Reviews

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

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19 Reviews

4.8 out of 5

Paul Latimer

Reviewed December 2015

Galapagos and Machu Picchu

Our trip was fantastic. It exceeded our expectations. All connections and reservations went flawlessly. All guides were punctual, well informed and very helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is really difficult to pick one moment. We enjoyed our group and our activities.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had two group leaders, one for Machu Picchu (Cesar) and one for Galapagos (William Lucin). Both were excellent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We had one unfortunate incident on Galapagos in which one of our group fell on a muddy trail and broke her arm. She had to be evacuated and missed most of the Galapagos trip. This might have been prevented if she had had hiking poles with her. In retrospect it might have been better to have cancelled that hike since the conditions were very poor.

Suggestions

We will use Exodus again.

Lynn Barnard

Reviewed June 2015

Peru, Ecuador and Galapagos

Overall, I think that the trip was excellent. The Galapagos part of the trip was truly magnificent.

Most Inspirational Moment

The island of Genovesa was like stepping into the garden of Eden, it was truly a tropical paradise. At one point there were four different species of bird in one tree co-existing happily with each other.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Darwin Alvarez was an excellent tour guide, not only was he very knowledgeable about his subject, he was passionate and proud about his country, and he did everything that he possibly could to make our stay and visit to the Galapagos memorable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The Cachalote boat is unbelievably "cosy" which is not really highlighted in any literature, so I would advise people to pack accordingly. Also, there was a disabled person on the tour and admirable though it is to not let your disability get in the way of what you want to do, it is definitely not the kind of tour for anyone with any disability.

Suggestions

The first hotel in Peru, the Inkarri Hotel is very below standard. The staff were unfriendly, the breakfast was very poor; they only allowed you to have "one" egg, my husband who has a good appetite asked for two but was told he could only have one ! There were bare wires hanging out of the wall in the bedroom and the heater did not work ( it goes chilly at night ). Also you had to pay for bottled water, whereas other hotels gave out complimentary water. The alcohol on the boat was very overpriced and I did not see anyone buy a spirit or cocktail, I heard that the crew take a profit from the sale of alcohol, which is fair enough, but if the prices had been more reasonable then they would have made more profit ! The flight home was a bit of a farce, we did not fly directly from Quito to Madrid, instead we went back on ourselves to Guayaquil ( which is where we had flown from our return from the Galapagos ) we had to get off the plane go through security etc., only to have to get back on the same plane and seat again ! This in turn caused us to miss our connecting flight In Madrid back to the U.K.

Reviewed November 2014

a split trip

My trip to Machu Picchu was with one group and the Galapagos Islands was with another because of an error by the Exodus booking agent. The locations were wonderful and difficult at the same time. Altitude was hard to adjust to. Although I had difficult times on the trip, the locations were wonderful.

Most Inspirational Moment

I was amazed to see that the Galapagos were as forbidding as they are.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I had 2 group leaders. The Peruvian one, Armando, was wishy-washy at best. He told us that he was quitting being a tour guide at the end of his time with us and it showed in his level of commitment and his attitude. My luggage was lost by the airline, Delta. I filed a report with the connecting airline, LAN, and that airline managed to trace it and bring it to Cuzco by Tuesday, but Armando delayed doing anything about it so I didn't get it until Sunday night. We left Cuzco on Monday morning. I had to pressure him often. His attitude was that I could get it on Monday at the airport when we were leaving!!! I hope he made good on his statement that he was quitting.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If your guide is like Armando, being polite is non-helpful. It was only when I was angry and pushy that I finally got my luggage back.

Suggestions

The Galapagos guide, David, was wonderful.

Reviewed November 2013

MACHU PICCHU & GALAPAGOS

Excellent trip, two of my must do list in one holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

Snorkelling with a playful sea lion who just enjoyed playing with the strange humans.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cesar in Cuzco was brilliant. Well versed, good humoured and totally professional, a credit to himself and a great ambassador for Exodus.Franklin in the Galapagos was very, very knowledgable, no need for any guide books!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book your own flights to return from Guayaquil, not Quito. It was 3 days of pretty much constant travel to get home, where you could easily save a day by going from GYE rather than flying to Quito, only to fly back to GYE the next day to fly back to Europe.

Suggestions

What an amazing trip, do the optional Inca Trail day if you are fairly fit. Don't contemplate it if you are unable to get down from a 4 foot high train step, it's a good day out walking with 3 hours of pretty much uphill at the start but well worth it for the first view of Machu Pichu from the Sun Gate. Do your shopping in Cuzco.... it's much cheaper than Quito. The yacht is great, the food is amazing, the crew are wonderful. Lie down as soon as you feel sea sick because it does get rough but usually doesn't last too long. If the frigate birds are sitting on the rigging...... sit upwind on the deck. Keep an eye out for somersaulting Manta Rays, crazy.Take a big memory card and spare battery. Factor 50 sun screen, you are my friend.

Reviewed June 2013

MACHU PICCHU & GALAPAGOS

A fabulous trip. Well balanced and full of interest with excellent walks and snorkelling.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking into the Machu Picchu site for the first time was breathtaking - even after the other fantastic views leading up to that moment. Getting so close to the wildlife on the Galapagos islands was remarkable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had three group leaders in total. One in Peru, one in Quitto and one in the Galapagos. All were extremely knowledgeable, friendly and helpful - making sure all members of the group were catered for according to their abilities. The naturalist guide on the boat went the extra mile in encouraging one group member to snorkel when he was nervous and built up his confidence over the week. This guide also took great care to arrange other activities for one group member who had damaged his foot.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Four of us went to Machu Picchu the day we arrived at the town after the rail journey from Cousco and I recommend doing that. It seems a shame to only have a few hours at the site on the second day if that is the main reason for visiting Peru. We also went to the spa in the town for a couple of hours. We were told it was 10 mins up the road - it was much further than that and very steep all the way. Not really worth the effort, although we were glad of the pools and rest when we got there. !

Suggestions

Overall the trip was one of the best I've had. I had first booked to go in 2010 when the railway to Machu Picchu was washed away - the trip was cancelled. The next time I booked my daughter booked her wedding date, so I postponed. It was worth the wait!

Reviewed June 2013

MACHU PICCHU & GALAPAGOS

The trip lived up to expectation and was one of a lifetime. The ruins in Peru were breathtaking and the wildlife of the Galapagos is like living inside a wildlife documentary. This was the first time I had travelled with Exodus and it won’t be the last

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing up to Machu Piccu and seeing the iconic image for the first time. I had to pinch myself to remind myself it was real. Snorkelling with sharks and turtles and rounding a bend and coming face to face with an enormous tortoise who has lived longer than any human.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had three guides all very different, extremely knowledable and excellent. One of our group was unexpectedly injured and unable to participate on all of the walks. Our galapagos guide ensured he had extra panga rides so he did not miss out. they also organised medical assessments and assistance at the airports.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The days are long with lots of early starts and a few are taken up with nothing but travel. You don't know what itinery you will be doing in the Galapagos until you get there. It didn't matter to me but some had specifically wanted A and we got B, however they weren't disappointed. The Cathalote is great, the berth is small so only pack what you need and leave the rest in Quito. The boat moves at night. It can be noisy and a little rocky at times. Our sleep was disturbed, even for hardy sailors but you can rest during the day and just adds to the adventure. Take an underwater camera and learn how to use it before you go!

Suggestions

A truly wonderful trip! It was incredibly relaxing and great to be out of cell phone and wifi range. You'll come back with memories that last a lifetime and if anything like our group over 2000 photographs. I could easily have spent an extra week in the Galapagos and done itinerary A straight after B.

Reviewed September 2012

MACHU PICCHU & GALAPAGOS

A wonderful experience combining fabulous Andean scenery and mind boggling Inca archaeology, with the surreal island experience that is Galapagos.

Most Inspirational Moment

Several moments.1. We did the optional Inca Trail day walk to Machu Picchu. We alighted from the train directly down onto the track, no platform of any kind, and just the 4 of us (including our guide). Everyone else on the train continued to Machu Picchu. We were in some remote jungle next to the river and as we crossed a footbridge a flock of parrots screamed overhead - I felt like Indiana Jones! We saw hardly anybody else on the trail. Not counting our guide, my wife was the youngest at just 59 and our excellent guide, Juan-Manuel, paced our walk gently so we took 6 hours of steady climbing to reach the Sun Gate and get our first view of Machu Picchu. I was literally moved to tears.2. Snorkelling in Galapagos. A group of 4 or 5 sea lions joined us just to play.3. The tameness of everything on Galapagos. Having to walk around Boobies and Albatrosses because they don't get out of your way - in fact they are more likely to come closer for a good look at you.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had three. Juan-Manuel in Cusco/Machu Picchu, Esteban in Quito and Sylvia on Galapagos. All three were excellent. Juan is a professional archaeologist as well as tour leader so has immense knowledge. Esteban's pride in his city and country was infectious - he also took time out to praise the UK's handling of the Olympics and the oening and closing cermonies. Sylvia is Swiss but a long time resident of Galapagos and also had great knowledge.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Altitude: This affects people differently. I knew people who have done this trip before and was told I would have a headache on the first night in Cusco and perhaps feel nauseous. I was a bit concerned because I know from previous experience in the Alps that I don't do altitude well. However neither my wife or myself experienced either of these symptoms but I did feel a little short of breath at times. This did not impact at all on our ability to enjoy any of the trips or activities. More surprisingly I had most trouble with the breathlessness when trying to sleep.Inca Trail: For anyone used to a little hill walking in the UK, pennines or lake district for example, it is no problem. But don't get fooled by references to "short" trail. It is only short compared to the 4 day hike of the full trail. We took it pretty steady and it was at least 6 hours of steady uphill walking.Cachalote (the boat in Galapagos): The boat is quite small and the cabins are tiny but the bunk beds are comfortable and ensuite toilet and shower facility are fine. There is no opulence here (none wanted either). We had 2 large suit cases which were difficult to deal with in the small cabin. Most travelling is done at night and it can be pretty rough. The food is simple but excellent and generous.Snorkelling: The water is quite cool. I have no wet suit and elected to do without (available for hire), making do with a couple of tee shirts. If you can swim in UK water you'll be ok as I was, it is a bit warmer than UK, although I was coming out with numb fingers after an hour in the water. The Americans on the boat used wet suits and they were complaining of the cold!

Suggestions

I think I've said it all above. Don't forget to pack on overnight bag for the Machu Picchu trip - it is easily overlooked in the trip notes.

Reviewed October 2011

MACHU PICCHU & GALAPAGOS

As usual Exodus provided and supplied a superb trip that lived up to my expectations.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiit to Machu Pichu site and the whole week sailing and visiting the Galapagos Islands. Also interesting short tours of Cusco and Quito.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent in Cusco and Peru and in th Galapagos

Advice for Potential Travellers

Prepare your fitness for the Inca Trail

Suggestions

Go for it - a wonderful experience

Reviewed May 2011

MACHU PICCHU & GALAPAGOS

Exciting places to go, Peru full of culture, flavour and fantastic sights. Machu Picchu was amazing. Galapogas was an experience, lovely scenery and wildlife, although for my husband and I it lacked the abundance of wildlife we were expecting. Still a great holiday

Most Inspirational Moment

Machu Picchu was the most inspirational moment of the trip, when you get to the top of the site or to the sun gate, and look back it is amazing to see and to try to understand why this civilization lived on the top of the mountains and the obstacles they must have overcome to even build their houses.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fleminia our group leader in Peru was absolutely fantastic. She took account of everyone in the group and their particular fitness levels and experiences. She was not overpowering and was a natural leader who was also interesting and full of knowledge. Very committed and very proud of her country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Consider the altitude sickness, although it doesn't affect you much, it does slow you down, and this is something we hadn't really thought would affect us, mainly just headaches, dizziness and breathless. Galapogas, some rough seas if you are not in love with small boats. A number of people were less well on the trip, although the staff really do look after you.Be ready for 11 flights. This obviously does take time, and a number of days seemed wasted in Quito waiting to travel the next leg.

Suggestions

Peru fantastic, very cultural and beautiful people. Enjoy the time, although you don't get much time on your own to go out and experience without the group.For your time in Quito Zazu's restaurant was the best!!

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