Left on the 8am train for Machu Picchu. It was fun to take a motorcycle car station (a motorcycle with top and back seat) to the train station. Absolutely spectacular 1 and a half hour train ride, right next to a fast-flowing, huge river (Urubamba) with high peaks all around and lots were snow covered. Most gorgeous train ride of our lives! Left luggage at our hotel in Aguas Calientes and took the bus to Machu Picchu --- 20 minutes of a zig-zag road up 1,700 feet! Even though you've seen so many pictures of Machu Picchu, words cannot describe what it is like when you have your first view of the sites and Huayna Picchu mountain! It is awe-inspiring, spiritual, the most magnificent site I've ever seen. I was mesmerized by the mountains - how steep, how green, how jagged, how utterly impressive.
Ayul was a great guide! He kept avoiding the huge groups of people, which there were tons of! We saw everything at the site (some in the morning, then had lunch, then the rest). Exhausted at 3:30, but I did the optional hike to the Inca Drawbridge, while Brian waited for us at the Hut of the Gatekeeper of the Rising Sun. The Inca Drawbridge was very impressive, and I've never seen such steep mountains, and cliff-hanging walks ever before.
By 5:30 we were having a cold beer, then a Pisco Sour (delicious). The free dinner at the hotel was OK and easy. The highlights of Machu Picchu were: the condor, the shadow stones, the Temple of the Sun, the Temple with 3 Windows, the stone walls with unusually-shaped stones, the terraces, and as Brian says 'EVERYTHING!'
Clara and Rhenee were gracious and available. Phone contact is so important to answer questions and discuss all aspects of trip. If not immediately available they scheduled a time to speak.
They were knowledgeable, honest, realistic and very friendly. They are both very professional and take their role seriously.
Happy Camper
20 hours ago
Jason has been wonderful. He is full of information and was very willing to listen to what was of interest to us.
Lee
2 days ago
The ability (of Kassandra) to tailor a guided trip to my exact preferences is very valuable to me, as well as the ability (of Kassandra) to provide expert guidance on destinations and travel dates. I also appreciate the ability of the backup staff (Maria Ignacio, Exito Travel) to coordinate all the details to make the travel logistics easy for the customer.
Mark Whalen
2 days ago
Our Costa Rica trip was amazing! Kassandra planned everything and the excursions, hotels, overall organization were outstanding. Everything worked out smoothly, the excursions guides were knowledgeable allowing us to see so much of the fauna and flora of the country. The hotels were great as well, all in fantastic locations and with beautiful views.
Danny
2 days ago
This is our 7th trip Kassandra has planned and she is wonderful to work with. She is responsive, helpful, patient and knowledgeable. We are so grateful to have the opportunity to work together with her. We love Adventure Life!