South America Travel Review: Peru, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Eco-Tours, History & Culture

My wife and I wanted to to visit Machu Picchu, but we did not want to be part of a larger tour group. After scouring the internet, one of the agents I came across, Paul at this South America travel company. He actually answered his phone and we talked about the trip and our goals. I had already booked the flight and motel, so I was just looking for local guides. Paul put together several itineraries, and we finally agreed up one. We did all the Cusco related tours first, Leaving Machu Picchu for last. 

Our guide for the first 3 days in Cusco was a great kid, knowledgeable of all the sites, and knew the best shopping areas to take us to. He was also very patient with me, as I had a tough time adjusting to the altitude and was frequently out of breath. Plus we enjoyed hearing about his grandmothers cooking.

Paul booked us a room at Machu Picchu so we could stay overnight and have a 'free day' wandering the site. We stayed at a hotel which had no TV's shock! shock! in the rooms (thought you could request one), and several eco-friendly tours included in the room price. I think the evening meal we had there was the best on our trip. 

Our Machu Picchu guide was a History major at the local university and was working on his Masters. He knew the history of the regions, and how that history played a considerable role in how Machu Picchu was constructed. I was quite impressed with the depth and breadth of his knowledge. It really set the stage on how Machu Picchu was built, and the political realities that we happening during and after its construction. And again our guide was quite patient with his wheezing client. I'd walk a while and sit a while to catch my breath. Fortunately, my wife did not have this issue, and she and our guide chatted away while I was catching my breath :)

The vistadome train was really neat to ride in. There was a landslide on the way back that delayed us for a couple of hours, so it was dark by the time we got back to Cusco.