How can you summarize Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu? You can't! The 7 wonders of our trip:1-How'd they build the road to Machu Picchu (MP) and how do they keep them in great shape? They aren't paved and there are many switchbacks and many many buses each day.2-The bus schedule is flawless at MP. Little waiting and they are a marvel to watch as they pass and maintain order on the mountainside.3-Wild orchids jut out of the mountain. They are on road sides and at MP. They epitomize Peru. They can make hard things look simple.4-Some places living without reliable running and hot water at points throughout the day. That is harder than it sounds. 5-How'd they fit so many vendors in one place, so the vendors even step out to beg for business. Compreme. Non, muchos gracias senora.6-How'd the Incas know to layer the terraces with clay and gravel and dirt to avoid erosion and filter the water.7-How'd Peru and the Incas inspre me to be more Inca-like...To learn more Spanish, to master hard stuff, to do something I think I can't, to do the Inca trail or hike Huana Picchu.Do:-drink coca tea as soon as you arrive-do drink the \"syruppy\" coffee at breakfast, but you may need to mix half and half with hot water-learn some Incas...Pachacutec, Manco Inca...-stay near Plaza de Armas in Cusco-stay at the Inti Inn in Aguas Calientes if you wanna dance all night to the Chez Maggy's music next door-stay at El Sauce for a marvelous view of Ollantaytambo ruins and water systems-drink Cusquena. And Chiccha morado. And say yes to cuy.-learn that @ = alt 64 on a spanish keyboard-learn to say non, muchas gracias senora. Yo tengo sombrero or whatever you already have that they are selling. Be sincere and they will leave faster!-charge your camera battery so it doesn't die at MP. Really.Don't:-take a bath in the fountain at MP-take a bath in the hot bathes at ACalientes*growing theme?-plan on using the potty at MP-not inside anyway-eat an unpealed apple-drink with your already inebriated buide-where they traditional wool pullover while climbing Huana Pichhu or wear wedges.To be Peruvian is to understand that all types of people have to live together. They have meshed Spanish and Inca tradition and religion to become who they are today. The Incas believed in duality. Man and woman. Peace. Sun and moon. I wouls say thats about right. Peruvaians are kind, gentle people (well, except the pushy women on the streets selling!). We stand to learn a lot from them.I gaze sleepily out the window as our overnight flight is met with sunshine. I glance twice out the window as I think I see terraces. White puffy terraces and the shapes of Machu Picchu. I look for a shape of a condor and slightly make it out below the terraces. Am I too tired? I have been Incanized!
For our first trip to Costa Rica, Adventure Life designed a tour that meets the interests, ecological and adventure, of our party; but also takes into account our physical limitations sine we are all septuagenarian. We are looking forward to the trip.
John Zent
1 day ago
Adventure Life is my favorite travel company due to their genuine care for their customers. They make every effort to ensure a wonderful travel experience for you. Their personal touch really gives the customer a lot of confidence with their travel plans and the trip leaders are always outstanding. They are truly consistent and accountable with the great service they provide. I can't thank Adventure Life enough for the incredible trips I have enjoyed thanks to them and their attention to detail.
Tim Duffy
2 days ago
Kevin Moore working with me and providing very timely answers to all my questions.
Sharon Worsham
2 days ago
Adventure Life coordinated all our domestic air travel in Argentina as well as
Multiple tours in four cities. Every thing went perfectly smooth. All the local companies were on schedule and very professional. We will surely use Adventure Life on future travels.
customer
3 days ago
Franny helped us put together a great itinerary, was very responsive and so helpful. We ended up not being able to use Adventure Life for our trip, but would definitely use them in the future.