16 independent reviews for Peru 2 week tour
Reviews for Peru 2 week tour
Rene Uys review 27 Dec 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Truly enjoyed all of it2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Prepare for impact of high altitude3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definately benefitted local communities4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A fantastic experienceJan Davidson review 11 Nov 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Many memorable and exciting parts but for me I enjoyed seeing the wonderful varied landscapes from cloud forest to antiplano, coastal dessert to volcanic lands and high altitude farming terraces, not to forget the floating islands on Lake Titicaca. Talking to the guides about the history of Peru and learning about the present day culture was also a highlight.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Having private guides rather than being in a big tour group is a huge advantage if you want to learn more about past and present cultures, wildlife or other special interests. Avoid internal flights if you can as you will see far more of the country if you travel by road or by train and it is more environmentally responsible. If you want to purchase textiles or other souvenirs ask advice about local cooperatives which will sell fine genuine goods at prices that reflect the price of the making. Be respectful of local customs and avoid intrusive rude behaviour especially when it comes to photography! If you want to photograph local people then ask them first and always offer a gift of money for doing so.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I do feel our vacation benefitted local people. We bought local food, stayed in local hotels and of course had local guides which were so very kind and helpful. We were taken to several cooperative ventures for traditional textile production and tried to purchase some special textiles from these places where the profits go directly to the local community. We tried to support conservation by respecting the regulations around visiting archaeological sites. I think we could have done better by using less bottled water and making more use of filtered water. Sadly I doubt we did much to reduce environmental impact as we had already had a transatlantic flight from Europe and two internal flights over the 17 days there. For the future I would prefer to avoid flights and certainly use trains and buses instead of short haul flights. I think "Responsible Travel" could do an enormous amount to promote this.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A superb trip which gave us the chance to meet Peruvians and gain insight into another culture and a wonderful opportunity to explore some of the dramatic landscapes of Peru.Read the operator's response here:
RT: We have recently released our first chapter in our manifesto on aviation. For more information on are manifesto follow the link: https://www.responsibletravel.com/copy/manifesto-aviation
Maureen Thompson review 31 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Reaching Machu Picchu was thrilling we had been through a lot to get there. The weather was perfect our guide was brilliant. It was everything i had hoped for.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take as long as you can. There is so much to see in Peru i wish i could have stayed longer. Do be aware the altitude can literally take your breath away.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely, all our hotels were locally run and staffed, all our guides and drivers were local too.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I thoroughly enjoyed my vacation it really was a once in a lifetime experience.Mim Brigham review 16 Sep 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
So many2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Again, so many but generally, just do it3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not absolutely sure about that4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
AmazingRead the operator's response here:
Dear Mim,
Many thanks for the 5* review, I’m happy to hear you enjoyed your trip to Peru with us! I just wanted to take the opportunity to reassure you that even it if was not obvious during your trip, local people did benefit from your visit, and social and environmental initiatives were supported. A couple of examples – the local operator you travelled with in Arequipa and Colca organise regular campaigns taking doctors and dentists out to remote communities, the organic farm you visited in the Sacred Valley is part of a project supporting organic and traditional farming methods which, in addition to environmental benefits, provides employment and training opportunities for local people, and the Amazon lodge you stayed at runs conservation projects for several species, including endangered turtles. All of this is possible because of income from tour operations! You also stayed in small locally owned and run hotels in Cusco, Ollantaytambo and Puno, supporting responsible small businesses. I hope this clears up any doubts about the positive impact of your trip to Peru.
Thanks again and we hope to hear from you in the future when you are ready for your next South America Adventure!
With best wishes
Heather
Sharon Hamman review 1 Jul 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The most memorable part would be having the time to walk in the towns on my own after a tour. The intimate personalized city tours with time for me to sit at a sidewalk cafe and soak up the people and place really brought the history and personality of the cities alive.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Rain forest is rigorous and wet. You may want to save that part for the end of the trip. It wears you out then you go to the higher points and the altitude makes it hard to breath. If you have back or leg problems this part of trip can be hard. Do not be afraid to say you are tired and will pass on a part of the program.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
This statement is most true of Puno and Lake Titicaca. The island people are so open and friendly you can see tourism is important to them and maintaining thier culture. Cusco is so on top of control of plastics and environment health that I feel I learned how they handle problems and hope to promote what I saw in my own country. This type of trip lets both the visitors and the host country benefit from the experence.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Wonderful, truely one of the best thought out tours I have ever taken. It was fit to my needs and wants. Thank you.Nigel Parsons review 16 Jun 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Of course Machu Picchu is amazing, but I also loved Cusco and Arequipa. Wandering around the streets of Cusco and finding beautiful squares was a great experience. Actually, it is impossible to choose a 'most' memorable part - there were so many great experiences: seeing the condors flying at Colca Canyon; the floating islands on Lake Titicaca; the convent in Arequipa. I could go on!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you can, allow 'free' days, when you have a chance to reflect on your travels and to get to see 'local' life. Also, allow time to adjust to the altitude.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
In places the positive impact for local people was more obvious than in others. It was clear that tourism was crucial on Lake Titicaca, although there were negatives as well as positives. I feel that using smaller hotels and giving work to local tour companies was beneficial. As to reducing environmental impacts and supporting conservation, I am not sure that my trip was helpful.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Outstanding. The arrangements were just what I asked for and local tour companies were efficient and professional. I had a wonderful time, with very little stress as the organisation of my trip by your company was virtually flawless.Wendy Halliwell review 6 Dec 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu was absolutely amazing. The whole organisation by this company was amazing and well worth the extra payment.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Allow for altitude acclimatisation as this is a must to ensure you are able to enjoy the excursions offered in the Andes. Book private tours rather than group tours as this enables a more personalised and efficient service.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Absolutely amazing.Caroline Watson review 15 Nov 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Galápagos Islands animals and sharks. Hike into Machu Picchu.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Leave luggage in Cusco when going to Aguas calientes just use an extra very small bag.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent.Alan Green review 8 Jul 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Meeting local people2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do not bother visiting Lima3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
GreatAndy Hine review 7 Jun 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Machu Picchu and the climb to the top of Wayna Picchu which overlooks the magical Inca site was our final day of the three week trip and an unbelievable day. All three areas we visited, the Galapagos Islands, the Peruvian jungle and the Inca sites of Cusco and Machu Picchu were so different it is difficult to say which was the most memorable. Snorkeling with green marine turtles and Galapagos sea loins and sharks was wonderful.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do your planning and research ahead and have an idea of your itinerary before having discussions with travel agents. Responsible Travel were excellent in understanding our brief and made very useful suggestions and alternatives. The agents you put us in contact were the best we spoke with.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes indeed. All the accommodation, whether in hotels or lodges, staying in the Pervian jungle or our time in Cusco and Machu Picchu, or on the boat traveling around the Galapagos, the environment and sustainability were always at the forefront. Our guides and the locals we met were always helpful, smiling and polite. Lovely people. The manner in which the Galapagos is being managed is a world' flagship' to how to conserve and sustain the wildlife and the environment.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Wonderful! A vacation of a lifetime. The memories will stay with us forever.Stephen Shirley review 5 Jun 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
There were so many! - but if I have to choose it would be the Inca Trail; the camaraderie built up in our small group, the incredible meals, looking up at the stars so bright you could touch them, and the sense of achievement on the 4th day looking down on the incredible ruin that is historic Machu Picchu; and then, totally different, the 2 days spent on Lake Titicaca - the relaxation traveling in a boat, but so interesting with the insights into Peruvian island communities, craft and culture, including the overnight host family stay.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
I decided to do the Inca Trail rather than the alternatives e.g. the Salkantay Trail as I wanted my first sighting of Machu Picchu (1) to be from above (2) having been isolated from civilization for several days (3) one day shorter. The Inca Trail is physically demanding and if you are 50+ (I am nearly 70) some good training in preparation is essential to enjoy the trek. There are literally many hundreds of roughly constructed rock steps up and down, many equivalent to 2 normal house steps on a set of internal stairs. Aching muscles uphill and jarring knees downhill. Trekking poles a big help. If you go to one museum before or after Machu Picchu make it the Casa Concha Museum in Cusco which features all the artefacts found by Hiram Bingham during his excavations and returned a century later by Yale University. It is an excellent multi-media presentation and much better than the Inca Museum which I found boring. Cusco streets noisy from 4.00am so try to stay in a room towards the back of a hostel or in a quiet part of the city to avoid being woken up early! In the Rain Forest wrap all your clothes in plastic bags otherwise they will all get very damp by the time you leave! Take refillable water bottles and buy your water in 2 litre bottles from a local shop rather than the small bottles from the many stalls - much cheaper. Always ask for the special midday menu at restaurants at lunch times - very inexpensive and good value. Take a power pack to charge your mobile phone3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Certainly my vacation seemed to benefit local people providing employment which may not otherwise have been there and giving them a reasonable wage. Llama Path seem to provide many benefits to their employees over and above that of a wage. Certainly, all of the people that supported me were very helpful and seemed happy with their work. In many ways tourism has brought much needed income to improve their standard of living as well as enable the local communities to continue to live in traditional patterns. However, the improvements brought through the tourism also can also bring conflict at times with their culture as many people coming in from outside impacts on their space and lifestyle.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The vacation fulfilled all that I had hoped for and more. As I anticipated it was more of an experience that a "vacation" which was what I wanted - to start to understand the Inca civilisation and how, together with the colonial rule of Spain, the many Peruvian communities, craft and culture has developed to what it is today. The hostels and other accommodation were excellent (except the Hostel Apu Huascaran in Cusco which was very noisy from 4.00am in the morning in the bedrooms overlooking the one-way street outside as taxis, vans, etc., would stop to pick people up from the hostel, sounding their horns and leaving their engines running and blocking other passing vehicles which would also sound their horns if they were being delayed!) I asked to be moved to a room not overlooking the road which was much quieter.Andy Cook review 9 May 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
I loved Machu Picchu. It totally lived up to my expectations - and was pleased that we did a 'two day trek' to get there as it added to the experience (actually only one day of trekking and one day of being there. Tina loved the rain forest most - it came a very close second for me.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Make sure you have time in Cusco or Ollantaytambo to acclimatize to the altitude before doing any trekking. I wish we had had time to stay on one of the islands on Lake Titicaca but we only had 2 weeks so had to prioritize. In hindsight I would have liked a canopy walk in the rain forest but did not think of this beforehand.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
All our guides were local people and all seemed to have an interest in and active involvement in local environmental work or animal welfare.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was amazing!Cicely Olive review 11 Nov 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It was all a wonderful experience but the definite high spot was the Machu Picchu visit and the 2 day Inca Trail2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Research your vacation well in advance and tailor your trip to meet individual needs. Allow time to acclimatise before moving on to high altitude. Ensure you build in time to rest and do your own thing.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Local people are very tuned in to environmentally friendly behaviour and encourage visitors to do likewise. We were able to support local industries through local visits and purchases.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent value for money. First class accommodation and guiding service. All local agents (guides/transport) engaged by DSA were highly organised and well informed.Barbara Nelson review 25 Sep 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Our group of 8 visited an elementary school in the Sacred Valley (near Chinceros). We gave each child a goodie" bags filled with small toys and school supplies (we brought from the U.S.) We enjoyed interacting with the children and seeing their smiles! Enjoyed the Vistadome train from Ollantaytambo to Aquas Calientes. The views around Machu Picchu were amazing!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Important to know the new rules and guidelines for traveling/hiking Machu Picchu.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We hope so.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Our 10-day trip in Peru was fantastic from beginning to end! From the moment our group (4 couples) started planning our trip to Peru with our tour operator. Her suggestions and recommendations couldn't have been more perfect for us and our interests. Heather is an extremely competent travel consultant; great communicator and very knowledgeable about the areas we were visiting. While we were planning, she always got back to us promptly to answer our questions. The properties were perfect. All our guides and drivers were warm, friendly and loved teaching us about their country. A few times we spontaneously wanted to visit something not on our itinerary and our guides were flexible with these new additions. Our trip was flawless! You can totally put your trust in this company to organize a fantastic trip for you, whatever your budget. I can highly recommend this company.Natraj Balasubramanian review 5 Jan 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The hospitality of the hotel staff and guides. The Amazon jungle trips. And Heather's constant monitoring even over the Christmas week end….2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
On arrival at Lima, take an immediate connection to Cusco, rather than spend half a night in Lima. Do Pisac on the way back from Ollantaytambo to Cusco, rather than as part of the Sacred valley tour. There is no baggage restriction on luggage on the boat from PEM to the Inketarra Resort. Ensure the guides speak good English. Remember that even water is charged for in "all inclusive AP rates". Very European, un American practice.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, nice to meet NO EXPATS, meaning every service was provided by locals. The bus from Aguas Caliente to Machu Pichu reduced the number of vehicles that would otherwise make that round trip. The few resorts approved in the Amazon forest results in higher rates, but must be good for the environment.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very Good - a "4" on a scale of 1 to 5..Paul Mors review 1 Oct 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Peru is a wonderful destination with so much more to offer than just the iconic Machu Picchu - all thoroughly recommended.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
As we did, do the circuit in an anti-clockwise direction, so that you finish up with Macchu Pichu as the jewel in the crown, but don't miss out Arequipa and Colca Canyon.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
In a relatively poor country where tourism is so important to the economy, every aspect of such a trip benefits the people somehow - even paying a child to take their photograph is a valuable contribution. Likewise, tourism as a source of income, by its very need, supports conservation of the tourist sights. Balancing this need with the reduction in environmental impact is a conundrum that Peru seems more aware of than a number of other countries we have visited. We wish them well in their efforts.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A first rate and memorable experience made to run like clockwork by the efforts of the team at the Vacation providers.Holiday Reviews
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