Santiago Martin
Travel to and within Peru Travelling to Peru in March of 2009, three of us (all potters) enjoyed a wonderful 10 day trip that included a wide variety of experiences and hit all of the highlights on our short list. This was all thanks to Santiago Martin who planned and organized our very personalized trip. Santiago met with us a couple of months in advance and helped plan our trip so that it included the sites that most interested us – especially Cusco and the Sacred Valley. We had very helpful guides and drivers at all times, and some very pleasant hotels too – especially in Cusco and Puno. We started in Lima and spent the night at a charming guest house. The next day we flew to Cusco and spent some time getting acquainted with this historic city. The altitude change was noticeable but we adapted fairly quickly. Then we were off on a tour of the Sacred Valley visiting several Inca sites and learning about their amazing architecture. We took the train from Cusco– an exciting ride along the Urubamba River - to Aguas Caliente where we stayed overnight before taking the bus up to Machu Picchu. This was the highlight of our trip – the first glimpse of Machu Picchu is an absolutely stunning sight. We spent a couple of hours with a guide getting acquainted with the site, then spent the rest of the day by ourselves just soaking up the atmosphere. Santiago recommended spending another day at Machu Picchu and, in retrospect, I do agree with him. But we wanted to see more of the country and so were off to the south and Lake Titicaca. The bus trip from Cusco to Puno took us across the alto plano up to 14,000 ft elevation with the Andes in the distance. We spent a night on one of the islands in the lake and climbed to the top of an ancient volcano. From Puno we flew back to Lima and enjoyed a day in the markets and museums before departing on an overnight flight back to the states. In addition to organizing our trip for us, Santiago provided some excellent guides, especially on our tour of the Sacred Valley, the bus trip down to Lake Titicaca and the boat tour of the Lake. We were also very well guided around Lima at the beginning and end of our trip. I would definitely recommend Santiago to help plan and guide a trip to Peru. He knows the country intimately, has access to many resources in the country and can personalize a trip to meet specific needs.
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My family and I used Santiago Martin as our tour guide while in Peru this winter. Although the train to Machu Picchu was not operating due to mudslides, Santiago brought us to many lesser known but still spectacularly beautiful Inca ruins in and around Cuzco. His ability to adapt the trip due to the circumstances was really impressive. On Lake Titicaca we visited the incredible floating islands and then journeyed to the Island of Amantilla where we stayed with a host family for the evening and experienced the native peoples' food and lifestyle. In Lima, Santiago took us to many interesting museums (including the incredible Gold Museum) ancient churches and Inca ruins, as well as shopping for gorgeous Peruvian textiles. Because Santiago is a native Peruvian and an excellent translator, we were able to experience the places and people more directly than if we had chosen a non-native guide. Having been a guide in Peru for many years, it was clear that Santiago has established relationships with extremely trustworthy, reputable, and friendly individuals for all our hotels and excursions. Everything was extremely well-organized and planned from the moment we stepped off the plane in Lima, and there was a good balance of activity and rest each day. I encourage everyone who wishes to have a unique, exciting and rewarding experience while in Peru to use Santiago Martin as their professional tour guide--you will not be disappointed!
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In September 2008 I went to Peru with a group of ten to see Peru and to paint. Santiago Martin was our guide for this three week trip. Santiago took care of all the details that would be expected of a travel guide. He picked us up at the airport, arranged all our transportation within Peru, arranged for all our lodging, helped us exchange our money, and organized, our sight seeing adventures. What made this a trip of a life time were the things that Santiago did that allowed us to really get to know Peru and the Peruvian people in a way that I think few tourist get to see. I left with the feeling that I really got to experience the Peruvian culture particularly during our stay in Shipasbama (and this is truly amazing since I do not speak Spanish) and the special Peruvian meal that his family prepared for us in their home. Santiago took us to a restaurant that tourist would not normally go to and walked us through a market where we sampled many fruits and vegetables that are found in Peru but not in Vermont. We also had time to do our own thing. I know that many times when we were asleep after a long day of traveling or sight seeing, Santiago was making arrangements for the next day. He did his best to meet the needs of our diverse group which at times was quite a challenge. I would be remiss if I did not mention the leadership, sensitivity and grace that he demonstrated when our group experienced a tragedy when one of our fellow travelers died. I can only imagine how stressful it must have been for him to take care of all the details that needed to be taken care of when someone dies in another country. I know that if I have the good fortune to travel to Peru again I will be giving Santiago a call.
Judy
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My name is Mark, my wife and I hired Santiago 2 times, I have to said that before I hired Santiago I was looking everyday different site online and I was thinking how to book everything, friend of my told me about Santiago and give me a great reference about his work, after I called Santiago and we talked for a while, Santiago was very interesting to heard about the places we want to visit.. He made all the arrangements for us, he did everything we ask where to go, the food we want to try, it was great his experiance and Knowledge, But for us we noticed it that Santiago was very proud to show us his Country, that was a blass for us, Peru is a great place when you have the wright guide.. we are not 18 or 25 years old kids, that want to wonder around in a place we don't know or speak the language, it was exellent to had Santiago as our experiance personal guide, he made everything more pleasure when we just enjoyed our trip, and we didn't have to worry about anything, and his communication was great, about the activities we are going to do next day.........
Good luck Santiago Keep up the Great Work !!!
Best Wish Mark & Raquel..
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I took a trip with Santiago as my personal Guide...
The whole trip felt authentic and exhilarating. I came home from
Peru a more aware and inspired person. Santiago's knowledge of the
country made me feel comfortable throughout our travels. From the
cities, to the mountain side country, he guided us to wonderful
restaurants, local culture, and amazing sights. Even with unexpected
delays and events, we continued our plans without any issues.
Santiago offered us an intimate look into life in Peru by bringing us
to his home town. They opened there homes and hearts to us, it will
forever be a place I remember. Have fun Jodi...
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