Testimonials

Martha and I were exhausted from the journey but we still were (and remain) exhilarated by the week we spent in Peru's Cuzco and Sacred Valley area with our group of nine family members.

The itinerary that we crafted with your help (and patience) was excellent with a good blend of structured activities and free time. I am very glad that we included an initial period of 24 hours of relaxation and accommodation upon our arrival in Cuzco. We needed it partly for the time to adjust to Cuzco's altitude and partly to recover from the frenetic pace of activities in Santiago, Chile, for the several preceding days.

The time we spent selecting hotels paid off well. The accommodations, food, and staff attention at each one the Casa Andina Private Collection in Cuzco, the Sumaq in Aguas Calientes, and the Pakaritampu in Ollantaytambo were excellent. (Future Peru For Less travelers may want to know that the Pakaritampu's grounds are beautifully maintained and that the hotel buildings are separated from the traffic on the adjoining street by a wall and gate. Some of the Ollantaytambo ruins can be seen from the Pakaritampu's garden, and this is aided by a telescope that is set up there.)

While I don't want to sleight the superb service provided by their hotel colleagues (from the front desk to the porters), I want to make special mention of the maitres d'hotel at the Casa Andina, Emilio, and at the Sumaq, Erick. They and their staffs made us feel both pampered and at-home and they were most helpful in dealing with the special dietary needs of some in our group. In each case, a wide variety and generous amount of food was available for the buffet breakfast; and the Casa Andina had a friendly and efficient chef stationed in the dining room to make eggs to order. I have to add that the quality of the food preparation and presentation at the Sumaq (where both breakfast and dinner were included in our room rate) was worthy of a dining room in a major city and quite a surprise in the isolated hamlet of Aguas Calientes.

We were pleasantly surprised by the provision of a full breakfast (complete with tablecloths) on the early morning train from Cuzco to Machu Picchu. PeruRail provided a box lunch and a fashion show on the mid-day trip from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo.

Perhaps I should not have waited this long to mention the Peru For Less guides (1) Fabricio at Machu Picchu and (2) David in Cuzco, Ollantaytambo, Pisac and other parts of the Sacred Valley. The success of this trip and it undoubtedly was a success was dependent upon their knowledge, patience, thoughtful explanations and enthusiasm as well as upon their respective willingness to extend themselves to accommodate my expressed need (picked up by the members of our group) to identify and visit locations that I last had seen 45 years ago!

We were glad to see Christina, the Peru For Less representative in Cuzco, waiting for us outside the terminal as our group was among the last passengers to collect our checked luggage and leave the airport. Christina made sure that we were well-settled at the Casa Andina on the day of our arrival. We are sure that her subsequent behind-the-scenes efforts helped make our week go smoothly. She escorted us to the Cuzco airport at the end of our stay and her presence there was most helpful in assisting my sister Judith in dealing with a boarding pass issue.

Thank you, Rylee, for the several months of e-mail exchanges that led up to this trip and for helping the Chilean and North American members of our family spend an unforgettable week together in Peru.

Leo S. Levy
Albany, NY, USA
November 9-15, 2009
Cuzco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu

We'd like to say a huge thank you for our truly magnificent holiday. From the moment we arrived until our final flight home we were looked after with the greatest care and attention. All your reps and drivers were always waiting for us, often right outside the doors of airports and stations, with a smile and details of the next stage of our trip. Our tour guides at the various stages were very well informed and good fun. Everything was organized beautifully giving us great piece of mind and the opportunity to really relax and enjoy ourselves. The hotels were spotless and very comfortable. We experienced many wonderful sites and met some lovely Peruvian people. If I had to choose the high spots of our holiday it would have to be Machu Picchu and being able to stay in the park overnight and being the first to watch the sun rising was tremendous and well worth the cost. A bonus was that we were invited to join in the wedding celebrations of a happy couple who had no guests and to share their champagne and wedding cake. Another wonderful surprise came as we returned to Casa Andina Private, Cuzco, for and overnight stop and had been given the luxury suite overlooking the plaza to the front, the best in the hotel. Finally what a surprise to discover our hotel in Lima, Second Home, was the home studio and gallery of the famous Peruvian artist Delfin and what a privilege to meet him and his daughter.

Watching the Condors flying in the Colca Canyon was very special and as their immense wings swooped past us we got some great photos. Learning about all the different people, their history and cultures was fascinating. Peru is truly a country of many contrasts and I'm so glad we visited it whilst it still remains relatively unspoiled by the 21st Century. Can't wait to go back and see more. Thank you so much. Hasta la proxima.

Regards,

Romaine Campbell
October 12-29, 2009
Lima, Arequipa, Cuzco and Machu Picchu, Puno

We had a great trip and returned home with lots of pictures and memories from our travel through Peru. All arrangements with Peru For Less (airport transportation, lodging, tours) worked out well without any complications. Thank you. By far the highlight of our trip was exploring Machu Picchu and hiking Wayna Picchu.

Certainly would recommend Peru For Less to other Peru and South America travelers.

Thanks again for all your assistance and making our travels memorable,

Michael Kremlacek & Phillip
Washington, DC and Boston, MA, USA
October 17-27, 2009
Lima, Cuzco, Machu Picchu

Barbara Rohrer
Valley Center, CA USA
October 27 – November 4, 2009
Cuzco, Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Thanks for inquiring about our trip - which we feel was a once in a life time experience. We loved the intimate experience of the Eden and with only 16 passengers it really felt like family. The crew and guide were also friendly and knowledgeable. The food was fresh and very healthy. We were expecting the highlights to be visiting the islands (which were amazing) but it turned out the highlights were seeing the sea animals up close and personal. The thrill of snorkeling with sea lions, sharks, rays, giant turtles, penguins, and multi-colored fish is hard to describe. We would recommend this experience to anyone who appreciates nature and loves to learn. This was not a relaxing trip - it was an adventure.

Our experience in Quito was also very nice. Roberto Peralta was a great guide.

We certainly will think about Peru For Less for our next trip to South America.

Kelley Cavan and Barry Harrison
New Glasgow, Canada
October 17 – November 5, 2009
Quito, Galapagos

I wanted to take a little more time to thank you for our wonderful trip. There was never a moment when Peru For Less let us down.

Drivers, guides, representatives were prompt, polite, helpful, friendly. Miguel in Lima was so knowledgeable about the religious history -- very interesting. The desk clerk at the Casa Andina always greeted us with his beautiful smile. Johann in Chiclayo took us to some of the most fascinating archaeological sites and museums. I wished for more time there. He took us to a small recently opened restaurant -- which served one of our favorite meals (won't forget the sudado). Had some freshly brewed chicha (corn beer) there. We enjoyed the drive through the sugar cane fields. Convinced him to take us to the local market, where Lucy found some treasures and I enjoyed people-watching and taking photos. Judith in Trujillo went so over and beyond. She invited us in to her home, where all of her family was so warm and hospitable. Trujillo's Temple of the Moon was one of the most memorable places. Chan Chan was also beautiful, awesome. Hard to believe they've just begun with all that's there to excavate and restore. We also had an amazing meal at a restaurant with a huge buffet there. Judith led us through course after course. We won't forget the ceviche. I am so glad we included the northern desert in our itinerary. Learning about the Moche and Chimu cultures provided such depth and background prior to seeing Machu Picchu.

The Amazon may have been my favorite spot. It's hard to choose. The Inkaterra was a dream. I hope I can return there some day. I still dream of what that dense forest sounded like -- a symphony. We also enjoyed "Applesauce," the wild boar who hung around to have his belly rubbed.

Cuzco was a little hard at first. The altitude was an adjustment. We were glad we had some off-time to just lounge. The first night though, we dragged ourselves out and heard music on the square -- a brass band, a torch singer, and a musical group. Such fun! The city was like a fairy land at night. We loved our hotel, The Arqueologo. We discovered its cozy bar and ended up being alone in there at times in the evening -- sitting on the comfortable love seats in front of the fire, being served tapas and delicious Peruvian wine. We heard the opera singing waiters and waitresses at the restaurant next door. Maria Elena, our tour guide there, was also a gem. The drive through the Sacred Valley was memorable. We also enjoyed the colorful Pisac Market.

From there we were off to Machu Pichu and of course it was sensational. We loved the Inkaterra Hotel. Had a tour of their lovely orchid garden and saw numerous hummingbirds of all colors and sizes.

Our final treat was taking that fabulous train to Puno (thank you for your suggestion there, so worth it) and then staying with the family on Amantani Island. Lucy and I were both a bit trepidatious about this, but we had a magical stay. Despite our language differences, we somehow communicated and felt so warmly held by them. We did lots of climbing and saw the sun set on one side of the island and the moon rise on the other. We want to go back. We want to go back to all the places we went. Hopefully we'll be able to. Thank you for such great memories. Peru is such a glorious country with such a sense of reverence in its life. I'll send you a couple of pictures.

Meredith Knight
Atlanta, GA, USA
September 21 - October 5, 2009
Lima, Trujillo/Chiclayo, Puerto Maldonado, Cuzco, Machu Picchu and Puno

In Lima we had a great dinner Las Brujas de Cachiche. It was a great opportunity to meet Rylee - our Peru For Less rep - in person and I would highly recommend using PFL and Rylee in particular if you are traveling in South America.

Baker
Houston, TX, USA
October 2-14, 2009
Lima, Arequipa/Colca Canyon, Cuzco/Machu Picchu and Puerto Maldonado

The trip to Puerto Maldonado was really great. I didn't expect the lodges to be so "luxurious". In my case I would have even been satisfied with a simpler designed location. Everything worked very well. The food was great as well as my guide Vico. I was very lucky to have him as my guide - a biologist who knows every single bird by its call (totally weird!), as well as nearly every plant and all the complicated relations of the jungle. It was a little sad to see that other groups didn't have such an experienced guide. Some of the others had to really struggle with their English (or other languages) and they were by far not as educated as Vico was! I was the lucky one.

All together it was a great experience that I can recommend to others. I also have attached a few images of my trip.

Thanks for all your efforts. It was awesome!

Regards from grey and cold Germany,

Steffen Paetzold
Germany
October 6-10, 2009
Puerto Maldonado

Thanks for the follow up email. My trip was amazing! The Peru For Less team was phenomenal from the planning right down through to the execution of my trip. The tours were small and personal, which was outstanding and gave you a real feel for the country and its people. They were always on time with all pick-ups and transfers and were always available if you had any questions. The personal attention that the trip advisors paid to me was outstanding. It was the trip of a lifetime and I would recommend Peru For Less to anyone thinking about traveling there. Thank you all for the outstanding trip of a lifetime!

On a more personal note, I am thinking about taking another trip to South or Central America. I understand you guys handle more then just Peru? If so where would you recommended that I should go? Thanks!

Patrick Naughton
Lakewood, Ohio, USA
October 7-12, 2009
Lima, Cuzco, Machu Picchu

Thank you so much for arranging everything! We had the smoothest most amazing possible experience on vacation ever. There aren't even words to express how wonderful of an experience/adventure that we had, but I'll try my best. We got home and looked at each other and both said that that was by far the best vacation that either of us had ever been on. I hope that Peru For Less continues to work with Wayki Trek. This group is amazing. We were hiking along side other groups and I could tell that Wayki Trek not only takes the time to make sure that you're every need is met , but they are by far the most professional, knowledgeable, and happy group compared to the other companies.

Our guide Antonio was amazing! He knew everyone, everywhere. There were many times that the people from Wayki Trek stood out as being the very best in the area and everyone in our group commented on it continuously. Everyday our guide gave us multiple possible options for the day and we always did the very most that we could possibly do for the day so that we could see as much of Peru as possible.

The hot springs were nothing like we expected. We felt like Kings and Queens. There were 3 or 4 large pools and hot spring style showers. Amazing! It was extra but it was well worth the money. We had such a great experience! I want to see Peru for Less do well. The other couple in our group used a different booking agent and they had quite a few problems and we had none! You guys are awesome and hit a dead ringer for us. Wayki is awesome and provided the very best trekking experience in Peru! Everything was wonderful! All of the transfers were perfect! It was a life changing experience. I loved every minute of my time in Peru!

Thank you for the cake. Chris was quite surprised and enjoyed it very much! Thank you again for the best trip that we've ever taken! I've been trying to find other treks comparable to this one and I'm having a tough time.

Thank you again for everything! Sorry this is so long, but I have much to say and tell and things to thank you for. I included a few picture of my favorite sites! Let me know if I can help you out at all in the future. I look forward to hopefully booking with you guys again, soon!

Enjoy the photos!

Melissa Baxter
Amherst. NY USA
September 13 - 19, 2009
Cuzco & Salkantay Trek