Hike Maras and Moray

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. Our team of travel experts created David’s own personalized adventure according to his preferences. If you would like to do the same, get in contact with one of our experts, and see what we can create for you.

I’m not sure anyone knows more about having adventures in the Cusco area of Peru (and beyond) than Amazonas Explorer. Guides are properly trained, itineraries are well-thought-out; the emphasis is on safety but also on FUN! They do the classic trips brilliantly but also have lots of ideas for more offbeat escapades. And they’re a B Corporation, too, so have excellent environmental credentials. Check out Sarah’s adventure, our in depth Sacred Valley Explorer, here.

We recently returned from a two-week adventure in Peru organized by Amazonas Explorer, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. From start to finish, the trip was flawlessly executed and thoughtfully tailored to meet our specific needs and pace. Whether it was the gentle start to the Inca Trail to help with altitude, the high-quality accommodations, or the balance of activity and rest, every detail showed how much care went into planning our journey. The highlight, of course, was hiking the Inca Trail with our incredible guide, José Rivas, whose deep knowledge and calm presence made each step more meaningful. The entire support team—our cook, porters, and crew—provided not just logistics, but genuine hospitality that made us feel completely cared for. After the hike, Amazonas Explorer kept the magic going with a stunning train ride aboard the Andean Explorer across the high plains to Lake Titicaca. There, we explored the floating Uros Islands and Taquile Island, adding a whole new cultural dimension to our adventure. Amazonas Explorer delivered an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience—from mountain passes above the clouds to peaceful moments on the highest navigable lake in the world. We’re incredibly grateful for everything they put into making this trip so personal, rich, and memorable. Good work everyone!

These clients 1st booked for 2022 and didnt come as worried about the pandemic, then again in 2023 and again cancelled worried about the “protestas”, then finally came a few weeks ago! Dear Amazonas Explorer Team,  I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible experience my husband Tim and I had on our recent journey with your company. From start to finish, every detail was thoughtfully planned, and the entire trip exceeded our expectations.  A special thank you goes out to our amazing guide, José Rivas. His knowledge, kindness, and passion for the region truly made our adventure unforgettable. Spending four days on the trail could have even been more challenging had it not been for José. He made our experience feel natural and enjoyable right from the start. We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire support team: Paulino, our exceptional cook, who turned every meal into a fine dining experience; Seferino, our attentive waiter; Leonardo, the head porter, along with Nicholas, Julio, and Juan, whose hard work and kindness were evident in everything they did. They were always there to support us, often going above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and happy.  Thank you once again for an amazing adventure. We will always cherish the memories we made with Amazonia’s Explorer. Warmest regards.

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.   Check out Paul’s adventure, The Machu Picchu Express, and find out for yourself what makes it so special.

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 knowledgeable 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. Check out Sam’s adventure, our Lares Trek to Machu Picchu here.

As 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 a 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. Check out Susan’s adventure, our Choquequirao Trek, here.