Sacred Land of the Incas trip review
by Martyn Byford
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The most inspirational moment was definitely the first time Machu Picchu came into view. We arrived in the morning and it was covered in shade. Slowly, as the sun came up, the shade moved across the site until it was finally fully in glorious sunshine.
What was it like travelling in a group?
Awesome. Our group ALL got on and went out all together for meals nearly 100% of the time. On the Inca Trail we all helped each other out and encouraged those struggling. One lady twisted her ankle and four porters carried her for the remaining part of the trek. We saw another group (from another company) where a lady was crying, struggling with the altitude and had a panic attack. Her tour leader wasn't helpful at all and the rest of her group wanted to leave her behind.
What did you think of your tour leader?
Superb - very friendly, very passionate and very helpful. Everyone loved him and he was very genuine.
What was your accommodation like?
Surprisingly good – dare I say better than I expected! All accommodation was clean and comfortable. There were some issues with hot water for one or two of the rooms, but this was swiftly rectified.
Types of transport used whilst on the tour?
Private minibus, local buses/coaches and train. The buses for the longer journeys had fully reclinable seats, leg rests and toilets. On the train from Aguas Calientes we even had steward service.
What was the food like?
We ate at all sorts of places - from street vendors and local restaurants to chains. I tried alpaca for the first time which was beautiful, however the guinea pig was too pricey for me to try on my budget! We always went to somewhere that catered for everybody's tastes. However, I would be very patient as they don't like to rush the food out. The food at the homestay was a little bland but considering it was cooked on an open fire it was nice and warm and very filling.
What was the atmosphere of the places you visited?
Lima was busy, a typical city but my favourite places were Cusco and Aguas Calientes as the ambience and vibe were chilled but quite cosmopolitan. There were lots of travellers from Europe, Australia etc and everyone just talked to anyone.
What were the local people like?
Amazing, very friendly and welcoming and very accommodating too. All the Peruvians seemed to smile ALL the time. Everyone from hotel reception staff to maids, bus drivers, cleaners, shop assistants - EVERYONE was friendly and helpful and a great advert for their country.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of the country?
Our tour leader took those of us who wanted to a football match and also to local, family-run restaurants. He even took us to a Peruvian nightclub (everyone on the trip went including couples in their 50's!) where we had our own special area and VIP service.
Highlights?
Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail were the main highlights. Trekking along the trail and looking DOWN on clouds was awesome. Other highlights were the homestay on Amantani Island on Lake Titicaca, watching a local football league match and the drive into La Paz as the views on the way were amazing- I can still see them in my head as clear now as I did then.
What advice would you give to other potential travellers?
No need to take a sleeping bag on the trip as you can hire this for the Inca Trail, along with walking poles/stocks. I took far too many clothes as you could get laundry done at most places and buy t-shirts etc ..cheaply too. Some people did a Spanish course for 1 - 2 weeks beforehand which I think is an excellent idea. At the homestay on Lake Titicaca we took balloons, colouring pencils, paper etc.. for the children and they loved that.
Do you feel the tour was value for money?
Yes!
What rating would you give the tour?
Excellent!
