“Our second experience using Insight Guides made for a worry-free trip that included Cusco, Lake Titicaca and the Peruvian Amazon: transfers were always on time, flexible if we wanted to change times a bit, and drivers and guides super friendly. Of the three contact people who coordinated itineraries, I have to single out Benjamin who was so helpful, friendly and responsive. Suggestion early on that we opt for Titicaca Lodge rather than another hotel was made by our initial contact, Jeferson, and was spot on: We could not have had a better experience on a floating island so thanks to Jeferson for that advice.
My advice to others: Double check the details and really pin down exactly what you are getting. The promised cooking class in Cusco was not as billed, and just involved us watching a busy kitchen prepare local cuisine for lunch -- which was good but definitely not hands-on as promised.
In the Amazon we had asked twice about the level of room we were getting; asked for Comfort which was an upgrade, were promised we were getting all Premium rooms but when we got to the Rainforest Lodge we were told we had booked a Standard which was super small. The lodge upgraded us to a suite which was nice and made a huge difference. Similarly our room in Lima was so small that we practically fell over each other -- even though we were told by Insight that all our accommodation was premium (it turns out we were in the smallest, cheapest room in that hotel). We worked with Benjamin to change hotels for our final two nights which cost a bit of extra but made for a much better experience. So double check every detail that is part of the itinerary and make sure you are getting what you think you should be getting for your money. The devil is always in the details.”
