5 Stars (115 reviews)
Our trip was more than we imagined. The Inca Trail hike was extremely challenging, but our guide and porters encouraged us to keep going and the end result (Machu Picchu) was life changing!! The trip to the Amazon was extremely well planned and we were amazed not only by the wildlife, but of the knowledge that our guide was able to share with us. All of this would not have been possible without our Active Adventure guide....Salvador! We would love to travel with him again!! He was kind, patient, efficient, organized, and knowledgeable! We appreciate all of our drivers, hotel staffers, etc......but most of all....Salvador!!
Machu Picchu & Amazon Adventure, August 2023
Jeanine
5 Stars (115 reviews)
WE were well looked after on our tour, and also felt we were able to help the locals by being there, that was a great feeling..
Machu Picchu & Amazon Adventure, May 2023
Jen
5 Stars (115 reviews)
My trip, Machu Picchu and Amazon was "beyond wonderful." Was first trip with AA, and will not be the last. From start to finish GustavoM took excellent care of us, always keeping us updated and informed of what will be taking place. He took each and every one of us under his arm, watching and asking about where we were in the moment. His keen sense of humor added to his jovial personality and I felt like "family." Active Adventures immersed us in the Cusco and Andean culture and I fell in Love with the Peruvian people, their intense work ethic, their strong faith, the love of their Peru, and the stronghold of their communities. Machu Picchu was far beyond my expectations and is truly difficult to capture the awe, wonder and spirit of this sacred place. Wilson, our guide, poured his heart and soul into our tour and the spirit and legacy of the ancient Incas was experienced with a sensation of vitality and presence. And just as awe inspiring as Machu Picchu, the hike on the Lares trek held more wonder and beauty than I expected. I am 67 and the hike was a challenge for me but with perseverance and encouraging words from Gustavo and the group, I did amazingly well. Our porters had our campsite ready and the food was outstanding (and for me too much) both on and off the trail. And the hot packs given to keep us snuggly and warm did just that on the cool nights.
The Amazon trek was filled with animals, birds in their natural habitat and our guide was filled with such knowledge about each and every one. The boat ride was both relaxing to the body and the eyes, especially the early morning cruise to view the hundreds of Macaws and Parrots that were so very plentiful and so colorful.
My travel partner, Moriah, and I pretty much had the perfect experience. Weather was perfect, our lodging always updated (even the camping tents and "banos") the hotel rooms so very clean, updated with hot showers. The food was exceptional, and the company and our guides, GustavoM and Salvador, the greatest!!
There is a spirit and vitality in this part of Peru that I carried back home with me. I hope to always carry this in my heart and soul and Active Adventures made this all possible!!!
Machu Picchu & Amazon Adventure, November 2022
Lee, United States
5 Stars (115 reviews)
This trip was beyond anything I could have imagined. Our guides, Gustavo and Salvador, were amazing. They are native to Peru, so they knew a lot about all the places we visited. The food was excellent, even on the trail. The chefs and porters worked very hard to make us comfortable while backpacking. It is a very active trip, so make sure you are in good shape before signing up. I can't wait for my next adventure with Active!
Machu Picchu & Amazon Adventure, November 2022
Moriah, United States
5 Stars (115 reviews)
A Trip of a lifetime!!! Thank you, Zak
Your years of experience and love of Peru truly made my adventure experience better than I had dreamed
Your timing for our hikes avoided other larger hiking groups, yet we met wonderful local people.
Very emotional to reach the top of dead womans pass... I can do this.... only because the pre training, family support, and
encouragement from you Zak I did my part but you helped me "Kiss the sky"
I loved our special morning before heading to Machu Pichu, my sunrise Yoga experience at Winaywayna allowed me to soak in the Peace of completing this physical adventure with family
Big thanks to William and our Amazon trip, Your knowledge on birds was amazing
Thank you again for helping me achieve a dream
18 month post surgery Lung cancer survivor YES I CAN!!!
Loved our Adventure Team ! Thank you for the detailed extras- warm meals (diet restrictions honored)
comfy sleeping arrangements (warm hot water bottles to sleep with),
strong friendly porters, and rocket man (you made life easier)
Machu Picchu & Amazon Adventure, October 2022
Andrea, United States
5 Stars (115 reviews)
This was our first trip with Active Adventures, and our family of four agree it was one big adventure! Reaching the top of Dead's Woman's Pass during day 2 on the Inca Trail was a very strenuous and emotional event and would not have happened without the support and advice of the entire Active Adventures team: personalized fitness plans (we trained over four months); acclimating to the high elevation (we listened and arrived in the Sacred Valley four days before our official start just to acclimate (and took our time taking in the town, Inca sites, sampling Peruvian food and culture; and following the advice of our wonderful guide, Zacarias by hiking at a slow steady pace. Zac was not only attuned to our group needs, but he went out of his way so each individual had a unique experience (bird watching, photo opportunities, Inca site explanations, meeting local people, helping with spanish translations, knowledge of the jungle, etc. He seemed to know everyone on the trail, and everyone in Cusco. Truly amazing intuitive guide. We were very fortunate to have him.
After seeing all the different tour groups at the various campsites, we began to appreciate Active Adventures even more - ie: very few groups (if any) had their own 'rocket' tent with portable toilet in their campground.
The food was amazing both in Cusco, in the Sacred Valley, on the Inca Trail (they even baked a cake!), and in the Jungle lodge. My wife and daughter had special dietary needs and Zac coordinated with all the cooks to make sure the food was properly prepared.
We were not sure the jungle portion of our trip would be as exciting as the Inca Trail - but we all learned so much and now very grateful for this portion.
No real 'negatives' nor would I suggest anything different. However, We were very tired after hiking Inca Trail and exploring Machu Picchu and didn't get back to the hotel until after 8pm. Could have used more 'down time' before leaving for the jungle the very next morning. Then when returning from jungle, it was raining in Cusco and flight was diverted to Lima until rain stopped and we could return to Cusco. (ugh - extra 5-6 hours on the plane), but it was all part of the adventure :)
Overall, a very gratifying exciting adventure. Thanks so much. Looking forward to another trip.
Machu Picchu & Amazon Adventure, October 2022
Bob, United States
5 Stars (115 reviews)
I recently returned home from the Jaguar Trip in Peru and am now processing this remarkable experience. My most significant memory/reflection is how very special the guides and helpers were. I especially need to highlight Wilson Escalante who continually went above and beyond to provide me a unique and memorable experience. He genuinely cared about me personally... not only around the quality of the experience but also about my health since I was having some issues with altitude. He provided not only the usual explanations of the various sites we visited but went deeper into the spiritual understanding. Being a native Quechuan speaker, he was able to open the hearts of the various Andean villagers we met along the Lares Trail. I felt like I leave with an intimate connection with the village people but also with the ancient Incas. The days in the Amazon were also special. Pepe's knowledge of the flora and fauna is encyclopedic! But more than that, one can sense his love of the jungle as well as his desire to convey this love and understanding with the rest of us. This is likely my last "adventure" vacation. Truly it was a fitting climax to the 5 trips I have had with Active Adventures.
Machu Picchu & Amazon Adventure, October 2022
Peter, United States
5 Stars (115 reviews)
Fantastic adventures in Peru from cycling the Sacred Valley, to hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu to exploring the flora and fauna of the Amazon rainforest. Exceptional guiding and support staff (with special thanks to Wilson and Salvadore!!!), outstanding meals - even, or maybe especially at camp (thanks, Donato!!!). The Active Adventures team was always on the lookout for ways to make this trip memorable. I could not more highly recommend. Make sure you train as the hike is challenging due to the high altitudes.
Machu Picchu & Amazon Adventure, October 2022
Kit, United States