This day was all about getting home. We started at the hotel, saying goodbye to our good friend Teddy at noon. Riding down the hill to the aeropuerto, we were really surprised to see our first real obstacle of the trip. That was the check-in line at LAN airline terminal.
Stood in that line over 2 hours and missed our flight back to Lima. This did not turn out to be that big of a deal though, as we were just put on the next flight out, which was the next hour. As we had a LONG layover in Lima, that was not a problem.
Well to make a very long story short, after layovers, missed flights, and delays, we pulled into our driveway in Knoxville the next day at 5:00 pm. That's 29 hours! For some reason, it seems as if all the flights out of Lima back to the states fly overnight. Not sure why that is, but it took a lot longer to get back than to get there. Isn't that always the case?
Concerns: Travel - Its just a long way from Tennessee to south of the equator. We survived.
Highs: Our last morning with Teddy
Lows: Only 2 people at the LAN terminal trying to get all those people out of Peru.
WOULD WE DO IT AGAIN:
Country and Culture - Absolutely loved the people and the country. They are trying to adjust to the boon that is M-P, but for the most part,doing very well.
Machu Picchu - Everything we expected and more. There is a reason it is on every top ten list of places to see in the world before you die.
Adventure Life - As far as what they offered, it was just exactly what suited our family the best. Small group, very well organized, flexibility, like minded travelers, great guide, attention to detail, and very responsive. From the initial call I placed, to the follow up call back home, we wouldn't have changed a thing.
Final note: We kept dropping luggage as we neared M-P. You are only allowed to take a 25 pound pack onto the train going into Aqua Calientes. Be prepared for that.
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
1 day ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
1 day ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
2 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
Anne Petty
3 days ago
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner