Guided Trips to Machu Picchu

Accommodations Review

It seemed petty that the Costa del Sol in Cusco didn't offer complimentary bottled water, as all the other hotels did. The mini-bar charge looked outrageous, so we found our way to local stores to buy water for ourselves. Otherwise, we were excellently cared for there and at every other hotel.

Meals Review

We especially appreciated the ample and varied breakfast buffets. I am adding olives to my breakfasts back home!

Crew & Guides Review

We were very grateful to be met at the Cuzco airport with water and transportation and then brought in to the hotel to be seated and given coca tea. It made the transition to the altitude easier. After a nap, we were up for a (slow) walk around, and by morning we were ready to explore. Percy is an enthusiastic and delightful guide whose love of the area and of his Quechua background were a great contribution to our trip. We did feel that sometimes the information he gave us went beyond his actual knowledge. We found our driver, Javier, to be helpful and charming - as well as giving us a demonstration of the skills required to drive in Cusco!

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

We felt very well taken care of, and this was the right combination for us of having people with local knowledge arrange things and having choices and some autonomy on the trip. We'll likely be back to AdventureSmith for future trips, and we'll definitely recommend you to other people.

Traveler Advice

Do your homework about the hiking and allow as much time as you can to enjoy and explore. I do wish we had been a little better prepared for the Huayna Picchu hike. That's partly our fault for not doing our research, but a little more information would have helped. As it was, we almost didn't do it, because I had been intimidated by the sight of it on our first day. We did go ahead, and Dave completed the circuit. I got to the terrace just before the one-way section, which was a major accomplishment. Then getting down was difficult, just because of the total amount of activity and how hard the stairs down were for my knees. We were the last people off the trail that day, and I required some help from some of the crew who were leaving the mountain themselves. It's still one of our best memories, and a great story to tell, so I'm glad we did it.

Accommodations Review

Mountain Lodges of Peru -- lovely lodges; unique, carefully cared for by "locals"; wonderful concept.

El Mercado, Cusco -- good location; very accommodating with us being in and out (stored our luggage 3 different times); nice music in the evenings; street/neighborhood noise could often be heard; tea, coffee and water always available.

Libertador, Puno -- lovely hotel; on a "peninsula" so no options for meals (unless taking a taxi into Puno) except there; water bottles should always be available at no cost.

Napo Wildlife Center, Amazon -- fascinating experience; wonderful concept of the local tribe running the center.

Meals Review

The food in Peru was amazing; even "simple things" had wonderful taste. Each place was accommodating about me being vegetarian (even though I did not list it...I always find something to eat and I don't like to make a "deal" about it).

It was interesting to experience a Pachamanca meal during the Lares Trek; the 3rd lodge had truly amazing food and good thing we didn't stay there long or we would have gained weight. Nice variety at every one (minimal variety at the Lares Trek lodges, but understandable; they would make eggs any way a person wanted).

Thank you for having breakfast provided at every hotel, including the Libertador! Libertador -- main dining room was "fancy" (and expensive) and we ended up walking out of there and just going to the bar for dinner both nights.

Amazon -- not "memorable" but there was variety at every meal.

Crew & Guides Review

Lares Trek -- we felt we got very lucky with Miguel. Miguel was a fountain of knowledge, personable, "ready for any event", and we could just tell he enjoys what he does and is very very good at it.

Lake Titicaca/Puno -- it was enjoyable to have a personal guide on the boat when we went to the reed islands and to Taquile Island; we got a more "up close and personal" tour of the peoples; and the trout lunch was delicious.

Napo Wildlife Center -- Delphin - he grew up in the jungle; very interesting to listen to him tell stories and history, point out flora and fauna along with the boat paddlers; he made that adventure "come alive."

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

AdventureSmith was with us every single step of the way; countless emails were answered; serious and goofy questions were always thoughtfully answered; suggestions were provided as being "suggestions" and not "must do"; I had the greatest confidence and trust in AdventureSmith. We were provided documentation, packing lists, vaccine suggestions and info, reading material. I felt thoroughly prepared due to AdventureSmith.

Absolutely recommend! Looking back over the trip and over the last year of planning, I was very smart in choosing AdventureSmith. If we ever take an "adventure trip" again, AdventureSmith will be my first contact to make. Thank you for....everything!!

Traveler Advice

Use AdventureSmith! It takes an incredible amount of planning (and $$), but it is totally worth the planning. Think about what YOU want to do and see. It may be different from "the beaten path", but that's ok. It's about YOUR trip and what you want to do.

Accommodations Review

The lodges were top notch and small enough where we rarely had other trekkers near us.

Meals Review

Local cuisine prepared by local chefs. Organic veggies. Perfect.

Crew & Guides Review

Wilder had everything under control. If anyone had a physical issue or there was a concern with noise, for example, he was all over that.

Itinerary Review

[I most enjoyed] Going to villages away from the big cities, though the dining experience in Cusco was great. The hikes at high elevation were exhilarating. The last couple of days were more transportation days than anything else, save for the several hours at Machu Picchu. The citadel was impressive, but it was a large tourist attraction. We preferred hikes and rides past villages and glaciers.

Transportation Review

It was fine, though we handled transport to and from the airport. It was cheaper that way.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

It was on my bucket list to go to Machu Picchu and Andrew at AdventureSmith helped us choose the Lares Adventure. The [AdventureSmith] booklet was helpful and we used the checklist, though we also looked up recommendations online. This was my second trip with AdventureSmith. The first was to the Galápagos Islands pre-pandemic.

Traveler Advice

Be physically prepared and acclimate to the elevation well before the trek. I took Diamox and avoided any sickness, though breathing took some adjustment and my legs could have been in better shape. Drink water constantly. Don’t get so fixated on Machu Picchu that you take a shorter trip and miss the local villages. In the end, the local experiences were the highlights of the trip.

Accommodations Review

Our lodges and hotels were exceptional. I loved the two quiet lodges and family meals that are part of the Mountain Lodges of Peru experience. The Inkaterra hotels are luxurious and stunning.

Meals Review

By the end of the trip it did feel like we were eating lots of the same foods, but overall the meals were delicious.

Itinerary Review

I loved the itinerary of the 7 Day Sacred Valley trip - we had lots of time exploring villages and hikes off the beaten path and capped off our trip with the one-day Inca trail and visit to Machu Picchu. I loved the small villages we visited in the Sacred Valley. It was amazing to get to spend time with locals and learn about their way of life. I also really loved ALL of our hikes! The Inca trail to the Sun Gate was obviously spectacular, but several others featured incredible views and no other hikers! My least favorite town was Agua Calientes - it felt extremely touristy after we had experienced such peaceful local villages. We also had a lot of downtime following our morning visit to Machu Picchu and I think everyone was getting restless and ready to start home.

Transportation Review

I thought the transfers, drivers and transportation were EXCEPTIONAL considering how hard that would be to figure out on our own. I was incredibly grateful not to worry about this. All of our drivers were fantastic.

Crew & Guides Review

Our guides from Mountain Lodges of Peru were fantastic! Wilder was awesome - he truly cares about Peru, the local people and the land. We learned a lot from him. Our second guide was newer and we really loved Saul as well. Saul has fabulous energy and is really fun and knowledgeable as well.

Fellow Passengers Review

We had a group of 6 traveling with us and were joined by 4 others from California. We loved them! They were super easy going and enjoyable.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

I thought all of the materials and information provided in advance were very good! AdventureSmith was ALWAYS available to answer our questions.

Accommodations Review

All of our stays were hospitable and beautiful!

Meals Review

I cannot believe how good we ate!  Loved the quinoa soups, chicken, and pisco sours!!

Crew & Guides Review

Leo was incredible! So passionate and knowledgeable - we could really feel his love and passion for his country and people. He was patient, funny, kind, honest, professional and personable. We all felt a connection with him we wish we could bring him to the U.S. and give him a tour in return. We cannot thank him enough - honestly.

Transportation was amazing!  When we arrived anywhere they were there waiting for us.  We never sat around or had to worry about how to get from place to place. The best part was we never felt like we wasted anytime. We were always on the move from one adventure to the next!

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Andrew was key to making this wonderful and well-planned trip come together flawlessly. Thank you for all the planning and translating too! A trip not ever to be forgotten!

We were told to bring U.S. dollars that are in best condition, but I did not expect Peru to be so strict! Not a single rip or tear was accepted. We should have brought way more cash because most of our bills were not accepted anywhere. Not a big complaint but kind of a hassle.

Traveler Advice

Bring extra cash - most bills will not be accepted in Peru unless they are absolutely flawless.  Take it easy the first day or two in Cusco because of the altitude and do not drink the water!

Accommodations Review

We loved the Mountain Lodges Salkantay Hike. The Salkantay Mountain Lodges were fantastic, only one thing would really help would be some form of drying room or oil heaters to dry wet clothing.

Meals Review

I was hoping to take some weight off, but that wasn't going to happen with 3 course meals everywhere we went.  The meals were amazing and having a 3 course lunch made for us up in the mountains was awesome. 

Crew & Guides Review

Antonio, Ricardo and David from Mountain Lodges were fantastic, knowledgeable, interesting, friendly and funny. Guide at Machu Picchu was terrible, talked at us for hours not giving us enough time to actually look around the area and most of what he told us seemed to just be his interpretation of what may have happened. 

Peter and Desirae Guides at the Galapagos were wonderfully knowledgeable and friendly people, we really liked them we just found that they lectured for too long, 1km walks taking 3 hours with most of it being lectures.  Just a little too much information.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Very impressed with Andrew Browning's expertise and co-ordination of our trip, I changed my mind on what we wanted to do on numerous occasions and he effortlessly (well that is how he made it seem to me) gave me new itineraries, with prices and times etc. The Galapagos wild life was my original destination and since we were going to be in the area and its a long way to come from Australia we tacked Machu Picchu on and are very glad we did. Thank you, Andrew.

Traveler Advice

- Make sure to take insect repellent and if you have issues with bites, some antihistamines.

- Possibly go to Cusco and couple of days early to acclimatise and make sure you read the dosage of the altitude medication properly. 

- Take aspirin as pain reliever in high altitudes because it thins the blood. 

- No need to take shampoo, conditioner or body wash as all the lodges and the ships provide it.

Accommodations Review

Explora Lodge, Sacred Valley, was extraordinary in every way. Wonderful experience and worth it. The manager of this lodge obviously set the tone.

Meals Review

The chef made every effort to present us with a delightful dining experience.

Itinerary Review

This was a trip to Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. Each place had its own special and wonderful aspects.

Crew & Guides Review

Guides seemed to be well-trained and more than willing to answer questions and impart information on the locales visited. Also, they were sensitive to any issues each individual traveler might have.

Transportation Review

I liked the ease of getting transportation needs easily arranged. Airports in South America run on a different system rather than in the US. I have traveled widely before, but this did seem more chaotic than previous experiences I've had. However, everything worked out, and some advice given to me on my arrival in Lima from the guide sent to escort me to my hotel, was useful. This was to check the board as to where the gate would be as it could change at the last minute--and did. By doing this I was able to avoid any mishaps.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Thank you, Andrew Browning, for making sure this was a great trip for me and answering all my many questions! A friend, who had previously worked with AdventureSmith, told me about it. She said everything was accomplished in a very professional, thoughtful manner to maximize the client's well-being and enjoyment. I've already mentioned my trip to colleagues at work and they expressed interest.

Accommodations Review

The Casa Andina properties were nice and Aranwa and Sol y Luna were absolutely superb.

Meals Review

Friends told me the food in Peru was great and they were right. The cooking class we had in Ariquipa was quite an experience. Unfortunately, Chica canceled on us but we were rescheduled in another location and the Chef was a true delight, sharing some historical and cultural perspectives on the dishes we prepared.

Crew & Guides Review

All of our guides we wonderful - full of knowledge and ready to help out with anything, they made every step of the trip exceptional.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

With so many unknowns it was nice to have someone present alternatives, suggest options, and schedule details. This provides important peace of mind. This is the first private guided vacation we've taken and it will definitely not be the last. I'll be sure to contact AdventureSmith for our next adventure!

Meals Review

Food was excellent.

Crew & Guides Review

Napo Wildlife Center: Remi - an exceptional guide who went above & beyond - very passionate and knowledgeable - great sense of humor.

Galapagos: Pepe & Fabrucio - very enthusiastic, knowledgeable with great sense of humor.

Cusco/Machu Picchu: Elizabeth was fantastic - very knowledgable and enthusiastic.
Quito: Katya - very helpful and knowledgeable.

Transportation Review

At every leg we were met promptly and efficiently (Metropolitan Touring) and travel arrangements organized seamlessly

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Andrew is an excellent travel consultant who solved our cancellation problems very well and kept us well informed. Thanks to Andrew we were able to enjoy a wonderful cruise on Origin (after Eclipse cruise was cancelled). Andrew was very quick to secure our cabin at very short notice (I'm sure there were many disappointed travelers from others places). Can't thank you enough Andrew!!

Meals Review

The food was fine at all the locations.

Crew & Guides Review

Our guides were excellent - especially Remigio at Napo and Elizabeth in Cusco. On the Galapagos cruise and Origin ship the two guides, Fabrizio and Pepe were excellent. (note - Eclipse ship cruise was cancelled due to engine trouble)

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Definitely would recommend. Please pass on a huge thank you to Andrew for his expertise and suggestions and for his immediate response to our cruise 'problem' which turned out to be a blessing in disguise as we think Origin was perhaps better than Eclipse!

Traveler Advice

Remember that it is cold in the mountains in the evenings, even though you are on the equator and so it is important to bring warm clothes.

Accommodations Review

Hard to believe that these lodges could be built in the middle of the wilderness and yet be so well equipped for our needs. Loved relaxing in the hot tub after a long day of hiking.

Meals Review

Delicious meals with a good variety of fish, meat, etc. throughout the trek. People aren't lying when they say it's possible to gain weight on this trip, despite the high level of activity. Three-course meals at lunch and dinner are the reason! But we loved every bite. Our lunch in a tent after completing our 15,000 foot summit on day three was particularly noteworthy because none of us could believe we were eating pears poached in warm red wine in the middle of nowhere!

Crew & Guides Review

I truly cannot say enough about Liz, our tour guide and leader, who made our experience all the more meaningful and memorable. She was able to deal with any and every situation that arose--from a very serious medical emergency for one of our participants to a pair of missing hiking boots that had been taken by a previous tour group, she was professional, calm, knowledgeable, funny, warm and competent. It was true peace of mind for me to know that she is a trained wilderness paramedic, in case anything went wrong for my family, but also that she was empathetic to our individual quirks, such as fear of heights. She showed her confidence in us and I was able to do things I never would have thought possible. Mountain Lodges of Peru should know how great a representative she was of their company. We are so happy she was our guide!

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Tiffany was outstanding! She is detailed oriented, thorough, concerned and well organized. I always felt that we were in good hands during the prep stage of the trip, and she was helpful and empathetic when our flights were delayed. She responded quickly to any questions or concerns and I wouldn't hesitate to use her again for future trips or to recommend her to family and friends. She's a true professional.

Traveler Advice

Make sure you are fit and active! Lots of challenging ascents and descents but every one was worth the effort. Huge sense of personal accomplishment to complete each and every day.

Feel free to use my email address if someone wants to speak with a previous traveller. I personally found it useful to speak with the owner of your company for his feedback before I booked our trip. His comments were reassuring and insightful.