An adventurous couple from River Falls, Wisconsin spent a month travelling around South America in late 2023.

They organised the first two weeks in Argentina and (briefly) Chile themselves, then asked PeruNorth to arrange six days in Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, followed by five nights on board the Rio Amazonas historical riverboat, joining in biological rainforest research.

Here are their thoughts on their time in Peru:

‘Miles, thank you for arranging a wonderful trip! 

We have gotten through the holidays and can now take some time to again contemplate the experience …

First Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

The arrangements; the transport, hotels, bus and train went off without a hitch. You even arranged for someone to walk us on the short distance to the train in Ollantaytambo for our day at Machu Picchu. 

I want to specifically mention our guide, Caesar and driver, Wilbur … were fantastic. Caesar, knowing Steve speaks Spanish and I speak little, accommodated Steve’s desire to practice the language and mine to learn; helping out by reiterating in English.

Being from Cusco, Caesar provided a great deal of insight into local life.

I loved Ollantaytambo.

Of course, Machu Picchu is unforgettable.

Our guide at Machu Picchu was also very knowledgeable, but I'm afraid I forgot his name.

The hikes were very manageable and good for us. I think we both lost a few pounds during this time even though we had many good meals.

Then the Amazon! This was a special experience for me.

Again, the communication and transportation were excellent. 

We were guided from our hotel (privately booked) to our meeting place for the shuttle to Omaguas and the boat trip to the Rio Amazonas Research Station. 

I have to admit, I like comfort and nice hotels. Upon approaching the boat, I was concerned. Quickly that concern was eliminated. Dr. Richard made sure we were comfortable and set expectations for the next few days.

Most of the “tourists” on the boat left the day we arrived and we were left with an engaged couple from Portland, Maine, some students and the knowledgeable staff.

The food was very good.

The daily surveys are extremely interesting. I wouldn’t do the 6km jungle transect again, but I did see many interesting things; sloths and many interesting birds.

The bugs were fine, but we were prepared.

I was amazed at the Amazon sky at night and had a hard time focusing on the surveying we were there to do. The stars and luminescence of the water lettuce was enchanting.

The information we received about the work being done in cooperation with local indigenous people to secure their way of life was good to hear. 

Thank you for everything!’