Dear Cynthia,
I would like to thank you, on behalf of the group of 9, for arranging an unforgettable experience in your country. We all enjoyed the 10 days but the highlight was the Inca Trail. We all set off with a few misgivings as to whether or not we would be able to complete the trail ahead of us. The first day was fairly easy and we all became more confident. The second day was very tough and 2 of our group had problems with altitude sickness. In fact, making it to 4200 meters was a great feat. That night we all celebrated that we had made it to the top and down to the camp site! The third days trekking was rewarded with a fantastic sun set, which we saw from a very privileged position. The last day we were all kept going with thought of a hot shower and clean sheets. Finally we made it to the Sanctuary Lodge.
We had the most fun, amazing trip of our lives. First time I’ve taken a vacation and not gained a pound , very physical every day. Many once in a lifetime experiences we will never forget – we got to see the volcano that had recently started erupting on one of The Galapagos islands at night against a pitch black sky shooting orange bursts. Snorkeling with playful sea lions and sedate sea turtles and more. Kayaking for the first time in a 2 man boat (thank goodness David had canoed in the past and understood the basics). Getting up at 6:00 or 6:30 every AM for 2 weeks and loving it – so out of character for me! (So glad I wasn’t aware of this beforehand, I might not have gone, learned a lot about myself on this trip in many ways.) Hiking Machu Picchu at 8,000 feet and other Inca ruins around Cuzco in The Sacred Valley at 12,000 feet was unbelievably beautiful – my quads are stronger than they’ve ever been. Had perfect weather. Aracari, and especially their guide in Peru, was fabulous. So glad you recommended the larger boat, just the right amount of people and used the Jacuzzi almost daily. When we got on the boat and David realized it was going to be 8 days he rolled his eyes (you know we both have a low threshold for boredom), but when the day came to leave we almost didn’t want it to end.
We had a fabulous trip and your organization couldn’t have been better. The places were wonderful, excellent hotels, nice restaurants, great activities (cycling, riding, river rafting), outstanding guides (esp Fernando in Cuzco/Machu Pichu). Reception and logistics at airport was great and drivers/cars were very good. Really a great trip which we all enjoyed a lot. Also thank you for flexibility in accommodating changes (my wife’s schedule/participation in activities and the fall back in case I wasn’t well to walk the Inka trail). It all worked perfectly. I guess the highlight was the walk to Machu Picchu and the next day up at Machu Pichu including Waina Picchu climb. The boys loved the rafting (excellent operator) and also the biking. Well done and thanks for organisation.Klaus
June 2008
Cynthia:
Thank you for getting back to me. The guides did always talk to us about what we would be doing each day. I should have asked when I noticed that something on the itinerary wasn’t included or was changed.
As I look at all the pictures from our trip I am still amazed by your country. It was a trip of a lifetime!
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