Norma and I have been back for a week; we are finally rested from our "Ultimate Journey" (plus add-ons). Everything was as planned and we want to
send you and your company a hearty compliment for all the arrangements.
I will go through the trip giving names of guides and local reps. They all deserve sincere thanks. First the add-ons: the extra three days in Lima were great and gave us time to rest from the long flight before heading for Cusco. The Hotel Sol de Oro was perfect for us and the local rep., Augusto, met our flight, checked us in promptly, and was back three days later to get us to the airport.
The extra week for travel by bus Quito to Bogota worked out well. There had been heavy rains which caused delays on the mountain roads - rock slides, wash-outs, etc., so some bus rides took longer. But still enjoyable and the final three days in Bogota
had bright sunny weather for exploring the big city.
Lima to Cusco on 16 Nov; met at airport by Romulo, then Novotel for lots of Coca Tea and excellent room. Afternoon tour of Cusco highlights with Romulo was most enjoyable, even with our "altitude effects". Next day with Romulo got us out of the city to see the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the Pisac Market, a delicious buffet lunch at Alpha
Manka Restaurant at Yukay, and back to Novotel for more of Cusco on our own.
Nov 18, with local reps Michael and George to get us to the Perurail depot, was lots of fun.The train was a highlight with 1st class service and a great Brunch. Sandra met the train, and Paul was our very good guide for 2-3 hours at the Machu Picchu site. The Sumaq Hotel is beautiful with welcoming juices, Pisco sours and a hearty dinner. Earlier, the 1400 Buffet lunch at "Totos" was very welcome after climbing over M/Picchu. We did another 3 hours at Machu Picchu the next day, on our own, then enjoyed the
train back to Cusco. Michael met us and Novotel even provided us an "upgraded" room.
20 Nov very early Paul took us to the airport for flt to Lima. The TACA flt was delayed, so we were shifted to LAN which meant the local rep at Lima airport could not know of the change in flight.. We managed OK and got our flight to Quito. Raul met us and took care of registering at the Swissotel. Raul was an excellent guide the next day exploring the Historic Centro area, and then to "Mitad del Mundo", a delicious Equadorian lunch, and the visit to the "Equater" museum and demos. On the 22 Nov we were on our own for the Cable Car to Cruz Loma and a quiet afternoon.
23 Nov Raul arrived to get us to airport for the Galapagos flight. Jouney I reps were there
with paperwork and tickets. All very smooth. At Baldra we were met by local rep. short bus and ferry rides to Santa Cruz Isl. Fabian was our 1st class guide for the next week.
We were very glad we opted for 8 days/7 nights - so much to see and life onboard was a real pleasure. Lots of nice people from many countries. The twice daily excursions ashore were full of variety and energetic walks, with lots of snorkeling for those who
so wished. So the Galapagos Islands were all and more we ever expected.
Back to Quito with local reps. efficient and Raul again in Quito. Swissotel overnight and Raul got us on a Bus heading north toward Colombia.
Raul and Fabian are very special guides; extremely helpful for us at every stage. So, Thank You Melissa for a very enjoyable vacation.
Keith & Norma K., Ontario
Maupintour gives more value for the money than any other tour company I've ever traveled with. I've just about decided to do only Maupintours from now on. If you don't go there, I won't go there! Thank you for the wonderful memories! S.L., Indianapolis, Indiana
My last three tours have been with another company. I was nervous about going with a different company because I had been pleased with that other company, but our tour manage made Maupintour a step above them. I can't wait to share this with my friends. First time Maupintour traveler, Germany /Oberammergau J.S. Advance, North Carolina
First of all, thanks for your help when we had flight problems due to the weather. We had a wonderful trip, and the arrangements were excellent... The accommodations and tour guides were excellent. It was a fabulous trip, and we’ll contact you again. S.H., Cleveland, OH
I have only good things to say about our trip. Everything went according to our plan/expectations. Since this was our first "private" tour I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was all great! Every one who met us at the airport were on time, pleasant and helpful. We spent the most time with Maria Ines in Cusco and Roberto & Katya in Quito. They were all professional, informative and accommodating. The hotels were wonderful and I would recommend them. We enjoyed all the guided tours, and especially the Quito city tour with Anna Rothschild. She had a lot of knowledge and told wonderful stories to illustrate; she had a lot of spunk & energy. S.M., Los Angeles, CA
We want to let you know that had a FABULOUS time on our honeymoon! Everything went PERFECTLY and everything was more and better than we could have ever expected! I will send a more detailed evaluation later, but we want to thank you for a such a special, and PROFESSIONAL honeymoon! Thank you again, We will talk soon! A.R., Astoria, NY
I was especially pleased my with wanderings in the steps of Jorge Amado as we saw the museum and other exhibits by his contemporaries. The trip made me want to explore his writings all over again. I had no idea that he was the most famous author in Brazil. The books painted a picture that is still accurate in some spots. Salvador also feels a lot like West Africa, especially the local dress on some of the older women and the outdoor vendors cooking in palm oil. The colonial towns outside the more developed areas were also interesting and beautiful. And we enjoyed the museum-turned-cigar factory.
Nannai Beach was a treat, especially since it was at the end of the tour. Although the towns of Olinda and Recife are beautiful (Olinda reminds me of Sausalito), I was pleased that we stayed at the resort. It was relaxing and extremely private. All in all we would definitely recommend the trip (and already have) to our more adventurous friends. Many colleagues expressed concern regarding security issues in Rio, but our fully escorted arrangements made all the difference: airport to hotel, to dinner to shows to sites to airport. You might want to emphasize this to nervous American travelers. K.G., Boston, MA
John and I wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed the trip to Belize that you helped us put together. Chaa Creek was wonderful and we loved the beautiful beaches and cayes in Placencia. It was a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Many thanks for your hard work in organizing things for us.
V.C., Chicago, IL
We loved the trip!! Everything was great, loved the guides--especially the one in Arenal. Sky trek was fun and we went back the next day to do the sky walk and see things a little closer. The kids did well and everyone learned alot. Thanks for all your help.
L.V., Vonore, TN
Just wanted you to know that our trip was wonderful. It was first class all the way. We had knowledgable, friendly guides meet us every leg of our journey, picking us up and delivering us where we needed to be. The hotels were 1st rate, and the food was wonderful. Everything was taken care of and it was all we could have hoped for. Thanks for everything. We will certainly book with you again.
B.K, Chandler, AZ
I appreciate all your help in arranging my accommodations and independent travel iteniary. It was all very nice and certainly met and exceeded my expectations. I would not hesitate to use your company to arrange future trips for me. Once again, thanks for making my dream trip come true and be even better than I thought it could be. N.G, Fort Lauderdale, FL
