Amazonas Explorer — Attraction in Distrito de Cusco

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...

READ BEFORE YOU BOOK and then DO NOT BOOK WITH AMAZONAS. It's not worth the risk.

My husband and I are Americans and have been on numerous international trips. For our honeymoon we went to Peru and contacted a few companies in advance for a whitewater rafting trip (2D/ 1 night on the Apurimac). We had a tightly packed trip so verified our only available dates three times with Amazonas before booking. When Amazonas confirmed our dates were available, we wired the money same day in the manner in which they suggested and we sent them a screenshot of the wire confirmation. It felt like we were in good hands. WRONG. They came back within a couple days AFTER receiving our $1800 and told us we had to move our dates to secure the trip because guides weren't available when they are previously told us multiple times our dates were solid. We were flabbergasted. This was our honeymoon and super important to us. They didn't care. We requested a refund and they obliged. We were ready to forget about it at that point but we subsequently were forced to spend HOURS on the phone fighting to get our money back through a company named "Flywire" that Amazonas uses for payments and refunds. Amazonas provided sympathy for the delays, struggles, and hassles with the refund, but beyond that they were zero help and made us fight with this 3rd party company for literally WEEKS when Amazonas could has resolved this by wiring our money right back to us same day. We had to escalate the refund to the top tier of this ridiculous Flywire company until our refund was finally honored (after money was "lost, misplaced, sent to wrong account, etc."). We spent 3 weeks and racked up hours of international phone fees in Peru to resolve this, not to mention the time it took away from enjoying our honeymoon. DONT TAKE THE RISK WITH AMAZONAS. We booked with River Explorers and had an amazing trip, absolutely seamless. There are numerous other good reputable companies that aren't trying to steal your money then change your trip on their own terms like Amazonas. Don't risk ruining your trip by booking...

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...