Train to Machu Picchu in PeruA reed boat -- Lake Titicaca, Peru
Starting off our staff travels for 2010, Adventure Life's fantastic office manager and gate-keeper, Lynessa Nelson, is readying for a Peru adventure with her husband, Matt. Next week, Lynessa and Matt will hop on a plane from the Missoula airport to Lima, Peru. The first leg of their Peru journey is on the floating reed islands of Lake Titicaca, where they will spend time with a host-family on Amantani Island. Peru's floating islands are built using the buoyant totora reeds that grow along Lake Titicaca, and these reeds are interwoven to make homes, boats, and crafts ... and islands. Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu are next on their agenda. Lynessa and Matt will be taking one of our travelers' fan favorites -- our Machu Picchu by Train trip. Along with a few days exploring world famous Machu Picchu, the Inca ruins of Sacsayhuamán, Pisac and Ollantaytambo are also on their list of must-sees. Finishing their trip with a handful of days in Cusco, Lynessa will have a chance to practice her Spanish and do a little bargaining at the witches' market.
Lynessa will add Peru to her list of international adventures -- a list that also includes Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Mexico, Scotland, UK, Spain and Canada.
The Nelsons promise me both a fantastic journal and surprising photographs of their journey. Can't wait!
Oh, and a quick note to Lynessa -- On the edge of Cucso's Plaza de Armas is a frequented Gato Market. A very convenient market for the gringo and a good place to stock up on water or day-snacks or any little item you may have forgotten to include in your suitcase. As a special bonus -- right outside the market is a lady who sells fresh, hand-made tamales. I understand she's been in that same spot for years. The tamales? Fantastic. Forgive me, but I cannot remember her name.
Wishing you safe and happy travels, Lynessa and Matt!
Creating a checklist was very beneficial and meeting objectives on certain dates helped as well (to keep my trip organized). The Adventure Travel personnel helped keep me on track which is why my trip was so successful. Communication from both travel agencies (AT/MT) was vital.
Iziah Carthens
2 days ago
This is an amazing company to work with. I generally do not use tour companies as I am more of an independent traveller so I was slightly reticent. They were fantastic from the start - 10/10 - from lining up a phone call to discuss requirements, then their ongoing communication in the lead up to the tour and during it (thank you, Franny and Phen). They also explored cost-effective options (eg group transfers). The tour was in Patagonia so Adventure Life organised a pickup from the El Calafate airport to the El Chalten accommodation, two day hikes with a private guide and then to the El Calafate accommodation. A tour coordinator came to the hotel to explain, using the maps, what was involved in each day tour and what should be expected, and patiently answered all questions. The tour guide Marcos was excellent - very professional, knowledgable, communicative and at all times felt very safe with his navigational skills (important in the Patagonian wilderness). On the second day I forgot to take hiking poles so Marcos kindly gave me his. I honestly wouldn't have changed a thing and would happily recommend and book through them again.
Petrina Sta
4 days ago
Adventure Life has been great throughout my planning process for our up and coming Galapagos cruise. Kevin Moore, in particular, was very helpful in assisting me in making choices and providing me with options. He was also very patient, as I worked through figuring out what I really wanted in this vacation.
Lucy Greenway
4 days ago
Adventure Life was a pleasure to work with. They helped us find different options for our charter and answered a lot of questions with patience and clarity.
Brooke Hopper
5 days ago
Excellent service, great hotels and well organized excursions with expert guides! Highly recommended!
