Amazonas Explorer

We recently returned from a two-week adventure in Peru organized by Amazonas Explorer, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. From start to finish, the trip was flawlessly executed and thoughtfully tailored to meet our specific needs and pace. Whether it was the gentle start to the Inca Trail to help with altitude, the high-quality accommodations, or the balance of activity and rest, every detail showed how much care went into planning our journey. The highlight, of course, was hiking the Inca Trail with our incredible guide, José Rivas, whose deep knowledge and calm presence made each step more meaningful. The entire support team—our cook, porters, and crew—provided not just logistics, but genuine hospitality that made us feel completely cared for. After the hike, Amazonas Explorer kept the magic going with a stunning train ride aboard the Andean Explorer across the high plains to Lake Titicaca. There, we explored the floating Uros Islands and Taquile Island, adding a whole new cultural dimension to our adventure. Amazonas Explorer delivered an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience—from mountain passes above the clouds to peaceful moments on the highest navigable lake in the world. We’re incredibly grateful for everything they put into making this trip so personal, rich, and memorable.

Amazonas Explorers was fabulous and they gave our family an amazing experience! We do travel quite a bit, and this experience may have been my favorite! They were fantastic in every way! We especially loved our guide! He was very knowledgeable, positive, a great coach, had a great sense of humor and was such a joy to be around! He poured out so much goodness and happiness in to us that we hope we’ll be able to pass it on to others! We also loved all of the porters, our chef, waiter and EVERYONE who came on the trail with us! Everyone was so eager, happy, hardworking, diligent, kind, helpful, friendly-I could go on and on! We loved the food and being alone on the trail, immersed in the Peruvian culture. I was also surprised how clean and nice everything was kept! Everyone went above and beyond for us at Amazonas Explorers! We felt we had the BEST of the BEST!

Hi Paul, finished the day cold and wet but super happy. Just wanted to compliment you on your team. I definitely did not expect a chef and food of that nature and caliber. Amazing!! Davide and the driving on these less than ideal roads, well done. And a special thanks to Carlos!! What a brilliant guide. His knowledge of Peru and the surroundings is amazing. His ability to adjust his pace to never make you feel uncomfortable is a great asset to your business. Absolutely brilliant. I must confess I was concerned after the Friday that the 3 days were not going to meet my expectations, yesterday I was blown away, and today, despite the really freezing shit weather, I was left feeling amazed at all we had accomplished. The rising challenged and tested me, but I am a better rider today as a result of Carlos. Thank you.

My recent trip to Cusco and hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with my son was a mesmerizing journey that exceeded all expectations. From exploring the ancient ruins of Sacsayhuaman to the awe-inspiring Maras salt pans and the enigmatic agricultural terraces of Moray, this adventure was nothing short of magical. Our guide, Jimmy, went above and beyond every step (literally) of the way to make sure our journey was safe, relevant, enriched with history and generally unforgettable. He was our liaison for everything from the smallest detail to the overall adventure. **Sacsayhuaman**: The colossal stone walls of Sacsayhuaman stood tall, leaving me in awe of the incredible engineering prowess of the Incas. The panoramic views of Cusco from this historical site were simply breathtaking, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the region. **Maras Salt Pans**: The shimmering white salt pans of Maras were a surreal sight to behold. I was captivated by the unique process of salt extraction that has been passed down through generations. Walking amidst the countless salt pools was a truly immersive experience, leaving me with unforgettable memories. **Moray**: The circular terraces of Moray were like stepping into an ancient agricultural laboratory. The precise engineering and the concept behind these terraces fascinated me. The ingenuity of the Incas in harnessing the natural environment for farming left me with a deep appreciation for their culture. **Catedral de Cusco**: The Cusco Cathedral, a majestic symbol of Spanish colonial architecture, left me speechless. Its intricate facade and opulent interior showcased a blend of Spanish and indigenous influences. Visiting the cathedral was an enriching cultural experience, providing insights into the region's history and heritage. The historical anecdotes provided by our guide were eye opening. **Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu**: The highlight of my journey was undoubtedly the four-day hike along the legendary Inca Trail to the lost city of Machu Picchu. Winding through diverse landscapes, from lush cloud forests to rugged mountain passes, the trail presented ever-changing vistas and a sense of adventure unlike any other. Reaching the Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, at dawn was an emotional and awe-inspiring moment. Gazing upon the majestic Machu Picchu from this vantage point was a reward worth every step of the challenging trek. Cusco and the Inca Trail offer an unforgettable experience that resonates with history, culture, and natural beauty. The warmth and hospitality of the local people further enriched my journey. I highly recommend this trip to anyone seeking a profound connection with the legacy of the Incas and the breathtaking wonders of Peru. I can't thank Amazonas Explorer enough for the care taken to plan every detail, Jimmy our guide, our cook and the porters.

Top-notch tour operator in Cusco! We absolutely love kayaking with them on the Pinipampa section of the Rio Urubamba. The guides are always helpful and friendly, and the equipment is high-quality too. We will certainly be back next season for another fun day of kayaking in the Sacred Valley!

We went on a five day trek to Machu Picchu with Amazonas Explorer in October, 2022. They are an excellent and professional outfit and they made our trip amazing. The trip planners and coordinators were very communicative and helpful during the booking process. Everything is spelled out in great detail, which gives you peace of mind when planning a trip like this from afar. On the trek, our porters were amazing. The amount of work they do to keep camp running is very impressive. Also, the food is incredible. Chef Paulino and his assistant, Santos, served restaurant-quality meals three times a day. They are a hearty and friendly crew. Tip them well! Were were fortunate to have Jimmy as our guide. He is super nice, very personable and positive - especially during the endless uphills when mental fatigue is setting in. Jimmy is very knowledgeable about Peru and Incan history which gave our trip an unexpected educational component. He made our trip memorable and enjoyable, we really appreciated all the effort he put in to take care of our group. We highly recommend Amazonas Explorer to anyone traveling to Peru to hike the Inca Trail or pursue other outdoor activities.

What a trip!!! I can't say enough good things about Amazonas Explorer. They took care of everything on our 5 day Inca trail hike. The equipment was in good condition, sleeping bags/tents comfortable and the food was tasty. The operation was efficient and well-organized. They added some special touches along the way which were greatly appreciated (I wouldn't want to ruin any surprises here). The scenery was incredibly beautiful and the arrival at Sun Gate was a profound experience, not just because of the view, but because of physical effort it took to arrive. My party was completely surprised that we were the only guests on our expedition. (Many trekking outfits have parties of 15+ people). With all of that said, the trip would not have been so rewarding without our guide, Elias. He is a special human being. He was well versed in Peruvian history, the flora/fauna along the trail, and was an ornithologist. He is also an avid outdoors man who had just come from a hike to a 20,000 mountain in Peru to lead out expedition. He received training in the US for mountain rescue and he constantly checked our health, wellness and vitals during the trek. The trek is extremely remote so it was comforting having a guide who could be trusted to manage our healt. (Before the trek, I didn't give any thought on our guides medical training, but I couldn't have appreciated it more on the trek. In fact, another tour company sent down an elderly hiker with 2 porters because she was suffering altitude sickness. Elias told us he asked the porters why they did not give her oxygen and they said they did not have any. It was a dangerous situation for the trekker. Of course, Elias had been carrying oxygen and other first aid equipment our entire trek along with the knowledge of how and when to use it). I really could go on and on about our trek, Elias and Amazonas Explorer. If you are not considering Amazonas Explorers for your Peruvian treks, you are making a profound mistake. They are a first-rate company who provides first-rate services for their customers.

I had a solo rafting day on the Apurimac River 10 days ago. It was amazing, the river was throwing our raft up and down, crashing into us from the front sides, it was the thrill I was seeking. Santiago my guide has been doing this for 20 years, he gave clear instructions and guidelines, his English was great, and he and his kayaking companion (I forget his name) prepared everything including a delicious lunch. The trip was a bit expensive, and it likely would have been less if others joined along, but still no regrets. Seems to be a really well run travel company, and the river views and experience are worth seeing.