CaliforniaGirl09
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 4, 2009
Just got back from my REI Salktantay Trek to Machu Picchu in Peru. https://www.rei.com/adventures/trips/latin/machu-picchu-salkantay.html We had an amazing time. This was my first REI trip, and I think they compare very favorably to Nat Geo. I've done two active adventure/hiking trips with Nat Geo. The Salkantay (Inn to Inn) itineraries are virtually identical (as is the one through Backroads). REI was quite a bit cheaper--around $1000+ per person. It looks like Nat Geo stays in a nicer hotel in Cusco and there are a couple extra meals in Cusco as well, including a welcome and farewell dinner that I actually did find lacking in the REI itinerary. I'd probably put REI just a notch below Nat Geo because of this, although the price difference makes it a bit of a wash. Wouldn't hesitate to travel with them again for a trip like this.
We traveled business on LATAM and absolutely loved the product. Also want to throw out props for the Marriott El Convento hotel that we stayed at for our two pre-nights. It's a FABULOUS hotel and a jewel in the Marriott empire. They said they were one of the top three Marriotts in the world, and I don't doubt them. Stellar service and I'd go back in an instant.
We traveled business on LATAM and absolutely loved the product. Also want to throw out props for the Marriott El Convento hotel that we stayed at for our two pre-nights. It's a FABULOUS hotel and a jewel in the Marriott empire. They said they were one of the top three Marriotts in the world, and I don't doubt them. Stellar service and I'd go back in an instant.