Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Peru Specialist

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Susan Joo, Travel Agent in Sarasota, FL

Susan Joo

Sarasota, FL Travel Agent
Super Agent

Susan Joo

Sarasota, FL · 20 Years of Experience

Global Travel, an independent agent with Travel Leaders Davis, CA
5.0
(22)
100% Recommended
That was our second time using Susan's service. She is such a pleasure to work with. We take her recommendation, because we trust her. At the... Read More >
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Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Peru, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Cuzco, Lima

Interests:

Adventure, Bucket List, Archaeology, Climbing, Photography

Suppliers:

Abercrombie & Kent, National Geographic Expeditions, Globus, Tauck, G Adventures

About Me

Majestic view of Machu Picchu
Majestic view of Machu Picchu

Where Adventure Meets the Sacred

I still remember the first glimpse of Machu Picchu rising through the morning mist — quiet, powerful, almost sacred. Peru is not simply a destination I recommend; it is a place I deeply felt. Every step there, from ancient ruins to high-altitude trails, carries meaning.In Cusco, history surrounds you. Incan stonework stands firm beneath colonial balconies, and the energy of the Andes is present in every plaza and narrow street. I always advise my travelers to slow down here — to acclimate physically, but also emotionally. Drink coca tea, walk gently, observe, listen. Peru is best experienced with intention.Standing at Machu Picchu is humbling. The terraces, the symmetry, the mountains embracing the citadel — it feels protected by nature itself. I recommend arriving early, when the clouds lift slowly and reveal the site in layers. It is not just sightseeing; it is witnessing something timeless.Then there is Rainbow Mountain — wild, colorful, demanding. The hike tests your endurance. The altitude forces you to respect your body and your pace. I always tell my travelers: go with patience and determination. This mountain is not conquered; it is earned.What moved me most deeply about Peru goes beyond landscapes and landmarks.Like in Costa Rica, I felt an extraordinary respect for nature. Peruvians treat their environment not as a resource to consume, but as a sanctuary to protect. The connection between people and land feels sacred — almost spiritual. I was honestly amazed by how clean everything was. On trails, in towns, even in remote areas, I did not see plastic bottles scattered or trash abandoned. It was something that struck me profoundly, especially when compared to what we so often see in the United States.That awareness is not loud or performative — it is natural. It is part of daily life. The mountains, rivers, and valleys are respected as living entities. And as a traveler, you feel invited to participate in that respect. You become more mindful of your own footprint. You slow down. You carry your trash. You observe more carefully. It creates an emotional shift.For me, Peru was not only about beauty or adventure. It was about consciousness. There is a deep emotional resonance in seeing a society that honors its land so intentionally. It makes the experience richer and more meaningful.When I recommend Peru to my travelers, I share this not just as information, but as something I truly experienced.

Machu Picchu teaches you about legacy. Rainbow Mountain teaches you resilience. And Peru itself teaches you reverence — for history, for culture, and most importantly, for nature.If you arrive with an open heart and genuine curiosity, Peru gives you more than memories. It gives you perspective. And that is something that stays with you long after the journey ends.  

Additional Languages
German,
Hungarian

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
22 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
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Showing 22 reviews

Fantastic trip
Reviewed By Bella - Miami, FL | Traveled to Belize | Central America
That was our second time using Susan's service. She is such a pleasure to work with. We take her recommendation, because we trust her. At the beginning she ask lots of questions, that's how she knows what kind of travelers we are, our hobbies, interests, likes and dislikes. She takes care of our budget too, never pushes our limit just to sell. That is a big concern for us (these days everyone wants to sell sell sell, that can be very annoying.) Not with Susan. She respects our request, and we really appreciate it. Our travel was fantastic, we enjoyed every moment. That's the reason we keep coming back to Susan knowing we don't have to worry, only focus on to have the best time. We kindly recommend her to our friends, family.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Here we come Nashville, TN
Reviewed By Yee haw - Lakewood Ranch, FL | Traveled to Nashville | Tennessee | USA
One that loves country music must go to Nashville. Right? So thankful to Susan that dream became a reality. Susan planned for me every logistics, recommendations to must see, must go places, and booked me to the luxurious Gaylord Opryland Resort. Yee-haw! I love the fact, that Susan is very professional and knows exactly her customer's needs and she delivers it. I would not work with anyone else, when it comes to travel, and have a stress free, fun filled time. I keep recommending her to my family and friends.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Last minute weekend getaway
Reviewed By FunnyChef - Naples | Traveled to Marathon | Florida | USA
I use Susan's service for awhile, because she always finds great deals, last minute vacation and she is only a phone call away. Requesting a trip with such short time energizes her, because she is so passionate about sending her clients to a wonderful vacation, short or longer time. She is pleasure to talk with, very reliable and knowledgeable. I called her up to find me something exciting, also relaxing ( if I wanted to) for a quick weekend getaway. She had some idea, we decided to go to one of the Florida keys best Resort and Spa. Susan jumped in to book a garden room with private patio (knowing that I may bring my girlfriend), ordered a bottle of Champagne and sweet bites to our room. It was such a nice touch from her. Needless to say we had an amazing, unforgettable weekend. Thanks again Susan! As always I recommend her service to everyone I come contact with.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Best family trip in Disney
Reviewed By EvaZnB - Easton, PA | Traveled to Walt Disney World | Florida | USA
I called Susan to help me with a trip to Orlando, since she lives in Florida not far from Orlando. I expected she knows the whole area, specifically Walt Disney World, what was dream of my five years old little son. After the initial phone call Susan started to plan our vacation. She suggested a few resorts keeping in mind that our son loves water, so the resorts must have nice pool area, more pools are the better. Distance to the Magic and Animal Kingdom from the Resort should be just a short shuttle ride, since we didn't want to rent a car. Susan carefully paid attention to our request, helped with all the small details and gave recommendation, and useful tips how to make our vacation more fun less stress. She was very professional really knowing her craft. We had an exhaustingly good time in Orlando, trip that we never will forget. Many thanks to Susan! We highly recommend her and will book our next trip with her too.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Surprise birthday trip
Reviewed By TravelAgentFan - Poughkeepsie, NY | Traveled to Miami | Florida | USA
Loved working with Susan for my wife's surprise birthday trip. Susan is a gem in the travel business. She knows how to deliver a fun-filled trip, where every little details are taken care of. Susan have been very approachable and knows her stuff. I wouldn't trust anyone else with my travel needs but her. Highly recommended to my family, friends, neighbors.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO

My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.

My Photo Albums and Videos

Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Peru Specialist
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My Travel Stories

On top of the Rainbow Mountain with our group

Inspiration for Solo Travelers by real experience

I have been an adventurous traveler who loves to travel to less known places, and challenge my own limits. I traveled solo, if I felt that was my calling. In Peru, I joined a like-minded group of people. On the end of our trip we hiked the Rainbow Mountain. At the high altitude, my asthma hit hard, and I felt breathless and defeated. Nothi...
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