Peru Encompassed

Traveler Reviews

• M

  Malcolm

  May 24th, 2023
  3
  The first few days were a little hectic and some of the included visits were rushed or on one occasion missed out....
  The first few days were a little hectic and some of the included visits were rushed or on one occasion missed out. The Inca trail section was well organized though I found tough going. The jungle part was very disappointing, accommodation and facilities were great however no animals seen or heard, few birds.Show more
  Traveled in April 2023
• 

  ROSE

  October 23rd, 2019
  4.5
  This tour was truly an adventure of a lifetime. I decided to write my review broken down by topics....
  This tour was truly an adventure of a lifetime. I decided to write my review broken down by topics. Booking the tour. I booked this tour online through TourRadar. I was very impressed with how quickly and efficiently TourRadar would reply to me on any questions or issues I had. The staff I talked to were always friendly and enthusiastic to help. Altitude Sickness I brought Diamox for the trip. Our Tour leader explained to us that we really don’t need to take altitude pills. Just keep hydrated with water and electrolytes and take it easy, act like a sloth. If someone does feel ill, there is oxygen and medication available. After I took 2 Diamox pills, I vomited and had diarrhea. The medication may or may not have caused these sympotoms. I decided to stop taking the medication. I felt nausea when we hiking Colca Canyon. After that, my body adjusted and I was fine for the rest of the trip. Homestays We had 2 homestays and 1 visit to a local community that produced textiles The homestays were 1 of my favourite activities on this trip. My only criticism with the Colca Canyon homestay was that we were not given time in advance of the visit to purchase gifts for our host families. I already brought a few markers, stickers, and small toys from Canada. However, I felt this wasn't enough since it is recommended to spend $30 soles($13 cdn) dollars. For our Lake Titicaca Homestay, we did go to a supermarket and buy gifts ahead of the visit. At the homestays, we dressed in the local garments and ate a delicious homecooked meal. Excursions I won't comment on the entire itinerary, but highlight some of the pros and cons of some of the activities. Nazca lines: Intrepid deals with a local airline that is considered safe and reliable. Some people vomited on the half hour plane ride. It is very difficult to take pictures in the plane since it is hard to focus and hold your camera steady. Saint Francisco Monastery: We went to this place during our free time in Lima. I regret going to this since I didn’t realize what I was going to see. Underneath the building are tombs with the remains of 25000 people. In one display, there was a skull in the center with femur bones laid around it in a circle. I just felt it was disrespectful. Machu Picchu: We took the 7 am bus up to Machu Picchu. There was no line up to get in. It is truly a beautiful and mystical place to visit. However, I thought there were too many of us tourists walking around that took away some of the magic. Some of the paths are narrow and steep and there isn't a railing. This isn't a problem if everyone is walking in the same direction. Quite often, I was passing tourists going in the opposite direction or tourists are stopping on the path to take pictures or just standing on the path and you must walk around them. Toilet Paper Yes, I actually devoted a paragraph to this topic. Please remember to pack toilet paper. Most of the hotels we stayed at only had 1 roll in the room. If you run out, it's good to have your own supply as backup. I was surprised that the Amazon Lodge had 2 extra rolls in the room. Some of the museums didn’t supply toilet paper. Alpaca- We went to a factor outlet. As we sipped on tea, the ladies explained how to tell real Alpaca vs the fake stuff. Real Alpaca is cool to the touch. The fake stuff is rough on the inside. I think the Baby Alpaca sweaters are super soft, but can be quite thin and not that warm. If you are looking for a sweater with a unique design that you don’t see at home, then it is worth buying a Baby Alpaca. I don’t think the factory outle had the best prices. Retail stores selling authentic Alpaca will have a certifed Alpaca. sign. I found a store in Lima that had a clearance sale on Alpaca scarves. regular 179 soles for 99 soles about $40 cdn. Summary We were on the go everyday. But, you need to keep moving if you want to see as much as you can in 21 days. Some places I would have liked to stay an extra day. Overall, it was a great experince. We met some great friends among our group of 13. Hopefully, we can keep in touch and meet up with our fellow travellers again someday. Last, but not least, I want to give a big shout out to Giscard. He is the best tour guide on this planet!!! Giscard is organized, smart, caring, thoughtful..... ....Show more
  Traveled in May 2019
• A

  Glenda C

  September 18th, 2019
  4.8
  Good variety of experiences. Angela was an excellent guide with great knowledge and was very friendly and helpful.
  Traveled in December 2018
• A

  Adrienne P

  September 18th, 2019
  4.8
  Well organised, experienced, unique and authentic experiences with exceptional service
  Traveled in December 2018
• A

  Philippa N

  September 18th, 2019
  4.5
  We didn’t have any spectation about the trip and we could not ask for anything else . The trip was fantastic from the...
  We didn’t have any spectation about the trip and we could not ask for anything else . The trip was fantastic from the first day and ya I got those local guides and our amazing leader Manny makes a big different . Thank youShow more
  Traveled in December 2018
• A

  Nicole R

  September 18th, 2019
  4.8
  Very good tour and organization was perfect with good tour guides and great itinerary .
  Traveled in December 2018
• A

  Neil G

  September 18th, 2019
  4.5
  I am leading tours in England too but this trip was extremely well organized and with lots of great activitities and...
  I am leading tours in England too but this trip was extremely well organized and with lots of great activitities and flexibility to do extra activities in our free times . Totally happy with itShow more
  Traveled in December 2018
• A

  Joseph G

  September 18th, 2019
  4.2
  The trip was amazing but few things that it could improve is putting more flight for the long bus journeys where it...
  The trip was amazing but few things that it could improve is putting more flight for the long bus journeys where it could save us time and better experience. Food was extremely good in the Inka trail and home stays but as a solo traveler I though I could get more free time but it was full on the whole trip .Show more
  Traveled in December 2018
• A

  Joan G

  September 18th, 2019
  4.2
  We had a great time even that soemmmes was hard wih long bus journeys but worth it, having time to share wih the...
  We had a great time even that soemmmes was hard wih long bus journeys but worth it, having time to share wih the local families at the community and doing the Inka trail was our best part of the trip. Very well organized by our leader Manuel.Show more
  Traveled in December 2018
• A

  Elizabeth B

  September 18th, 2019
  4
  The trip went very smooth and enjoyable . Out itineary was a bit full on but very well organized specially having...
  The trip went very smooth and enjoyable . Out itineary was a bit full on but very well organized specially having great guides along the tripShow more
  Traveled in December 2018