Sail boats on Lake TiticacaWoke up and headed to a breakfast of fried quinoa cakes, jam, and cafe con leche. We said some quick goodbyes and headed to shore to board our sail boat. Today's goal was to make it to Amantani Island, but the outlook was grim as we had a steady, strong headwind. The men trade turns rowing - I offered - but was denied. Oh well! We got about half way there and ripped a sail, we decided to get back int our motor boat and cruise safely to the shore. Since we are staying on the other side of the island we decide to hike up and over. We hike though town to the main square, past the school at recess, a kindergarden graduation. We have to stop often because it is so strenuous at this elevation. We make it to the saddle after several geological discussions on the origins of Lake Titicaca. We hike to both of the two peaks - they are used for spiritual ceremonies one for Mother Earth and one for the Father. Along the way we stop and chat with people working in the field and a man hand carving a stone basin for feeding animals. We head down to our town, past fields of golden wheat and a football stadium to our home for the night with Adrian and Rufina. Once we arrive, we sit down to another lovely lunch and lovely view of the lake. We munch on fried king fish, tomatoes, 4 different kinds of potatoes and a yam that tastes like a carrot, potato combo while planning our afternoon. We decide to head down to the shore and soak our tired feet. I went up to my knees to cool my aching joints. We talked about folk stories, there one-eyed people before the Incas who upset the Sun god so he covered them up with water - Lake Titicaca and then brought about Manco - Inca #1. Back to the house for volleyball with our family First off, I can't stand volleyball, but this was the most fun I had the whole trip. Seriously. No one spoke the same language, but we just laughed and laughed. Music and sports, the great unifier. After a great dinner we headed to town for a traditional dance, Peruvian music and beer!
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.