Four weeks to travel Peru is perfect and what a super destination. Old blends with new; high mountain terrain contrasts with the coastal plains; wealthy flower encrusted mansions give way to neighbouring brick mud homes; the bustle of work moves softly into pan pipe serenades; and the cruelty of a tragic history is surpassed by the genuine warmth of a people with a zest for love and life.
Starting with the ancient culture on Taquile Island and the floating reed Uros Islands in Lake Titicaca to the quaint college town of Puno, one finds oneself immersed in a life so preoccupied with today that your own world is easily left behind. Taking the train from Puno to Cusco (or on days the train doesn't go, the road follows exactly the same route), glimpsing spectacular mountain passes, one soon finds that simply getting around in Peru is challenge enough. Historical Cusco and surrounding towns of Pisac and Ollayataytambo are must sees on a historical ruins note, not to mention the market in Pisac - which is far better for bargaining when it's not a major market day!! Then of course the awesome Machu Picchu is a destination in itself.
Peru is so much more, the seaside towns of Pisco and Paracas on the road to the Nasca Lines - which are again a feat so awe inspiring that one can't even begin to imagine a culture so advanced. When enjoying the pristine beauty of Arequipa just see if the Santa Catalina Convent can't still hold some of its former ominous power over you too! Throughout Peru try the local dining delicacies from seafood to hearty mountain soups, you will soon become a convert to the many zesty tastes and textures.
I was absolutely alone when I discoverd the charms and power of Machu Picchu. Due to a rail strike only a few people could be flown in by army helicopter and I soon left my small group behind. The power of the mountain and its' former inhabitants will live in my heart and soul the rest of my days.
The ruins of Pisac are some of the very best examples of Inca stone craftsmanship, while the nearly three hour trek to the very top, the truly incredible views and the spectacular photo opportunities - not to mention the truly scary narrow ledges - are burned in my memory. I wouldn't have missed a moment of it.
Peru is a very reasonable place to travel compared to other countries in South America. It is safe and obvious that there is a real effort to keep tourists happy. The people throughout Peru are a pure delight and so easy to meet even on organized tours.
Three quarters of Peru is jungle. The headwaters of the Amazon start here and our planet depends on it for our supply of oxygen. The colour, sounds and unsullied splendour of the Peruvian jungle are just too amazing to describe. My three-hour boat ride into this bit of heaven is one of my most precious memories!
Local crafts and especially the hand knit alpaca products are a real bargain.
Excellent travel advice and service
This is my second experience working with Adventure Life. I’m sold. Jess Heuermann is an experienced traveler and provides a lot of useful information when planning a trip. These are the questions I like to ask at the outset - What’s it like to go here, there, what would you suggest, what do people report, can we add any additional side trips? Jess took the time to answer my questions and seek additional information to share with me. Petchie Colina is outstanding in helping with travel logistics and final preparations. Adventure Life has excellent guides and offers private guides and small group adventures. We enjoyed the opportunity to talk with the guides and drivers to learn more about their countries, cultures and histories. A highlight was having the guides pick local restaurants where we could share meals together. Highly recommend.
Claire Cordon
5 days ago
Our six-day tour in Iceland went smoothly with one exception. We had asked for two rooms each night. Somehow we were booked with one room with three beds. It could not be fixed at the first hotel in Reykjavik because the hotel was fully booked. Once informed of the problem, however, Adventure Life rebooked for two rooms for the remainder of the trip. As an 85-year-old traveler, I appreciated that one could participate at different physical levels at many of the stops. Iceland is a great place to visit but on the expensive side.
Mary Warren
6 days ago
Jess was very easy going and answered all our questions. It’s not easy dealing with 6 people at once but she did an outstanding job!
Diane Foster
1 week ago
Kassandra and the Adventure Life team have been incredible! Kassandra was very knowledgeable and attentive to our asks while making sure we kept within our budget. This was our first experience with a travel agent and we were blown away by the booking/initial exploration service. We will use Adventure Life again.