Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Has to be when a young chap fell to his knees and asked his girlfriend to marry him. In Machu Picchu at the Temple of the Sun with all our group looking on. She said Yes.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excelllent guide, very knowledgeable and very well read.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Not much, it's a 4 day trek, the 2nd day is indeed a bit difficult, the 3 rd day is so and so, first and last are really easy. Service was very attentive, food was excellent but I still recommend you drink one dose of Dukoral beforehand just in case. Lots of stray dogs in Cuzco, way too many, none was aggresive but still, I felt uncomfortable, a dog bite is an immediate trip ending event. The 7 kg maximum porter bag weight was really hard to cope with. We had some rain, it was the last week in August, make sure you pack rain gear. Have sun screen and use it! also a light hat, the sun is very strong plus the hat will make double duty and protect you from burning. If you forgot anything there lots of stores in Cuzco where you can buy pretty much everything including memory cards for the camera. Pharmacies too if you need something. There are lots of ATMs in Cuzco, no issues. You should also be able to buy Peruvian soles from your local bank before leaving, I was able to in Canada. USD are accepted pretty much everywhere, exchange was roughly 2.5 new soles per USD. Take USD, no Euros or Sterling. Credit cards are also widely accepted. The hotel Exodus uses in Cuzco is a good choice. Do go on the side trips on the day of arrival and the following day, they are interesting and you will have the opportunity to see Inca ruins, craft markets and beautiful scenery. Do take it easy on the first and even 2nd day in Cuzco, it is 3,300 meters and you feel it the moment you exit the plane. Do not run!! it gradually gets better, when you're back from the trek you can run if you so wish.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing teh 360 degree view on Friday and being able to have lunch at such a magnificient spot.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I think Oliver is a very experienced leader, with a day he could assess everyone's capabilities within the group. He could accurately predict times, which I found a great help.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for good walking over the number of hours stated in the brochure. If you enjoy walking and are reasonably fit, all you need to do is pray for good weather and then just enjoy!

Most Inspirational Moment

We were able to be just feet away from 'wild' cheetah on foot, and in the truck saw elephant, rhino, zebra and giraffe, amongst others, closer than I ever imagined. The views from the top of the dunes at Sessriem were also breathtaking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader and camp assistants were wonderful. They were friendly, helpful and a joy to be around.

Most Inspirational Moment

Experiencing the fantastic Dunes and the desert environment with a guide/tour leader who had an amazing knowledge of creatures and plants and who was able to engage children and adults in his explanations. The second, equally brilliant experience was seeing so many animals and birds in their own environment - looking out for these made the long journeys pass quickly. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our 2 Leaders were equally amazingly good.  The first for his knowledge of his country and his ability to pass on this knowledge and interest to all family members and the second for his equally good knowledge but also for his fantastic meals - incredibly good - being family recipes in some instances and each day received with amazement that he could produce such good, varied food at all times.  The good natured way in which they managed the children enabled them to enjoy the holiday - giving them some freedom to spend their energy, and their patience in answering all questions in depth and so the young people will have learned a great deal about a culture different from their own.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for lengthy journeys between centres which are largely on rough roads.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching Gillmans,Stella,and last of all Uhuru Peak unbelieveable,fantastic

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abraham was brillant,he knew more about us than we did !! ( Health and Welfare )

Advice for Potential Travellers

Think positive and listen to your Guides and trek Leader.

Most Inspirational Moment

As most people have said to pick one would be difficult.  I loved the drive to the tea plantation, the Cave Temple at Dambulla and Polonnaruwa. But could easily have chosen the Temple of the Tooth at Kandy, or the bike and elephant ride or the historic port of Galle.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sujee was fantastic and gave 110% everyday. We had a group of 18, 9 children and 9 adults. As soon as we had arrived Sujee was making every effort for us to enjoy our holiday. He bought footballs for the children to play with in the pool so that by day two the children all knew each other. Where ever we went he had pre arranged for us to sit at the table with the best view, if there was a problem he sorted it immediately and where ever we went he was able to inform us about the places we visited. If you lucky he will sing for you on the coach!!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go to Sri Lanka before it becomes too busy and spoilt. This holiday gives you a great feel of Sri Lanka. Yes there is curry for breakfast if you want it, but also plenty of cereals, omlettes and fruit, my son never went hungry. Sri Lanka is relatively cheap so once you are there it will not cost you the earth to have a good time.  Try the Margaritas in the colonial hotel in Little England fantastic.   

Most Inspirational Moment

The trek along the Inca Trail was amazing.  The scenery, the exotic vegetation of the cloud forest and the many Inca ruins along the way all contributed to the anticipation and excitement of reaching the Gate of the Sun and our first sight of Machu Picchu.  We were not disappointed!The Peruvian people were so cheerful and uncomplaining, especially or porters and drivers.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader, Fabrizzio, was brilliant.  He was extremely efficient, very knowledeable, patient and friendly.  Thanks to his excellent organisation, everything worked like clockwork.  He worked hard to make sure that everyone got the most enjoyment out of the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do it!

Most Inspirational Moment

As well as crossing over many high passes as part of the circuit, we had the opportunity for some side trips up to local peaks 200-300 metres higher and easily accessible from the pass. Reaching the peak gives you a fantastic 360 degree view, definitely a 'wow' moment, and the weather was benign enough so that we could enjoy a relaxing lunch break at the top - sublime!

Thoughts on Group Leader

The main trek leader, Graham, is a very experienced leader who is thoroughly familiar with the Mont Blanc region. This meant that he could plan good alternative routes when the weather was unfavourable for the planned route. He also kept us informed and entertained with little anecdotes and snippets of local history, which I feel is an important aspect of these treks. So I now know where the word 'alp' comes from - which is not what you might expect!We also had the benefit of a trainee leader, Johnie, who led some the walks. This was beneficial, as it made it easier to organise side trips that did not require the participation of the whole group. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a hard walking trek, definitely more C than B and with lots of steep descents, so make sure you go equipped with good walking boots and socks, and walking poles are very useful.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing four Condors flying high above us on the first dayWalking on my own for a bit on the 3rd day of the trek, it was so peaceful and quiet and the scenery was breathtakingly beautiful (Day 3 was my favourite overall)The lovely wild flowers and bird life along the trek  The fantastically hard working porters and cooks who looked after us so well & put us to shame they way they ran up and down the steps carrying such huge loads and often wearing the flimsiest of sandalsSeeing Machu Picchu - nothing really prepares you for how amazing it is no matter how many photos you've seen before   

Thoughts on Group Leader

Marcial was great, very experienced and knowledgable and with a great sense of humour - his love for his country shone though & I left knowing a lot more about Peru & it's history than I arrived with. I'd also like to thank Ricardo, our second guide, for his patience and kindness when I needed it (I was ill going up Dead Woman's Pass) and & also his infectious enthusiasm for plants & wildlife - I'll remember his clever little trick to attract the moustache bird for a long time!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you bring enough warm layers for the trek - it gets v cold when the sun goes down. I had debated whether I needed my down jacket but was so glad I did pack it in the end! Pack some plastic bin liners or bags to keep your clothes dry (the kit bags aren't waterproof and it does rain even in the dry season!) Perhaps investigate making your own flight arrangements if you can afford to - I was not impressed with LAN (at Cusco when checking in for return flights, there was chaos and confusion with half the group being told they did not have seats from Lima to Madrid - this was sorted out at Lima but did not make for the best end to a great trip) I wouldn't choose to fly with them again unless it was totally unavoidable (not Exodus' fault of course but just something to bear in mind)  

Most Inspirational Moment

A real live brown bear crossing our path (while in a mini-bus !)

Thoughts on Group Leader

First class - full of knowledge

Advice for Potential Travellers

Moderate it may be for time and distance but the walking is hard on the feet.