Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It’s the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you’re interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.

Simply use the selector below to search our trip reviews and start reading real feedback from real Exodus travellers who have ‘been there and done that’!

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30 Reviews

5 out of 5

Scott Semple

Reviewed May 2019

Spectacular trek with the best trek leader

The trek to Machu Picchu in Comfort is very much a trek worth taking. Machu Picchu is very impressive as you might imagine, but somewhat overshadowed by the majesty of the Peruvian mountainside that you trek through to reach it. I was blown away by the views along the treks, particularly from Dead Woman’s Pass and our final campsite at 4000m. I do not normally write reviews and the thing that makes me want to is to highlight just how amazing our tour leader Cesar Smith (“Smithy”) was. I have never encountered a more friendly, informative and inspiring trek leader in all of my travels. Easily the best tour guide I have ever encountered. Smithy’s passion for his country, mountains and knowledge of historical contact are impressive enough, but his support for the entire group was outstanding. A few in the group struggled with some altitude effects and fitness. These members were sensitively supported by Smithy, whilst he also facilitated those of us wanting to trek faster to do so. Friendly and informative with a contagious passion for the trek, I cannot say enough good things about Smithy, our tour leader. If you have options of choosing dates with his involvement, he comes with my highest recommendation.
In terms of the trip, there are parts that are physically challenging, so I would advise reading the training guide. My wife and I trained for the trip and were very glad we did.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking up over Dead Woman’s pass and the last campsite and 4000m offered breath-taking views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I cannot say enough good things about our group leader. Easily the best guide I have ever experienced. Friendly, informative without being overbearing. His passion for the mountains and the country of Peru is inspirational. His relationship with our porters one of mutual respect. Amazing knowledge and I genuinely warmed to the man to a degree which surprised me. One of the big highlights of our tour was the tour leader. Cesar Smith (“Smithy”) comes with my biggest recommendation.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the trip notes. Read the training guide. Those that had not did struggle with some the challenging sections of the trip. Dead Woman’s Pass is a challenge for most people, so do the training for the trip.

Suggestions

I was very impressed with the porter tea. Our chef Luciano demands specific praise. The food was excellent, and varied. The lead porter Alejandro, ran a tight ship, and each of the porters were constantly busy, supporting the entire group. A really inspirational bunch of lads. They had clear respect for our tour leader, who again, I simply cannot say enough good things about. If you have any choice in the matter, try to book a tour with Smithy as your tour leader.

Anne Scott

Reviewed May 2019

Don’t miss the Inca trail with Smithy

My husband and I travelled to Peru and walked the Inca trail. In over 20 years of travel (and having walked the trail before some 15 years ago) I have never before felt moved to provide a review. Of course the Inca trail and Machu Picchu were, as expected, amazing. The stand out factor was our guide, Cesar Smith aka Smithy.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the hard work of the porters and kitchen staff as they all but ran up and down the mountainside with heavy packs as we struggled for breath with day packs.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cesar Smith aka Smithy led the tour brilliantly. He provided support and attention for those who needed it, and freedom for those who didn’t. Smithy shared his passion for Peru, his pride in his heritage, and his love for the mountains in the most authentic way. And always with a good dose of understated humour. Easily the best tour leader I’ve had in over 20 years of travel. It would be worth changing the dates of your travel to be sure you get him as a guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

See above!

Alison McGregor

Reviewed May 2019

Inspirational Challenge

Joining the group as a solo traveler is often intimidating but the people, the guide and the team have made this a memorable and fantastic experience.
Our guide embraced us all with our different abilities backgrounds and personalities and created a fantastic group and team.
Between us we had an adventure of a lifetime supported by the most fabulous trekking crew.

Most Inspirational Moment

The view of the Andes from our campsite on the 3rd night. Beautiful inspiring and simply amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paul was excellent, he went out of his way to ensure everyone managed to the trail and more than that enjoyed it. A mix of ages and abilities but he made it work. People smiled in the rain and beamed at the views, his knowledge and Peru. Nothing was too much trouble people felt important and special and look after. His knowledge and theories on the inca's were great and his local experiences brilliant. THANK YOU!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just to it - it is challenging but not as hard as you think, the comfort part of the trip is exceptional and makes it that bit more special and is worth the extra cost. Catering was just way beyond what you would ever expect

Suggestions

Yes the porters were simply amazing always smiling always encouraging and so efficient. A big thank you also to both Wilbert Gozzegos and Alesondro Usca our 2 cooks. I am gluten free and cannot eat red meat, but eat day they achieved some simply delicious and amazing food and could not have been more helpful. I don't think I have ever experienced such good gluten free cooking on a holiday - normally i survive on all the food I take with me but this time I didn't need any of it. They are the best.

Heather Stephenson

Reviewed September 2018

Well worth the long journey and as the guide says it won't feel like 10 hours. Guide was excellent and lunch stop was great. The Incan site in the afternoon was really stunning and a great way to end the adventure.

Would really recommend this extra trip. Only negative was the hotel which was not the one in the trip notes and was far from the standard of the other hotels.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the views from the Incan burial site and the feeling of isolation and how far removed from every day life this place was. A rainbow appeared which made it super special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Easy to understand and good knowledge of area.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's a long way home , 3 flights so be prepared. Also make sure you allow for all the tipping!! It's a big addition to the cost of the holiday.

Heather Stephenson

Reviewed September 2018

Worth doing the inca trail in comfort. Hotels are nice and having the extra weight makes a big difference.

Excellent trip, you need to be fit as the trek is not easy but it is well worth it when you get to Machu Pichu. You learn a lot on the way from the guides and their support is genuine.
Food was really good and overall the trip was fantastic and you get to see some amazing places.
The tents could do with an update.
You need poles but those who didn’t have them were able to hire which is great.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top on day 2 and making an offering to the gods was really special especially as I really struggled with the altitude . So it was great that our group leader had waited and didn't rush us and allowed us to have this special moment. Obviously being in Machu pichu was very special too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Smithy was really lovely and his partner Xavier was an absolute star. He was so patient when I struggled with the altitude. Only comment I would add is as we were slow we sometimes missed out on the commentary but his knowledge was incredible and so passionate about his country and its wonderful historical sites.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you follow the fitness guide and bring warm clothes.

Heather Stephenson

Reviewed September 2018

Worth doing the inca trail in comfort. Hotels are nice and having the extra weight makes a big difference.

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you follow the fitness guide and bring warm clothes.

Heather Shanahan

Reviewed September 2018

Excellent trip

Our guide, Wilmer, was extremely knowledgeable, interesting and helpful. Chef provided excellent food, hotels were comfortable. There were some magical moments such as watching the stars and moon at night and the sunrise in the morning over the mountains. I would recommend the trip although recommend getting to Cusco a couple of days early to acclimatise.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking the Inca trail and enjoying the views of the mountains. Climbing up to the Sun gate and suddenly seeing Machu Pichu below - magical..

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wilmer was excellent. Couldn't have been better.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get to Cusco a couple of days early to acclimatise

Susan Fuller

Reviewed June 2018

The trip of a lifetime

What a fabulous experience, amazing views, great walking, excellent catering and accommodation, a truly memorable trip and you get to visit Machu Picchu! Brilliant, we thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this trip, outstanding.

Most Inspirational Moment

The journey through the cloud forest and along the Inca trail was stunning but when we arrived at sun gate and the mist lifted to reveal Machu Pichu, wow, that was a very emotional experience for me, a sight I have wanted to see for more than 10 years.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Raul, was superb, such a lovely man, extremely knowledgeable and accommodating, we couldn’t fault him, he was truly committed to ensuring we had a great trip and experienced all his country has to offer.

Advice for Potential Travellers

To avoid altitude sickness take it easy for the first couple of days, drink lots of water and avoid heavy meals and alcohol. Make sure you read the trip notes, there are a lot of steps, which you need to be prepared for. Get booking and enjoy!

Suggestions

There were 12 amazing porters including the cook that provided everything we could possibly need in the middle of nowhere. They work extremely hard, can’t do enough for you and are always cheerful, Thanks to them all.

Chris G

Reviewed June 2018

A Life Experience to Treasure

Walking the trails ancient Inca pavements provided breathtaking mountain panoramas and impressive archaeological sites seemingly at every turn, coped with a physical challenge including traversing the high point at Dead Woman’s Pass. Culminating in the truly stunning natural location of Machu Picchu. Our leader, Mike, provided a fascinating insight into Inca beliefs and their way of life that really brought the civilisation to life. At the same time he motivated, advised, cared for and entertained each and everyone! Our Cheskis support team amazed – conjuring 3 course meals from a tiny kitchen tent and portering all tents and equipment with a real style.

Truly unforgettable!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

Holly Streak

Reviewed June 2018

Experience of a life time

The Inca Trail was always on our bucket list and this trip was beyond our wildest dreams. We had a fantastic group of people but our tour guide Mike really made the trip a 5 star experience! He was extremely knowledgeable of the Inca and Pre Inca culture as well as knowing the Inca Trail like the back of his hand, giving us a secluded environment away from the crowds of the trail. Above all else he kept us safe and made us feel extremely comfortable under his leadership. I would highly recommend him as a tour guide to anyone!

Mike was a key connection between us and the porters, who provided fantastic meals and service throughout the trip. We were all truly amazed at what the porters were able to achieve!

Thank you Mike,
Safe travels,
Holly and Sam

Most Inspirational Moment

Throughout the trip Mike told us the journey was more special than the destination. He was completely correct. The final camp site provided a stunning backdrop for a sunset and sun rise. A true moment to reflect on the past days hiking and camping.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mike was the best tour leader we have ever had. He was always full of energy and really made the trip special. I hope that we are able to do another trip with him. There was a balance of detailed knowledge of the South American history, fun and laughter within the whole group and a keen eye on safety. He is a true asset to exodus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip was harder than expected (the second day is a real hike!!) and having a few days to feel comfortable at altitude was key for us.

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