to know Peru well during this trip
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Lock your bags at all times even when there's nothing in it. (that nice new micro fleece is tempting to hotel staff). Don't expect any hot water for showers. Walking sticks for the Inca trail should be mandatory as they are essential to enjoying the trek - and don't do the trek if you suffer from Vertigo. Learn some Spanish before you go as no-one speaks English. And try the Alpaca, Llama and Guinea Pig - it's delicious!!
Reviewed by Patrizia Diliberto who travelled in August 2010 on the Peru Rambler trip
Review 18
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The Inca trail is a definite highlight - the company that ran it looked after us extremely well, food was always delicious, the staff were always on hand to help, answer questions or generally listen to our bad jokes, they made everyone feel special! The trail itself is hard, but the views are worth it.
What did you think of your tour leader?
The main tour leader was exceptional, extremely organised and very amusing! There are many others you will encounter throughout the trip, personally i thought there were too many others especially when it comes to tipping.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
I don't think you can class Peru as a poor country where the local people need to benefit from your trip in the first place. However the hotel staff probably benefited quite well - in one hotel all my bank cards were stolen from the safe, in another hotel my husband's new fleece jumper was stolen from his bag, so yes, they did well out of us.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
You will definitely get to know Peru well during this trip
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Lock your bags at all times even when there's nothing in it. (that nice new micro fleece is tempting to hotel staff). Don't expect any hot water for showers. Walking sticks for the Inca trail should be mandatory as they are essential to enjoying the trek - and don't do the trek if you suffer from Vertigo. Learn some Spanish before you go as no-one speaks English. And try the Alpaca, Llama and Guinea Pig - it's delicious!!
Reviewed by Patrizia Diliberto who travelled in August 2010 on the Peru Rambler trip
Review 19
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Obvoiusly,the moment that Machu Picchu comes into view from the Sun gate is just one of those heart-stopping moments....worth all the pain/sweat and tears.Also early morning on Amantani island,as the islanders rose with the dawn,in tune with the natural rhythms of the day.....at 4am....I was up with diarrhoea and noticed plumes of smoke from houses and shadowy figures in the fields.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Jonathan George was our Imtrav Rep....his knowledge and enthusiasm were just outstanding....he went beyond his job description,even on free days givng us his time and local knowledge.We tried foods we wouldnt otherwise have tried and wanted us to get to know and love Peru.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
I hope so.Tried to buy at local stalls etc,went to markets.Certainly,buying provisiona for homestay families was a direct benefit.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Maybe...obvious poverty and squalor hard to miss.We were involved in the politics,getting caught in Puno-Cusco road closures,and bridge burning...saw that all not well.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Take lots of loperamide...we all ahd recurrent diarrhoea. Learn some Spanish first.
Reviewed by Freda Mooney who travelled in October 2008 on the Hola Peru Including Inca Trail trek trip
Review 20
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There are so many - seeing Condors at Colca Canyon, trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Sand boarding at Huacachina Oasis, Flying over the Nazca lines, celebrating New Year in Cuzco - the whole trip was a constant stream of memorable experiences. If I had to pick just one, it would have to be arriving at the Sun Gate after trekking the Inca Trail - amazing :-)
What did you think of your tour leader?
Cheryl was fantastic - really enthusiastic about Peru, and willing to always go the extra mile to make sure we were having a great time. She encouraged us to try the local food, told us about the must see sights, and was always cheerful, even after only 4 hours sleep!
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
I hope so - I tried to follow Cheryl's advice and make sure that when shopping I bought things from as many different stalls as possible, and using local transport and local guides meant that our money was going directly into the local economy. I also shopped a lot buying things from the people that made them wherever possible - what more excuse do you need?!
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Yes, although I wish that I had learnt more Spanish beforehand as it would have helped relate more easily to the locals. The first week of the trip, when we were further away from the tourist trail of Cusco and Machu Picchu was a better experience in that regard.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Learn Spanish before you go if at all possible. Take an open mind, be willing to try everything, and see things like overnight bus trips as an experience rather than an inconvenience. Definitely try Chicha Morada, it's lovely!
Reviewed by Danika Barber who travelled in December 2008 on the Hola Peru Including Inca Trail trek trip
Review 21
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Arriving at the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu was very moving. I was amazed at how much activity we squeezed into the 2 weeks. I was delighted with the Inca trail - having had some prior concerns about the speed of the trek - I need not have worried as the Guide allowed everyone to go at their own pace and ensured all were comfortable.
What did you think of your tour leader?
The main tour leader was excellent; very knowledgeable, very sensitive to everyone's needs and wishes. Good company too. All the Guides conveyed their knowledge about and passion for their area. Their enthusiam enhanced our appreciation of the country.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes. And the local people we met were very cheerful and seemed pleased to see us. It wasn't just a chore for them.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Yes. It was great meeting the local people and having local guides who knew the area intimately.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Take all the opportunities available on the tour. Follow the advice of the tour guide.
Reviewed by Christine Wray who travelled in September 2008 on the South America Adventures - Imaginative Traveller trip
Review 22
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Strolling along the Inca Trail atop the misty mountains, but I loved the jungle walks too.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Gino made the trip! He was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and kind. He's unrivalled.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Not really, but certainly more so than if we'd stayed in US owned hotels.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Hardly. Most of Peru is pretty touristy, even the homestay at Lake Titicaca.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Okay, it's touristy, but it must be one of the best countries to be touristy in. You can't help but enjoy yourself. If you want to get a feel for the real Peru, learn spanish and keep away from the main sites.
Reviewed by Paul Jones who travelled in September 2007 on the Hola Peru Including Inca Trail trip
Review 23
What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Strolling along the Inca Trail atop the misty mountains, but I loved the jungle walks too.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Gino made the trip! He was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and kind. He's unrivalled.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Not really, but certainly more so than if we'd stayed in US owned hotels.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Hardly. Most of Peru is pretty touristy, even the homestay at Lake Titicaca.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Okay, it's touristy, but it must be one of the best countries to be touristy in. You can't help but enjoy yourself. If you want to get a feel for the real Peru, learn spanish and keep away from the main sites.
Reviewed by Paul Jones who travelled in September 2007 on the Lares Pass Trek trip
Peru Forum Feedback
Peru - which tour and when?
OK, so I know that this question has probably been posted a hundred times before, but I can't find it anywhere on this forum, so I apologise in advance if I am boring! I am currently planning our 2010 holiday (for my husband and me). We haven't had a trip away for a long time as we have been getting a business off the ground, and I hit the big four-zero next year so it has to be special! We are keen to do the full Inca Trail trek, but otherwise have no idea what we would like to do in Peru, so my questions are: Which is the best trip to really get under the skin of Peru, and when is the best time to go? We are not particularly interested in the Galapagos for this trip as a scuba diving holiday there is on the "wish list". We have up to three weeks and can travel at any time of year. We are also more than willing to go "grass roots". Thanks in advance! Helen
yellow fever?
I was interested in your Machu Pichu trips in peru. I read that you need to have a yellow fever for all amazon trips. Since all the trips have the overnight stay in the jungle please advise if it is absolutly necessary or up to our physician. I would rather not have the yellow fever vacination for a 1 or 2 night stay.
Clothing for Peru - leaving next week!
Hi, I am going on the Hola Peru tour leaving on the 20th December, so not long now! I am having a few problems trying to decide what clothes to bring. I think I have got everything for the Inca trail sorted, but I'm not sure how hot it will be for the first week (Lima to Aqueripa) or once we get to the Amazon. Will t-shirts/vest tops and trousers be fine, or will that be too hot? Also, as the tour is over Christmas and New Year, will we be likely to need nicer clothes to wear for going out on those days, or as it's an adventurer style tour will everyone be in t-shirts/fleeces and combats everyday regardless of location or occasion? (sorry for the questions, it's been 10 years since I did this sort of travel and I don't want to bring too much, but equally want to bring the right things!) Thanks!
Christmas/New Year abroad
I am travelling alone over Christmas, New Year and my Birthday this year, and was just wondering whether anyone else has travelled at Christmas with an ImTrav tour before? According to our itinerary we have free days, but I was wondering whether anything is likely to be organised in terms of a meal with the group etc, or whether we are just left to suit ourselves? Has anyone else experienced Christmas on this sort of tour (Adventurer Style)?
Clothing for the Inca Trail in January
I am going on the Hola Peru tour departing 21st December. We will be trekking the Inca Trail in early January, but I am very confused about what sort of clothing I need to take. I was going to buy some zip off walking trousers, but I'm not sure whether I need lightweight ones because I'll be hot walking, or whether it will be cold due to the altitude - can you give me some idea of the sort of temperature in comparison to the UK. I know it will be cold at night so I need a good sleeping bag etc, but does it get much warmer during the day, or will it be cold the whole time? Want to make sure I buy the right sort of stuff! Thanks
Our tailor made adventure holidays will truly inspire and delight the senses and will live in your memory for ever.
more info