Written by Philip Sharpe
Written by: Philip Sharpe
SouthAmerica.travel
I am in England and my passion is Rail Travel. I found South America Travel in a very lucky random search and was a little skeptical at first. I wanted to go to Peru and my main criteria was to travel on the monthly train Lima to Huancayo, then on to Huancavelica in the Andes. In addition I wanted to travel to Machu Pichu and go on the Andean Explorer Cusco to Puno. We travelled to Lima, Huancayo, Machu Pichu, Cusco, Puno, and accross Lake Titicaca to La Paz Bolivia. At every stage we we were met by local guides, who accompanied us on tours and kept us safe. The whole holiday went without hitch or delays and the accommodation was very good - better than I expected. Clara organised the whole adventure, all hotels, trains, tours, luxury buses, internal flights and local transport. It was a fantastic experience. I will definitely use them again for my next visit to South America.
[Comments from the trip:]
Hello Clara,
The tour was excellent and very exciting - better than I had expected. The schedule worked perfectly, all guides were punctual, polite and informative. Ensuring we were safe at all times. The trains were all different and perfect for me. Crossing the high plains on the Andean Explorer was awesome. Machu Picchu was perfection - trains and the lost city. Alberto Rodriguez who covered the Huancavelica/Huancayo section, and spent 3 days with us, was a pleasure to be with. Alberto first met us when we left the Lima/Huancavelica train at La Oroya, at what appeared to be a freight yard, but the train staff helped us cross the freight lines and ensured we were met before the train left ? very impressive ensuring we were not abandoned. For the return from Huancayo to Huancavelica Alberto suggested we go by road over the mountains (not by rail). This was a great idea as the scenery was fantastic and we stopped many times for photos. The overland Huancavelica/Lima coach was very comfortable, safe and secure - better than coaches in England, and again a great mountain journey. Crossing Lake Titicaca was a fantastic experience, and I found Bolivia to be very different from Peru. A higher standard than expected. I need to go back to travel more of Bolivia. The front/arrival at Hotel Posada del Incy Yucay at the Sacred Valley is very deceptive, very old/worn archway entrance opening to a delightful courtyard and pleasant garden - beautiful setting with the mountains, and good food. The Hatuchay Tower Machu Picchu great room overlooking the river, good food, close to trains passing down main street - great. Night views of La Paz from the restaurant Hotel Plaza - stunning. Overall a fantastic experience, lots of travelling, good accommodation, experienced guides - all professionally organized by CLARA TORT.
Thank you,
Philip Sharpe
SouthAmerica.travel
