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Beth Sullebarger

(Machu Picchu by Train, Jun 2008)

Our trip to Peru was the most wonderful we have ever taken. The Andes are astonishing! We saw many Inca ruins, amazing mountains, engaging people, public markets, beautiful valleys, and exotic animals, and to top it all off— Machu Picchu on the winter solstice. Dave and I are very grateful to our personal guide, Edwin Vasquez Salas, who shared countless compelling scenes, experiences and ideas. He took excellent care of us and provided enlightening insight into everything we saw.

The trip was extremely well-organized, so that each experience built on the previous one. Each day the sights got more and more dramatic, and our accommodations got better and better, so that by the time we reached Machu Picchu we were ready for our “peak” experience. As we lined up to catch the bus up the mountain before dawn, we were treated to a tableau with full moon and glowing Venus framed in the sky by the dark silhouettes of soaring peaks. Watching the sun come up over the mountain and hit the sun dial was an unforgettable moment.

Our guide was indispensable; he performed above and beyond his regular duties on several occasions. After I ruined my camera by dropping it in a salt flat, he took many photos on his cellphone/camera and emailed them to us at the end of the trip. When my credit card was “eaten” by an ATM as a security guard was closing the door to the bank, he talked his way in and got the teller to retrieve my card. When my husband injured his knee on top of Machu Picchu, Edwin procured a walking stick and an ace bandage to get him safely off the mountain.

It is amply apparent that Peru has invested wisely in the tourism industry, including the first-class education of our guide (who had the equivalent of a master’s degree) and the infrastructure such as the immaculate and elegant train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes at the foot of Machu Picchu. Everyone we encountered was very friendly and helpful, and we highly recommend this trip. Thank you for making it available.



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