Being the first time visit to Peru, the warm welcome from Mr Genaro was so pleasing and to have nice chat while on the road to JW Marriott, giving a brief introduction on Peru, Lima, its climate etc.
Though it was just a short overnight stay, JW Marriot upgraded the accommodation to Deluxe Club Room, which had helped to have a quick bite in the early morning before going to airport for flight to Juliaca.
Mr Genaro has taken me inside the airport and helped me to approach the security/immigration etc…
Latam team on ground was ok and flights was good in terms of timely operations and the crew did their best to service within the short duration of the flight. I would definitely suggest the clients to fly Latam.
Going to Titicaca Lake was something that was bit of a concern due to very high altitude location, which I am not used to. However, I was confident at the same time. As Mr Genaro rightly said, it is the attitude and aptitude that one needs…
I was received by the staff from Titilaka and transferred to the resort in 2 hours comfortable ride with couple of photo stops. Upon arrival, welcomed by the staff and briefed on what is to be done in case of any altitude sickness, checking of oxygen level etc.. I have rushed out to the terrace to enjoy the beauty of Titicaca and the beautiful sunset.
Titilaka is beautiful property, certainly very ideal of honeymooners/romantic getaways and family with grown children. Due to safety reasons, I wouldn’t suggest for family small children. The food quality and choice was good along with choice of drinks. Two/Three days are no not enough to avail the activities that is included as there are more than enough to chose from.. The life at high altitude and life in Uros floating island has given me a chance to learn how people adapt to climate/environment to live/survive.
There was no interruption on road traffic from Titilaca to Juliaca airport and flight was on time. And upon arrival in Cusco, there no sign of any strike and the airport representative was waiting for me and taken me Terra Andiana.
Checked in straight away and had quick lunch where I met Gisela and family as well. Here I have to mention that the reception staff David was very pleasant. Attentive and taken the initiative to arrange for lunch while I am checking in and ensure the room and I am comfortable (he only knows me a normal guest). Believe he has a future… His attitude was very good compared other staff. The elderly waiter in the restaurant – forgot his name but sounds like Francilos ?! - he is very pleasant too and good with the guests…actively running around serving..
The hotel is very good for family, due its safe location, peaceful courtyard & atmosphere, comfortable and spacious rooms with facilities.
Mr Jorge, GM of Terra Andean has spared his time in the morning as he came in and taken me around for site inspection. I thank him for his valuable time.
The guide Caesar in Cusco was very good as he had the knowledge on history and has explained very well. He was punctual rather he was there before the specified start time of the tour..
The journey from Cusco to Sacred Valley was an eye opener for me as I had no idea of the geographical location Maras or Chinchero etc… made stops as per my request to know and learn.. this helped me to get better idea of the route, places to stop and so forth.
Of course the sightseeing in Sacred Valley was good and the stay at Sol y Luna is a beautiful hotel was great. Sadly, it was just short period of time.. pretty good for honeymooners and family alike. I have done the site inspection same day evening and the next day morning we have done the Belmond Rio Sagrado in the Sacred Valley.
The front office manager, David has taken us for the site inspection very early in the morning and he has opened the station for me to board the Visa Dome.
Vista Dome was another experience to view the river, mountains and valleys as travel towards Machu Pichu. On board met with some other tourists from UK and learned that there are some reasonably good hotels in Yucay and that was and additional learning point.
The guide in Machu Pichu met me and guided me to the point where I have boarded the bus to the Citadel and informed me that the guide Wilma will be waiting.
And precisely Ms Wilma was waiting and approached the bus to receive me. Given me briefing on how we will be visiting the Citadel and made comfortable to make the climb much easier than I thought it would be. She has done it very professionally by stopping in between and explaining each and every historical points.
After the Citadel visit, we have gone done down taken me for lunch followed by site inspection of Sumak, Inka Terra etc.. and taken me back to the station to board the Sacred Valley train.
Sacred Valley train was another experience… after a long tiring day, you really need to sit and relax, have a drink and nice meal… well by the time we have reached Ollantaytambo. We have rescheduled the transfer from Urubamba to pick me up from Ollantaytambo to save travel time back to Cusco.
The guide, driver and the accompanying staff was waiting and they have given me a comfortable ride back to Cusco.
The Belmond Monasterio has upgrade the room to a Junoir Suite which was duplex. Nice and spacious and had not much time to enjoy it. Enjoyed the lavish breakfast before site inspection of both Monasterio and Nazarenas followed by sightseeing…
The vehicles used in all places were latest and in very good condition. The drivers, the guides and all those whom I met during the journey had given great feeling of the country.
I was glad that I have half-day to spare to come and visit your office and meet with all the team members… and believe me, they are all happy to be working in Fiesta Tours, that is the message they all given me… yes, you have rightly said, I felt to be as a family member of Fiesta Tours.
I am not sure if I have missed anything!!!
I have given a briefing to my boss, CEO and will be sitting with him after Eid Holidays finishing 8th June and will update him further and also will be discussing on GSA agreement.
Jesus, once I want to thank you for inviting me to take the education tour and special thanks to all team members who was involved in making all the arrangements and rearrangements at very short notice.. I had faced No Issues whatsoever during the entire trip. Very well done.
Sorry that I had delay to acknowledge as we are in the last days of Ramadan and Eid Holidays are normally the last minute bookings for short holiday trips.
Thank you and wishing you a blessed day.
John Varkey Kailath
Manager-VIP Holidays