Most Inspirational Moment
arriving at MP from above
Thoughts on Group Leader
Marvellous
Advice for Potential Travellers
Get trained !
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
THE INCA TRAIL
Asolutally superb. Great guide (Bobby) with so much local knowledge and empathy with the team. Pretty tough at times (for a slightly overweight 50 year old smoker) but manageable.
THE INCA TRAIL
An absolutely amazing experience. I was expecting it to be really good but it far exceeded my expectations.
Most Inspirational Moment
Arriving at the Sun Gate at Macchu Picchu on a glorious sunny afternoon and getting my first glimpse of the ruins.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Both Bobby and his assistant Frank were excellent group leaders. They looked after everyone perfectly from start to finish. They were both a credit to themselves and Exodus.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The facilities at the campsites on the Inca Trail were far more limited and basic than I expected. Thank goodness we had our own portable toilet.It can be very wet even in the middle of the dry season. Make sure you come prepared for this. On a couple of nights it was colder than I anticipated. If you are bringing your own sleeping bag make sure it is a 3/4 season one.Change more than the recommended $50 in to Peruvian Sol as you will definitely need it.
THE INCA TRAIL Moonstone Trek
A very well co-ordinated trip. It would have been impossible to put together such a combination of events by myself for the cost of the trip. Absolutely no hassle, every potentional stress point was anticipated and solved by the trip leaders on the ground.
Most Inspirational Moment
Looking at a snow covered mountain peak (Mount Veronica?) on the way back from the loo tent in the middle of the Andes at 2am with frost on the tents, after a day of climbing at high and stressful altitudes.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We had two - Ollie in Cusco and Miguel for the trek. Both were excellent.On the trek (the Moonstone) I did not think I was up to it after the first day. But Miguel had been assessing us all and when I confided my fears to him he said I could do it and gave me the confidence to continue. I was looked after SO well by Miguel, and the second in command (Frank) and I made it to the pass by myself (no horse rides) and also the rest of the trek. It's a big responsibility, taking people into the mountains, and Miguel did a grand job.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take wet wipes and plenty of lightweight warm clothing. Don't under estimate the effects of altitude on your body. Go with an open mind and enjoy the experiences that come your way - don't rush, a little with depth is better than a lot that's superficial.
THE INCA TRAIL
Excellent! I was expecting big things from this holiday & was not disappointed.Exodus did deliver, the next hiking/adventure etc. holiday i plan will definately be with Exodus.
Most Inspirational Moment
Reaching dead womans pass was a real achievment.Watching the sun set at 3200m whilst camping in the cloud forest was pretty spesh.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader (Holger "Ollie" Colliantes) was exceptional. Not just whilst on the trek but at all times during our holiday. He was always available to help with anything but not in your face. While on the trek he had everybodies health & best interests at the front of his mind, but also felt like one of the group. His knowledge was also exceptional. 10/10 nice job Ollie
Advice for Potential Travellers
When they say the porters can only take 7kg, they can only take 7kg. Be prepared to rough it for four days, but its well worth it.
THE INCA TRAIL
The Inca Trail was amazing, it was everything I expected it to be and I’m so glad I finally ticked it off my bucket list. The trek was fantastic. I thought I’d love Machu Picchu more, but I didn’t – the walk was definately the most exciting part.
Most Inspirational Moment
Getting to the sun gate after 4 days of hiking up and down Inca steps. I didnt think that was the end and thought I had hours to go but then Machu Picchu was there in front of me. I'll never complain about walking up the stairs at work ever again. The campsite on the 3rd night was beautiful and waking up to alfresco breakfast (the porters took away the breakfast tent) surrounded by mountains was amazing. My favourite day was the 3rd day hiking through the cloud forest with steep sided ridges and rocky paths, I wish this day would last longer. The porters were fantastcic and woke us up every morning with smiles on their faces and coca tea and cooked delicious 4 course meals every day.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Wilfredo was great. He was forever telling us Inca stories and made sure the group had chance to socialise together and spend time apart. He recommended delicious restaurants and bakeries and promoted ethical tourism by showing us local artisan shops and taking us to weaving villages so we knew our souveniers were locally sourced and made. He made sure we were all safe on the trek and having a good time, even after walking 4 long days he went to the town and got ingredients for pisco sours because we all wanted to make some. He encouraged us to learn some Spanish and Quechua - even if the only words I remember are 'basos' and 'sulpayki'. He has set a high standard now for all other tour leaders to follow, whichever trek / trip I book next.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take trekking poles and try and do some trekking first to get used to rocky, uphill terrain. Take proper hiking boots. For the ladies - the toilet is a bucket and a plastic bag - either learn how to squat properly or take a shewee. Also spray on hair shampoo, baby wipes and talc came in useful. Take spare camera batteries - you will take lots of photos and there is no electric on the 4 day trip. Ear plugs are good idea - the tents are pitched close together sometimes and you will hear your fellow campers snoring.
THE INCA TRAIL
We were well looked after and the trail was magnificent with awesome views. Arriving at the sun gate overlooking Machu Picchu was emotional after four days trekking. Really felt like I had achieved something.
Most Inspirational Moment
Waking up early to see our campsite floating above the clouds and the distant mountains tinged with pink as the sun rose on day four.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Flaminia was very knowledgeable, understanding and fun.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Keeping warm at night required extra layers of clothing inside sleeping bag. Antiseptic handgel and wipes helped me to avoid any tummy problems.
THE INCA TRAIL
Trip of a lifetime. Fantastic scenery, fantastic group. You will lose weight as the food rations are quite small.
Most Inspirational Moment
Coming through the Sun Gate
Thoughts on Group Leader
ok
Advice for Potential Travellers
This trip is brilliant, but the organisation was disappointing in several areas:1. Promised a private toilet tent for each night of camping - Exodus changed their mind, but neglected to inform us pre-trip. This was inexcusable. One night this meant a long and unsafe walk to a shared toilet. 2. Flights changed by Exodux but no new ATOL certificate sent3. Whole group made to check in on-line in LAN offices in Cusco day before we left. This did not work. 4. Insurance paid for but not sent a certificate until requested5. Never received an evaluation form from Exodus Word of warning - tried to pick up bags in Lima but they were not there. Had to take next plane to Cusco - bags eventually arrived 24 hours later after a LOT of airport hassle. Not the best start to the day
THE INCA TRAIL
well organised trip with excellent porterage with quality leadership from Fabrizio and Roberto.
A well paced walk taking in breath taking scenery with the flora and fauna being regularly highlighted by the knowledgeable Roberto.
Most Inspirational Moment
arriving at the Sun gate taking in our first view of the Macchu Pichu site. The leaders well prepared us for this and ensured we arrived in good time to enjoy the mid afternoon sunny clear panoramic views . The third night's campsite will be remembered for ever as the constantly changing views due to the clouds movements were spectacular .
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent as he had everyone's wants at heart, particularly the lost luggage on the day of arrival at Cusco? He was also very concerned at Our miss management of our supposedly booked extra days in Cusco.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I never use walking sticks but my advice would be to take them as the ascents can be long and steep, so to the descents however, the scenery is breathtaking. In Cusco take the open top bus tour as it really takes you on a grand tour of the centre and the Christ statue , the views are stunning.
THE INCA TRAIL - Moonstone Trek
Originally we wanted to do the Classic Inca Trail, however because Exodus run out of lincences for this particular trip we did a variation of this trek: Moonstone Trek, which is much higher that the Inca Trail. This did not put us off and actually was better as we went on very remote, secluded paths that are not part of the massive tourist highway. During the whole trip it was only 6 of us + leader + cooks + sherpas and few local people that we past occasionally. PERFECT for those who want to experience the beauty of mighty Andes, beautiful nature, make new friends and clear mind from daily life! You still get to see all the good places including ending the trek in Machu Picchu! We came back very happy and whatever we spent was definitely worth it all!
Most Inspirational Moment
Camping in the middle of nowhere, getting up at undecent hours in the morning, walking all day and at the end of the day surprising ourseves with a happy thought that tomorrow is yet another day we will discover something new! You surprise yourself how far you can push yourself!
Thoughts on Group Leader
We had two leaders, both Juan Manuel and Jesus were great, looked after the whole group at all times, checking whether we adjust well to the altidue. They have paced the trek fantasticly making sure no one is left behind and we stick as a group. They are both experienced leaders and showed us trully amazing places!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take a good sleeping bag, clothes for every weather condition, camera and good humor! Personally I found walking poles a saver on gravel, steep slopes and while jumping through the river. Won't hurt if you pack set of cards, we found playing UNO a great entertainment in the evenings!
THE INCA TRAIL
For me this was a Dream of a Lifetime, since I was 11 years old and learned about it in a geography lesson, I always wanted to go on the Inca Trail. It lived up to all my expectations and more, an unforgettable experience.
Most Inspirational Moment
Being told by everyone that I was amazing, inspirational,brave, super fit by the team and even complete strangers we met on the trek. I thrived on this and although it was challenging at times I was more than ever determined to complete it.Being given a standing ovation by the rest of the team and the porters when I arrtived in camp at the highest point Winay Wayna 4150m ( it means forever young female) and since everyone else was about half my age I did feel proud to have done this. Similar experience at the Sun Gate after climbing those practically vertical steps having abandoned my trekking poles and did on all fours hands and knees, many photos were taken.Was presented with the tee shirt 'I survived the Inca Trail' at Machu Pichu, by our guide Juan. Willl treasure it forever.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Juan was excellent he explained in clear detail the days' proceedings and also gave descriptions of interesting features on the way. He was extremely knowledgable about the whole area.For me personally he was very encouraging, he said I was his 'challenge'!!! Often he would help by carrying my day pack. Also on the cold camping nughts gave me his hot water bottle!!He should share in the achievement as without his help and encouragement I may not have 'survived'
Advice for Potential Travellers
I trained for about a year prior to going because I knew that as an older member it would be challenging. This paid off and I think even younger persons should do some kind of training. Most people felt it was a bit more than 'Moderate'.The mantra for going upwards was attitude not altitude and for coming down concentrate.I found going up I got breathless so you need to try and increase your lung capacity. Coming down I was fine as I do not have any knee problems. Overall try and increase your stamina and endurance.