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

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157 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed November 2014

Essential Peru with Amazon Extension

This trip is good for seeing a lot of highlights within a limited time scale.
It gives you a taster of the country and it’s incredible diversity of landscape.

Most Inspirational Moment

Several - Machu Picchu is awesome - just like the in the pictures. Definitely worth staying until the crowds have gone, or doing the early rise if you can get up in time. The home stay was my personal favourite. Our host was so lovely, we helped out with what we could and it was a humbling experience. Travelling should broaden the mind and things like the home-stay certainly do that. Scooping water from the well rather than turning on the tap make you appreciate the reality of life for so many. I loved the variety of the landscape. Cusco - fascinating place to wander around. I would recommend the Amazon extension. Far less daunting than I had expected. Yes the rooms had only 3 walls and were open to the sounds of the rainforest but we had experienced more biting insects in Southern Europe! The sounds and and scale of the tress are fabulous. The Convent in Arequipa. We should have half an hour after the to just to BE in this place.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I really liked him for interesting conversation at dinner and for learning about his life and views on growing up in Lima. His command of the language was exemplary and he had a lovely dry sense of humour. However as a tour guide he really needed to address the group more often during the long drives with information about the landscape, history and political background to the country. We did ask him too and he was happy to answer specific questions but seemed unwilling to take on the more traditional tour guide role. Having said that I am not sure that the coaches had microphones. He seemed more comfortable talking to smaller groups on specifics than addressing the whole group with general background info. Last year in India we had the Legend that is Mahindra, and that is a very tough act to follow. He should be cloned! Raoul did cope very calmly with the booking error when we got back to Lima at the end of the maind trip and found our hotel rooms had not been booked! It was sorted smoothly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for very long days in the coach. Make sure you stock up with food and water for these. Buy travel bands ( pressure point ones for wrists) if you might get queasy. Altitude is very challenging. Many took Diamox but not all Doctors are happy to prescribe it. Take the advise regarding drinking water and eating lots of high carb foods. Take it steady. Many of our party felt poorly at some point. Be prepared.

Reviewed October 2014

Essential Peru

This tour gave me a fantastic insight into a very beautiful and diverse country. From the wildlife to the dessert and the lakes to the mountains, each day was different with new things to see and do.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day was interesting in its own way, but the first view of Machu Picchu has to be the highlight. We were lucky enough to see it with the sun shining and spent around 5 hours there. It gave us plenty of time to take the 2 hour guided tour as well as walk around the site and also hike to the sun gate. Highlights also included the wildlife on the Belestas Islands, The Nasca lines and driving through the Andes.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sebastian was great. He was very attentive and gave us a thorough briefing each evening about the following day. Everything was effortlessly organised from luggage porterage to boxes of water on the bus to refill our bottles during our days at altitude. He was always available and didn't overload us with too much information. There were also local guides used who were also very good.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If this is your first visit to Peru and you want an alternative to the Inca trail then this is a fabulous tour. It gives a large variety of sights and experiences that you would not see if you were trying to do this yourself. The drive from Lima to Cusco via the Nasca lines gave us the advantage of climbing through the mountains to a higher altitude gradually rather than flying direct to Cusco, I found adapting to the higher altitude much easier this way. Most days had an early start, this meant that we were on the road when it was cooler and reaching many sites before they were busy, we would arrive in most cases in the afternoon at the next destination, giving you a bit of relaxation time before dinner. A lot of the day is spent in the bus, but I still believe that I saw much more of the country this way and it was a relaxing way to travel with the scenery always changing. The boat ride across Lake Titicaca in the afternoon was a little rough and I would recommend taking travel medication to Peru with you if you think it may be a problem. The hot springs during the Colca canyon part of the trip is a must do. It was 15 soles entrance (about Â£3). Nowhere in Peru accepts US dollars. The only trip you can pay for in USD is the flight over the Nasca lines. My suggestion to you is to take Soles with you. I took a mixture of both soles and dollars and found that I didn't need to US at all. food is around 20 - 40 soles for a main course and we very rarely had a lunch stop, other than to buy snacks (eg crackers, bread, crisps, soft drinks) I budgeted for around 70 soles a day but often didn't spend anywhere near that amount. At Lake Titicaca it gets very cold in the evening, take a hat, scarf and gloves with you. If you forget then you can buy them very cheaply in Peru from one of the numerous market stalls.

Reviewed October 2014

Essential Peru

Essential Peru features an excellent itinerary and is well carried out on a comfortable bus with ample comfort and food stops. The gradual ascent into the highlands enables one to gradually get used to the altitude. There were more than a few early departures, but the rewards were great! Exodus fulfilled all its’ promises. Airport pickup and drop off were accomplished with no inconvenience. The hotels used on the trip were well beyond the bare bones that I was expecting. It was a wonderful experience!

Most Inspirational Moment

The night sky at Lake Titicaca was overwhelming. I kept getting up in the middle of the night to look again. I was surprised by the beauty of Colca Canyon and seeing the majestic condors rise out of the depths was very special. The Sacred Valley sites were a perfect lead in to the time at Macchu Picchu, which lived up to all the hype.!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alex was superb! He made the trip work, successfully handling the needs of a diverse group and helping us to bond very nicely. On Day 1, when rough conditions cancelled our boat ride, he improvised a great backup plan. He advised on food, culture and alternatives. He thought of little things to make things more convenient, such large water containers on the bus and in the hotel so we each wouldn't have to keep buying bottles of water. I think we were lucky to have had him as our leader!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Expect to rise early and to be tired at the end of the day. In September the days were pleasant and the very cold nights in the highland didn't materialize, but layers of clothing is a good idea. Be open to new food experiences. Peru has a wonderful cuisine!

Amandeep Manget

Reviewed October 2014

Highly recommended (but be prepared for the long journeys!)

All of the reviews of this trip are consistent in one thing – you will spend a lot of time on the road, but Peru is huge country and there is a lot to see so this shouldn’t come as a surprise! I loved this trip – its varied, with a great mix of town and country and plenty to see and do. I personally found the altitude to be challenging at times but due to the mix of going high and coming down lower found this became easier as the trip progressed. The coaches used were very comfortable and the hotels were clean, comfortable and when in the cities well appointed for the town centres. Those in more rural areas were beautifully appointed.

Most Inspirational Moment

Undoubtedly Machu Picchu which was the whole reason for me going, it lived up to my expectations and more. The home stay on Amantani Island was lovely, its a beautiful untouched island and our hosts were so friendly and welcoming, and the visit to the floating islands was eye-opening. An additional highlight was the visit to see Juanita the Ice Mummy in Arequipa, not part of the itinerary but should be. But my favourite memory is of the unscheduled stop at the local school where our guide distributed his childrens' unwanted toys and clothing, those kids were amazing and so delighted to see us it was a very special morning.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alex is amazing, truly one of the best Exodus guides that I have encountered. His knowledge is impressive, nothing was too much trouble and he appears to know everyone in Peru which came in handy at times. He has a great sense of humour (which was needed for the early starts) and the ability to read the crowd to know when he was "losing" us as well as the ability to make you feel like a life long friend. If you're lucky enough to have him as your tour guide do follow his recommendations on where/what to eat - he never got it wrong (he'll be delighted to hear) and do ask to meet his wife and kids on the last day in Lima (who are lovely) he'll be chuffed to bits (but don't ask him to wet his whistle - it means something entirely different in Peru!). We also used some local guides (Bruce, Alex, Heidi & a local guide at Machu Picchu whose name escapes me) and again they all were all very knowledgeable on their local area.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Light layers are recommended as the weather changes frequently & the early mornings/late evenings can be cold. A personal supply of toilet roll will come in useful for the "Inca" toilet stops, take your valuables with you to the homestay, (I left my kindle in my luggage which was left in the hotel in Puno overnight and someone decided to "relieve" me of it), drink plenty of water as it really helps with the altitude sickness and if possible get some altitude tablets before you go, not everyone was affected but some people had it bad...Don't got to the hot springs at Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) as full of dirty trekkers but do go to those as Chivay as they are lovely (although in fairness there's not a whole lot else to do there). Do try the cactus ice-cream and Alapaca steak.

Stephanie Coghlan

Reviewed September 2014

Essential Peru

This trip covers a huge amount in a short space of time. The scenery through the Andes is breathtaking and other highlights included Cusco, Macchu Picchu and the homestay on Amantani Island-basic but adequate. There were a significant number of early starts and long bus journeys. Some of the toilets were undesirable and it was difficult to obtain lunch-best to organise a packed lunch before leaving. I would recommend about $1000 American for meals and daily expenses. At times the tour guide gave insufficient information. On the whole a truly unique and memorable experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting Macchu Picchu and Amantani Island.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant in Nasca, but failed to bring the group together. Had a tendency to speak to a few of us and could have been more informative during the long bus rides. Occasionally put his interests first.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for early starts and long bus rides. Bring clothes that can be layered as there is a wide range of temperatures. Snacks and your own toilet roll are very handy.

Janeen Lillas

Reviewed September 2014

Essential Peru

This was a component of my 6 weeks in Peru. It was long drives in the bus but you got to see the countryside of a Peru in detail. I felt like this was explained and I was prepared however some other people found the bus travel too long.

Most Inspirational Moment

Machu Picchu was definitely a highlight. It's picturesque setting is out of thus world. It was a very awe- struck day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Friendly and eager to please. Communication could gave been better - not everybody got the same message. We might have appreciated a little but more commentary when we were passing areas if interest because if we asked we got it and it was interesting.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring some entertainment for the long bus rides- I had IPad with movies on it and podcasts and knitting. That helped pass the time when the scenery was fairly constant.

Lynne Box

Reviewed August 2014

Wonderful but hard work

On this trip you get to see some wonderful things but it is very tiring with lots of very early starts and long coach journeys. The days at altitude are quite draining.

Most Inspirational Moment

All of them were wonderful and better than expected

Thoughts on Group Leader

Leo was good but we have been spoiled by previous tour leaders.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is not a holiday if you need a rest do not go. Hardly any of the hotels had hairdryers so take your own. Most of the hand wash basins in the rooms only had cold running water and no plug. Towel sizes are quite small compared to the UK and europe. Toilets on route are variable and can be quite basic - just a pan with no seat and a bucket or bowl to flush. Wi-fi was available in most of the hotels. Instructions said to get a few Sols - we found that we needed Sols most of the time. Places would take US dollars but it took longer to work out and pay. We did get Sols out of ATMs but these often came in 200 notes which were then quite difficult to change as people were quite wary of them. Restaurants and larger stores were the only place you could really use cards. You do need dollars for tips, some extra trips and the Nazca flights. These are mainly things paid to the group leader. Your suitcase will take quite a battering. It is constantly in and out of buses and up and down stairs. If you take the Exodus flights and are traveling with a partner it is wise to check your seats before you go. Exodus do a group booking to get a cheaper rate but this means that the seats can be dotted all over the plane. We and another couple had to upgrade to have seats next to each other and other couples on the trip were seated quite a distance apart. This is not too bad for the short flights but not much fun on the 12 hour flight.

Robert Selby

Reviewed July 2014

Essential Peru June 2014

An excellent holiday, well organised, great venues and good company. Recommended to anyone else who wants to see the essential Peru.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is difficult to say what was the most inspirational moment of the trip - there were so many. Looking out from a Cessna over the Nasca Lines, the first site of Machu Piccha, Lake Titicaca at sunset, the Flight of the Condors. Impossible to choose but future travellers, you will be inspired.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I have been on a number of guide-hosted trips before but this was the first one with Exodus. I can honestly say that our leader Aleks was the best I have ever come across. Nothing was too much trouble, any issues that came up were professionally and promptly dealt with and his recommendations (both trips and eating venues) were always spot on. 10 out of 10 without a doubt.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Relax and enjoy! You do need to be aware that there will be people trying to sell you things everywhere you go (even at the top of Amantari Island) but nowhere near as bad as Egypt. A polite refusal will normally do the trick and take notice of the advice of your guide as he will let you know the possible pitfalls of buying in some areas and where it is good to buy. The holiday fact sheets warn you of long coach journeys but these are broken by visits to interesting sites and viewpoints with regular food and toilet stops.

Reviewed December 2013

ESSENTIAL PERU

Great leader (Johnn) – lot of early starts and tiring (but for good reasons) – huge variety (desert/mountains/boat trips/cities)

Most Inspirational Moment

Finding out that (with a bit of common sense) altitude will not be a problem - so you are free to enjoy all that Peru has to offer. Plus the hotel surronded by a raging river, a railway track & an off-licence!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nothing was too much trouble for Johnn - he made all the travelling so much easier, & had seemingly unlimited info about all the places we visited.

Advice for Potential Travellers

General expenses were fairly cheap, but the banks were funny about any tears etc on US Dollars. Watch the Group flight if you are not based in the south of England, as this goes London to Amsterdam first (not great if you are travelling from the regions)

Reviewed November 2013

ESSENTIAL PERU

A very interesting and varied trip, though more tiring than we had expected. Our tour guide/leader was absolutely superb.

Most Inspirational Moment

Was it one of the obvious things, such as flying over the Nazca Lines, or standing at the top of Machu Picchu, or perhaps being "buzzed" by a condor? These were all memorable and rank among life's "unforgetables"; but dancing in traditional dress by the light of an open fire, to the music of three local people is a strong contendor for most inspirational. We also went on the Rainforest Extension, so we have to add in the sound of Howler Monkeys at sunset as another amazing moment - it was hard to believe we weren't listening to the sound-track of a science fiction movie.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We cannot sing his praises enough. His knowledge was encyclopaedic; he was delightful, tactful, caring in equal measure and had an excellent manner with the group which meant we were all very cooperative. Seek out Jhonn (sic) Smith if you can.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Our only reservation with this trip (and the reason for the Very Good rating rather than Excellent) is that we don't think Exodus were sufficiently explicit about the amount of time to be spent in busses and the impact of altitude. Certainly there are warnings about both these things in the trip notes, but we feel they are "played down". Nearly every day was a very early start; most nights were one-night stays so it was impossible to unpack and difficult to do laundry; and the altitude made it all that bit more exhausting.We very much recommend the trip, but please go into it knowing what you are taking on.

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