I recently traveled to Cusco, Peru for my summer vacation (June 28 - July 16) with the intention of…read moreexploring Cusco city and trekking to Machu Picchu. I feel incredibly fortunate to have found Killa Expeditions to support the planning and execution of every aspect of my trip!
Initially, I wanted to take the 4-day Inka trek to Machu Picchu. Despite my attempts to make a reservation approximately 6 months prior to my scheduled trip, all of the permits for the 4-day Inka trek to Machu Picchu were committed and there was no availability during my timeframe. Thankfully, one of the owners of Killa Expeditions, Nicole, listened to the expectations that I had for my trip and she was able to tailor my trip to meet and even exceed my original expectations. She recommended a 2-day Inka trek to Machu Picchu along with a 2-day trek to the Rainbow Mountain and several city tours (the Cusco Ruins tour and Sacred Valley tour). I was excited about the prospect of the Rainbow Mountain trek, although I was also nervous as to whether I had the physical fitness level to complete a trek at that level of altitude and difficulty (moderate-hard). Nicole heard my concerns and assured me that I would be well taken care of on the trek and that an emergency horse would be available if I was not able to complete my trek on foot. In the planning of my trip, Nicole always made herself available (by phone and/or email) to ensure that all of the details of my trip including tours, hotel reservations, food preferences, etc. were secured in advance.
Additionally, I cannot speak more highly about my experience with Killa Expeditions throughout my stay in Cusco, Peru. Their staff arranged for my pick-up and drop-off at the Cusco airport. The office manager, Nayra, was always available for questions and to hear concerns, and ensured that every aspect of the planned excursions were well executed. In advance of all guided treks (Inka and Rainbow), a meeting was arranged between the guide and myself (and any other participants) to discuss the aspects of each trek and to answer any questions or address any concerns I/we might have had. All of tour guides provided by Killa Expeditions (including Efrain, Orlando, Aldo, and Frank) were highly knowledgeable, experienced, and had excellent communication skills in both English and Spanish. I was always made to feel very safe on the treks and the guides encouraged me to complete the treks at my own pace and ability level. I was constantly reminded that it was my vacation and I should always make sure that I was enjoying my experience to the fullest. Many of the excursions included the provision of ample food, including snacks and meals, and individual food preferences and dietary restrictions are taken into account. Killa Expeditions also ensures that you are informed of what will be needed for each excursion, including what you should be sure to bring and what their company would provide. No detail was too small and I was never unsure as to what to expect from my excursions.
I cannot imagine that other trekking companies in Peru can compete with the quality of individualized service provided by Killa Expeditions. As a small, family owned and operated business it is clear that their staff is invested in making sure that each person's experience meets and/or exceeds expectations. Killa clearly loves and respects the culture, history, and landscape of Peru, and works to ensure that their clients share a similar feeling during their travels and excursions. I highly recommend this company to anyone who is planning a trip to Cusco, Peru and will definitely book another excursion with this company for future trips!
