I won’t go too in depth, but I learned there’s a slight “ct” sound in “Picchu,” like you would say “picture.” You can Google what “Mach-oo Pee-Choo” actually means…
I had been talking to travelers about this wonder of the world countless times on the phone. My cubicle walls were covered in maps of the Sacred Valley and hiking charts. I had spent hours going over details of other people’s trip, but nothing could truly prepare me for the awe I felt once that majestic citadel was in full view.
My dream was to hike the Inca trail and let the anticipation build over the course of 4 days, but for a free work trip, I happily accepted the train. I loved watching the scenery pass and see the vegetation slowly get more dense and green. I do wish the train announcements had come a little earlier to give me time to prep my camera for better shots of Mount Veronica or waterfalls as we passed them. By the time we were on the winding bus ride that lead us to actual ruins, I was getting antsy.
On the bus to Machu Picchu! Are we there yet? Are we there yet... (Karen DiGangi)
Our guide led us through the entrance and to the first viewpoint of Machu Picchu. There is was. All the pictures from my office had not done this sight before me proper justice. No film could possible capture what I felt. I usually only cry when I see sad dogs and when the printer won’t work, but standing on this hill, fortunate enough to experience this wonder in the flesh, I stood there speechless as tears ran down my face.
When looking at all the destinations in the world to visit, people turn away from Machu Picchu because “everyone is going to Peru” and it’s not the hidden gem it once was. But there’s a reason people have been flocking to Machu Picchu. You just have to go see it for yourself. And remember, “Mach-oo Peect-choo.”
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.