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Happy words from our past clients
Of course, when you go on holiday, you expect to have a good time so it is always superbly gratifying when clients take time out to contact us with their feedback.
So here are a just a few comments from some of the hundreds of happy clients we have received over the past couple of years. We are always pleased to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback – It always gets read and to passed onto the right people. If you have any feedback you’d like to give, please contact us now.
“Just a quick thank you for the holiday in Peru you organised. It all went off very smoothly and the organisation was excellent, I could not fault any part of it. We had a great laugh and got home safely.
Thanks again,
John Hannan 2008
“The three days in the Sacred Valley were very worthwhile. Certainly much easier than doing the climb! Our little hacienda was slap in the middle of the Valley. It was in the village of Urubamba, (as in the river) down a dirt track set amongst farms, far away from noise or traffic or towns. A high wall surrounded the unkempt garden (which was full of indigenous South African flowers!) and at the back, a lovely orchard full of fruit trees in blossom. It made me think of the villages we slept in in the Annapurnas - remember the apple orchards at Marpha, and then the next night in orange orchards?
Anyway the hacienda was run by a delightful couple who couldn't do enough for us. The accommodation was basic, but homely and most comfortable. Sue liked it so much, she stayed behind one day just to enjoy the place by herself and to write.
And our guide Chino was an absolute star. He called us his beautiful super duper ladies which endeared him to us no end. Did you know that he studied history at university and was a lecturer? He said he didn't have patience with the students, so he gave that up and now he prefers guiding. He had a wealth of knowledge.
Anyway every day he took us to a different Inca site, as set out in your itinerary to us. After visiting the site we would set off on a hike through hills and dale. That was fabulous - the walking part. Many times we would pass minor Inka sites, and of course, the never ending terraces were often our contour paths. Then all of a sudden we would come upon a clearing and there would be the most beautiful picnic lunch set out for us. With a gas cooker and all to make us HOT tea! And there was nobody else in sight, we were the only people on the planet.
The Amazon Basin was WONDERFUL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Certainly one of the high-lights.
Three nights there was perfect. If we were there for 2 nights, I would have felt cheated. Once again our guide was excellent. Ivan was a native from the forest - so you can imagine the wealth of stories he had to tell. He liked to refer to his grandfather who taught him all about the medicines available in the forests.
So, it was a wonderful trip. Thank you for making it happen.
Carmen Copestake South Africa 2008
Thanks for an excellent I.T., everyone was chuffed to bits with the whole caboodle, and I especially appreciated the efforts you went to, to sort out the last minute hitches - made my life a lot easier!!”
Pete Getgood Uk Inca Trail 2008
“I was recently on your 5 day inca trail and just wanted to say that our guide Edward (I think thats the spelling) was very good. He was very friendly and helpful throughout the trip and I found the trek much easier having him about. I. I also want to thank you and your team for the fantastic time we had in Peru and will definately recommend you to our friends.”
Hugh Hampsey Inca Trail 2008
“I really must thank you for all the work you put into our wonderful tour of Peru. What I tell folk is that the organization was spot on. Like clockwork, couldn't find fault with anything. The accom, the food, the guides, whether we were travelling on busses, planes, trains or boats, never a problem. Also blessed by my traveling companions. We were lucky with the weather,and that we all kept well.
Felicia South Africa 2008 peru Explorer
“Wilo (the guide) has been fantastic nothing is a problem, Good knowledge and very good fun.” Mcllellan x 2 Private Peru 2008
“I want to take this time to thank you & all of your staff for making our trip to Peru so enjoyable. Your professional & courteous staff were always on time & well informed as to our schedule & our needs. Their attention to cleanliness & hygiene exceeded my expectations. My sons & I are still revelling in the many wonderful experiences from our time in Peru.
In particular, the staff on our Lares trek was outstanding. As a History major at university, I found Chino's knowledge of his land & his people to be exceptional. We were a captive audience to his many tales.
His friendly smile & calm nature made us completely relaxed in everything we did together.
Chino advised that our trek was the first time that Marcellino worked for you. Always smiling & ever accommodating, I would strongly recommend that you use him for other treks.
Your cook.....was excellent. Every meal was great. Victor, our driver,.... was terrific as well.
It is very apparent that all of your staff are very pleased to work for you & that you treat them very well.
That certainly is reflected in their positive attitude and ever smiling faces”
Gary Minden Lares trek 2008
“Now back in the UK for week, just wanted to say how much we appreciated the service from Amazonas Explorer during our recent trip to Peru. All in all a great trip to a fascinating country made all better by your company's services.
Mike Wilkinson Private Peru 2008
“We have just returned from out trip to Peru and it was amazing.
Efrain Valles and Amazonas Explorers were excellent. The trip really exceeded our expectations. Wayne enjoyed the challenges of the Inca Trail and I enjoyed the extra time in the Sacred Valley. We were really glad we were with Amazonas Explorers when the strike in Peru affected our itinerary. Efrain and Amazonas Explorers were able to alter our itinerary on such short notice, and we didn’t feel that we were short-changed on our trip at all. In fact, because we were able to be at Machu Picchu during the strike, we were able to enjoy it without the crowds of day-travellers who normally come by train.
We would definitely recommend this trip to anyone wanting to go to Peru!
Thanks again,
Lynn Harris Peru Explorer 2008
“Just a quick note to let you know that we all arrived back in one piece. Thank's for organising our extra days in Peru which we all agreed was brilliant and expertly carried out by Amazonas Explorer. Not one hitch did we have, which was great. Military execution at its best.”
John Dillon 2008 Titicaca extension
“We had a great trip and Amazonas is a first rate operation. Thank you and we may see you sometime in the future (when kids are big enough to come along…)”
Best,
Leslie Jefferson & Tony Jefferson Inca trail and Titicaca 2008
“MY NAME IS CARMEN PALOMO AND I JUST CAME BACK FROM PERU FROM YOUR AUSANGATE TREK.
I just wanted to congratulate you on a wonderful trekking expedition you put together but mostly on the people you employed.
They were just amazing. Chino (Ruben) was the best at the beginning of the trip. He was so enthusiastic and proud of his heritage that made us hungry to learn more about Peru. He was a real joy to have and then we moved onto AAron, Justo (who I wanted to bring back with me) and his team. Aaron was very professional, kind and just full of energy which is what helped me at 16,000 ft.
Really...... all of them were so kind to us and they were all willing to do anything to make us comfortable and happy and BOY do they work hard all day long.
Please tell them what a great job they did and thank them again from all of us.
Again, Congratulations on your staff.”
Carla Palomo – ausangate 2008
“We were so impressed with Amazonas Explorer, what a professional team. The food was great and the guide extremely knowledgeable. Doing a private Inca Trail was the right decision for us, it meant we could go at our own pace (one day of the hike took us 11 hours!). This trek in Peru was the highlight of our whole holiday; we enjoyed it even more than the Galapagos cruise.”
Mr Perl Inca trail 2008
“Just a quick email to say thanks for all your help with our Salkantay trek a couple of weeks ago. Flor in Mollepata looked after us really well and hooked us up with a great Muleteer for the first couple of days. The weather was OK (loads of snow on the pass though!) and it was great to have the freedom of not being attached to a tour group.”
Dan Harmon Salcantay trek 2008
“We just wanted to let you know what a wonderful time we had in Peru. The slight collywobbles about not being with other families were entirely groundless…..I can’t imagine what the trip would have been like if we had been in a larger group.
All the logistics worked perfectly….all airport meets ups & transfers went smoothly, and the guides from Amazonas Explorers were excellent. We have been on a few of these family holidays now, in Europe, Africa and N America. This was by far the best trip we have done, and well worth the travelling. “
The daniel’s family private family trip 2008
“Nothing to do with sales..just a big thank you for all the fun we had on our recent trip. All the Amazonas staff we had the pleasure of meeting were friendly, helpful and professional. We particularly felt that there was flexibility to let us do as much as we wanted, rather than sticking to an over cautious itinerary….even if this did mean Alain doing shuttle runs up & down from the Maras salt pans to retrieve the kids’ bikes whilst they walked down the trickier bits. Nilo was also happy to get up at the crack of dawn to help make sure we got our chance to get up Huayna Picchu.
Being able to cycle right back to the hacienda felt much more of an adventure than bussing it back.
The accommodation was superb….especially the hostel in Pisac and the wonderful Hacienda.
As you rightly said….any concerns about not being in a larger group were groundless…..I can’t imagine how the trip would have worked if we had been. It wouldn’t have been the same & anyway the kids wer too knackered to want to do anything but sleep.
The jungle was fabulous…and I think having a day more than most people was a good thing.
Please thank everyone we came into contact with.”
The Daniels Family 2008
”Just a quick note to thank you and everyone for the support in getting ourselves organised for the holiday in Peru. Doing the Inca explorer was tremendous and extremely rewarding for both of us. We had a wonderful time but now understand why you need to be fairly fit especially for the first week trekking.
The Peru people we met were lovely and the guides very committed and passionate about their work. I would like to say that both Ruben (trek) and Pepe (rafting) did Amazonas Explorer proud.
Steve and Lesley Cain”
Inca Explorer sep 2008
“All of the arrangements worked extremely well. The extension activities arranged following the Inca Trail and Machu Pichu were just superb: mountain biking, white water rafting down the Apurimac Canyon, the Andean Explorer train journey from Cusco to Puno, and the 2-day trip to the islands of Lake Titicaca were all fantastic experiences, and incredibly enjoyable. I had the time of my life every single day I was in Peru. The hotel in Puno was very good, and all the hotel taxi transfers in Cusco and Puno arrived on schedule. As a person who really appreciates knowing the details of any plan, it was greatly reassuring to see in advance the detailed timetable of all the activities down to the time of hotel transfers in Cusco and Puno, and then it all happened exactly as scheduled. Wonderfully well organised - well done!
So thanks for such a wonderful experience, I have been recommending Amazonas Explorer to anybody thinking of visiting Peru for adventure activities.”
Regards,
Eric Waters Inca Trail and Titicaca 2008
“We spent 3 days with Pepe (Jose) exploring the sacred valley and wanted to let you know how great our experience was. We can’t give enough credit to Pepe for opening our eyes to the history and the current issues while having a great time with us. He was the star of our trip. Funnily enough, we got home to the UK, turned on the TV and saw Pepe on a raft with Bruce Parry and a BBC film crew – very cool.
After the hustle and bustle of Cusco, exploring the Sacred Valley with Pepe (real name Jose) from Amazonas was just what we wanted. We can’t give enough credit to Pepe for opening our eyes to the history and the current issues while having a great time with us. He was the star of our trip. The mountain biking was awesome, nearly all downhill and followed by the 4x4 with lunch and spares. The bikes were also top notch with full suspension and disc brakes which means a lot if you’re into the sport. Sol y Luna was also a great hotel, a lovely oasis with a fantastic restaurant.”
Andy Tarbuck
“Just wanted to drop you a line to say a big thank you for arranging such an awesome trip for me and Penny, we loved every minute of it. Lares is a beautiful place, and the arrangement worked really well”
Laura Trace Exsus Travel Lares trek 2008
“The whole trip was fantastic, very well thought out and our local guides were just incredibly knowledgeable. Pilar at Colca took us on a 2 hour walk to aim to get acclimatized, ready for our trek. This also allowed for other visitor coaches to clear 'photo points' therefore by the time we finished our walk we had these photo points to ourselves. I cannot believe that originally I was happy to omit Arequipa from my itinerary, which would have been foolish as this area was just so fascinating, so glad you advised me not to miss this part.
Elijah at Puno was also very knowledgeable and very interesting learning about the Andean religion, the Uros and Taquile islands were brilliant.
Chino (Ruben) on our trek was brilliant, so happy and encouraging even though it rained for 3 days of the trek!! The nights were cold! However being woken with a cup of coca tea much appreciated each morning.
Amazonas Explorer certainly know their business / locality, I can certainly recommend them.
My group of fellow travellers were brilliant - we gelled within the first hour and had such humour within the group.
Thank you so much for your help in co-ordinating my trip to Peru.
with very best wishes
Doreen
Best regards
Doreen Stephens – South Africa
“Amazonas Explorers are worthy of particular mention , our guide , Efrain , was exceptional and along with a good crew made our Inca Trail Trek and visit to Machu Picchu a memorable journey . Nothing was to much trouble and the quality of meals that were prepared and presented each meal time had to be both seen and eaten to be fully appreciated . Despite the obvious language barriers between ourselves and the crew, ( Efrain's English was excellent ) the warmth of their friendship and desire to help was marvellous .”
Alan Howard
“Just a few lines to say what a FABULOUS time we had in Peru and to thank you for all your efforts!
“The holiday was fantastic, particularly Amazonas Explorers who really made Peru come alive for us. We are hoping to see our guide next year as he is coming over to run the London marathon in April!”
Gareth and Claire Davies
“This was a wonderful trip. The Amazonas Explorer support crew were great, and the tour guide (Wilo) was knowledgable and courteous. He took good care of the guests. The food was delicious, and the efforts of the porters (campsite set-up, food and drink service, hygiene, etc.) were top-notch. This trip is a great way to see many archeological sites in the region that you just cannot otherwise access. So many people hop on the train to Aguas Calientes, then the bus to Machu Picchu and think they've seen it all, but you're missing so much if you don't trek the trail! The day or two in Cusco was also fun; there are many interesting sights to see there. All-in-all, this was a great experience and I give all credit to the Amazonas Explorer group -- they take care of their guests and forsee and accommodate all contingencies very well.” Connie Varner , USA private trip April 2009
“Thank you for organizing a wonderful trip with such wonderful guides. Fun and excitement was had by all the family.” Kathy Martyna Family trip 2009
“On behalf of the seven girls, I wanted to thank you and your staff for a wonderful and unforgettable experience in Peru. Efrain, our guide for most of the trip was always professional and knowledgeable. We all enjoyed having him as our guide. White water rafting was so much fun! The rafting guides were great and it was nice to get to meet you in person. We were sad to leave but left with great memories and are grateful for the opportunity that Amazonas Explorer provided.”
Jennifer Block
“To whom it may concern,
We took a tour with your company on the 30th and 1st of May just gone.
We were introduced to one of the most amazing places on earth by what can only be described as one of the most amazing people on earth! Wilfredo was an excellent tour guide and we couldn’t leave South America without thanking him for his knowledge, guidance and utter mental sense of humour.
It goes without saying that it is the people that make the tour and indeed Wilfredo made ours.
So from Frieda and Sueanne I would like to say thanks again for a fantastic tour and the privellage of meeting such a wonderful person.”
Sueanne Byford Ireland 2009
“Hi Paul & Carol,
Just to say that everything went perfectly on our weekend trip to Llactapata, so thanks so much for arranging that - and the vodka was really appreciated!! Peter, the director, also commented on how smoothly it all went and how good the staff and food were. We were lucky with the weather, the solstice did exactly what it was supposed to do, and aren´t the views from there amazing? Will speak to you soon, but just wanted to write quickly to say thanks,
Adrian Gallup 2009 National Geographic film shoot
“Hello Paul,
The Tambopata was a great trip. Pepe Negro did a great job keeping us all entertained, safe and in one piece. He was a great match for our group. Rebecca and Scott are avid birders as is Pepe Negro so it was interesting receiving an avian education going down the river. Ron was great company for another viejo. All in all the chemistry of our group was very good. So, it was a lucky trip to draw.
Both Pepe and Efraim did a spectacular job on the technical parts of the Tambo. Given the low to moderate water level both Ron and I gave the "monsters" IV+ to V. I think that Pepe was glad to have four pretty competent river paddlers aboard through a lot of the stuff in the canyon. I got some great shots of Efraim and the cargo boat coming down through monster III. Once I am in home port and settled I will send some shots down.
Edgardo did a great job getting our crew over the pass and down to San Juan del Oro and Putina for the put in. There was some very impressive class IV mud driving that night. It was a spectacular descent via Cuyo Cuyo and the pre-Inca terraces. That entire drive, though challenging, is a real unpolished gem.
From a fishing standpoint, Scott Hauser did land a Paco which probably went 30 to 35 lbs. It made a delicious meal. Other than that the fishing was pretty quiet but we certainly threw everything in the tackle box at those critters on the way down. I did pick up some local intel about fishing the Tambo once we got down to P. Maldonado.
Carol Thomas did a nice job setting me up with connections in Lima, and accomodations at both the Castellena in Lima and Casa de la Gringa in Cuzco. Both were exactly what I was looking for. Good job Carol.
In summary, I felt the Tambopata was a great experience and a good taste of the Selva. I gained a good respect for how easy it would be to 'eat your lunch' in that country. A good place to have competent leadership
Thanks again for a great trip. Your group did a professional job from beginning to end.
best regards for now,”
Joe Fullop – USA Tambopata July 2009
“Dear Paul
Many thanks for organising our speedy departure from Peru yesterday, we just made it to the border on time and safely arrived in La Paz, and to the comfort and luxury of the Europa Hotel, which is hugely welcome after the last few days on the lake!
We all had an amazing time in Peru, it was truly wonderful and memorable, many thanks to both Carol and yourself for organising a fabulous and varied trip for us which we shall all treasure.
And yes you are right we only did scratch the surface after 52 days and we hope to be back one day!
Kind regards
Serena Bolton family adventure May – July 2009
“Hi Paul,
I just wanted to take a moment to Thank you & your wonderful guides for a fantastic trip. Please pass on to Alain (white-water rafting) that his suggestion of a restaurant in Cusco (Chi Cha's) was phenomenal, truly one of the best meals I have ever had! Thank you once again.” Debra Talaska USA 2009
“Hi Paul
Just a quick note to say thank you to you and your team for organising a great day rafting for us in Cuzco, we really enjoyed ourselves.”
Regards
Sophie Tolley 1 day rafting 2009
“Louis Nel returned with rave reports on his trip to the Cordillera Huayhuash. A magnificent trek! He says he has never been on a tour in which things were better organised - not a hitch anywhere - lovely people - excellent guide, etc. Please pass my thanks on to those concerned.
I just wanted to thank you personally. We had an amazing holiday and thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the itinerary. The trip was excellently planned and went without a hitch. All the staff/guides were very helpful and friendly (especially Carlos and Nilo) and helped to make the trip one we will remember for a long time.” Malcolm Pearce Summit Ventures South Africa
“Amazonas Explorer came recommended and I will certainly be passing this recommendation on to anybody I know thinking of visiting Peru.”
Thanks again
Iain McGuffie Multi activity Peru - July 2009
“On behalf of Hennie as well I just want to thank you so much for our Peru trip that was so absolutely wonderfully organized. Not a thing went wrong. All our travel arrangements and pick ups were there in time and the transport you organized for us in Peru were excellent. The accommodation was good and very comfortable as well.
So were our guides. It was an extraordinary experience for both of us and I am so glad that I went all credit should go to you. Louis was a wonderful tour leader and looked after us like his own family.”
Linette Ferreira South Africa
“ Of all the days we spend in Peru, including the beauty of Machu Picchu, we most fondly remember the 3 days of adventure between Cuzco and Puerto Maldonado! When we met other travelers and Peruvian people afterwards and told them about our trip they were looking at us as if we were aliens; most of them never heard of a trip like this, but they all were impressed and it always gave us a good conversation! We hope that Carlos and Edgar made it back safely and sound to Cuzco after your farewell drink in Wasai Lodge. Please pass them our fond memories and mucho mucho thanks. We cannot express how much we enjoyed it! And thank you all for a well organized trip.Hope we have a chance to come back one day to enjoy more!
Regards,
Huub, Ghislaine, Loulou and Yasha van Luyt
Breda, the Netherlands August 2009 bike trip
“It was a wonderful and totally unforgettable experience, so great that I am already thinking about the next time & trying to work out how to make it possible to visit your country again!”
Tana Kruger – South Africa
“The trip was fantastic. The quality of the service was excellent. It adds to the holiday, when you are not required to engage your brain for 2 weeks. The collection and delivery and spoon feeding amozonas did made the holiday very easy.”
Alison Boyer UK MAP
“Pilar and Geraldo were very nice, very friendly, very knowledgeable and
very helpful. The transportation and lodging were excellent. The time
alloted to each activity was also perfect. We weren't too rushed, and we
all enjoyed the down time at the Colca Lodge in the afternoons. Kudos to
your whole team for putting this together.”
Jeff Bushman USA – Colca
“My wife and I appreciated very much the quality of the guides and Douggie's unflappable good humour served us very well as did his knowledge of things Peru”
Ron Legg South Africa
“The guides on trek were at all times ready to impart their extensive local
knowledge, and gave individual help whenever needed. Indeed they became our
very good friends. We were sad to say goodbye.
The cooks and porters were amazingly industrious and always cheerful and
friendly. The provision for our welfare and comfort far exceeded our
expectations.”
Esna Kaufman UK
“The porters and guides were excellent, with Willow and Pancho exceeding their duties by taking us out on the last night and ensuring we were safely back in our hotels at 2 in the morning. The hotel in Aguas Calientes were superb. Generally the attention to detail by yourself and those that arranged/implemented the trek was exemplary and worth every penny we paid.”
Craig Girvin UK
"We had a fantastic holiday and Amazonas Explorer could not have performed better, nor shown more care and attention to detail. It is always the little things that make the difference and they certainly had those in spades."
Everard Family UK
“Amazonas Explores were fantastic. I cannot say enough good things about them. It was truly adventure with luxury. Meals great, support vehicles, good equipment and nice hostals. Best of all we had brillant guides (Simon (biking & Cusco) Zack & Leo on the trail. We had a good mixed group of fit people for MAP and 6 was a perfect number. Thanks for all your help to make it one of my best holidays ever.”
Alex Murphy
“Amazonas Explorer, the best adventure outfitter in Cuzco" Conde Nast Traveller
“We would like to say that we had a tremendous time in Peru this july-aug. the whole thing was amazingly planned & executed. The guides, the specialists Dave, Alain, Zac, Ephriam, Jaun Carlos & Tanya. They were all so knowledgeable, fun with both kids & adults, helpful and supportive. You have an incredibly professional team. Congratulations.”
David and Louise Sadler
“Thanks for a fantastic holiday, everyone at Amazonas should be congratulated for how you all looked after us all so well!”
Roger Cashmore
“I have worked with many agencies throughout the world but Amazonas Explorer is right up with the best of them in terms of efficiency, flexibility and quick response in a crisis. Please convey my thanks and appreciation to the team in Cuzco.”
Dick Brader
“I just wanted to tell you that from my point of view the WWW trip was absolutely excellent In addition I have to say that I was impressed by the standard of care and attention to detail
I was in my element as far as the environment was concerned, and can hardly believe that I caught sight of a jaguar as well as getting long video footage of a tapir and on another day a spider monkey.
Our guides did everything possible to make the venture a success, and what I relished was the response to my enthusiasm which was to be part of it rather than just tolerate it.
Had the trip been too comfortable and cossetted I would have felt cheated. The combination of the atmosphere of adventuring with a close proximity to nature was an ideal blend
Vernon Cowdy Tambopata river rafting
“Thanks for everything you did for our group, the trip could not have run smoother.”
Sandy Simpson TAE
“We wanted to let you know just how much we enjoyed the whole experience. Everything ran smoothly - the arrangements you made for us worked like clockwork. Our guides were very knowledgeable and helpful.”
Terry and Ellen Thompson
“Paul & crew at Amazonas Explorer - thanks for a fantastic Inca Trail trip last week! Everything was extremely well organized and professional, the food was great and Zac was a fabulous guide. We had a great time - thanks!”
Natalie Medlicott
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