Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

I really enjoyed the homestay on the island, other highlights were the Ballestas Islands, Machu Picchu, the condors, and the amazing scenery that we had throughout the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Carlos was great, timings were on, good restaurant recommendations and information about places

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a really busy trip with lots of very early starts, long days on the bus and therefore early nights. There was a correct balance of guided bits and time to wander, but not much down time at the hotels. Be organised with your packing, and do laundry in Cuzco. ATMs are widely available, also banks to change money but USD must be in pristine condition. Average cost for a decent evening meal in a nice restaurant was £15 - £20. Cuzco handicraft market is the best place to buy souvenirs - eg woollen products, on the whole trip. Altitude sickness wasn't a problem if you drank plenty water and rested up. Only thing missing was a half day walk in one of the beautiful canyons.  Take fewer clothes than you think you might need.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many to be honest but here's a taster. The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla..... an emotional rollercoaster. Our first view of Everest. The valley walk and climb up to Namche Bazarr & our last beer! The village of Thyjangboche, the monastery and a sunset that was just incredible across Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and Ama Dablam. A truly special and spiratual place that will always be a part of me. Chukpo Lari a memorial to all the climbers who have passed on Everest. Finally the final trek to Base Camp and the climb to Kala Patthar. The scenery and views are breathless, excuse the pun!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Passang was a true leader!! Leading from the front, back or middle of the group. EXTREMELY KNOWLEDGEABLE, highly respected and could not have led or looked after us any better. Thank you.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bladder packs are fine until you get to Gorak Shep. Take diamox!! Enjoy

Most Inspirational Moment

The day climbing up Mount Ohi to the Temple of the Dragons, then the long descent back to the coast. The mist/cloud came and went as we explored the temple- it has been there for the same time the stones have stood at Stone Henge and you imagine all the generations, nationalities, and motivations of the people who have visited the Temple of the Dragons over the millenia.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic! His local knowledge, contacts and passion for the area really made the experience memorable for me.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Wear a good pair of boots.

Most Inspirational Moment

Viewing photos of stars taken in the pitch black - we had never taken time delay shots at night before so seeing amazing images of the glacial lagoons and the milky way was nothing short of astonishing, (with a hint of the Northern Lights thrown in that was tricky to see with the naked eye, fab results!). We found our fellow exodus-explorers all really helpful with hints & tips on night-time and low light photography, all much appreciated!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic. Kristjan is a man than can do everything. Tour leader, crampon wielding, bus driving, (& what driving conditions! Ice, ice ice, snow storms ...!), biscuit supplying, magic lunch producer, hot drinks maker, lava caving instructor, information souce, photography improvised genius. Is there nothing this man can not do? Friendly, knowledgeable and never seems to need sleep. Kristjan deserves a gold medal for energy and improvisation!Kristjan is just the nicest and enthusiastically most sincere and generous person you could ever hope to meet.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't over pack evening gear. This trip is all about getting out there and cramming in as much as you can. You do cover big distances so have long periods of time travelling on the bus but the scenery changes every few K's so you just dont tire of the incredible scenery. Take a tripod if you're into photography and a small low level light torch so you can see where your gear/shutter release is!

Most Inspirational Moment

The view from Jebel Siroua is just stunning - you have an amazing 360 degree view of the craggy mountain ranges and the snow topped High Atlas mountains in the distance. It's an incredible landscape - dusty mountains and a clear sky. It's so peaceful, empty and so very far from any kind of human life. It looks kind of lunar - it's spectacular. And, at night, the starry sky is worth being a bit cold for!

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader is great - he is passionate about what he does, is knowledgable and enthusiastic and is great at bringing people together. As he is local he knows the area, the people and the history of his country really well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are travelling in winter (I went 1 - 8 Dec), invest is a really good goose down feather jacket. Mine was lent to me by a friend and was the envy of all! It can get pretty cold at night so make sure you have enough warm clothes, and, it's warm in the day so definitely bring the suncream. And a spare camera battery... That's something I regret not having!

Most Inspirational Moment

1. Seing a nestful of turtle hatchlings scampering off to the Atlantic Ocean at Tortuguero2. Seeing toucans close up3. The various boat trips.. Tortuguero, Manuel Antionio4. Seeing colourful birds close up 5. The wonderful red-eyed frogs6. All the other animal life where we could see, and photogragh, them 

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was excellent in every way

Most Inspirational Moment

Learning about the history and culture of Cuba is just fascinating because there's probably now nowhere on earth like it.  "Viva le Revolution" say the signs, but wasn't that all over 50 years ago?  Well maybe, but it's still the driving force behind the country.  Cuba is in a whole series of time-warps which leave you constantly thinking about where it's coming from and where it's going.  However it is changing, with some small-scale private B&Bs and restaurants knocking spots off the state-owned ones.  Havana might just be the coolest city in the world to hang out in - and we aren't "hangers-out".  You really can spend all day in the squares drinking fabulous coffee, watching the world go by and enjoying all the street entertainment.  Then there are all those amazing Spanish colonial cities, not to mention the Bay of Pigs!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic.  He was well-organised, educated, friendly, helpful, flexible and willing to talk about anything we wanted to.  Like, we suspect, many Cubans, he was both proud of his country's many achievements yet frustrated by the limits on personal aspiration.  People like him will be the driving force behind the new Cuba.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just don't expect too much from this developing country, and don't forget to take your sense of humour with you.  If your hotel room has both hot water and lights that work then you've probably hit the jackpot.  If not then there's little point complaining because it won't change anything!  Accept the country as it is and drink in the experiences you have while you can still have them.  After all you could have gone to any Caribbean island, so you chose Cuba for a reason.

Most Inspirational Moment

I enjoyed the forts and palaces, mostly local people were pleased to see us, children and alike. Only twice any problems, stone throwing and slapping, and group stayed together. India is an eye opener.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The Group Leader was extremely good, knowledgeable and listened. But cycled too fast ! I was mid group we had to wait for "tail end charlie" and the times we did km by time trial were difficult to keep up

Advice for Potential Travellers

Becareful and don't expect hot water and wi-fi, it maybe a rich country and the hotels and local towns aren't rich. Mind the cows and the stray dogs, lots of them and not nice.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the Restoration taking place in HavanaThe coastal rides in and around TrinidadWhilst cycling, being raced by a local riding bareback on a beautiful horse

Thoughts on Group Leader

Freddie was great and it helped that his Grandfather was a revolutionary. It meant that he could bring his stories to life with such colour and passion. The genuine article

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't worry about the cycling. As the week progresses, so will you

Most Inspirational Moment

Swimming with a sealion at Sombrero Chino.A passage under sail between Sombrero Chino and Isla Rabida.Seeing a newly-hatched baby tortoise at the breeding centre in Puerto Villamil.Cruising with dolphins into Elizabeth Bay.Penguins and a cormorant swimming alongside my kayak at Tagus Cove, completely unafraid. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

In Quito, Gloria was efficient about organising transfers and other logistics. She left us on our own for the free day, but the hotel staff were very helpful with advice about places to see and areas to avoid in the city.In the islands, our guide and leader David was first class. Very friendly and helpful, got on well with everyone, and he organised our visits ashore and other activities without ever being pushy or leaving us feeling we didn't have enough time. He was extremely knowledgeable about the landscape and wildlife, but also admitted when he didn't know something and often came back to you later on with an answer. He really did his best to make sure we had a good holiday and experienced as much of the islands as possible. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't take too much luggage on the ship. A soft holdall is far better than a hard case as there's little storage space in the cabins. You mostly go barefoot on the ship, but walking sandals are good for wet landings, and a pair of good trainers or walking shoes for longer hikes on the islands. Lightweight clothing is best, but include some long sleeves and long trousers and a hat for sun protection. A light waterproof is recommended but you are unlikely to need it more than once or twice.Go prepared to do lots of photography! I took 1500 images in a week. However, a medium telephoto zoom is good enough, as you can get really close to all the wildlife. On our trip David took pictures of the group during the day's activities, and each day ended with a briefing about the next day and a slide show. He copied the pictures to our own cards at the end of the trip, so bring plenty of memory. Take some medicine for seasickness with you if you think you might suffer, although none of us did. Sleeping on your back is the most comfortable when the ship is under way, as you just move with it rather than fighting the motion while lying on one side. Getting into the top bunk while the ship is rolling requires some agility!