Flight of the Condor

I had a really great holiday ‘Flight of the Condor’ from June 15 to 30 – one of the best trips I have taken.

The scenery in the Andes was fantastic, the hotels were generally good (though some were cold – the trip advice needs strengthening a bit on how cold it can be!) and the rest of the group excellent company .  The tour leader (Elvira) was also excellent, very sociable, helpful and patient.  One of the local guides, Wilmer, was also outstanding and the various drivers kept us safe on the roads (some of which were on the rough side!)

The highlights for me were:

Museo de los Santuarios Andianos in Arequipa – this is where Juanita the Ice Maiden resides.

Inti Raymi festival in Cusco – a colourful and interesting event

Ollantaytambo and Pisac ruins – the Incas were amazing engineers and builders

Macchu Picchu

Inka Kola!

The beautiful lakes and mountains.

But not the roasted guinea pig!

I wasn’t very impressed with the Sillustani ruins (though the views were spectacular) but this maybe partly because we saw them after a long day’s drive.

he Uros Islands visit had a bit of an ‘animals at the zoo ‘ feeling for me – I didn’t feel very comfortable with it.

If in the future you were to run a trip to Northern Peru I would be interested as I’d like to visit the Lord of Sipan museum at Lambayeque, Chan Chan etc.

I’ve been with other companies besides the Adventure Company and I think your trips are the best I have done – a good mix of sightseeing and activities at my sort of level!  I had a great time in Peru so thanks to all for organization etc.

As mentioned above I’d suggest reinforcing advice about the potential (freezing) cold nights if you visit in winter months – I’d suggest warm scarf, gloves, hat, thermal underwear, fleece as heating was minimal in most hotels and restaurants didn’t seem to be very warm either.  If there’s no sun in the day the nights is even colder!

But overall I had a great time

Thanks

Ms B - June 2012

The Andes - people and scenery The pre-Colombian archeological sites and colonial buidlings in the towns

[Least enjoyed] Some of the hotels were cold - no/inadeqaute heating. Colca Canyon a bit disappointing as did not really see the canyon itself just a viewpoint for condors!

The trip to Sillustani site was a bit of a let down - the views were good but the site itself was not very visually exciting.  And the musuem in Puno which is said to hold the finds appeared to be closed.  Might be better just to go straight to Puno and not visit this site.

The hotel in Arequipa had very dark and gloomy rooms but its location was good. Best hotel was the one in the Urubamba valley - a nice hotel in beautful grounds.  All hotels were well situated though in the respective towns

Elvira is one of, if not, the best group leader I have had on this kind of trip

Ms B - Travelled in June 2012

The highlight for me was to see the Condors flying in the Colca Canyon - i found that a truly memorable and emotional moment.   Others included Machu Picchu of course, and the Salt Pans of Moray.    The accommodation was excellent and our group was small so we really bonded well.

There was a very long coach ride with other people and a very annoying tour guide... the stops were hurried and overall the day was long and tiring and tiresome!

The itinerary was good - i think the trip notes could have been more helpful and perhaps slightly more focussed to the trip in hand rather than the generality of travelling with the Adventure Company... e.g. we were told to bring pack packs and other equipment that was really not needed on our Flight of the Condor trip - cases would have been easier for us to handle as we were not trekking.   Minor point but important i think.

Solay - she was wonderful in every way - very very knowledgeable.  Her english was impeccable and she was a pleasure to be with.   We all looked upon her as a good friend throughout the trip and were sad to say goodbye.

Ms H - Travelled in May 2012

For most people, they were probably glad to receive their luggage!  Machu Picchu of course. The Andean Explorer Train was brilliant (and totally undersold in trip notes).  You CAN book it locally by the way if tickets are left.  I did, once I calculated I could afford it. Fabulous day of luxury needed after some really cold wet weather days.

Trip notes were good for itinerary but poor in terms of packing list.  Weather was very often cold (we have pics playing in the snow) and wet.  Had waterproof (which had been recommended) but needed warmer fleece than that recommended for dates.  Hotel in Chivay freezing as heating inadequate for room size. Wished I had hot water bottle and/or travel kettle to make hot drink!  HATED voluntary activity: white water rafting.  I had really wanted to try this and understood that the level (1 or 2) was for beginners.  Knew there might be small risk but was unprepared for what happened.  The boat capsized as we'd gone into a "hole" (whirlpool).  Feel perhaps the level of rapid was too advanced for us but accept that water conditions can change. Luckily I have done sub aqua and that training helped me.  I was trapped, fully submerged under the boat for what felt like an eternity before I was able get out and reach the surface for air.  To their credit, the organisation running the rafting had another boat (also containing tourists) nearby, who picked up 1 of our group from the water, our instructor was quick to assess the situation and was shouting commands for us to follow and he and an accompanying canoeist successfully got the rest of us back on board.  However, swallowing Peru river water is not to be recommended! 

Itinerary generally good and our guide worked hard explaining what we would be doing and giving us choices within it.  You should make more of the Andean Explorer option.  It sounds expensive but is worth every penny as so much is included in addition to the comfortable furnishings and excellent scenery.  We had morning and afternoon entertainment (music and dance, fashion show etc), pisco sour making demonstration + drink.  The lunch and tea were delicious and the presentation and service on board SUPERB.

Have already commented on Chivay (where staff were pleasant, despite cold hotel).  In the main, hotels were pretty good overall in terms of meeting need.  Was expecting basic at Machu Picchu so hotel there exceeded expectations as rooms were both comfortable and warm and the showers had hot water (not always the case in other hotels).  In hot weather this is not really an issue for me, but in cold wet conditions, I think it is important to have the means to get warm again.

Henry was a great leader who worked incredibly hard to ensure all our needs were met and that we had a good time.

Ms P - Travelled in March 2012

Definitely the Uros Indians on Lake Titicaca, closely followed by Machu Picchui of course. Also stepping from the plane in Arequipa into brilliant sunlight and the cool crisp pure air at 2380m and seeing the 3 volcanoes El Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu was unbelievable.
The lunar landscapes at 4910m were just awe-inspiring in stark contrast to the hot humid low level Amazon basin. It was like two holidays in one.
All the hotels were great - some modern, often quaint.

Max was the best. He spoke very good English, was extremely knowledgeable, was very conscientious about our welfare and had a wicked sense of humour.