Journey Through History: Inka Trail Expeditions, Cusco

We have just completed the Inka trail, an experience as challenging as it is very exciting. Our guides Percy and Isa were the leaders of the group in every way. Both were the teachers throughout the journey. Patient, attentive and great sense of humor. They taught us what this great sacred path means. And finally, a big thank you to the porters and the cook, the heroes of the road.

We hired the service from Argentina and they were always very professional. The tours and transportation went smoothly from start to finish. A special mention to Florencia who helped us organize everything via email and calls and to Ronald the Machu Picchu guide who made us spend a spectacular afternoon with a lot of history. We hired the service from Argentina and they were always very professional. The tours and transportation went smoothly from start to finish. A special mention to Florencia who helped us organize everything via email and calls and to Ronald the Machu Picchu guide who made us spend a spectacular afternoon with a lot of history.

Perfect experience from start to finish, from the commercial attention from Flor to our guide Percy who accompanied us throughout the process and his knowledge of the entire way, his stories and even his good vibes and warmth were unique. I also highlight the porters who carried most of the things from one camp to another with a smile every day and that without them the journey would be impossible. Finally, the chef who prepared exquisite dishes in an environment without comparison, I would choose Inka trail again for any other adventure in Peru.

We contracted 3 tours with Inka Trail Expedition. Full day Humantay lagoon, full day Viniconca and red valley and short Inca trail 2 days. For all the tours we rented trekking poles but the inkatrail operator had poor management and we did not have them on one of the excursions. The guides you get are luck... some are average, others are good, and some are very good. For example, on the Humantay tour, we didn't like our guide Moises, a kid who barely gave any explanations and had a somewhat lazy behavior. On the other hand, the Viniconca tour with the guide Joel was very good. Involved and attentive. Finally, our Inca Trail guide Henrry was very good too. Attentive at all times, he knew a lot of history and it showed, he enjoys it. He gave us a photo and video report of the road (which was a gift from him). Everything great. The train to and from Machupicchu is good too. But the transportation back from the station to the hotel is not very good. When we arrived there was no one waiting for us and we had to wait 20 minutes. It was another kid who didn't look very serious. In conclusion, regardless of what score Inka Trail Expedition has, what really matters is the guides you get, since they work for several tour operators. And that's why you get a better or worse experience.

Overall, the Salkantay Trek with ITEP was rather mixed. The chefs and guide Henry were highly praised. Food preferences were also taken into account. However, these people are freelance and do not belong to ITEP. The organization didn't really go well. From lack of accommodation to hidden fees, lack of electricity and showers, and bad timing. In the end, we were thrown out at night in front of the agency's closed doors without any information about what would happen next. Nevertheless, the Salkantay was a great experience and we had a good time overall. In retrospect, ITEP at least showed itself to be receptive to problems and suggestions for improvement. Maybe you should look for other organizations that are half as expensive and book the Salkantay Trek there. The extra charge is not worth it.