Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Wandering around Machu Picchu and visiting the floating islands on Lake Titicaca have satisfied two of my lifelong ambitions.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Raul Guerra was an excellent guide for the Inca Trail part of my holiday. He was very enthusiastic, friendly and incredibly knowledgeable about everything Peruvian especially about the Inca ruins and civilization.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My strongest recommendation would be to arrive a couple of days before the group holiday starts in order to acclimatise to the high altitude.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every part of the journey was an amazing experience, but the moment you first see Machu Picchu has to be the highlight!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Tomas Llancay was exceptional, he had the patience of a saint, a lovely sense of humour, is very knowledgeable and cared for us throughout. Tomas really could not do enough for everyone. It is clear he loves his job and is proud to work for Exodus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip is rated as a 3 and suitable for anyone with moderate fitness. Having been on a number of trek's, as this trip is at altitude I would grade it a 4. There are some steep hills and we had all weather to contend with, which at altitude is a challenge. That said if you have a good level of fitness and a positive attitude, I would thoroughly recommend this trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

Although I'd have to say Machu Picchu was the crown jewel, seeing the beautiful stars at night, fabulous sunsets, and visiting Incan burial sites were all awe-inspiring!

Thoughts on Group Leader

For the trek we had Tina, who was great fun and took superb care of us. It was as if we took another friend along! We were able to hike at our own pace and felt very well looked after. During our time in the city, and with the entire group, Fabrizzio was just as good! He was very knowledgeable about Incan history and culture, and had obvious pride in his country and heritage, as did Tina.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is some tough hiking! I'd advise going a few days ahead to Cusco for extra acclimatization. (And drink the coca tea ALL the time!)Being aerobically fit does not necessarily help overcome the altitude issues. Bring a pole or poles! (Even my 22 y-o daughter found a pole useful to steady her footing.) Nights at altitude are VERY cold (near freezing)l although daytime temps are mild. LAYERS! The sun is fierce! Have a good sun hat plus sunscreen.

Suggestions

Don't overpack. We had more than enough of the right clothes and just used a carry on bag plus a day pack. Consider the Moonstone Trek if you'd like a more challenging and equally beautiful hike with plenty of Incan sites along the way. I personally like the peace and quiet of the trail versus constantly passing and being passed along the trail, so I found it perfect in that regard. I read "Turn Right at Macchu Picchu" before I went, and HIGHLY recommend it as informative and entertaining reading to get yourself in the mindset for the trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing the steep steps to the Sun Gate on the final day in pouring rain knowing we had finally made it to glimpse a first view of Machu Picchu virtually deserted

Thoughts on Group Leader

Raul Valle was excellent in his knowledge of sights, flora and fauna along the way and kept our spirits up when the weather changed. He set the walking pace according to our different fitness levels in the group. His organisation skills were excellent and his idea of having a group kitty saved a lot of messing about with the different groups of people responsible for taking care of us over the 11 days.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Keep your packing down to essentials only, take dry bags and be prepared to be physically challenged.

Most Inspirational Moment

Finally reaching the summit of Dead Woman's Pass, I never thought I would finish the incline, but with the group and words of encouragement from Dennis our leader, I finally got there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dennis Dolmos was great, he made sure we were all ok, assisted when anyone was struggling and encouraged us all.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not underestimate this trek, do some training beforehand. You can not account for the altitude but good cardiovascular and leg training will help.

Suggestions

Peru is a lovely country, the food and team who look after you are incredible. Excellent trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cloud city campsite. Spectacular sunrise there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was a superstar.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ask for Wilbert! (And bring walking poles!)

Most Inspirational Moment

The four days of the trek but particularly the day over Dead Woman's Pass - a great challenge and space to think!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabricio was a great leader, very knowledgable but also accommodating of the different abilities on the trek with respect to trekking and personal comfort vis a vis camping

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get the weigh down in your pack as much as possible by bringing only wicking away tops, zip off/roll up trousers, light weight trainers, spray deodorant and sachets of shampoo for hotel at the end. Also bring a small nail brush - sometimes they have them in hotel rooms to suggest you liberate one if you see one. Also a headscarf is your hair is long is much more effective than dry shampoo! Also a poncho is a must!

Suggestions

Altitude can affect anyone but if you improve you fitness ahead of time if you feel the altitude then you only have this pain to deal with rather than the pain for the hike also.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of dead woman's pass and having a Condor fly pass at the summit!

Thoughts on Group Leader

First class

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take local currency as exchange rate much better in the UK!

Most Inspirational Moment

This was my first experience of South America, wild camping and remote trekking, all 3 have provided memories which will last a lifetime! I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to experience the trek with such a great group.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nothing was too much trouble for "Olly", having completed the trek over 300 times he was an expert in all areas and had plenty of enthusiasm. He can also run up the monkey steps to the sun gate in seconds! Our bags failed to arrive until 2 hours before the trek departed from Cusco (through no fault of KLM or Exodus), and Olly went out of his way to ensure we had a back up plan to hire and buy necessary gear.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you have strong bug spray and a buff or bandana to wrap around your neck. It was hot and sunny everyday during an October trek!

Suggestions

The premium version of the trip was well worth the extra cost, the last night being in a hotel with a shower was much anticipated by the whole group!

Most Inspirational Moment

I was looking forward to the Inca Trail in particular, and saw the visit to Machu Picchu as secondary, and potentially over-hyped, especially after visiting lots of Inca sites on the trail. I am pleased to say that the trail certainly didn't disappoint, I loved every minute of it. I am also pleased to say that Machu Picchu itself actually exceeded expectations; words like awesome and inspiring help but it is difficult to find words to adequately describe the experience, it really does have to be experienced at first hand.

Thoughts on Group Leader

It helps to have a great leader, and we had one of the best. "Olly" was the glue that held the group together and made the whole experience special. His knowledge was second to none, and his confidence soon spread through the group. With everything being "20 minutes", along with our often recited phrase of "Where's Olly", these memories will live long.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Prepare for a long flight(s) and if you are not a good road traveller then I would suggest closing your eyes a lot. Don't worry about any 'altitude' issues, acclimatization will come quite quickly. Don't be squeamish about the use of 'facilities' whilst on the trail, and throw yourself wholeheartedly into it. Prepare for a fantastic lifetime experience.

Suggestions

The extra "in comfort" package is well worth it, if for no other reason than having the ability to have a long soak in the bath at the end of the trail, rather than another night in a tent. A good group makes all the difference and I was certainly lucky to have one of the best.