Explorandes — Local services in Santiago

I had an unforgettable experience with Explorandes on the Inca Trail in December. From start to finish, their team demonstrated impeccable organization, warmth, and expertise. Every detail was thoughtfully handled, making the journey both manageable and memorable.

Pre-Trip Support The Explorandes team reached out well before the trip to coordinate pick-up and answer questions. Our guide, Wilber, even came to our hotel the night before to share insights on the trail and give tips, which put us at ease and got us excited for the adventure ahead. They provided us with backpacks for the items carried by their team, which made the hike much more comfortable since we only needed a small day pack with essentials like water.

The Journey Itself The trail begins in a scenic valley and winds through diverse landscapes, taking us through forests, high altitudes, and valleys with stunning Inca sites and mountain views. Wilber was outstanding, sharing historical context and fascinating facts along the way, which enriched our appreciation of each site. One of the most breathtaking sections was the climb to Warmiwanusca (4215m) and the descent through areas filled with colorful orchids, adding a magical touch to the landscape.

Cultural Enrichment We interacted with local communities along the way and were introduced to traditional rituals to honor the "Apus" (sacred mountains). The team explained the ritual with coca leaves, and we even learned a few Quechua words. These touches created a deep sense of connection to the land and culture.

Wildlife & Scenic Beauty We encountered a rich variety of wildlife, from hummingbirds and butterflies to llamas and even a condor. The flora was equally impressive, with orchids and diverse plant species adding to the beauty of the trail. Each campsite was chosen for its stunning views, allowing us to camp near Inca sites and enjoy the sunrise over breathtaking landscapes.

Comfort & Facilities Given the challenging nature of the hike, I was grateful to only carry a small day pack, with Explorandes handling the rest. Each evening, our tents were set up for us, complete with sleeping bags provided by Explorandes. Meals were a delight – breakfasts were varied, and lunches were packed to enjoy along the trail with scenic views. For lunch and dinner, their chef would set up a kitchen in nature, serving multi-course meals (always an entrance, main course and dessert). A favorite snack was the tequeños with guacamole, which we asked for repeatedly! Additionally, they provided a portable toilet for convenience, and we even had showers on the first night and a chance to swim in the river mid-hike.

Machu Picchu Arrival Our arrival at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate was the perfect finale, just as the Incas would have seen it centuries ago. The views of Machu Picchu from above were surreal, and the sense of accomplishment and awe was beyond words.

While we had a few cloudy moments (it was December, so the rainy season), the views, cultural experiences, and care from the Explorandes team made it an incredible journey. I highly recommend this adventure with Explorandes – it was challenging but filled with beauty, and the team made it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Thank you Wilber and Explorandes Team for such an experience, definitely...

We did the 5D/4N Inca Trail to Machu Picchu plus 3 days in the Sacred Valley for acclimation before the big hike and another full day and 2 nights in Cusco before flying out.

Originally we had planned to go in 2020 with another couple but the pandemic forced us to postpone the trip until this year. By then we had convinced other family and friends to go and we ended up being a group of 9 in a private tour with Explorandes.

The itinerary was very well set up with time to acclimate in the Sacred Valley, the 5-day Inca Trail adventure with plenty of time to visit Machu Picchu and the final day touring Cusco. Explorandes office staff were very helpful and informative throughout the planning and booking process. Staff on the ground - drivers, folks helping us with airport transfers, checking into flights, etc. - were also most helpful.

The staff on the Inca Trail from the porters to the cooks to our guides were absolutely amazing! Miguel, our main guide, was unbelievably great. He was a wealth of information about the trail and the pre-columbian history and culture. He was warm, funny, very patient and always made us feel like we were his top priority. His command of English (and Italian!) was excellent! Elena was also a great assistant guide, always making sure we were taken care of an no one was being left behind.

We were amazed by the quality of the food on the trail, the quality of the camping equipment and the staff. How can they cook some really good pasta at 9,000 feet?

The hotels chosen by Explorandes and that were all part of the package were amazing. A very luxurious hotel in the Sacred Valley, a good hotel in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) and a fantastic hotel in Cusco.

I could not recommend Explorandes more. They will make sure you have a wonderful experience. The Inca Trail is very challenging, specially for a group like ours where many of the participants were over 60. But the Explorandes staff made sure that we could make it through and have a lot of fun in the process.

Thank you for an amazing experience,...

My wife and I were due to go on the Inca Trail however due to landslides with the recent rain it had been closed. We were offered other options such as the Lares trail and the Hidden Salkantay. All of our e-mails and questions were responded to promptly and clearly by Explorandes.

We ended up choosing the Hidden Salkantay 5 day trek, where on the fifth day you spend a good half day up at Machu Picchu.

Two nights before the hike Pepe, our guide, met with us and ran over all of the details for the hike, settling any nerves about altitude and letting us know exactly what we were doing each day. Please note that passports are required to enter Machu Picchu and that you will be taken through an agreement about conduct in the park as well as environmental protection.

Pepe is an incredibly knowledgable, passionate and environmentally conscious guide which is exactly what we were after. We really enjoyed bird watching with him and learning about the myriad historical, ecological and cultural elements. Hats off to Pepe who also was managing some pretty difficult group dynamics. It is a true credit to his professionalism and guiding experience.

Despite different mindsets within the group we enjoyed ourselves immensely, the hike is truly stunning and its a real privilege to be walking in this special place.

Also, for those concerned about altitude, diamox really helped us. Pepe put all our worries at ease with his advice and the pace of the walk is made to accomodate all members. They carry emergency oxygen and a sat phone for emergency use.

Fresh water is provided throughout as is a range of teas and coffee. The meals provided were of a high standard and catered extremely well to some group members dietary requirements. It was also tailored to each day based on altitude. A very well thought out menu.

The whole team during this trek were awesome, camps were set-up very well and all needs were taken care of.

Thoroughly recommend this company, what ever trek or...