Inca trail & Quechua Community project

Travellers Views

All taken from Andina Travel, our Peruvian trekking partners, post trek questionnaires.

 

Comments on Guides, Equipment, and Organisation
' I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience. Smith was knowledgeable and very encouraging throughout those long trek days. Every meal was fantastic and it was great to experience some traditional Peruvian cooking. I really enjoyed visiting Raymondo's home and having the opportunity to ask questions about the Quechua way of life. The staff were so friendly and really spoiled us all.'

'I would like to say how friendly and helpful all members of the crew on the trek were. I felt guilty for not having to do anything. They really looked after us and allowed us to have as much of a traditional Quechua experience as possible. I would have like to spend more time with the children of the local communities...." Dragoman Editor: we are looking into how we can increase the group participation during the time we have available.

'I really enjoyed the tour with our guide Smith. I think he is a top guide, knows a lot, has a great sense of humour, don't let him go!'

The trek was very well organised, well paced and fantastically catered. Guides were informative, friendly and fun! Plus the actual route was a good mix of challenging hiking, history and breath taking scenery.'

'Everything was really well run, from start to end. Smith/Lewis and all the staff made the trip really special and bonded everyone together fantastically well.'

'All the staff were excellent - the guides were very patient and encouraging when the going was tough. The food was really good, especially the lunches and the rangers and cooks were so cheerful. They work incredibly hard but seem happy in their work. although this was the first element of my Dragoman trip, I am sure it will be a highlight.'

'The trip was made even more enjoyable thanks to our guides Zak and Smithy - they were not only very professional guides but also very helpful and great fun.' The porters/cooks etc. were also brilliant and we could'nt have asked for more from any of them. Thanks for a wonderful trip.'

 

Community Tourism Comments
'I like the fact that the projects are decided upon by the community and those visiting have the opportunity to contribute in a way that would be beneficial.'

'I would definitely recommend this trek, as it allows you to help give to communities and also see the locals living with their traditions. It gets you off the beaten track - away from other tourists and also allows you to see such beauty within the valleys and along your trek.'

Definitely enjoyed the community interaction, being off the tourist trail, seeing and meeting the Quechuan people.'

YES, YES, YES, I think it was better than doing the Classic Inca trail. AWESOME, really enjoyed it, even through it was hard at times, with the help of the group and the trekking staff I got thru it. I thought the community involvement that we did was very good and I liked being away from other tourists.

Yes, I would recommend this trek because it's good to interact and help with the Quechua community and it was well organised and extremely information trek. However, it would have been nice to know in advance what the community project was, as we would have been able to bring extra clothes, books, etc for the children.

'I would like to have spent a whole day doing community work, more time on this would be better.... Dragoman Editor: we are looking into how we can increase the group participation during the time we have available but time is obviously limited.

Yes, I would recommend this trek because it is very well organised and well run. Staff all really looked after us. Was great to do the Inca Hike without the touristy side. Quechua lessons could have been a bit slower to help remember the words and it would have been useful to learn more relevant words instead of blackboard and window. Phrases like 'my name is' or 'what's your name' would aid interaction with the kids.

'I would definitely recommend this trek. The trip although very hard was amazing and very rewarding. Working with the Quechua people was a fantastic experience and helping them with the gathering made is very worthwhile.'

 

The Trek Itself
'The trek was a excellent alternative to the Classic Inca Trail. We were able to enjoy the landscape, interact with people from the communities and learn about the culture and history, without the distraction of other tour groups.'

'Trekking in the Andes was a fantastic experience. The scenery was different each day; each being beautiful and because we were the only group for most of the time, this is was additionally good.'

'This is a hard trek but the team made it much easier. They were very professional and everything ran very smoothly. Smith stood out as being particularly good. As enjoyable as a trek to 4800 metres can Be! Machu Picchu was fantastic.'

'Yes, excellent alternative to Classic Inca Trail, well paced, good variety, community project involvement and interaction, plus the benefit of being able to trek away from the crowds. This more than makes up for the fact that this in NOT the Classic Inca Trail.

'I thought that the trek was excellent - especially as we were walking paths 'less trodden' by the other gringos. I think working with local communities is a great initiative, however I would like to have spent more time working with them. Also you do feel that you might have missed a bit of an experience by not approaching Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate, but overall the trek we did was DEFINITELY worth it.' Dragoman editor: Most trekkers on our trek actually trek back from Machu Picchu to the Sun Gate in order to get the 'experience'.'

'It was a beautiful trek, without the many other tourists. You met a few of the locals and you see how they live The trek does not seem as challenging as the normal trail and you can do it in your own speed".... Dragoman editor: Our South America Product Manager, tells us that she feels the trek is about the same level of challenge as the classic trail, but we have noticed a number of our travellers saying that it is quite tough.

'The main reason for recommending this trek would be that the trek was so unspoilt. we were not following loads of other groups. Camping in two communities was a highlight while the third camp was so picturesque. The second day walking was harder than anticipated but worth it.'

Andina Travel & Dragoman, Partners in Responsible Tourism

The Inca trail & Quechua Community Project is operated for Dragoman Overland by our Peruvian partners, Andina Travel. Andina has specialised in tourism involving the local community for over 15 years.

Andina operate this trek exclusively for Dragoman Overland and we are the operator on this route. You will have the place to yourselves.

All the comments have been collected by Andina from trekkers end of trek Questionnaire.