I've taken other group trips in the past and I know that it is a gamble as to how organized a company will be or what types of people will be in your group. As I embarked on my ACTIVE South America trip I was delightfully surprised by both the organization of the trip and the composition of our group. Pre-trip communication was timely and efficient and when we had questions the staff was responsive. It was so wonderful that the staff even helped us book an earlier flight to Cusco so we could enjoy a couple pre-trip days at altitude.

Laura and I held are breath as the bus pulled up with the rest of our trekking mates. Who would they be? Would we be way older or younger than everyone else? Would it be all couples and we'd feel out of place? Would we all get along? By dinner that evening are fears were quickly allayed. Everyone was close to our age and even though there were quite a few couples it didn't feel weird or like we were the third, fifth or 11th wheel. Everyone got along great - there was no big drama. Just a lot of fun people who had similar interests.

The trip itself was very well organized. Meals before the trek were at great little restaurants where you had the choice between traditional dishes and more familiar foods. On the trek the meals were fabulous. It is mind boggling to me how the cooks and porters created such fabulous, delectable meals in a campsite!

The pace of the trekking was very reasonable. You could push yourself and go at your own pace without feeling like you were lagging behind or that the group was dragging you down.

I was very impressed with everything about the trip and I would definitely recommend ACTIVE South America trips to my friends and family.

| January 1970