Customer Reviews
Expert Reviews
- John Leivers, who worked with the adventure outfitter Amazonas Explorer convinced me to sign up for a five-day itinerary instead of the more popular four-day trip. I understood John's reasoning the next day when, after a relaxed afternoon of hiking along the Urubamba River, we arrived at the ruins of Patallacta. After a quick bath in the ice-cold stream, our Peruvian guide Efrain Valles led me into the ruins for a tour by flashlight. ....In the late afternoon, we approached a set of stone steps that vanished into the tropical greenery above. "You go first, Mark," Efrain said, suppressing a smile. "Let me know what you see up there. "At the top of the stairs the foliage parted and I turned left into a bright patch of sunlight. There I was greeted with a final surprise from the Inca geniuses who'd built this trail centuries before. Unfolding before me was a postcard come to life — the dazzling white stone city of Machu Picchu.
Mark Adams
Author of “Turn Right at Machu Picchu” - Just to say that everything went perfectly on our weekend trip to Llactapata, so thanks so much for arranging that - and the vodka was really appreciated!! Peter, the director, also commented on how smoothly it all went and how good the staff and food were. We were lucky with the weather, the solstice did exactly what it was supposed to do, and aren´t the views from there amazing? Will speak to you soon, but just wanted to write quickly to say thanks.
Adrian Gallop
-National Geographic - Amazonas Explorer are an ideal travel company - committed, knowledgeable and adventurous - with whom I have often travelled and always been impressed.
Hugh Thomson
Author of “The White Rock” - If you want the best of Peru, these are the guys to go with. They love what they do and, if you want adventure, so will you. In my view, the best adventure company in Peru.
Martha Holmes
Wildlife producer-BBC - Paul Cripps and his team at Amazonas Explorer worked with us to set up our filming in different locations across Peru for the TV series ‘Robson Green’s Extreme Fishing Challenge’. They were extremely thorough, efficient and professional and their knowledge of the country and ability to make things happen at short notice proved invaluable for ensuring a successful shoot.
Alistair Smith
TV Director “Robson Green Extreme Fishing”-Channel 5 - This is to extend my strongest recommendation, to those seeking a guide in Peru, for having Efrain Valles as a tour guide. Our group of 13 all had an outstanding experience in Arequipa, Puno, Cuzco and Machu Picchu. Each and every one of us was honored and grateful to have a guide who was thoughtful, cheerful, helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly. He is a true ambassador for the Andean culture and its relationship to nature, and communicated great enthusiasm for his work and for his nation.
David Bingham
-Grandson of Hiram Bingham, discover of Machu Picchu - I’ve gone on two Amazonas Explorers trips and, as far as I’m concerned, they are the best trip organizers in Peru. One of the trips was the standard Inca trail hike, pulled off flawlessly; the other was taking inflatable kayaks on muleback to the headwaters of the Tuichi River in Madidi National Park in Bolivia, then kayaking for a week down to the river’s mouth. I’ve known the owner, Paul Cripps, for more than two decades—if he hasn’t personally hiked it, biked it, floated it or climbed it—then it probably simply can’t be done!
Kim MacQuarrie
-author of The Last Days of the Incas
Client Reviews
- I just wanted to drop you a quick note and tell you what a wonderful guide Ruben has been already. His stories, attention to detail and love for the land and his people is powerful. Just as important is his pride in your organization; how you treat the chefs, drives and the “my wykey” porters (no idea how to spell the word :-). It is very encouraging in a world where kindness and care are the exceptions, not the rule and it’s only day one!! ]Warm Regards, Cathi
C Nelson, August 2019
- It was a busy trip but there was a lot to see and experience so one expects to try and fit in as much as possible. It was very well organised and well run, the staff were pleasant and very helpful. The camping and trekking was above expectation. Can´t believe we had so many helpful staff and the food was superb especially for the distance covered and terrain. Exceeded all my expectations. Our guide was fantastic- well informed and knowledgeable about all aspects of the towns and country. Humourous and interacted with the group very well. Efrain was exceptional and we really got to enjoy the trip so much with his knowledge and experiences. The best! Some trekking days were easier than expected and others quite tough but this was expected. It was a privilege to have been on such an incredible journey. Everything was wonderful, I enjoyed the whole trip and experience.
Lee, April 2018
-5 day Inca Trail Hi
Just a thank you for the great trip we had on the trail, with Jimmy and in the rainforest with Pepe, plus a special thanks for sorting the flight issues we had, getting out of Puerto Maldonado as we had two flights cancelled.
Bob, Inca Trail and Amazon
- Carol,We truly had a wonderful trek on the Inca Trail, thanks to your company. Chino and the other staff were terrific.Please do not hesitate to refer potential clients to us for recommendations. Thanks so much for a trip of a lifetime.
Jeff and Danyelle, July 2019
- Everything was well organised and friendly, the staff very friendly, competent and helpful. I could not have asked for a better guide. Friendly, fun, well educated, well spoken, fun to be around. The highlights were good friends- appreciating nature and beautiful country and the prepared tents with sleeping bags and inners. All the organisation was 100%
Patty April 2018
- All the excursions that Amazonas organised were very good. We enjoyed the Kayaking despite the weather not being great that day. It was incredibly well organised and the guide who did that with us was fantastic. they cooked an excellent lunch cooked by the lake which was great. The salt mine was well worth a visit and was fascinating. All the hikes were a great success particularly the one ending up in Ollantaytambo at an amazing organic farm/distillery/restaurant called El Albergue where we had a traditionally cooked meal, a Pachamanca. It was a spectacular day, possibly our best. The hike to the Sun Gate was a great success though we found it quite tough despite the fact that we are reasonably fit and had done several hikes at altitude in the preceding days. It was a great way to see the ruins but we were absolutely shattered at the end. Our guide was excellent both at explaining the local flora and fauna but also pacing us and coaching us when we were getting tired. It took us 5 hours. There were very few people on it until we got very close to Machu Picchu and we were really glad we had done it. It was a good recommendation.
Ashley, private tour October 2018
- The team that looked after us was very special. Signor Domingo who led the muleteers was fantastic. Edwar is a genuine man and a great guide.
Colin, Choquequirao, Sept 2019
- Cristo was excellent. Very knowledgeable and easy pace with lots of detail- a first class guide. The kids enjoyed the chocolate museum and Machu Picchu. The climb of Waynapicchu is a highlight and the salt ponds were great. Ollantaytambo was also lovely. The bike ride was ok but it didn´t really lead anywhere to see anything, so could be improved or replaced.
A:B, March 2018
-Family trip - I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU for the trip of a life time, we've had an amazing time in Peru, all the organisation has been seamless, everybody so welcoming & helpful. Congratulation's too on your business, very impressive. Hopefully get to see you when you're back in Wales. All the best, and until next time ...
Andrew and Kathy, private trip October 2019
- Jimmie was our guide. I felt he was very knowledgeable and especially appreciated his expertise in negotiating his expertise in negotiating the river and rapids. I felt very safe. He was very patient and encouraging on the Inca Trail. He left me with an appreciation for the Peruvian culture and I learned much about the history. Great guide. Also very personable.
Debra, April 2018
- My daughters, my grandchildren, and I took a private tour with Amazonas Explorer from July 19 to the 26th, 2019. The tour exceeded my expectations. The guide, the drivers, the cooks were polite, knowledgeable, and friendly. They made us feel safe, comfortable and pampered.Every day was filled with excitement, wonder, and overall fun. José, our unforgettable guide, made sure of that. We toured Cuzco, Sacsayhuaman, Tambo Machay, the Inca Temple of the Moon, the concentric circle terraces in Moray, the salt pans of Maras breathtaking Machu Pichu, and Lake Titicaca. Our guide and driver in Puno were also top-notch. We were very happy with our hotels, food, and transportation. I can't say enough about the service provided by Amazonas Explorer.If you would like to tour Peru, we highly recommend Amazonas Explorer.Thank you for making my dream vacation a reality.Martha, Mary, Margot, Alexia, and Niko
Martha, Family trip, July 2019
- Excellent activities, bikes really good qualilty, picnic lunch superb, all our guides, drive, chef, fantastic. Pedro´s food was wonderful, Jorge was a safe driver who made us feel very comfortable. Jose our guide was absolutely superb, would always highly recommend. So informative, fun, the righ level of culture vs activity. Logistics were excellent and everything ran very smoothly.
SC, March 2018
-Bike and one day Inca trail - Our guide Juan Carlos Salazar is a wonderful man. We connected well, he was very polite, personable, extremely helpful and attentive to our needs. Pedro the chef was fantastic and the other meals were all tasty and healthy. All equipment was in good shape and well functioning and the complimentary water bottle was a nice treat- a quality and unique bottle. We loved the quiet hikes with very few people around, the views were spectacular, the crew was great, the km104 Inca Trail approach to Macchu Picchu was very special and the Lares thermal baths were so relaxing. It was a wonderful life experience, I will remember it for always.
Eric V- Lares with km104- April 2019
- Guides were brilliant. Very knowledgeable. The Choquequirao trail was brilliant and the guide Jimmy was perfect- pushing us along and making sure we were safer. Brilliant!
Graham, May 2018
- Hi Carol and Paul,I debriefed with our client yesterday and he absolutely RAVED about how incredible the guides, porters, itinerary and general organisation of Amazonas was.Please pass on to your entire team how much we appreciate your hard work in making these itineraries run smoothly, in particular, Jimmy and the porters who accompanied the team.We are looking forward to continuing this strong partnership for many years to come 🙂
Charity Inca Trail Trek - October 2019
- Dimetrio our porter was excellent, very friendly and respectful: Julio the drive was friendly and safe. We only did the hike from km104 but it was perfect in every way. C His unbelievable knowledge and respect for the culture and history really made it a perfect trip. The 1-day hike was challenging in parts, as expected, but Chino always made sure we were safe and happy. Every part was perfect. Winay Wayna Sungate and Machu Picchu were all mind-blowing. Thank you Chino for making my wife 50th birthday the best ever and showing my sons a perfect example of a passionate and hard worker.
Mr Hall, April 2018
-One day Inca Trail - Our guide was a very knowledgeable, warm, charismatic individual whose company we enjoyed. The highlight was the Inca Trail, especially when we had it to ourselves. We had a superb time due to organisation and guides
Jo and Hugh, Inca Trail, April 2019
- I was astounded by the varied meny and what the cook produced. The personnel were all friendly, polite and very good at their jobs. Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly with a sense of humour, professional at all times. He instilled confidence. Choquequirao was a little harder than expected due to the altitude. Everyday was an experience/ an adventure. All our sense were stimulated.
Runa, May 2018
- I cannot put into words what this trip means to me: One of the best times of my life. One I will relish for ever. The food on the trail was fantastic and I cannot believe the quality and diversity of the cuisine. The guides were wonderful, professional, knowledgeable and caring. Thank you so, so, much for everything you did.
DR - Charity Inca Trail trek - November 2019
- Chino was so amazing. By the end of the trek we felt that we had made a great friend, he was so kind, intelligent and polite and was just great with our teenage children. We went 9km and told Chino we wanted to go really fast to challenge ourselves. We made the trek in about 3 hours instead of 5. We were very happy. The difficult initial ascent from km104 was a very vigorous trek which we loved. The ruins Winay Wayna were magical and the amazing flowers, ferns, moss and vines were the best. I loved it all except the scary bus ride down from Machu Picchu to the train station. Next time I will trek down.
Kristen, April 2018
- Carlos was awesome, very helpful, knowledgeable, informative, friendly, good company. He was thoughtful about our needs and when feeling some illness he had helpful suggestions and very professional. We felt well taken care of and highly recommend him as a guide. Pedro was an incredible cook and the meals on the trek were awesome. Food/ meals at restaurants were also great, snacks were just right and a good supply of water. We had a great size tent, sleeping bags of perfect warmth, Thermarest great, baño and shelter great and loved the water bottles we were given. Highlights included the trekking for sure, the way Carlos introduced us to Machu Picchu when we reached the sun gate and the shared enjoyment of flora and fauna along the way. Awesome experience of completing a trek I've wanted to do for a long time and spending it with my son and such a wonderful team that felt so unified
Harriet, Lares km104 April 2019
- Jose did a great job getting us safely through the tail and was very informative and knowledgeable. The scenery was spectacular.
Beth, April, 2018
Inca Trail-Inca Trail - The daily highlight was arriving at lunch to see the dining-tent set up with our cook's Leonardo's fantastic cooking. Carlos our guide worked tirelessly for us all - a credit and a really nice guy.
JP - Group cycle ride Machu Picchu to Lake Titicaca - September 2019
- Dear Carol and everyone, My husband and I wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our recent trip to Peru! We had a fantastic trip! You guys did such a great job of organizing everything for us, from the transfers/pick ups/drop offs at our various locations, to the amazing guides, the itinerary, the hikes, the picnic lunches, hotels, etc. We felt very well taken care of and at the same time got a wonderful taste of the beauty and culture of Peru. We were able to comment on our guide Ruben "Chino" for the Machu Picchu portion of our trip in the feedback questionnaire we returned to you. We also wanted to take this opportunity to tell you how much we enjoyed our time with Omar Quintana on the Arequipa/Colca portion of our trip. Omar was extremely knowledgeable and adept at providing us with insights into pre-Incan, Incan and Spanish cultural influences on modern-day Peru. He was also a fantastic natural guide, pointing out many birds and other wildlife, such as Vicuna. He took us on a really great hike while we were in Colca Valley. He was very professional, but at the same time friendly and sociable. He instilled a feeling of complete confidence in his leadership of our travels. We also were very happy with our driver for this part of the trip, Pablo. We thought all of the hotels were good. Our favorite of the trip was Colca Lodge. The hotel at Ollantaytambo (Pakaritampu) seemed really beautiful and the town would have been fun to explore, but we arrived there at almost dinner time the day before our Inca trail hike to Machu Picchu so did not really have time to explore/enjoy the hotel and town. I think we mentioned in our feedback form that we probably would have preferred skipping the Salinaras (although we know other people really enjoyed this) and having a little more time in Ollantaytambo. Our hotel in Algas Calientes (El Mapi) and the Quinta San Blas hotel in Cusco, were quite nice also. Our least favorite hotel was La Hosteria in Arequipa. While the location was great, our room the first night had a leak. They switched us to another room the second night which was better. But the quality of the hotel and the breakfast was not as good as our other hotels. Overall, we are very grateful for an excellent experience and trip and would highly recommend Amazonas Explorers to anyone planning a trip to Peru!! Thank you so much!! Gail and Rick
Gail and Rick, May 2018
-Private trip - The crew were excellent all around- Julio, Diego, Enrique and of course Omar. Thanks to Matt also for his listening to us, sensing what we wanted and linking us to a trip and guides that exceeded expectations.
Mark H, April 2019
- We would never have been able to organise this trip without a guide. Everything went smoothly and we had a great time. Everyone was very nice and worked very hard. Food was all very good but there was more than we needed. Everyone on the trek did a great job and we really appreciate their hard work. Jose was great. He was always on time and was very organised. He is also very knowledgeable and pleasant. He was very attentive to how everyone in the group was doing and we really enjoyed getting to know him. We knew the trekking was going to be difficult and it was. Jose did a good job letting us know what to expect and making sure everyone made it. The Inca trail was amazing and the best part was arriving to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. We have no complaints. We were especially impressed with how the trek was organised so we were able to avoid other tourists on visiting all the sites at non-peak times.
Kirsten, April 2018
-5 day Inca Trail - Before any more time passes, I want to tell you all how much we appreciated all of your help in making our trip to Peru truly memorable.From our airport pick-up and initial Cusco orientation by Chino to our final transfer with Daniel, every anxiety we had was met and alleviated by your responsiveness.Chino and Nati, we couldn't have had guides we enjoyed more; we felt in very capable hands, and you did a superb job "herding the 13 cats" that made up our group.It felt like the group really formed into a team, and I give you all credit for creating and supporting an environment where that can happen.We also appreciated the atmosphere of equality and respect that extended to all of our trekking support staff, and please once again extend our appreciation to all of them.We will definitely tell friends about Amazonas Explorer when planning their trip to Peru.
Reva Parker and Dana Huschle - Ultimate Inca trail trek to Machu Picchu - September 2019
- Truly everything was great-excursions, food, accommodations, hospitality, organization...etc. Our trip was well planned out, but still allowed for a lot of flexibility. It was just the right amount of physical challenge for my 14yo son and me. We’re both fairly active people, but also wanted some exposure to culture and variety. This trip struck a great balance of all we were looking for-adventure, culture, relaxation. Our guides were knowledgeable, patient and easy going. We felt very well cared for. I think the high point for both of us was when we climbed up the final steps on the Inca trail at the Sun Gate and took in the view of the amazing Machu Picchu. It was truly awe-inspiring. I also felt that our accommodations were well curated to have minimal environmental impact and our excursions allowed us to patronize locally owned establishments. Thanks for helping us plan our unforgettable adventure.
N and L, July 2018
I just wanted to take a moment to say I have just spoken with Mrs C about their Peru trip and one of the things she raved about most was all the Amazonas guides they had, she said they were all absolutely brilliant, really switched on and just got them. They absolutely loved doing the Km 104 trek (and the guide switched around the grumpy daughter in just 5 mins) and was so pleased they did things this way and they were happy just taking the train back that evening, she says they didn’t even spend that long in the ruins (she had been there 20 years before when it was obviously a lot less busy!)
She said you have a brilliant set up and she couldn’t have been more complimentary about you guys.
Thanks so much for taking such good care of them and hasta pronto!
Karen
- Porters were friendly and extremely hard working. We loved them. Pedro our cook was just amazing ( could not have been better). The camping was above and beyond! The entire crew delivered perfect service. Fisher was amazing from start to finish, knowledgeable, professional, fun and motivation. He helped us have the trip of a lifetime. Would want to have him as a guide again. Every day was better than the last. The meals, the campsites, all amazing!! The champagne on the final day was such a thoughtful touch. Would not change a thing!
Matt, April 2018
-5 day Inca Trail Paul and I arrived home from Peru last night and I wanted to let you know that we had the most fantastic time.
Our itinerary packed so much into the few days that we had available and Elias was a superb guide, he was easy company, friendly, knowledgeable and clearly loved the sites that we visited as much as we did. You are very lucky to have him as part of your team.
Special mention also for Ninos, our driver. We felt safe with him behind the wheel at all times, despite very tricky roads and he never kept us waiting. Elias and Ninos worked very well together.
Overall our trip far exceeded expectations and we loved Peru.
Many thanks for all of the organisation that made it possible.
Sir & Lady C. - Machu Picchu Express - October 2019
- I want to add a more personal note of thanks for a fantastic holiday. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, I thought it was well planned, superbly guided and supported by the camp crew. The four main guides were excellent and fully up to the standard I have become used to.Diego did a great job of keeping a very mixed group of cyclists safe and happy and although personally, I was hoping for a bit of single track, the mostly gravel roads allowed for some lovely free-flowing riding and enabled us to look at the scenery without too much risk of becoming part of it! I still can't believe I rode downhill for a whole day descending around 8,000 feet! If I were to change anything about the first week I would skip the second night in the Amazon Lodge in favour of some more riding.For the second week, Jose did an equally good job. His knowledge and his pride in the history and heritage of the area really brought the trek to life. I enjoyed his sense of humour and his 'half-minutes.' Thank you also for instantly converting everything from metres to feet just for me. I enjoyed the un-spoilt open trails mixed with the final historic route from KM104 up to the Sun Gate. What a great way to get the first view of Machu Picchu and to enter it as most visitors were going. I'm pleased I did this mixed week rather than just the 'classic' historic Inca Trail. I couldn't believe I was walking at over 14,000 feet and feeling so good! if I would suggest anything to change it would possibly be to try and plan to return to Cusco straight after lunch and have a final evening as a group.Incidentally, full marks to Jose for sorting out the problem with the train so quickly and efficiently.
David W- cycle tour, September 2018
- We were greeted warmly by Kiki and Remy impressed us with his driving right away. We loved all 3 hotels, they were so nice and each hotel's staff was so helpful, and all had excellent showers. The hotels all had great food but the real food highlights were the lunches and dinners during our excursions. Leo ( biking) and Romel, Gonzo and Santiago were excellent chefs!! The logistics were phenomenal! All of our rides/ guides were always there early and we never had to worry or even think about getting from activity to activity. All of the speciality equipment provided for rafting and biking was in great shape and clearly explained to us. It's hard to explain how perfect our days with Amazonas were. The guides were so thoughtful, caring and knowledgeable. They taught us so much about Peru and its history. From rafting to Apurimac to biking the Sacred Valley to hiking the Inca Trail to exploring Mapi, we're overwhelmed with all the beauty. We felt like Kiki, Wilheim, Leo; Ronny, Gonzo, Romel and especially our "primo" Santiago Carlin, are family now. We loved them all. Kiki is like familia, from our 1st tour of Cusco through our 2 days in Mapi, he excelled in every area. We had stomach issues for the hike and he was so patient and thoughtful. Santiago encouraging us to "cliff" jump and just every minute of skill and knowledge he brought to the trip exploring Mapi, a sunrise based on Kiki's rec, it was perfect. Honestly nothing was bad other than our own health issues. Amazonas excelled at every level.
The Libby Family
multi-activity private - Each day was well planned down to every detail -we only had to enjoy ourselves. Everyone without exception was friendly, helpful and skilled. The cook Enrique should open a restaurant! Last year we were so impressed with our guide in Africa- we thought no-one could be better- but Cristo was so good with our granddaughter who needed someone to keep up with her energy. I so appreciated the depth of personal sharing from our guides, especially Cristo and Santi.
Charles, April 2018
-Custom trip Thank you, thank you, for an amazing and wonderful experience.
Marianne & family(10) - SUP on lake Huaypo & Hike Maras Saltpans Day trip - August 2019
- I recently took this trip to Peru just wanted to pass on my thanks to all the tour guides who looked after us, in particular the tour leader Jose and Omar. They were friendly, informative and helpful from start to finish and never let our morale drop. I was particularly impressed with their English skills and knowledge not just of their own culture but ours too. While not everything went right on the trip (and it is reasonable to expect things to go wrong from time to time), Jose was able to adapt to the situation and come up with a solution quick enough that our trip was not unduly disrupted. Please pass on my thanks to Santiago and Miguel who took us rafting and cycling. Finally I really appreciate the quality of the food we received, so pass on my thanks to all the support staff involved in that. I did not have high expectations of the food on a camping trip and I am pleased to say that I was completely wrong. (The food we had on the cycling day was probably my best meal of the whole vacation).
Chris W, Cycle tour. September 2018
- Cristo was fantastic. Extremely knowledgeable, patient and helpful and good at managing a very large group. He is passionate about sharing his Peruvian culture and we learned a lot from him. Eduardo was also excellent. The highlight was the Inca Trail. Stand up paddleboarding was a blast and we loved the traditional Peruvian lunch.
Lauren and Eric, July 2019
- The activities were all great. Bicycling, rafting, horseback riding, hiking, girls school, jungle. In my opinion the trip guides and facts were amazing. But the trip tour guide Cristo was my personal favorite and our driver was also amazing.
W. S., April 2018
-Custom trip - I was on the recent Lares trail hike tour to Machu Picchu with Jose as a guide.This is about my 10th similar tour over 20 years in 6 countries, so I’ve seen a lot of guides.I thoroughly enjoyed Jose as a guide. He kept a good pace without rushing the slower people. He was knowledgeable and answered questions well. He seemed to work well with other guides, locals and us. He was one of the factors that would make me consider doing business with you again.
Mark E, Lares, September 2018
- Everything went smoothly – hotels of a very high standard as well as all the restaurants and services provided by Amazonas!! We all had a very good time!!
PW, April 2018
- We did the Inca Trail with Amazonas Explorer. Impeccably organised trip, ethical company, and great service from a lovely team of support staff. Feedback from others in the trek group who had also done rafting and biking was good too. It was a pleasure to use Amazonas and I would have no hesitation in doing so again.
Sam, September 2017
- I recently spent five days with Amazonas Explorer in Peru, doing a three-day trek in the Lares Valley, then hiking the Inca Trail from Km 104 up to Machu Picchu's Sun Gate and having a guided tour of the lost city the next day. Our guide Jimmy was excellent, very skillful, personable and knowledgable throughout—we spent five days with him and I can't say enough about how he made the experience pleasant and fun (even to duct-tape-repairing my hiking shoe when one of the soles started to come apart). The trek support team was fantastic, with four-star restaurant worthy food prepared by the camp chef Paulino; our driver Ronne was great, and the other staff were also responsible and friendly. The office staff, especially Matt, was very responsive to my needs as I interacted with him to set up the trip for myself and my wife. This trip turned out to be a wonderful life-long memory and I'm grateful to Amazonas Explorer for delivering on the promise of a first class experience.
Solomon, October 2017
- Tough going but worth it if you can handle it and are happy to do some preparation. Especially as not many people do it so it's much quieter. These guys picked us up at the airport, gave us a quick tour around the main parts of Cusco, advised on the best place to get money changed, pharmacy, Mercado and arranged to meet up at our hotel the night before the trek started to go through the schedule and what to expect. The trek was so well organized. Couldn't fault anything. They also took us to the airport on our final morning for the next part of our trip. We rented sleeping bags usd10/night per person and walking poles usd10/pair for the trek. Our guide arranged for us to go to the hot springs in Santa Teresa on the last camping night of our trip (80 soles return taxi from our campsite plus 10 soles entry per person). This was awesome for our tired legs! The tents were roomy. There is a separate dining tent and a tent for El Bano the toilet tardis which got pitched lunchtime and overnight. So impressed with the food. Timo is a talented chef who should open his own restaurant. There was always a horse bringing up the rear with water on board or in case of any issues or injuries. If you are doing Choquequirao, do it with Amazonas Explorer.
Katie, September 2017
- I am so happy with our choice to go ahead with Amazonas Explorer. The trip was well planned, well run and our guide Edvuard was very knowledgable. The food provided over the course of the trek was excellent. The quality of the camping equipment and facilities were again excellent. Can not recommend the company enough.
Laura, January 2018
- Dear all, Just wanted to say a massive thank you (from both Dad & I) for organising such a wonderful trip to Peru. We had the most amazing time and really can’t thank you enough for your time and generosity. Everything ran so smoothly and we both totally fell in love with Peru! Very much looking forward to sending lots of people your way! Thank you so much again and speak soon, Milly
Milly, October 2017
- It sounds like they had the most amazing time in Peru and that their guide Efrain was a huge part in that so I wanted to pass on my thanks to yourselves and Efrain for looking after them so well! She could not speak more highly of Efrain and said she would not have made Km104 without him!
agent, UK, July 2017
- The guide (Jaime) we had during our stay at the Hacienda, Cusco and in Manchu Picchu, was excellent. He was very courteous, friendly, helpful and informative. He really made our stay in each of those places very enjoyable and unforgettable. The other guides we had were also all good but we spent the most time with him so I particularly wanted to let you know how good he was.
Mrs Collins, July 2017, private trip
- We had a most wonderful holiday and I cannot praise the arrangements too highly. The attention to detail was fantastic and everything went like clockwork. The itinerary provided a varied mix of culture and trekking, absolutely to our tastes and just what we were hoping for. The hotel accommodation was all comfortable and as described, and at just the right level – we appreciated the comfort but would have been embarrassed by too much luxury on what was after all intended to be an active outdoors holiday. The trek gear – tents, sleeping bags etc – was all superb. Our guides could not have been better – friendly, courteous and patient, and mines of information. Jimmy gave us constant attention in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, on the Lares trek and up to Macchu Pichu. Mauricio was equally assiduous in taking us to Colca, sharing my keen interest in photography so that I was never embarrassed to ask for a photo stop. Even the guy who saw us from and to the airport in Lima (whose name I have forgotten) could not have done more. And everyone who assisted our short trek was also really excellent – the gourmet cooking on a single gas stove was out of this world for its quality and imagination, the best I’ve ever had on trek. Thanks again for a brilliant holiday!
Ken, July 2017
- Excellent itinerary. Just right. Very good organisation, all very smooth, impressed by your dedicated staff. Paolino´s cooking kept us happy and warm during the trekking, very impressive. We enjoyed the rafting trio ( Santiago, Neil and Victor)- great guys, hugely entertaining. Efrain was a truly outstanding guide. Absolutely passionate about the Incas, very knowledge and generally a wonderful person. The trek was harder than we though but very happy to have have been pushed. Every member of your team was fantastic, we can´think of how you could improve it. We had a fantastic time
A+A, Family trip, August 2017
- Hi Paul,We had a wonderful time mountain biking with Juan Carlos on Saturday. It was honestly the best mountain biking excursion I have ever been on. I would love doing that every day for the rest of my life! I would love doing that every day for the rest of my life!Turney
Turney, July 2017
- Dear Matt and Carol:I write to thank you and tell you what an amazing trip we had in Peru with Amazonas Explorer a couple of weeks ago. You and your staff could not have done a better job. As you may recall, we had two late in the game changes because two of the four of us realized they could not do the full trek. You addressed the situation with grace and flexibility and made it possible for all of us to have a great trip. Lenny and I, who did the five day Inca Trail, really appreciated Jose, our guide, and the porters, who did everything we could have hoped for. They fed us well, created a comfortable commode (the Rocket), set up our tents, and carried most of our gear. And always beat us to camp and had everything waiting for us when we arrived. Jose is very knowledgeable about the Inca sites and Inca culture, and is obviously proud of his heritage. We learned a lot from him, and he was encouraging and patient with the fact that I was slower than Lenny. I never once felt bad about being the slower one; Jose waited for me and encouraged me every step of the way. He has a great manner, a warmth of personality and sense of humor, and that made the trip very special. The porters, too, were kind and lovely, and we managed to communicate with smiles and laughter even when we lacked a common language. Carole and Connie, who hiked the first day with us, and then returned to Ollantaytambo for some Sacred Valley touring and met us later in the trip also had a fantastic time and had wonderful things to say about their guide, Nilo. I will enthusiastically recommend Amazonas Explorer to anyone who decides to visit Machu Picchu or the Sacred Valley. Thank you, again.
Terry, June 2017
- Hi Matt, we have had the best trip with the boys in our lifetime. Both Helene and I are over joyed and grateful for the professional friendly and charming guides you provided us. These young guys were smart, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, had outstanding social skills with my sons (their age) and us old folks. Thank you
Helene, July 2017
- Dear Paul, Carol and Maria, We are home again after a great two week trip through Peru! Everything was organized perfectly even with the changes needed due to the strike! We especially enjoyed having Efrain Valles as our guide as he connected with our kids in a very special way; he shows so much care and love for Peru and the Peruvian people! So thank you for organizing a beautiful trip for us that will provide us and our kids with great life long memories! We will be back. Friendly regards, Margriet & family
Margriet van de Steeg, July 2017
- Hi Matt,Just a quick note to say thanks for the trip and for waiting for me to get my insurance.The trek was incredible. The organisation was first class and the guides, chefs and horsemen all did a fantastic job. Loved every minute of it.
Arthur, Choquequirao trek, June 2017
- Hi Paul, I just wanted to pass along some feedback from the client. They had a really great time in Cusco. They absolutely loved the Machu Picchu trek and one of their favorite activities was interactive with the children at the service site.
Chris, Inca Trail, May
- Hi Mark,I just wanted to say a huge thank you for arranging the Choquequirao trek for me. I had an absolutely amazing time. Juan Carlos and Eduardo were superb guides and kept us safe and humoured throughout. The group were also great to trek with and I feel like I have made some new friends.Best wishes to all at Amazonas and thanks again.Kind regards,Brian
Brian, Choquequirao, June 2017
- Carol,Now that we've returned, I wanted to let you know again just how much we enjoyed it. I particularly want to let you know how impressed we were with the organization (including the timing of the first day start and the arrival at Machu Picchu which kept us away from the multitudes), the professionalism and excellent people skills of the guides and our wonderful crew who took such good care of us, fed us really well and clearly enjoy working for Amazonas Explorer.
Janet, Inca Trail, May 20178
- I can report that we were very impressed. Of course, the canyon and the river sell themselves: spectacular scenery and a lovely time to go in May when everything is so green. But the professionalism of the operation and the high quality of both equipment and personnel was fantastic. It all ran so smoothly and was very slick. Everything from the careful driving to the expert piloting of the raft: we felt totally safe and had complete confidence in the raft. Santiago is a gem of a guide, and the two Victors were also very conscientious. We were amazed by their skills: not only on the water but also creating such an enjoyable experience on the beaches: everything was set up for us quickly, and they are also very competent chefs. Extraordinary to have pisco sours created in a wind-up liquidiser, and a full English breakfast! The kit, from tents to tables and chairs, sleeping bags etc, was top notch. (The Number 2 loo tent perhaps not necessary: we’d have been quite happy to go natural and scoop it into a bag with a bit of lime and pop it into a little box...) I just hope Ed Sheeran enjoyed it as much as we did. Thanks again to everyone.
Claire, Apurimac rafting, May 2017
- Once again we have had a superb adventure with Amazonas. As you know, we work all over the world, and it is fair to say that your level of professionalism, support of your guides and porters and responsible tourism are second to none, you are our top rated ground operator.
Justine, Inca Trail, April 2017
- Hi Carol, Thank you so much for looking after our pax so well. They came back absolutely buzzing and said that Santiago and the guides were amazing and the way you looked after them was second to none.
Jo- Raft the Urubamba, May 2017
- Dear Carol and the Amazonas teamJust a short note to thank you all for the fantastic trip we all hadThe care and support we received was truly incredible and we would not hesitate to offer our recommendations anytimePls convey our thanks to Juan Carlos and the entire team...Their smiles and encouragement were contagious on their good willWe are coming back!!Thanks and with our bestJozef
Jozef Straus, Choquequirao April 2017
- Jimmy was Professional and very Informed, Local knowledge and tour guide info was Exceptional He is Passionate about his Country and People. He administered Oxygen To Carol and kept an Eye on her when suffering from Altitude Sickness , he also Phoned a Doctor in Cusco several times for Clarification on her progress . Just Brilliant
Mrs Thomas, Lares, April 2017
- Dear Matt,Back home in North Carolina sharing my trip and pictures with my husband and remembering what a great trip it was. Thank you so much for your perfect planning and of course your selection of "Chino", the worlds best guide. He was so helpful, kind and knowledgeable.I will keep pass you name on to anyone that needs a great travel agent.
Elene Hertweck
Private trip March 2017 - Oh my goodness Matt- it was fabulous. Perfect for New Year’s eve- very festive and special. Really , truly, this trip was one of our best travel experiences. Everything was perfectly planned and timed, Jimmy was great, and I didn’t have to do any leg work! (except walking!) I will most definitely recumbent you guys to anyone wanting to do this this trip- thanks again. Jen Portman
Jen Portman, December 2016
- The scope of the service it’s as complete as it can be. You joined us from the very beginning of the activity (previous day chat) until the check-in in the last hotel. It’s helpful but not oppressing. The activity itself is unforgettable. Well balanced, not exhausting, never boring, and with enough content. Of course the incredible landscape plays its role!. The guide (Jaime) it’s perfect for the activity. Well prepared, with a wide range of conversation and explanations about the whole treck. Helpful, funny and familiar. Congratulations for that. So, in general, we would rate your service as excellent. Thank you, and wish you great success!
Seth, KM104 Inca Trail, Dec 2016
- Dear Amazonas Explorer, How do we begin to thank you for the truly amazing experience you planned for us? With three weeks in Peru and only the barest outline of where we wanted to go and what we like to do, you filled in the blanks and gave us the trip of a lifetime! Each day was a new adventure full of wonderful sights, people and experiences. The places we stayed were wonderful and the food in Peru was fabulous, but it was your people who put the trip over the top. The execution of the plan was flawless – everyone was prompt, knowledgeable, friendly and fun to be with. They took great care of us and eliminated all the usual stress of travel. You planned for us the perfect balance of “guided” time and independence; the hiking and biking days were perfectly suited to our age, ability and the altitude. We’re telling everyone we know to visit Peru and plan their trip with Amazonas! Robin and OJ Burns
Robin and OJ , Nov 2016
- The trek was awesome; harder than we expected (for me the uphills, for Dan the fear of heights did get to him sometimes), BUT, we persevered and did just fine. Our companions were Brits that were about 30 years old; but the group did well together. I am still amazed at the porters running up and down in their sandals with huge packs on their back. And the rafting...Jimmy and Henry, in a kayak, were obviously VERY skilled; it was the most exciting whitewater I have ever done. We ended up with the bike trip NOT to the salt mines; I'm not sure why, but the ride we had along the Urabamba was plenty interesting and wore us out anyway. Maybe he looked at our age and decided the salt mine road was too much? He didn't know yet how rugged we wereWell we are back from Peru. We had a fantastic trip! I am so impressed with Amazonas Explorers.....they were 100% reliable, friendly, well equipped and well organized. Our guide Jimmy was so great....we did have him (and a cook, driver and other helper) to ourselves for the biking, rafting, town tour and horseback tour.....though we didn't do horses because Dan was unwell so Jimmy (his driver,actually, with Jimmy) drove us to all the local sites and we walked through them, besides helping Dan with his digestive issues. He was so knowledgeable and friendly, spoke English well (and also Spanish and Quecha (?)...we couldn't absorb a quarter of all he told us about, it was so much. Perfect guide in every way.
Alice, Multisport September 2016
The rafting trip went very well. As you may know, neither Yvonne nor I had done white water rafting before so it was a new experience. Amazonas Explorer put one of their experienced helmsmen/guides (Juan Carlos) on the job. He was supported by the rescue canoeist, a driver and a cook. We had an interesting trip out to the Urubamba river, taking in several villages, each specializing in a different product. The rafting itself was very well organized, the safety drill thorough, the wet suit fitting and the rafting fun. The river is rather low at the moment but there was one spot where we got out and walked. Otherwise, the degree of difficulty was, we were told, Level 3. Juan Carlos zipped it up a bit further by dunking us at the front to get Yvonne giggling hysterically. All this is recorded on our GoPro which we positioned at the front/bow and then on Juan Carlos’ helmet. We had a break half way through, where to our surprise a snack was produced. At the end, we were treated to a lovely meal, so much so that cars were stopping by the roadside to ask if we were a pop-up restaurant. The scenery was stunning. We got back in the late afternoon. It was tiring while we were paddling but we soon recovered.Graham, one day rafting, September 2016
I recently returned from trekking the Lares Valley. Willow is an exceptional guide and a thoroughly nice individual. His knowledge of both the Peruvian culture and history is infectious. He went out of his way to take time with all members of the group constantly checking how people were feeling and adjusting the days itinerary to suit.Nick, Lares trek, September 2016
We both successfully managed the Inca trek, culminating with a return visit to Machu Picchu on the Day 5. The whole experience certainly lived up to our expectations. We had both done some training beforehand and we were glad we did because the trek is in parts quite strenuous, especially Day 3. Everything was very well-organised. We were in the hands of Amazonas Explorer. Our guide (Edward) was very experienced. He knew the area very well and had led groups on more advanced treks in his time. He knew about the Incas, the trail, the surrounding mountains and forests, flora & fauna, history, economy and even a bit of politics. The crew was also amazing, being courteous and friendly, efficient & helpful, and made a major contribution to our overall enjoyment. We shall never forget the rush of the porters’ train as they passed us by on the trail as they pushed on to the next rendez-vous. The camps were good and well-positioned. The days were well-designed and thought-out. As you know, it is possible to complete the trek in a shorter duration but 5 days was good for us, particularly at the end. Edward gave us a good tour of MP. It was incredibly hot that day and the place was thronging with visitors. We enjoyed our visit and the level of information was right for us.Graham, Inca Trail, September 2016
We did the Ultimate Inca Trail Adventure. Amazonas Explorer is a first class adventure company. Their execution of the trip was flawless. Communication, guides, porters, transports, food, hotels, luggage, permits, tickets, knowledge, history, excellent on all counts. I would recommend this company without any hesitation or qualification. If I go back and I just might, this is the Company I will choose again.S.H: May 2016
Amazonas Explorer provided bikes, paddle boards, kayaks, porters, guides, the works for our trip to Peru. Without fail, everyone was reliable and knowledgeable. The equipment they had for us was in excellent condition, especially important when using bikes. On a short camping trip, we arrived at the site to discover all of our tents erected with cots. We even had slippers and bouquets. The meals they prepared were exceptional. Mark, in charge of marketing, followed us by email every step of the way, making sure we made all our connections and had everything we needed. Cannot offer enough praise for this outfitter.Robin, May 2016
We did the 1 day rafting trip down the Urubamba River thru Amazonas Explorer. It was an experience that I would highly recommend. Our guide for the day was Santiago. From the moment he picked us up from our hotel we knew this was going to be a great experience. He is very passionate about rafting and wanted to make sure the experience was enjoyable for myself, my husband, and our 2 daughters ages (12 and 14 years old). We had a 2.5 hours van ride to the starting point of the river, however Santiago educated us on Peruvian culture. Once we got to our starting destination we were given wet suits, thermal shirts, water shoes, life jackets, and helmets. There was a safety lesson and then we began rafting. At no point during the trip did we feel unsafe. They take every saftey precaution available and we had another guide (Neil) follow us in a safety kayak. Neil took pictures throughout the trip down the river. Half way thru the rafting we stopped on the bank of the river for a snack. My kids were able to sit in the front of the raft during the second half of the trip. We experienced up to 3+ rapids. Toward the end of the rafting trip Santiago gave us the option to jump out of the raft and swim in the river. The water was quite cold (50 defrees F), but it was a great experience. When we arrived on shore there was a tent to change and a tent with a portable toilet. Three other members of their group made a wonderful lunch and set up a tent for us to eat in. The food was amazing. This is a well run business that believes in quality of service. I would highly recommend it!Amita, July 2016
My friend and I recently went on a great canoeing adventure with Amazonas Explorer and we loved every second. Professional, organised and super friendly- the guides were amazing and the trip exceeded our expectations! Thank you Paul and our awesome guide Neo! We will be back for sure!!!Ally S, July 2016
Having read the book Turn Right at Machu Picchu, I looked up Amazonas Explorer out of curiosity. Four months later, my 11 year old daughter and I experienced the 8 day Family Adventure Peru which included all transfers and daily excursions in the Sacred Valley and Cusco area. This was a very active trip that included hiking, cycling, kayaking and SUP. The tour conductors were Jose Antonio and Juan Carlos Juros. Both were very knowledgeable and personable but most importantly made us feel safe as every detail was handled and every question answered. Jose had a great sense of humour and was very encouraging during the one day Inca trail trek to Machu Picchu. Both guides were so kind to my daughter treating her as they would their own and we both learned a great deal about the Peruvian lifestyle, respect for nature and pacha mama (Mother Earth). This trip exceeded our expectations in every way. There were many magical moments such as dipping into the 29 foot waterfall along the Inca trail, meeting many local children, interacting with alpacas, llamas and guinea pigs, having Lake Piuray to ourselves and enjoying pachamanca--a traditional Peruvian meal cooked under rocks in the ground. We will never forget this experience and are grateful for Amazonas Explorer for everything.Mennick, August 2016
Dearest Jaime, You have been the best guide we could have hoped for. We loved seeing your beautiful country through your eyes. You are a very special person and we hope you will always follow your dreams.Roshni July 2016
We had a wonderful time – the whole trip exceeded our expectations – big thank you!!!! The mountain biking was great – I decided not to be challenged after lunch and took the easy route (bus) to the salt pans but the rest of the group made it (and in one piece!!!!)Hargreaves August 2016
My wife Silvana, my son Roberto, and another couple, Tom and Mary Kyme walked the Inka Trail in July 2016. I just wanted to express our gratitude for such a wonderful experience. In particular, I want to thank Wifredo , our guide. He was so professional in everything that he did. He put our minds at ease in the pre-trek briefing. He ensured that everything we ate and drank was prepared in a very hygienic manner. He provided expert narrative about the many Inka sites we encountered on the way to the Sacred Valley. All of his Porters also provided an excellent service and ensured that we had a fantastic experience. My wife and I had a problem when entering the Park because our Passport Numbers had been changed. Wilfredo solved this problem for us and ensured that we were able to continue with the Trek. I cannot thank him enough. Gino Lenzo, July 2016
Thanks so much for checking - I thought it was probably a lost cause!We had a fantastic time thank you. Everything went pretty smoothly. We loved Casitas Del Colca - definitely our favourite hotel together with Inkaterra Amazonica. The activities were great and all worked well for everyone. We were so glad we did the one day Inca trail - arriving at Machu Picchu wouldn't have been the same amazing experience without that. We all thought Jose Rivas was a fantastic guide and were very fond of him. We loved seeing the condors - a definite highlight. I would say Mauricio was probably our least attentive guide but still nice and friendly. And we somehow missed Miguel on arriving at Lima which was no problem but a bit confusing transferring to international check in with such a gap between flights.All in all an amazing trip - thank you!AnneAnne Deering, July 2016
We've been home a month now after our family's fantastic trip with Amazonas Explorers. We are still remembering sites, telling friends and showing our beautiful pictures to family and friends. My daughter dreamed up this trip to Machu Picchu after a cultural presentation on Peru in her Spanish class and we finally did it 4 years later. From our arrival tour in Cuzco, whitewater rafting trip, mountain biking trip and trek on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, it was truly awesome and unforgettable. Our "Dream Team" from Chef Teo to the porters to our amazing guide Willow Cardenas Torres all made our trek comfortable, exciting, rewarding and such a wonderful memory for our family. We love Peru, we loved our experience with Amazonas Explorer and hope to return again. We know who to ask for (Willow!) for our next adventure!!! Muchas Gracias! The Melby FamilyMelby Family
Dear Jimmy, I have done a lot of traveling in my life and I must tell you that you are the very best guide I have ever had. You made the mystery of Machu Picchu and the majesty of the Inca civilization come alive. Your knowledge & explanation of the cultural history of Peru and Cusco's place in that history and your familiarity with everything around us made our visit really special. Of course, I am very grateful for your hand helping me navigate the ups and especially the downs. I wish health and happiness for you and your family in the future. If I can ever help you with anything please let me know. I will miss you. As we say in Hawaii "a hui hou" - till we meet again.L
We cannot speak highly enough of our experience on the Inca Trail, the Wayki’s and our guide Chino were amazing, helpful, happy, fun and so knowledgeable, they made the trip absolutely perfect. Chino is a real asset to your company, he could not have done any more to make it the trip of a lifetime, nothing was too much trouble and he was so warm and caring to us and to the Wayki’s.Marie and Mat, May 2017
Our group of three empty-nester couples had an amazing one-week trip to Machu Picchu and the Andes thanks to a personalized itinerary that squeezed as many highlights as possible. Our guide, Jose, was professional and well-versed. It was great to have the trip details and transportation worked out so that we could just enjoy the adventure. We also opted for a rafting trip from Cusco through the company that was much more professional than any rafting trip I have been on in Tennessee or North Carolina. We were worried about being cold since the trip was in early October, but Santiago and his team provided high-quality wetsuits that kept us comfortable and fairly dry. There was even a chef who prepared a picnic lunch, and tents for changing and a portable toilet. I want to go back for a combination hiking/rafting trip and will use Amazonas Explorer againEllen, Oct 2015
We used Amazonas Explorer for our recent trip to Cuzco. We are a family of 4 (two teenagers) and wanted to do something active but reasonable on our 1st day in Cuzco, so after contacting the company via the web, decided on the Sacred Valley one day bike. Our guide picked us up at the airport and we drove to Pisac (brief stop in Cuzco for us to get some Peruvian currency). The weather was initially pretty rainy, so it wasn't totally clear we'd be able to bike. We went 1st to the market at Pisac, which I thought was OK (I'm not crazy about markets - my wife liked it more). We then drove down the road a bit (we bought a roasted guinea pig at a roadside stand - good to have a guide since I imaging some vendors are better than others). The guide and his two helpers then set up a tent (since it was still drizzling) for our lunch. They prepared a quite nice hot lunch, which we supplemented with our guinea pig. By then, the rain had largely stopped, so we biked back to Pisac along a very quiet, zero traffic dirt road, which was pretty flat. It was muddy with the rain). We then drove back to Cuzco and they dropped us at our hotel. I liked our guides very flexible approach. It was kind of a custom tour as it was only the four of us (since it was the day before Christmas, not really their busy season).Daniel, Dec 2015
From the first day to the last, everything was fantastic. We never had to worry or wonder about anything. Hotels, van pick-ups, guides - you had it all covered! The boutique hotels were cute, clean and welcoming. We enjoyed not having to stay in big places or Americanized versions. We felt like we got to know local people better. Cuzco hotel was especially convenient for strolling around. As for our two expeditions, the Eureka tents were fantastic. (They are made close to where we live!). One night we stayed warm and dry in a 10 hour rainstorm! We could have never guessed the food would be as tasty and well presented as it was. Paulino, our Peruvian cook, was amazing! He made the best soups each day and kept us well stoked up for riding and hiking. This was a huge surprise and one which really added to the trip. They ( the rides) were all great - each one was different. Riding down from the top of Manu was visually, a special treat. Xavier, our guide, couldn't have been better. He made sure we were safe, shared history and nature and made the ride fun, exhilarating and a true adventure. Each day had its own special touch. We always had something to look forward to. We hired bikes before, but never such high-end models. We both ride Scott road bikes at home, so we are familiar with their quality. Full suspension, disc brakes - these bikes put up with a lot of rough terrain and handled beautifully. Can't say enough about Xavier. He met us at the airport, gave us a tour of Cuzco, cautioned us re. altitude, drinking and climatizing. He prepared us well, starting with an easy day and gradually progressing to more and more difficult terrain. We felt we really learned a lot about off road riding on this trip. In addition, he was a fantastic liaison between us and local villagers. We felt we were welcomed warmly wherever we went. Part of it was because of the small size of our group. He also was extremely knowledgeable re. history, culture and nature. We saw some incredible birds thanks to his knowledge. He is one of the best!! On our Inca trail hike, Eduard and Nilda were a great team. Eduard knew exactly what we would need to do to reach our goal. Nilda was patient and understanding. Their historical knowledge as we traversed the trail was outstanding and added immensely to the experience. You have chosen your guides well. They share their personal lives with us, as we do with them. They form us into a working, sharing team. They celebrate our successes as if it were their first time. They REALLY made the two adventures (biking & trekking) a special experience!!!.... Who would have guessed we'd have Mercedes vans on those bumpy backroads?!Carol and Jim
Hi Carol,I just wanted to provide some feedback from our trek. It was amazing! The whole team were incredible, from Percy the driver, all the porters, the cooks and especially Jimmy. It was a magical experience and most of the time we felt we had the trail and the campsites to ourselves.The food was incredible, (thank you Paulino and Alex), the campsites amazing and Jimmy was an awesome Guide. His knowledge of the Incan history, wildlife and fauna was impeccable.The communication from yourself and Thom was excellent. We have nothing to fault.A truly memorable experience.If there is a specific website such as trip advisor you'd like me to write a review please let me know.Thanks again,Rich and WendyRichard and Wendy Boldock
November 2015 Inca TrailFrom October 29th to November 6th we were on an Amazonas Explorer trip in Peru with your guide Chino. Due to issues we faced at the end of that trip, we were unable to do a thorough job of completing the evaluation form so we are now adding our comments. You have probably heard about the medical crisis that occurred when we returned to our hotel in Cusco on November 5th and the role that Chino played in helping us to get through it. We could not have asked for a better guide than Chino. He helped us immensely by taking us to and from the hospital, staying with us throughout the ordeal, translating, advocating for us and offering support. This was well beyond his role as a guide and his willingness to do this really touched our hearts. As a guide, he was always friendly and courteous, going out of his way to ensure that we were comfortable and enjoying ourselves and that Gordon was able to see as much as possible despite his mobility challenges. Chino's knowledge of Inca history, culture and engineering is profound and we learned so much from him. Plus, he was a lot of fun. The drivers we had [especially Percy] were also great. The trip itself was very well organized and all of the connections went smoothly. The hotels in Puno and Cuzco were fine but we did not care for the hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo. The room was of low quality and was noisy, the breakfast was not very good and the place was not at all welcoming in its atmosphere. Also, the location at the bottom of the hill was inconvenient. It was very dark with uneven sidewalks and steps and we were not able to access other parts of the town at night. Otherwise, we were very pleased with the arrangements that you made for us and would happily recommend your services to others. With thanks and warm wishes, Barbara and GordonBarbara and Gordon Sykes
November 2015 Private tourIt was one of the most wonderful travel trip we both had. Trek was bit trying but it was worth the effort. Beautiful scenery and wilderness was amazing on the way. All the arrangements you have done was excellent: good hotels, friendly guides and tasty food (3 course meals while camping!) can't ask more. Thanks again for helping us for such a memorable travel experience. I have attached our photo at Machu Picchu.Girish Desphande- Private tour- Oct 2015
Firstly our guides were fantastic. I'd like to mention the standouts:- Cristo in Sacred Valley, Cusco and Machu Picchu What can I say about Machu Picchu, totally mind blowing, I consider myself so privileged to have walked through one of the great marvels of the world, to have had my hands on the same stones that the Incas touched, to stand at the three windows and feel that I could touch the sun and the connection I felt with the spirituality of what is the essence of Machu Picchu. Totally humbling. I'm So lucky! I also realised I missed telling you about a very significant highlight. The Goose Dance, performed by Kindy students in Huilloc This was Organised by Cristo and it had a profound effect on all of us The little ones are amazing. Thank you for the best holiday imaginable in one of the Worlds greatest continents”Mrs Musemeci
October 2015Dear Lilou, Sorry this message is a bit late, but it has taken us a few weeks to recover from the awesome trip that we took September 18th - 27th with your wonderful trekking company! While it is but a memory now, we wanted you to know just how special this trip was for all of us. On behalf of our group of five, we want you to know that Amazonas Explorer provided an extremely positive experience, from the front end planning of the trip, answering questions, booking and paying for the the trip, all transfers to and from the hotels, sightseeing prior to the hike to Machu Picchu and then the actual Inca Trail and train and bus ride on the return to Cusco, up to the final day of our trip. Everyone that we met from day one through the end was extremely professional, friendly, and treated us with respect and friendship, helping to make us feel extra special. You have every reason to be proud of the way all of your employees represented your company and your beautiful country! Our guides, porters and cooks were amazing, and did an awesome job to ensure that everyone was embraced as family, making sure we were well-fed (the meals were amazing) and as comfortable as we could be in a camping situation. I want to point out an exceptional young man and Assistant Guide that supported our group, Henry Quintano Loayza. Although I believe this was only his second time on the trail as an assistant, he was most definitely someone who stands out in customer service, leadership and compassion. There was a young lady in the group who really struggled on the hike, and Henry was quick to be there to encourage her (as well as all of us when we struggled) and made sure she was safe, often times carrying her back pack so she would be able to make it to camp each day. Henry also carried my pack several times as I struggled one afternoon on the slippery trail, and also once we made it to Machu Picchu on the trail down to the bus stop. He is such a joy to be around, always there with his quick smile and wonderful demeanor, and our group really enjoyed spending time with him. We hope that he will one day be promoted to a Lead Guide with your company, as he was a favorite among all of the hikers on the trip. Warmest Regards, Geanine BallardGeanine Ballard, Inca Trail, September 2015
Carol and Paul Just got back from Peru. Amazonas did an excellent job. Spectacular! We will give you great reviews on Tripadvisor. Mauricio was the perfect guide. Thanks again, Bruce SpeicherBruce Speicher
Arequipa and Colca tour, September 2015As you could tell by the pictures - I still have more to post - it was a memorable trip. We loved Peru and it was so different from any other country I've visited. It has unique culture and the scenery is jaw-droppingly beautiful. Plus, the history - man - the Inca were busy little buggers. It's amazing to wonder what kind of structures still remain uncovered. At Machu Picchu, Gonzalo (guide) pointed out a massive aqueduct across the valley/river from the site. It had just been discovered in the last nine months. Crazy. He told us they estimate less than 50% of Machu Picchu has been exposed and just a bit more than 20% of Choquequirao has been identified. Speaking of Gonzalo, he was great. If I were you, I wouldn't hesitate to request him to guide future guests you send to Peru. He's warm, upbeat, enthusiastic and funny and he knows his stuff. Plus he is so proud of his country and his heritage. Having a private guide and vehicle really enhanced our experience.Susan S
Dear Mark:Thank you for helping us have an experience of a life time.We rode in on bikes and tomorrow we head out for La Paz. The group I helped , no you helped get to Machu Picchu are so thankful.We especially want to thank you for Nilo. He was an incredible guide funny , concerned always there and so knowable. We have been biking together for over 2 months and we have become a close net family , Nile joined our family for two daysI highly recommend you and your company for further groups.SvendSvend Paulsen, 2 day Machu Picchu tour, September 2015
Hi Maria We finished our trip with you guys today. It was all amazing and the guys are fantastic. We had a really good time. Say hi to the whole team. You guys are amazing. Gracias gracias.Ziad Hourani
-March 2015This is just to say Peru was fantastic! Thank you so much for arranging such a splendid trip for Susan and myself. Everything worked like clockwork, people appeared from nowhere to whisk us here and there. Our three guides were excellent, and we never felt pushed.This email is intended to help you with further trips going the same way as us and does not require a reply. I deem the organisation of our trip by you as a success.
The quality of the guides stands out as being a major contributor to an interesting and successful holiday of this type. They were all good, with perfect English, excellent knowledge of the sort of things we are interested in, and with a very good sense of humour, which made it fun. Maybe we were lucky, but please commend Cristobal (Cusco) and Julio (Lake Titicaca) from one very satisfied client. Your hotel choices were exactly what we liked with perhaps Hotel B in Lima being the most stylish and Titilaka being the most scenic. Titilaka had Jude Law staying. It was good for us to stay there 3 days because we like islands and birds. Most other people there thought two days would do. Highlights for us were the Andean Explorer train, Macchu Picchu itself and the total experience of Lake Titicaca. I would miss out Lima.
Thank you for your help Giles
Thanks to all at Amazonas but particularly Mauricio and Efrain our guides to the Colca Valley and Machu Pichu and the Sacred Valley. The whole trip was excellent Boutique accommodation so much better than large impersonal hotels and attention to details such as timing of arrival at sites ahead of the crowds was welcomed. Excellent natural and cultural history knowledge was displayed throughout and attention to our wellbeing energy etc was shown throughout truly memorable. Jacqui and Russell WatkinsonJacqui and Russell Watkinson
-February 2015I don't normally write thank you emails, but we had other guides in our 3 week Peru visit, while some were good some were terrible, they just highlighted how amazingly special Jose was and how lucky we were to have him. He's a credit to his profession and Amazonas.George and Thom McCall
-April 2014We all want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for organising the trip of a lifetime for us. Every single aspect of the holiday was immaculately organised, from the initial planning on your behalf, the expert advice given to tailor the trip to suit us, to the actual reality of being in Peru and completing the Inca Trail. Our guide Efrain was a delight – full of knowledge, full of fun and very easy on the eye which is always a plus. Our wonderful porters were adorable and quite awesome, and the hotels, flights and transits were seamless. The food was divine, especially the ceviche and the guinea pig, and the Pisco Sours were pretty good too. The Trail, itself, was wonderfully planned. We mainly walked on our own which gave Efrain plenty of opportunity to show us the amazing flora and fauna, and his knowledge and passion for the history of the Inca people and the Peruvians was impeccable. We were treated like royalty by our porters and fed like royalty too. Big Karen got inadvertently married to head porter, Daniele, so we’re waiting to see how that works out... Lima and Cusco were both amazing cities, and we managed to see quite a lot of both of them. So we’re back home enriched with the experience and delighted in the knowledge that we have some great memories to cherish. Sorry to gush, but it really was that great.Sandra, Karrie, Big Karen and Sue
We did the 1 day Bike A-salt mountain biking trip with 3 friends, and it ended up being my favorite part of the entire trip. It had beautiful scenery, allowed us to see some cool ruins, and was a very fun ride. The first half is more scenic with fireroad trails while the second half of the trip was more technical on donkey trails with some challenging terrain. Our guide, Xavier, was very friendly and enthusiastic about biking. The ride was very safe since they have a van that meets up during the ride every half hour to hour. It also carried food, water, and our stuff so we didn't have to keep it all on us during the ride. They set up an excellent lunch out on the field with shade and a delicious variety of food. Also, the equipment they rent you is all great quality. Our group wasn't the most experienced, but they tailor the trip to your skill level. Xavier also gave good tips to us on biking. We accidentally left our jacket in the van after the trip, and while I offered to go pick it up from them, they drove all the way back to our hostel the next day and dropped it off for us, great service! Highly recommend this trip with Amazonas Explorer. The price was excellent for what you get.Steve G.
-Bike Moras Maray
About Us
We create safe, responsibly run adventures in Cusco and the Sacred Valley for lovers of the great outdoors. We are a Certified B Corps and hold all Adventure Licenses for the activities we offer.
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Email: info@amazonas-explorer.com
Whatsapp: +51 954165014Emergency:
Maria Del Pilar Handa- Operations Manager
Tel:+51 984765446Office
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Avenida Collasuyo 910, Miravalle, CuscoHours:
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