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.
Kuelap’s impressive outer wall.
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.
Chachapoya sarcophagi at Revash.
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.
Cock-of-the-Rock near Gocta Falls.
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'