While I have read the previous posts on OAT, I am still hoping for more information. They are indeed a good value, $1850.00 including Denver airfare for 10 days all-inclusive, but I am wondering if that is the way to go. The two times we have taken organized tours, rather than doing it on our own with private guides - the draw back seemed to be shopping. We are just non-shoppers. Can anyone tell me about OAT and shopping? Also, just how basic are the accommodations? We do enjoy local hotels, but usually on the higher end. I guess I am trying to decide if this is the way to go or if someone has a better idea. The itinerary is pretty good. Thanks in advance.

I took the OAT tour in August and really loved it. I hate "sponsored shopping" but didn't feel pressured to buy; we were taken to some markets and the kids in all the tourists areas do try to convince you that you've gotta get the llama wall hanging, of course, but that seems to happen whether you're with a group or not. The one shop (for alpaca) that we were taken to also included an alternative of a walking tour--or staying in the vehicle, for that matter--during the time. I do know what you mean about the time wasted in "shopping", but it really wasn't a big problem for me with OAT, unlike some other companies.

The hotels are actually quite nice, as far as I'm concerned; the Incaland in Sacred Valley has rooms that are more rustic than some other places, but still quite comfortable. If you take the Amazon extension (which I VERY highly recommend!) the accommodations are kind of like summer camp and a bit more...adventurous.

The hotels may vary from year to year, but Jose Antonio in Lima was fine, pretty much like any three-star in most of Europe; Hanaqpacha in Machu Picchu Pueblo was adorable and had lovely rooms; Incaland has a wonderful "bungalow" atmosphere and the aforementioned somewhat rustic style rooms.

I'll be happy to answer any questions that I can; I'm not much of a "tour taker" (I vant to be alone!) but this one was really really good. I'm glad I wasn't on my own due to the infrastructure; in two weeks I wouldn't have seen and done nearly as much without the tour.

PS: For some trip pix that might give you a bit of an idea, go to http://community.webshots.com/user/missalg and click on the Peru albums.

Hey, I keep adding here, don't I? There was a stop at a potter's to see a demo, and a visit to a group of female weavers who are maintaining the old ways and who are actually helped by the OAT/Grand Circle foundation, but these were really pretty fascinating and, again, no pressure anywhere to buy anything. (Plus they broke up the riding a bit--they weren't done as separate destinations, just stops on the way. We had dinner with the weavers--guinea pig, for one.)

Connette, We used South American Expeditions a couple of years ago for Peru and were very pleased. We didn't want an orgnized tour for the entire trip, but still some assistance. SAE customized the trip. Somedays we had guides and some we didn't (at our choice). We chose some of our hotels and some we let them choose. No shopping trips were included as we hate those!! An excellent experience.

Typing South American Expeditions into google should get you their website. Work with Michael; he was great!

Thank you for the replies. Amy, we did want to do one or more of the extentions, but they are not offered on our departure date - so we may have to keep looking. kywood1955, I have tried to locate South American Expeditions, but so many companies come up because of the generic name. I have not found one actually named that yet. Do you have the website anywhere at hand? Thank you

We just returned from Peru on a 11 day Trafalgar tour. We don't usually do tours at all but I was not interested enough in Peru to do the planning--it was my husband's trip. I chose Trafalgar because it went to Lake T as well as MP. (great train ride from Cusco to Lake T!) There were 13 in our group and it was a very pleasant tour. You can check out the details on their web site if you are interested.
Jane

We have just begun the Real Affordable Peru tour on OAT. First escorted tour we have ever been on, so it will be interesting to see how we react. But so far so good. The guide, Patricia, seems very nice, organized, and knowledgeable, and greeted us at the airport at 11 PM. The hotel in Lima, Jose Antonio, must have been recently renovated and is quite nice, which is better than I expected given that it was a substitution from the hotel they had originally indicated we would probably be at, and the TripAdvisor reviews were mixed but hinted at a renovation.

Len

http://www.andeantravelweb.com/peru/index.html