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!
very easy to deal with kassandra. she listened to what our interests were and planned a great trip for us. nothing to worry about!
carole therisod
2 weeks ago
Jess is very explicit, professional and always there when i have a question
Carlotta Diaz
1 month ago
i have now booked five trips through Adventure Life, and each experience has been perfect from start to finish. The agents are outstanding at truly listening to what the client is searching for and making it happen impeccably. From the initial planning to the final trip execution, Adventure Life handled every aspect flawlessly. They are an amazing company, and I have recommended them to friends and family with always stellar results!
Sallie
1 month ago
Great job, everything was arranged well and guides and support staff were friendly and helpful. Good outfit.
Jeff Lovett
1 month ago
From the planning stage straight through the trip itself, Adventure life was on top of it all. Questions were answered completely, accommodations were better than expected. All fees and transportation was addressed. This is a very professional organization, you can book with confidence.