Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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all the hotels were amazing and the staff always went ut of their way to help us, the whole trip was amazing I loved peru every area we went to was different
Most Inspirational Moment
The trek to manhu pichu was amazing I could do it again, felt incredibly safe and well looked after by all the porters and chefs as well as our 2 amazing guides edwind and hever.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Edwind is the most amazing, caring, attentive leader I have ever had, his love and passion for his country and the history is the best. he is a big asset to the trips in Peru his organisational skills are second to none and would put most of my work colleagues to shame and I have made a great friend in him.
Great organisation – including managing an unexpected local strike – perfect holiday.
Most Inspirational Moment
The hike to Machu Picchu. The porters, chefs and guides were excellent. Edwind Colque and Heber Gonzales were unparalleled with their local knowledge of flora and fauna and Inca history. The chefs Isaac and Albert produced and presented meals which wouldn't have looked out of place in a first class restaurant and the porters under the guidance of Cipriano couldn't have been more helpful.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Highly professional at all times. Extremely capable management of unexpected local conditions (bus and rail strike in Machu Picchu). Took great care of potential health impact of the trek on the participants without being obvious - i.e.. Without causing undue embarrassment to any trek participants who were struggling with the high level of fitness required.
where do I start!!! Peru is a country with many different places to visit, every region that we visited was totally different to the last, from seeing the Galapagos of Peru with is cute sea lions and adorable penguins to the mystery of the Nazca lines to the quiet beauty of the Inca trail, its a country that I will return to in a heartbeat.
Most Inspirational Moment
watching the amazing team of porters and chefs running past us on the trail getting to the lunch point many hours before we got there and then creating such amazing food for us all but not before clapping us all back into camp, they were such an amazing team chef Isaac and Albert created magic on a gas ring they even made a cake!!! our team of porters lead by Cipriano are all amazing.
It was a magical day when we finally scrambled up the monkey steps to reach the sun gate and get the first glimpse of Manchu Pichu!! something that I will never forget is the team work of the whole group some of us fast some slow ( that was me at some points) but having great conversations on the way up and down the trail, day 2 is tricky but so worth it, you feel a sense of achievement on every day that you overcame a challenge.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Edwind was amazing, full of knowledge and passions for his beautiful country, always checking our oxygen levels every day to make sure we were ready for the trail.. nothing was too much especially when it came to a group members birthday he arranged a cake, flowers and a bottle of wine!! also when we finished the Inca trail and the second visit we found ourselves in a situation where the train was cancelled due to the strike action but he found a way for us to reach our destination and we saw the real Peru where the local people become very ingenious to get from A to B and saw many hidden things that we wouldn't have seen on the train, we did have an accident with a group member but both Edwind and the second guide Heber Gonzales sprang into action to help her and get her to a hospital to receive treatment. at the end of the trip he also gave us Pucara bulls in a lucky dip!!
He is a very attentive, caring, fun and energetic and generous leader and an inspiration that no matter were you start in life you can be anything you want to be!!!
Advice for Potential Travellers
nothing will prepare you for the altitude but lots of running helps
cash is king although lots of towns have contactless payments the small remote islands on lake Titicaca don't.
Don't hesitate and book it and enjoy the wonder and magic of the Andes and its beautiful hospitable people
Where to begin? Lima is an incredible city. Paracas was beautiful. Nazca was mesmerizing. Titicaca was… Mediterranean and the Inca Trail itself was just such a moving experience. Standing at the Sun Gate watching others arrive and become completely overwhelmed with emotion made it really hit home just how lucky were to be there. You simply have to go.
Most Inspirational Moment
When I stepped foot on Machu Picchu our leader smiled, held out his hand and said "Congratulations, you completed the Inca Trail". The trail is testing, but you dig deep and keep putting one foot in front of another. You put the effort in and you're handsomely rewarded.
After 3 years postponed, this was our last chance to make Inca Trail. Was it worth? YES. Would I do it again? in another life for sure!
Most Inspirational Moment
For sure the Inca Trail, the camping, the effort to overcome difficulties and finally the Machu Picchu view at the top of "oh my god" stairs. The silence, the stars, the landscape.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Holger is a professional with a deep knowledge on Perú culture, very experienced in "reading" customer´s needs and ensuring a stress free daily rhythm. Thank you Holger for your knowledge, care and support!!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be physically prepared, specially for the Inca Trail. There are no constraints on age (our group age average was well above 60). Be careful with the food and follow Exodus recommendations strictly .
All of it i loved every single part all amazing and breathtaking.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Wilmer was the best tour guide i have ever had! I have done many many tours and wilmer was by far the best. Her was funny and helpful and his knowledge of peru was so brilliant. I learnt more than i ever imagined.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The inca trail is tough but once you have climbed the final OMG steps you realise just how worth it the hike and climb was!!
Great Views, Difficult Andes Trek, Crowded Reed Islands, Expensive Country
Without doubt, Peru is a beautiful country, and our trip proved that the Andes is one of the most majestic mountain ranges on the planet. The highlights of our trip were:
1. The beautiful Ballestas islands off the coast of Paracas, where a lot of sea lions lazily dotted the islands along with dozens of penguins and lots of birds. We also saw interesting species of crabs and other shell animals.
2. The 4-day hike along the Moonstone Trek in the Andes – this was the most enjoyable part of our trip. The stunning views of Mount Veronica on the 3rd day kept us in awe, and the climb to the summit of the trek at 4,600 metres above sea level. We also walked through lovely meadows and farms along the way.
Funnily enough, Machu Picchu was not the highlight of the trip, even though it was a nice experience to be there, it somehow seemed crowded and overflowing with tourists, taking away the calmness and serenity that is typically expected of such places.
Be warned that the Moonstone Trek is a difficult one, and altitude sickness is a reality. You will feel the lack of oxygen and are most likely to feel nausea, headaches and vomiting. I did throw up on the 2nd day of the hike. Also note that altitude sickness can afflict anyone, even the most well-built or muscular or athletic of people. Just because you are very fit and may even be an athlete or sportsperson, do not think that you are immune to altitude sickness!!
Peru is an expensive country, and the prices are marked up at tourist places, and shopkeepers will not negotiate prices lower than 10%-15%. You may find some products cheaper in Lima than in the tourist towns like Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, the town closest to Machu Picchu.
** Warnings:
– Many restaurants add a 10% service charge to your bill without your consent in advance.
– There is a “tipping” disease in the country, and you will find many occasions where the tour leader will ask you to give a tip to just about every service person you encounter, like a bus driver, the backup/alternate driver, the boat captain, etc.
– If you are a vegan or vegetarian or have other dietary restrictions, you will need to choose your food carefully and remind the waiter many times. They do not seem to understand or appreciate these dietary restrictions too well.
– Even simple things like a cup of coffee are overpriced in certain towns like Pucara, on the way to the city of Puno.
Overall, Peru is a lovely country, but go there knowing what to expect.
Safe travels!
Most Inspirational Moment
The 4-day Moonstone Trek
Thoughts on Group Leader
Good guy overall, very knowledgeable and sociable.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Yes, do not expect the Moonstone Trek to be a walk in the park. It is pretty difficult, I would personally rate it at Level-6/7 out of 10.
Be prepared to throw up, get a headache, nausea, get goddamn tired and curse Exodus along the way :)
But if you are willing to endure some discomfort for the rewards of stunning views of the Andes, you'll find that it is an investment worth the pain!
Remember: Walk at your own pace, don't try to impress anyone by walking fast as you could faint, take enough breaks and rest stops, keep drinking water frequently, wear ample sunscreen and insect/bug cream or spray, and most importantly - listen to the advice of your tour leader on the trek. He is the best and most experienced person in the group, and knows what will help and what will hurt.
Peru is a wonderful country with its varied landscapes and diverse cultures. Nothing can quite prepare you for the stunning vistas in the Andes and the once in a lifetime experience of the Inca trail, culminating at the Sun Gate and that first view of Machu Picchu. All this led by our outstanding guide Bobby and shared with a lovely group of people. A BIG thank you.
Most Inspirational Moment
Undoubtedly that first view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate after 4 strenuous but amazing days on the Inca trail. It was quite an emotional experience.
Thoughts on Group Leader
What a legend Bobby is! THE most fantastic guide, who shared his passion and knowledge of his country and immersed us into its heart and cultures throughout the trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
1. Read the trip notes carefully
2. Get yourself physically fit for the trek which I personally believe is higher than the moderate level 3 graded by Exodus.
3. Altitude will have an affect!
4. There are long drives but the scenery is always extraordinary and do help you acclimatise to the altitude.
5. Days were pleasantly warm but the nights very cold particularly on the trek and in Cusco, so layers are essential..
6. It is worth taking the optional extra flight over the Nazca lines to fully appreciate the extent of the carvings.
Achieving day 2 of the Machu Picchu trek to Dead Woman’s Pass. Although not long as a days trek, the rise in altitude to 4200 metres was tough!
Thoughts on Group Leader
The group leader, Bobby, was excellent in every department. A more capable, competent and helpful guide in all probability does not exist. His involvement with the group was welcomed by all and resulted in the trip being a huge success for the group participants.
The information he provided on the various sites visited and the relevant history was most interesting and created further discussion within the group.
With regard to the travelling and accommodation, Bobby took full control and made our holiday somewhat carefree, thankfully!
A big thank you to Bobby!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take warm clothing for the camping part of the trip as the nights can be very cold!
