My daughter and I recently traveled to Peru to see the Incan ruin of Machu Picchu. Kouda represented Peru and the Incan culture at its best. Founder and president, Mery Calderon, visited us on our last day in Cusco to hear about our personal experiences. We couldn’t have asked for a more detail-oriented itinerary, designed by Urpi Herrera and my daughter. The properties we stayed in, as well as the restaurants throughout our trip, were in stunning settings with excellent amenities. All week we had a private van and a Kuoda representative at our side at every hotel, tour, and airport check-in. At the last minute, the staff worked efficiently behind the scenes to resolve a canceled flight for our connection back to the U.S. They made it an amazing and carefree trip! This trip could not have been more perfect! Kuoda Travel is highly recommended! Our next trip with them will be to Bolivia!! Thanks to everyone at Kuoda.

A few highlights:
Percy Ayala was our excellent and experienced (Inca Trail) guide for three days through the Sacred Valley of the Urubamba River. We were entertained by Peruvian and Bolivian music as Mr. Arnold drove us between each place. Our visit included Maras, Moray, and a hike between the Pumamarca ruins to Ollantaytambo area on a pre-Columbian trail on the mountainside.
During our stay we experienced many amazing Peruvian meals and unique hotel locations. One memorable meal was an organic meal cooked by a top chef in her private mountainside home. We also experienced an unforgettable ancient Incan pachamanca feast. That meal was made with marinated meat and vegetables cooked underground by hot stones. Our dinner reservations throughout the trip were always delicious and in beautiful locations. Each property we stayed in was unique and wonderful.
In Chinchero, we enjoyed a visit to a weaving coop. When we arrived, we were given the iconic Peruvian-style hat, cape, and skirt to wear. They shared the weaving and construction process for the beautiful things they make at the coop. They described everyday life to us as we sampled cheese, vegetables, bread and tea. We enjoyed hearing them speak to each other using the ancient Quechua language.
Victor was our knowledgeable guide at the Machu Picchu site near Aguas Calientes. Our most amazing trip experience was on the following morning. We climbed the 2,100 step “Stairway of Death” to the top of Huayna Picchu to view Machu Picchu from the opposite mountain.
In Cusco, the historic Center of the Incan World, there were so many incredible museums, cathedrals, squares, and marketplaces to visit. We also attended a pisco tasting and cooking class given at a restaurant by Jose at the Mercelo Batata Culinary Experience. It was a fun and amazing mix of history, culture, food and drink preparation!

We thoroughly enjoyed the beauty, culture, history, and generosity of the people of Peru. Thank you, Kuoda, for our most memorable trip!