Helen Shih - This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Date: Tue, Feb 23, 2010

I was completely impressed with the service that I received on the trip with Colca Trek. It was listed many times in the lonely planet as the only reputable agency in Arequipa for many trips and for accurate topographical maps. There were other agencies that I went to see, that offered 2 day 1 night tours and for some reason they automatically assumed that I would not be able to handle the altitude sickness, and suggested that I take a trek where I stay on the bus the whole time. Other people I know, did the trek but did not have the options that I did.

I went to Colca Trek, which is more expensive  then the others, but you tend to get what you pay for, and boy did I get every dollars´s worth. Not only was Jaime, the guide, extremely hospitable, friendly, laid back, but was extremely patient, with another tourist´s child  that came along, 7 years old (that was extremely cute and well behaved). Jaime was knowledgable of all of the history and the landscape, animals and also any questions that I had about the current political issues in Peru. Pablo, the driver, was fantastic, along with Rafael, another staff member who lives in Cobanaconde. The first day was beautiful, went to a rock forest, a height of 5000 M, and saw a condor. The 2nd day among other activities, we hiked through gorgeous cornfields, then down about 1100 m to the canyon to this beautiful spot where we tented at the Oasis. I ended up getting sick from some raw eggs (should have known better) and Jaime and Rafael took splendid care of me. Not only did they have antibiotics and oxygen, they found natural mint leaves and anise for my stomach. There was the option of taking a mule on the way up, which Jaime, did not rush me to make a decision on, until I was about 1/3 of the way up. I still made it uphill the next day and Jaime stayed with me. In addition, plentiful water was always available (bottled) along with snacks, fruit etc. There was more than enough to go around.

I really felt cared for, unlike other mass produced tours. Also, Tanya at the agency coordinated a direct transfer from Chivay to Puno for me, which saved me valuable time. I met other tourists in Puno that did not see nearly as much as I did, and that had to go to back to Arequipa, then took a bus from Arequipa to Puno, so they lost a day. This is a different type of tour, and though it may be more expensive, everyone else on the tour was thoroughly impressed.

Helen Shih

Mona Christian, Dave Kensinger
Date: Sat, Feb 6, 2010

To Olivia, Sergio(driver), Ybeth, Tanya, and others, We wanted to say that the 3 day trip we took to the Colca Canyon on Jan. 21-23 was one of the best trips we've taken in any country! Our guide, Olivia, was amazing with all of her knowledge of the area, concern for us on the trip, outstanding cooking, great personality, and organization. Our driver, Sergio(spelling?), was one of the best ever, driving very carefully, slowing down at the views, and just being very pleasant and interesting to talk with. All of you at the office who organized the trip and kept us informed about the plans were so helpful,professional, and friendly. The oasis at the bottom of the canyon was quite a surprise, with the swimming pools, beautiful ground, tents set up for us (with mats and pillows!! what another nice surprise), and the quiet area. All together, it was a fantastic time every day, and we will remember it as a perfect way to  end our vacation in Peru.

THANKS to all of you for your work and knowledge!

Mona Christian, Dave Kensinger
Alaska

Friederike Finster-Müller
Date: Wed, Sep 09, 2009

Hello Mr. Soto

We booked a Colca Trek Tour – soft trekking – in the beginning of august. My family was very pleased of this trek. Our guide - Jaime – was very nice and helpful and he was able to explain al lot of very interesting thinks.

We had been glad, that we booked a tour with you agency.

Sincerely

Friederike Finster-Müller,
Andreas Müller,
Silke und Saskia Müller

Caroline
Date: Sun, Aug 23, 2009

Can I just say we had a great time. Jaime our guide was wonderful and the whole experience will stay with us for a long time. Thank you.

Caroline

Dominique Des Alliers
Date: Sun, Jan 25, 2009

Dear Vlado,

We would like to thank you a lot for everything. Our 3 days with colca trek was amazing. Jamie and Pablo were really nice with us. We would like to thank specially Jamie. He is a really good guide a good cook too. He is the best we had in all Peru. All the informations He gaves us about history, animals and plants were really interestings.

This trek with colca trek was our highlight in Peru.

Thank you again and long life to Colca Trek.

We will recommand this Trek to everybody.

Dominique