We are in the very early planning stages of a trip to Peru next year.

We had sort of chosen Inkanatura as a possible tour company because they do a 5-day Inca Trail and also had some really good jungle trips. But, I've e-mailed them and haven't heard back. Looks like a bad sign.

Has anyone had any experience with them? I had thought they were supposed to be really professional.

anyone?

topping

Oh my clgirl56, I wish I had seen this earlier..I have a trip scheduled with Inkaterra and it has been the most frustating, time consuming agoninizing time of my trip-planing ife. My story is over on Trip advisor under South America/Cusco.. on the talk forum.
Today I finally emailed the pres. and ceo of Inkaterra who Immediately emailed me. I hope I can report positive news next week; but no response is the major reason I had to finally email the head honcho.
I will tell him about your situation if you'd like. I have told him today he needs to know all this as the owner. Let me know. Good luck, cc

chacheetah, I truly sympathize. That's just what I'm trying to avoid. But, we are considering inkanatura, not inkaterra. Sound alike--but they're two different companies.

I've heard such good things about them, but the e-mailing is going very slowly. They don't have my money yet--I guess I figure if they're acting this way BEFORE they have the money, it can only get worse after.

Or maybe I am wrong to expect a quick answer. Different countries perceive time differently. They finally contacted me and gave me the e-mail address where I should send my questions. It's been four days and I haven't heard back yet. Is this to be expected?

What experience have others had with other peruvian tour companies?

Inkanatura is amongst the most expensive companies in cusco, and professional, i would have thought. It is suprising that they have not written back.

I'd suggest you try some of the lesser known, but possibly more enthusiastic companies that are known to do good treks and jungle tours.

For example - do google searches and email -
Llama Path
Enigma
Apus Peru
Peru Treks
Eco Treks Peru

See what your feeling is after talking to a range of companies! Send the same email and see what they come back with!
i do suggest that you follow your first instinct and going with a peruvian company - dont pay more by going via a middleman!

I just heard back from Inkanatura. (well, actually I sent a second e-mail and then they got back to me).

I am also thinking about Llamapath. It's just that Inkanatura has the 5-day trek set up exactly the way we want to do it--Llamapath isn't quite the perfect fit. But--they do seem to be very eager to do a good job. Maybe that is what's really important.

Still wondering if anyone has had experiences with e-mailing Peruvian tour companies. Is a 6-day turn around on the e-mail typical? I am really starting to think that it may just be a cultural difference.

a 6 day turnaround should not and is not typical - its indicative of a company that doesnt need/want your business!
Most of the companies that I listed previously, like Llama Path will answer within a few hours, or maximum 48 hours.
its interesting that the "set up" on the inka natura page is what is selling you on this. write to some of those companies that I mentioned and they will be able to custom design it as you wish. (I would guess)