Traveling to Peru with SAM Travel.
I have always wanted to travel to Peru but had my reservations thinking the worst as most of us do. Much research was done, sleepless night wondering if I was making the right decision. One night out with friends talking about my dreams, to my surprise one of my friends piped up, can I go too. This was music to my ears as I was prepared to travel alone, but this would be way better.
Agency Contact
Contact was made with many agencies in Peru, most offering similar packages to my desired destinations, varying prices were offered and standard of services was vast. I landed on SAM Travel Peru through their great reviews on Trip Advisor, which were many.
I contacted the office in Cusco and was truly amazed at the standard of their responses and the ease of working with the staff, with my numerous changes we worked together until we had the perfect itinerary for our Peruvian adventures, which included all our tours and hotels.
Arriving in Lima
Landing in Lima, the capital of Peru, I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t nervous, leaving the comfort of the airport terminal, chaos ensued. Standing there among the crowd was a man with the biggest smile that I have ever seen and in his hand a sign with my name. The relief I must tell you was great. He seemed as happy to see us as we were him. Loaded onto the van we headed to our hotel, in the district of Miraflores, close to the coast.
City Tour in Lima
After a good night’s sleep in a comfortable bed, which was much need, feeling refreshed and ready to go we meet our guide for Lima, Martin and set off on a full day city tour of the Peruvian capital. Traveling through what seemed like an endless traffic jam we arrived at the historical center of Lima. Martin gave us a tour of the main square, which is known as the Plaza de Armes, for future reference all major towns in Peru have a Plaza de Armes. The plaza is surrounded by lovely Spanish colonial buildings, churches and government buildings.
After hearing about the history of the plaza, even a few interesting stories, we walked a few blocks to San Francisco Church. Below the church is an interesting set of catacombs, where the bones have sorted into body parts. We saw the library which has many ancient Spanish chronicles on display. We spent time hearing about the tiles that feature lovely garden patio, that were bought all the way from Spain hundreds of years ago.
Larco Museum in Lima
We traveled back to the coast and had lunch at the picturesque shopping mall, Larco Mar, truly this mall is built into the side of the mountain on the Costa Verde, as you can imagine the views were to die for. In the afternoon we drove to San Miguel district of Lima and visited the Larco Museum. You simply must visit; you get a great perspective of all the ancient Peruvian cultures. Even have a sneaky peak at the erotic ceramic section, to which I will say no more. After the tour we had cake in the café in the central courtyard, so delicious.
Traveling to Paracas
Very early the next morning, two very sleepy girls, boarded our vehicle with Martin and traveled south of Lima to the coastal town of Paracas, a journey of around 5 hours. Our Ballestas Island adventure was about to start. We boarded a rather packed speed boat and traveled out to the islands. We passed a very large carving of a candle holder, known as the Candelabra, mysterious and beautiful at the same time. We toured the islands and saw different sea birds, sea lions who looked very peaceful bathing in the sun.
Later when hunger got the best of us, we dined on a delicious seafood lunch in front of the sea, a few beers were consumed and Martin filled us with stories of the area and it history. We spent the rest of the afternoon by the pool in our lovely hotel.
Fascinating Nazca Lines
On day three we went to Pisco airport not far from Paracas. The conditions were perfect and we boarded a small, yes very small plane and flew down to the Nazca pampa. For those of you not aware, this is the home of the famous but mysterious Nazca Lines. The pilot pointed out many of the different figures, what an amazing experience, many photos were taken, before heading back and landing at Pisco airport. A piece of advice I was given and are thankful for, is don’t have breakfast before your flight, if you do you maybe sick.
To the highlands and Cusco
After enjoying breakfast in Pisco we traveled back to Lima, spent a few hours in Miraflores before transferring back to the airport in Lima for our flight to Cusco. Once again, we were picked up and transferred to our hotel. The SAM travel representative advised us to take it easy and rest, that night and the next morning, because the altitude can hit you hard. Thankfully we were both fine, but we drank lots of water and even tried the Coca Tea, I must say an acquired taste.
Cusco City and Comprehensive Tour
The following morning, we walked around the city of Cusco and WOW, I must say beautiful. The architecture is breathtaking. At 1 pm our guide Jean Pierre (JP) picked us up at our hotel and we started a city tour. We toured the Santo Domingo Church, saw the Inca foundation of the Qoriconcha temple and later travelled above Cusco to the 4 ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pukara and Tambo Machay. JP is so passionate about his history and culture.
Exploring the Sacred Valley
Day 2 in Cusco was our excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Never in my life have I experienced a place of such natural beauty. The sheer mountains and peaks are beyond my ability to describe. The valley is full of ancient Inca sites to explore. This was an important area for the Inca and the temples show its importance. We had a great lunch with JP he was great company, we had many laughs.
Train to Aguas Calientes
After we had explored the important sites of the valley, we boarded a late afternoon train and traveled to Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu. The town is known as the starting point for Machu Picchu but to give the town it dues, I found it quaint and charming. We wondered around for a few hours, taking in the breathtaking scenery and dined once again on a wonderful Peruvian meal. Feeling happy and satisfied we slept well in our hotel.
The Magnificent Machu Picchu
This day we visited Machu Picchu, we had to line up for the first bus at 530am, this meant another really early breakfast. Wondering why we had to go so early, we walked to the bus station. On arrival to Machu Picchu is was not yet full light. JP assuring us that it would be worth it. When we entered Machu Picchu, we proceeded to the viewing point known as the Guardhouse. We will thank JP forever as the sun lit up Machu Picchu, like a volcano covering the site with gold. All of that effort was so worth it, so if you go to Machu Picchu go at sunrise.
We followed JP around the site, I am not sure that I would have had the same experience with another guide, he made the site come alive. We felt the presence of the ancient Inca and were blown away by the magnificence. Truly top 5 sites that I have visited in my life.
Train through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo
Like all good things the tour came to an end and we had to leave. We took the bus back down to Aguas Calientes and enjoyed lunch before taking the Expedition Train back to the Sacred Valley town of Ollantaytambo, try saying that quickly. The train was wonderful traveling through the Canyon with spectacular views giving time to reflect on the last few days.
Wild nights in Cusco
We arrived back into Cusco, exhausted but happy. We bid farewell to JP, we had spent 3 days with him and he has become a friend, it was sad to see him go. The next day we had free in Cusco so we decided to hit the town at night. After a wonderful tasty dinner in one of Cusco’s fine dining establishments we went to around 3 different bars and danced the night away. A great time was had and we stumbled into our hotel around 2am.
Wandering the cobblestone streets
After a sleep in we explored the streets of Cusco. We walked up to San Blas, thanks JP for the recommendation, to see the many little shops and galleries of this district. Don’t forget to visit the church, the alter is very impressive. What a lovely relaxing day and it was great to spend some time in Cusco, sadly our last day.
For something entirely different
Another really early morning around 3am, thanks SAM Travel for all the early mornings, yes, we know it is worth it. Our guide Christian was in the reception to greet us. We traveled through the south of Cusco to the trail head of Rainbow Mountain but not before having a wonderful breakfast in the middle of nowhere surrounded by Llamas. As you might have gathered, we are not hikers so we were a little nervous to say the least by the hike.
Christian reassured us that we would be fine and to take it slow as we were at high altitude. The hike itself was scenic and we passed a few local communities. We strolled along and the hike was not too bad, a bit short of breath but otherwise fine. The last 20 minutes were a shock to the system as it was steep. Arriving at the summit you are greeted with something that could only be described as weird, but weird in a good way. To describe Rainbow Mountain, there are words, like colorful, different, amazing. But all I can say is it is like nothing you will ever experience. Be sure to visit when in Cusco you will not regret it. We even did the extra trek to the Red Valley, also worth it. Take warm clothes as it is very cold.
High plains to Puno
When we trekked back down, our chef had lunch waiting for us and to say it was good is an understatement. After we were full, we boarded our van and traveled to the high Andean town of Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The drive was interesting and full of beautiful scenery. Arriving into Puno it was cold. Saying goodbye to Christian, we checked into our hotel. Puno is not a big town but we did some exploring and had dinner.
Boat to the floating Islands of the Uros People
In the morning we were picked up for our tour of Lake Titicaca, not knowing what to expect we toured a few of the floating islands of the Uros People. The guide Edgar gave us the history of these fascinating people and how they have lived for hundreds of years. For those not in the know, these Islands are made completely out of the reeds that grow in Lake Titicaca. Not only the islands but the houses and the boats also. There is even a local primary school that the children attend. We dined on an interesting bowl of fish and potato soup, given to us by a lovely local lady. Many photo were taken; we even took a canoe ride from one island to another. A great day was had and many memories were made.
Time to say goodbye
This is where our tour with SAM Travel ended as we were transferred to the airport about an hour away from Puno. With millions of photos, hundreds of selfies, a souvenir or 2 and many memories we bid farewell to Peru, may we return and discover new destinations in the future.
Thanks so much
A big thanks to the office team at SAM, our guides Martin, JP, Christian and Edgar, all brilliant, passionate and just wonderful people we will never forget you or the people and sites of Peru.
If you are thinking of traveling to Peru, please do not hesitate to contact SAM Travel Peru, there is nothing that I can say that was negative about the company, the guides, the tours, it is one of the best experiences of my life.
