• Two Kiwi retirees used PeruNorth’s services for the overland journey from Jaen to Cajamarca as part of a longer South America trip..

• A six-day trip taking in some of the archaeological and natural highlights of Amazonas, such as Kuelap, Sonche Canyon, Revash & Leymebamba Museum.

• Ended with spectacular drive in and out of the Marañon Canyon.

Here are their comments and replies to our questions:

'Hi Miles,

Yes all back safe and sound. Overall very pleased with the trip and the service.

• What was your favourite cultural destination in the itinerary? 

Kuelap … even tho missed out on seeing the whole area ..  about 2 weeks too early.

• What were your favourite natural destinations in the itinerary?  

Gocta Falls and of course the Marañon Canyon.

• Who was your guide? How did they perform?

Yelsin.  Very good, great knowledge of area, history etc and very personable.

• Which was your favourite accommodation and why?

Costa del Sol, Cajamarca  ..  position on the Plaza very handy and close to all of the action with a fiesta to mark Peru’s national day.  (very comfortable but a notch above all of our other accommodation during our month in South America.) 

Gocta Mirador also very comfortable and a good breakfast and an interesting small village with good food.

• Which was your favourite restaurant / dish / drink?

Food was OK although lunches rather too much quantity.

All restaurants were clean and people friendly.

• Did you lose or gain weight over the course of the holiday!?

Over 2 months away from home lost a few kilos mainly due to being fairly active.

• What forms of transport did you use? Pros/cons?

Private car.  Very competent driver which needed due to state of some roads.

View from car a bit disappointing due to heavily tinted windows which somewhat spoiled the views.

• Did your itinerary involve any hiking? How would you rate it in terms of difficulty? 

Yes longest hike was to Gocta Falls …  found reasonably tough probably due to altitude, but worth the effort.  

Also walk to Revash … again some affect from altitude.

• What was the most pointless item in your luggage!?

Managed 10 weeks around the world with less than 10kg’s in a backpack. So not really anything surplus.

• What was your favourite natural encounter (eg. animal / bird / flora seen)?

Saw limited wildlife even on walk to Gocta. (a couple of colourful birds). 

However had just had 5 days in the Ecuadorian jungle where wildlife was prolific.

• Did you suffer any insect bites? Other physical discomforts? 

No insect bites.

Very pleased about the overall lack of any insects.

• Did you have much interaction with locals? Where and how did this occur?

Mostly interacted with hotel, café / restaurant and bar staff. All very friendly and helpful.

• Did you feel your money was going to local businesses and people? 

Yes meals, drinks and park fees going back to local businesses.

• Did you notice any areas where environmental practices could be improved?

No specific emphasis but in general there does not seem to be too much of a problem with too many tourists (as yet).

Regards

Tony'