Explorandes Reviews 29

During my walk along the Inca Trail I had time to reconnect with my country´s cultural heritage and natural habitats and felt proud about the cultural legacy (e.g. physical cultural resources) inherited from the Inca culture and improvements in the management of tour operations/visitors in the Inca Trail. This in a context of no congestion, solitude and nice talks with a friend from school in Lima and a nice Canadian lady. My stay was very smooth, food was delicious, Explorandes personnel was very kind and always happy to help. The guide always looked after our physical integrity and health and gave us sufficient - but not excesive - information about the archaeological sites visited along the Inca Trail. I also could compare this visit to the Inca Trail to the one I made in 1999 (the one-day walk) as part of a comprehensive study on entry fees and pricing policies to visit the Inca Trail and the Citadel. This time the trail was clean, I saw appropriate infrastructure for walkers (e.g. toilets, SERNANP check points), well regulated camp sites, control by SERNANP of waste generated in camp sites, etc.

I hiked the 5d/4n Inca Trail with a friend this week and it was a fantastic experience overall. Our guide - Percy Ayala - was the best! His depth of experience, knowledge, and his care for the group made the experience even more special. Food and accommodation quality was top notch. The porter crew was humble, kind, and extremely helpful. I would highly recommend Explorandes for anyone considering Inca trail. They made the whole experience convenient, comfortable, and memorable for me. 5 stars for Percy as well. He was the best!

We took a 15 day private tour including Lima, Arequipa, Colca Valley, Puno and Lake Titicaca, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and the Amazon. Even before we entered Peru we were supported and all of questions were answered. Every guide in all the locations was knowledgeable and obviously loved their community. The drivers made us feel safe. We never worried about any detail because everyone was so well organized. We received great care when we had a stomach bug for a day! Thank you Angela. We had a fantastic trip of a lifetime visiting the many different areas of this beautiful country. Thank you so much for your care and hospitality.

We had a wonderful experience during our visit to Machu Picchu. We hired Explorandes, and they provided excellent service from start to finish. German accompanied us throughout our itinerary, and he made everything a breeze. I highly recommend this company. You won't be disappointed.

Thank you so much for arranging our wonderful trip to Peru. Every part of the journey was exceptionally well organised, and we felt so well looked after from the start to the end.

Our trip to Machu Picchu with Uri was truly unforgettable, and the Ica and Paracas experience with Diego was fantastic. Heidi took great care of us in Cusco, and last but certainly not least, Hans made our time in the Amazon rainforest incredibly special.

All the guides were outstanding, the excursions were perfectly planned, and the hotels were beautifully chosen. It was without doubt one of the finest trips we have ever taken. Thank you again for creating such a memorable experience for our family.

We found ourselves with two days to fill in Lima and decided to book some local tours. We were referred to Explorandes and worked with Maria to book a day of local wildlife touring and a day touring Lima itself.
On the first day Jean Paul took us to coastal wetland reserves stretching south to Pucusana Playa, where we took a boat tour of the harbor. While the description indicated we might see 60 to 80 species, as birders, we knew this could be hit or miss, but we finished the day with 73 species, including 37 lifers. Jean Paul is personable and highly knowledgeable about local birds, which made the tour all the more special.
The next day Mayra picked us up at our hotel and took us to the pre-Incan Huaca Pullana pyramid in Miraflores, followed by the center of Lima, including the San Francisco Church and catacombs and the cathedral holding Pizarro’s tomb. Finally, we went to the Larco Museum. While each stop was wonderful and enlightening, it was the Larco Museum that really amazed me. I could have spent a week there. Throughout the tour, including the rides between sites, Mayra gave us a continual stream of information and was able to respond to every question we posed.
Both guides were knowledgeable about the subjects of their tour and provided a pleasant and enjoyable excursion. If we return to Peru, we will certainly go with guides from Explorandes.

I had put off walking the Inca Trail for so many years because I assumed I would be surrounded by camps of tourists day after day. Traveling with ExploreAndes was so special in that we were able to appreciate the landscapes and spiritual side of the walk in near solitude. I am so grateful that the company times the outtings in order to maintain exclusivity at ruins and campsites as otherwise the experience wouldn't be the same. From the porters to our guide, Fisher, every member of our team was professional, attentive and kind. I would definitely do the Inca Trail again, but only with ExploreAndes.

The company, guide, cooks and donkey drivers all did a great job of making our Santa Cruz trek a wonderful experience. I recommended them highly.
They also provided excellent facilities and equipment for the trek.

We’re very experienced with travel logistics and self-supported trekking—meticulous about every detail. But I can say with 100% certainty that working with Maria Paula and the Explorandes team was the best decision we made for our Peru adventure.

Maria Paula was our point of contact for every private experience we booked through them—including the Short Inca Trail, a full day at Machu Picchu, the Inti Raymi Festival, and a fully customized Huayhuash trek.

From the start, she was more than just responsive—she was proactive, thoughtful, and truly collaborative. She listened closely to our priorities and helped us craft a Huayhuash itinerary that balanced rugged alpine routes, off-grid immersion, and smooth logistics. We went through multiple route versions, and she remained patient, supportive, and solution-oriented throughout.

During our Sacred Valley segment, we had the same private guide across all three days (who was incredibly knowledgeable and personable), which made that part of the trip feel especially seamless and personal—something we really appreciated.

We usually plan everything ourselves, but Maria Paula made us feel fully supported while still honoring our independent adventure style. We’ve never worked with a company this thoughtful.

Whether you’re an experienced trekker or someone who values personalized support, Explorandes offers something rare: a truly collaborative, high-quality, and heart-driven approach to adventure travel. Honestly, we wish they operated outside of Peru—we’d choose them every time.

We had an absolutely amazing trip. The guide (Andres), the crew, the people in our group were all perfect. The communication from ExploreAndes was to the point, clear, and timely. They helped answer several of my questions unrelated to the hike itself (recommendations on sightseeing etc). Andres as a guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely nice in our interactions. Thank you for helping me have a memorable trip.

Explorandes' team did an outstanding job during our weeklong trip to Cusco-the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Logistics, tickets, hotels, all of it was smooth, and their guides are passionate and knowledgeable about the sites we were visiting. As tourism has increased globally, travel has gotten more complex in a sense, with limited space and availability at many highly visited places. The Sacred Valley is one of these. I would highly recommend a competent firm, such as Explorandes, to make your trip enjoyable and a success.

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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, definitely see you soon!

I had one of the best trips of my life with Explorandes at the Inka Trail. The staff was top notch, very knowledgeable and friendly. I met amazing people along the way who I have the pleasure to call friends. Definitely want to repeat the trip and would recommend it to anyone who wants to explore the Andes while making memorable moments for life.

Did Choquequirao with explorandes and the service was over top! Fabulous food, tidy tents, comfy sleeping bags and eco friendly toilet just for the group to name a few..!
They even time the walks with sun positions so we almost entirely walk in shadowy area!

On the positive side our Short Machu Picchu Trek (2-day) was excellent and our guide Herman was superb. But it was a struggle to communicate with the office to understand what we were purchasing, the schedule and train reservations, and it was overpriced.

The best way to experience the incredible Andes and reach Machu Picchu! We had an absolutely amazing time with our guides and their knowledge made learning the history unforgettable. Everything from service to accommodations was beyond expectations.

Experience of a Lifetime

Our trip was absolutely incredible! I was fortunate to connect with Luisa, who organized everything perfectly. She really understood what my family and I were looking for and crafted a trip that exceeded our expectations. We spent several days in the Sacred Valley, immersing ourselves in outdoor activities and making the most of every moment.

The Short Inca Trail is something I highly recommend to everyone. A special shoutout to our guide, Neptali, whose empathy and deep knowledge of the Incas truly made this experience unforgettable. It was the trip of a lifetime!

I couldn’t recommend this company more. I only wish they organized trips to other destinations as well—if they could replicate these experiences elsewhere, I would definitely book more adventures with Explorandes.

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, Explorandes!

We couldn't be happier with our choice to use Explorandes for our Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu. I've worked in travel for more than a decade with some of the top tour operators and lodges in the world and every detail about this trip was amazing. The itinerary, the guides (OMG the best guides), the accommodations (modest but great), the food (I'm vegetarian), and the service from booking to the final day were all incredible.

This feels like a once-in-a-lifetime trip because of just how smooth everything went, we were able to relax and focus on soaking up every minute without the stress of having to plan everything ourselves. Also, highly recommend making the trek to Machu Picchu! Truly a special place and experience.

We can't wait to get back to Peru and have another adventure with them.

What an unforgettable experience we had thanks to Banesa and her team’s meticulous planning for every aspect and phase of our adventure which took us from Lima to the Amazon rain forest, to the cloud forest, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Paracas and the amazing Nazca Lines overflight as the grand finale. All of our escorts and guides were so efficient and attentive to our needs and nothing was too much trouble for them as was the case with the staff in every lodge and hotel we stayed at. All of the guides undergo such rigorous training to gain their positions that they possess an encyclopedic knowledge of their assigned territory and have a ready and informed answer to every question you might put to them and their command of english put us to shame with our limited spanish! Peru is a country of so many contrasts so 2-3 weeks of travel will never be enough to cover each and every major site but we came away with the feeling that we had not missed out on anything. You may find other companies who can make similar itineraries for less money but in the end quality is remembered long after price is forgotten and the personal touch that Explorandes offers is priceless. We look forward to our return and Explorandes will definitely be our provider once again.