When I was planning my 12 day trip to Peru, I was disappointed that most of the options were packages with groups of tacky tourists. And most didn´t offer extreme sports through multiple cities, on top of hiking the Inca Trail. Plus, I was fluent in Spanish and would get by just fine independently on my own. Sure, I could visit Machu Picchu, Cusco and the unique towns in the Sacred Valley, but I longed for more -- a company that wouldn't limit my experience to what's best for volume. 

After talking to my travel friends at Tango Diva, I heard about Kuoda Tours www.inturkuoda.com, an agency that builds custom itineraries based on individual desires. They first asked about my interests, pacing, and timeframe before ever suggesting an itinerary. I opted for Lima, Nazca, Cusco, Sacred Valley and the Inka Trail ending at Machu Picchu. Mery, the agency's founder, was by far the best travel agent I've ever worked with -- not just in Peru, but in the world. She emailed me to prepare me for my trip, answered my questions about packing and costs, and greeted me in Cusco. Then she took me to the Monastery Hotel (the highest rated 5 star hotel in South America) for a Pisco Sour...hmmm! I was impressed by the individual attention she gave me throughout my trip -- checking in on me by phone at the hotels, providing me with local guides (Edgar is the most knowledgeable and fun guide for the Sacred Valley), and telling me which tourist traps to avoid. My overall traveling and sightseeing experiences were fabulous!

I spent too little time in Peru and would like to return to see the Amazon, and when I do, I'll be sure to call Mery at Kuoda. You should too if you want the trip of your life.