Finger puppetsWe came to Sayaqmarka \"Standing Town\" and wondered through the ceremonial and resting place. Climbed down to the small houses and looked out over the trail. From here Qoncharmarca was in view and that was our next stopping point. It was incomprehensible when coming to Qoncharmarca and looking back over to Sayaqmarka. The trek is an actual crossing on the tops of the Andes. Mountain hopping. Just incredible to look across and see where I've been and looking ahead to where I was going. When Wilbur pointed out up that range and around that bend... I just couldn't believe I was there.
Now we were getting into the rain forest. The soft moss covered rocks were of all colors; red, orange, yellow, white, brown. Flowers; bomerias, snapdragons, salvia and passion. Cedar trees, bamboo, berries, plants of all types. We came to natural stone tunnels that were cut through on the trail. We heard birds or frogs and saw one of the largest humming birds. That bird was loud...almost like a mini helicopter when it flew by me! Butterflies appeared along the way, almost like they were playing with us.
We camped next to Phuyupatamarka. After resting for a little while we headed out to climb more stairs on Phuyupatamarka. An archeological playground. Our guide took us up to a near peak. The lookout was 360 degrees of mountains and glaciers. We were in the clouds. The sun rained through with unimaginable beauty. Something I've only witnessed on television and I was here! Will never forget all that beauty. When the fog cleared the stars seemed only an arms length away.
We've used Adventure Life for several trips in the past and have always been very pleased with them. The staff is personable and professional at the same time. Erin put this trip together for us in just a few days, and it has everything we were looking for! I recommend them without hesitation.
benn
1 month ago
I served as the person responsible for planning a trip to Galapagos and Machu Picchu for a group of 14 people. Jane with Adventure Life was very helpful throughout the process. Making suggestions, offering insight, and in the end helped me overhaul an initial plan into something even better. Also, Jane makes all the plans including the flights within and between Peru and Ecuador. Thanks to her this is going to be a stress-free adventure. After making the final decision about the trip, Jane gathered the contact information for all the travelers and sent out the details to each traveler individually with links to pay deposits, upload passport info, and personal preferences. She also ensured a group email was sent out to the entire group welcoming us to the trip preparation process. Our trip is a year from now and we are excited to make this once in a life time trek. I am happy to have organized things through Adventure Life. However, two small issues came up that were a little off putting. First, Adventure Life adds $50 per person to the cost for each traveler as a donation to a Galapagos conservation fund. I think this should he offered as something that can be added at each traveler’s discretion. Instead, it is automatically added, and each person must ask to have it removed if they do not want it included. Second, although the trip deposit may be paid with a credit card without incurring an additional fee, the balance must be paid in another way to avoid a 3% credit card fee. Maybe this is standard with all travel agencies. In the end I would definitely go through Adventure Life for the next big trip.
Brenda Nielsen
2 months ago
I think it was very helpful that Franny and I spoke on the phone. I think she had a better idea of what we were looking for, and she planned a great itinerary for us!
Elizabeth
3 months ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
3 months ago
Easy.
Great work on the follow up and details by Waru.