View from Bike Riding the Malaga PassToday was the big day of hiking on the Inca Trail. We put on lots of bug spray and sunscreen and made sure our water bottles were full and started out on the hike. It was sure steep - Marco said we climbed approximately 1,000 feet in altitude in the first hour of the hike! Though mentally challenging at times (the trail is quite narrow and the drop off is steep), it was a most rewarding experience. We stopped twice along the way - first at a "rest stop" along the trail where we had some fresh papaya (literally, right off of the tree!), tried some delicious "jungle peanuts" and some cocoa beans dipped in honey (it was one of the most delicious treats I'd ever tried - and I would love to know where I can get more of it - probably will have to hike the trail again!!!) The views along the way and from the highest point were stunning. We both felt like we'd been challenged and the accomplishment for finishing it was a great reward.
After the day's hike, we headed to our campsite at the Eco-Quechua Lodge in Santa Teresa. Here we decided to upgrade to the "tree house" room in lieu of camping in the tent and that was a real treat. How often do you get to camp in a room with a bed with mosquito netting and the sound of the river right outside?
Juan, the fabulous cook, made us a wonderful dinner that night. He was incredible - he prepared fantastic gourmet meals in the middle of the jungle- I'm not really sure how he did it - but we loved every meal!
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
3 weeks 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
1 month 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
2 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.