Testimonials

In April this year we started a three week tour of Peru in Arequipa accompanied by Andres Calcina Mamani as our private tour guide.

We started planning the trip almost 12 months previously and contacted Andres after getting his name from an internet search. We exchanged emails, many of them, and Andres put together a tour which combined everything we wanted to do incorporating some of his suggestions based on his extensive knowledge. He was very patient in dealing with our questions and nothing was too much trouble to ensure that we got our "perfect trip". Near the time of our departure our son developed a serious illness and our trip was in doubt until the last minute. Andrew had to go in a wheelchair. Again no problems for Andres who amended the program where necessary to accommodate. Andres could not have been more helpful and all without any request for payment although we had agreed a price for his services, vehicle and driver.

When we met at the airport in Arequipa Andres took charge of Andrew's every need and pushed him all round Peru, and where we could not wheel the chair we carried it so that Andrew could enjoy the same experience as the rest of us. Nothing was too much trouble for Andres!

Andres's knowledge of Peru was excellent and everything went according to plan but with flexibility to do something different/extra when we felt the need arose.

After a day site seeing in Arequipa, a very lovely city with an excellent Monestry, well worth a visit, we set off the following morning on the drive to Colca Canyon. We had plenty of stops for photos, planned and impromptue, and comfort breaks especially for Andrews sake. Although we were not able to do any serious walking in the canyon we did see the Condors and some of us went on a horse ride for 2/3 hours into the mountains.

After Colca we crossed the country to Lake Titicaca where Andres's planning made sure that Andrew could enjoy a boat trip on the lake and visit one of the floating islands. This trip was not the usual tour as the walking and climbing would have been too much with Andrew but was nevertheless very pleasent.

From there we decided to drive to Cusco rather than take the train and again this gave us the flexibility to do our own thing, in our own time with breaks where we wanted. We were also able to visit places which you cannot see when on a bus or the train.

We only stopped overnight in Cusco before making for Aguas Caliante and Macchu but again saw many of the ancient sights and monuments on route. When catching the train at Aguas Andres was again to the forefront ensuring that we boarded first with our luggage with his help and that of the rail staff who were excellent.

Again when going on the bus to Macchu Andres sorted everything and we were able to get Andrew in his wheelchair into the Citidel so that Andrew could see the site. We did this not once but on two days.

On returning to Cusco we had a few nights there and again Andres pushed Andrew around the town ensuring that we were able to see all that we wanted.

Andres knowledge of the history of Peru and the people is extensive but what made the tour for us was his consideration, kindness and flexibility especially to Andrew. If there is a better guide in Peru we would like to meet him/her! We would recommend Andres to anyone planning a tour or a specific event/adventure in Peru without hesitation. You will be in good reliable hands. Visit his web site at http://peruviancolcatrails.com/andres-calcina-mamani2-2/. You won't regret using his services; He is not only agood guide but is kind, friendly and good company with quite good English