Besides being pleasantly surprised by the overall state of the trail, I was even more pleased to learn there were literally dozens of other highlights along the four-day hike. I had figured that walking into Machu Picchu by way of the Sun Gate would be a great moment, but I did not realize there would be so many other great moments along the way…
Terraced ruins of agricultural sites like Winay Wayna, which provided food for the royal families living at Machu Picchu
Ruins of smaller guard stations along the way, which kept these “royal roads” open to only the most important of travelers
Stone structures that seem to disappear into the clouds
Llamas waiting at the top of Phuyupatamarca (“cloud level town”) to show you views of snow-capped peaks such as Salcantay
Ever-changing vegetation from borderline desert to full-on cloudforest
Some of the best road-building in the ancient world (Whereas the Romans had horses and therefore built flat roads at all cost, the Incas had llamas and built roads to suit their unique ability to climb. So for example, spiral rock staircases beat out long flat switchbacks.)
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.