We always recommend staying a few days in Cusco prior to any exploration near Machu Picchu as it helps to acclimate to the higher elevation. But more importantly, Cusco is a beautiful city with so much to offer. If you have the time and budget to stay extra days in Cusco, I highly recommend it. There are many tours we can arrange, but it is ideal to have at least one full day to just wander the streets on your own. Most of my free time was in the evening when it was dark and not as easy to navigate for a solo gal. Still, I enjoyed those evenings wandering from square to square, getting a little lost, but soaking in the bustle of locals and tourists. I felt very safe as a women on her own even when the sun set at 6 PM and I was out there alone in the dark. I was still very aware and cautious, but was never concerned or bothered by anyone. Exploring Cusco by foot. (Franny Friesz)
I wish I had at least one more day to explore with my guide or on my own. There are many historical buildings, churches, museums, but also markets and shops to enjoy. The restaurants are abundant to try excellent local cuisine. I took a day trip to the Sacred Valley to experience that as well. Not really recommended as it was a long day, but with even more extra time, staying a night in Ollantaytambo before the Salkantay trek would have been ideal. Ollantaytambo is a smaller version of Cusco and had many similar attractions – ruins, restaurants, walkable streets. For families, there are so many fun activities to do together in the Sacred Valley as well. The best part about our trips in Peru is that they are easily customizable and can tailor trips to fit any solo, couple, or family traveling. Beautiful streets of Chinchero. (Franny Friesz)
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
