Some months ago, I was looking on line for a local, Cuzco-based agency to help us set up our trip to Machu Picchu and, purely by accident, came upon Kuoda’s website. It was visually appealing and clearly illustrated Kuoda’s expertise with all things Peru — as well as all things Ecuador and Bolivia. We took a chance and booked a two-week trip with them, including a couple of days in Lima, with the rest of the time in the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cuzco. It was very easy to deal with their representative by phone and they prepared a beautiful itinerary for us, including things that we would not have thought to include.

We have traveled around the world with all sorts of help from agencies, but I can honestly say that Kuoda was the best travel group with which we have worked, bar none. Their service was extraordinary. They took care of us at every step of the way, from our arrival in Lima to our departure. Guides they provided were excellent, in particular Jimmy, our guide in Cuzco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. He was personable, energetic and clearly had a real, very personal passion for what he was showing us.

Machu Picchu is a difficult and physically challenging destination and getting there and away requires a number of complicated steps involving passports and luggage and different kinds of transportation and various other details that would have been very difficult to manage had we been left to our own devices but Kuoda managed it all smoothly and expertly.

In addition, Kuoda arranged for a number of special events that would not be possible for a large group tour, including private lunches in the sacred valley, a special visit with a group of wonderful indigenous ladies and a visit to the 16th century Lima mansion of the Ariaga family. All of this was unexpected and an unusual aspect of our trip. And the last day solution for dinner in Lima before we boarded our flight to NYC was the perfect end to the trip. All added to the very special experience of Peru for us.

We plan to return to South America and look forward to using Kuoda again.