Reviews

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

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It’s the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you’re interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.

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97 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Martin Hole

Reviewed September 2015

Inca Trai & Amazon Rain Forest

A truly one off experience. Never a dull moment, not a trip if you want a restful holiday. We had a fantastic leader who was completing his 649th inca trail; Bobby knew everything there was to know from the best view points to the optimum times to enter Matchu Pitchu to advoid the crowds.

Most Inspirational Moment

1. Seeing hundreds of Macaws fly at dawn. 2. Making it up Dead Woman's Pass 3. Reed Islands on Lake Titticaca

Thoughts on Group Leader

Amazing, very knowledgable and knew the best sites, times, camping areas. He jokes also kept our spirits high ( plastic tarantula at the summit of the pass!) Bobby was very proud to be fron the Andes and conveyed his love of the mountains to us, walking the trail held some very special reflective moments for the majority of our group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You don't have to be super fit but you do need to be determined. If you want to trek at this altitude you CAN do it. Follow the advice of your guide - little or no alcohol and easily digestible food. Cocoa chewing gum helps and talk and iPod

Carol Webster

Reviewed August 2015

Amazon Rainforest, Inca Trail and Lake Titicaca

This was my first trip with Exodus and my expectations of having a memorable holiday experience were well and truly exceeded. The holiday has 3 distinct phases, starting with the rainforest trip. My friend and I flew a day earlier than the main group flight so we stayed an extra night in Lima which helped to orientate us to the time difference. The standard of hotel accommodation was generally excellent once you got the hang of not putting loo paper down the toilet. The jungle experience was amazing, but don’t expect to see wildlife as close up or as abundant as in TV wildlife documentaries. The weather can be ‘unpredictable’ throughout Peru, and our days in the Jungle were cooler than usual at this time of year. The second part of the holiday was the 4 day Inca trail finishing at Machu Picchu, and the part I most loved, despite the necessary evil of the ‘toilet tent’ and thousands to steps to climb up or down. The scenery and plant life throughout the trek were truly awesome, especially on days 3 and 4 as the terrain became more tropical. The food on the trek was fantastic; delicious 3 course lunches and dinners were prepared for us each day by our chef and his assistants; indeed the food throughout the holiday was really healthy and varied – if a tad rice heavy.
The final part of the holiday was the boat trip to an island homestay on Lake Titicaca. The journey there was wonderful as the weather was amazing and we could sit at the back of the boat and enjoy the fabulous scenery. The only part of the lake trip I wasn’t as enthusiastic about was the visit to the artificial reed islands inhabited by the Uros people. I found it difficult to comprehend that people could live in such primitive conditions and had the sneaky feeling they probably sailed back to Puno at night.
The generosity and kindness of all the people we encountered in Peru was incredible. Life is very hard for many Peruvians but everyone we met seemed joyful and content. Even the babies were happy and incredibly cute. Overall a truly memorable holiday experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

At the end of the Inca trail, climbing the steps to the sun gate and then looking down on Machu Picchu. Even the best photographs don’t do justice to the majestic sight that awaited us! Truly inspirational!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tour Leader: Wilbert Ramos Code: TPJ150808. Our lovely tour leader Wilbert looked after our every request and whim from the start of the holiday to the very end, herding us onto and off bus, boat, plane and ‘limousine’ (ie bicycle transport from Puno hotel to the port!). He ensured we had water, a constant supply of snacks and bananas at all times and provided us with constant humour, an amazing love and knowledge of the Inca people and positive thinking throughout. His constant thoughtfulness and care for our well-being was astounding.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Tipping is a part of the culture. We gave our tour leader tips as and when required which removed the decision over when and how much to give. I was glad of this but at the same time you didn’t feel in control over how much extra you were spending. Bring about 1,000 dollars and prepare to spend a good amount of this on tips. Read up in advance about what meals and optional trips are not included in the holiday price. Don’t worry about altitude sickness or fitness on the Inca Trail – just have a very positive attitude! If this is difficult to attain, try walking up and down some steep hills before you travel !

Stephen Belford

Reviewed August 2015

Amazon Rainforest, Inca Trail & Lake Titicaca

Tremendous trip. Well organised. Great guide. Fantastic memories.

Most Inspirational Moment

The sun gate at Machu Picchu. It was so good to see this marvellous site of Machu Picchu after four days.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Holger was excellent. Quirky sense of humour but knew what he was doing! Felt safe at all times.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would avoid the group flight. I heard that it wasn't comfortable.

Gillian Wright-Dixon

Reviewed July 2015

Jungle, Trails and Lakes

What an exceptional trip this really was. This being my 10th trip away with Exodus, it is definitely one of the best ones (if not the best one!), and if you are reading this review to find out if you should go, don’t read any further and book this trip. It really is a trip of a lifetime and Peru has so much to offer.

Most Inspirational Moment

Well you can't walk for 4 days to Machu Picchu and not say Machu Picchu. It was such a wonderful sight to see after the Inca trail that even seeing pictures can't justify the magnificence of this site. The home stay on Lake Titicaca was a nice surprise and very memorable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cesar was a terrific tour leader, one of the best I have had the pleasure of meeting. He engaged in all social aspects and conversations, and his professionalism and devotion to his work was very well acknowledged. Cesar has the patience of a saint, even when things didn't go quite to plan, he always had a smile on his face.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for long boat rides in the Amazon and use plenty bug spray. Waterproofs are a must in this place, the weather is so variable. Carry what you need for the Inca Trail, not what you want. The limit on what the porters carry isn't as much as what you might think, after you pack a sleeping bag and thermals you don't have a lot of weight left. Most of our group was nervous in regards to the home stay at Lake Titicaca, as we weren't 100% on what to expect. This was a great experience, but learning Spanish in the first instance will really set you on your way here.

Julie Banks

Reviewed June 2015

Amazon Rainforest and the Inca Trail

This is the first trip I have taken with Exodus and couldn’t have wished for a better company.Nothing was too much trouble.we started our trip in Lima where we met our wonderful guide for the whole trip.Holgar gave us a. Fascinating tour or downtown Lima telling us all the history and suggested places for meals.there was no obligation to join the group if you didn’t wish to do so.the next 3 days were spent in the Amazon and we had 2 more guides to tell us about the jungle.On arrival in the jungle our adventure began.It was dark and wellies were donned for our night walk in the dense jungle where we were introduced to the beautiful insects and sounds .Be prepared for the high humidity and cold showers!There is no electric in the lodges only candle light but it added to the experience!On the second day we were woken up at 3 am to go by boat to see the Macaws which was a beautiful site.the guides Uri and Leo were very helpful and knew lots of info about the jungle.On day 3 I had a little accident which resulted in an injury on my toe.This required medical attention once back in Cusco.Holgar was extremely helpful in arranging this and handled the situation well.After our jungle adventure it was on to Cusco where you need to take it easy and acclimatise.Its a beautiful city with lots to see.again Holgar recommended a lovely restaurant.After 2 days in Cusco we were all getting prepared for the Inca trail.It is tough and you need to be fit especially for the second day climbing up to 4,200 metres up to Dead woman’s pass.We had 2 guides on our trek one at the fro t and Monica who stayed at the back.the walk was taken steadily and there were lots of rest breaks on the way.Monica was fantastic as I struggled with the steps going down to camp on the second day and she even stopped to give me a massage on my legs !id certainly recommend using poles as I couldn’t do it without them.On day 3 we walked on the original Inca steps going down 1,000 metres which is hard if you have dodgy knees.the whole experience was amazing and the scenery was jaw dropping.On reaching the sun gate and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time was quite an emotional experience knowing you reached the end and seeing the site was amazing.Our group decided to stay in an hotel for the last night instead of camping for a much needed shower although I surprisingly enjoyed the camping.the porters and chefs were wonderful and food was like Michelin star!for the last part of our trip we visited Puno and Lake Titicaca for our home stay.the people and the islands were beautiful .The homestay was an humbling experience .there were 4 of us who stayed in Floras house and she made us feel most welcome and I felt like I’d made a friend at the end of it.The whole holiday was like 3 different holidays in one and I really enjoyed all the different experiences.the only fault I could find was all the tipping as we were encouraged to tip all the many guides ,drivers boat men ,cooks and porters.I think this should be taken out in the cost of the holiday as it can be embarrassing if you find you are short of money.Overall the trip was amazing and Exodus had got it just right.Be prepared for lots of early starts and lots of travelling but it was wort it. We will have lots of happy memories for years to come!

Most Inspirational Moment

Completing the Inca trail and seeing Machu Picchu from the Sun gate.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Holgar went overboard to make sure we all had a great experience.He had so much knowledge .he helped me no end when I had my accident and arranged the Dr and even took us out for a meal after I'd been to hospital!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for lots of tipping as there are lots of guides ,drivers ,boatmen to tip.Make sure you get fit as it is tough and be prepared for the altitude in Cusco and Lake Titicaca .I took Diamox and had lots of Coca tea which helped.

Linsay MacLean

Reviewed June 2015

Inca Trail & the Amazon Rainforest

What an amazing trip! I’d spoken with a friend who’d done this very trip a few years ago but, even still, it exceeded all my expectations. We hardly stopped the whole time but we had a great group and everyone got on really well. So many highlights that it’s difficult to pick out anything in particular.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are probably two moments. The first was reaching the top of Dead Women's Pass - I'd been really nervous about whether or not I'd be able to do it but I shouldn't have worried. Holger and Monica made sure that everyone managed it and the euphoria on reaching that point was immense. The second moment was finally reaching the Sun Gate and getting that first view of Machu Picchu - quite simply an epic moment, probably made even more so by the final '50 steps' that we had to climb to get there. Quite surreal meeting the day trippers who were all in awe of what we'd just achieved.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Holger was great, made sure everyone knew what was going on and was always calm and assured. Can't be easy dealing with a dozen different people, all with their own issues, expectations and demands! Good sense of humour and good company too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Split your clothes into three sections as per the itinerary. Jungle - take long trousers, long sleeved tops (preferably not of the bright coloured variety), sun hat, plenty of bug spray, sun screen. It is really hot and the humidity is 100%. The showers are cold (plenty of squeals to be heard!) and there can be times without any water. Don't forget your head torch. Don't bother taking any snacks with you as you have to give them up on arrival (you do have access to them and get them back on departure) so that you don't get mice nibbling away at your bag during the night. We were given wellies on arrival and pretty much wore them for the whole time apart from in the evenings. Be prepared for lots of very early starts! You can recharge things in the evening in the main building and there is a bar for you to buy drinks. When you get to Cusco make sure that you get all your clothes laundered as this is pretty much the only opportunity you will have. Our hotel took 24 hours but there were places nearby that would do laundry quicker if you really needed it. Inca Trail - clean t-shirt for each day, clean trousers/shorts for the final day at Machu Picchu, warm down jacket, woolly hat for night time, thermals to wear at night, warm sleeping bag, wet wipes (plenty!!), fleece and spare fleece. I took my waterproof jacket/trousers but, for the time of year we went, a poncho bought in Cusco was the best thing (don't buy the cheapest but get one that's a bit harder wearing). If it had rained more than the one morning then I might've used my waterproof trousers. During the day, it got pretty warm (partly due to the sun and partly to the exertion!) but it was pretty chilly at night, especially at camp 3. We all upgraded to a hotel in Machu Picchu and it was one of the best decisions we made - we really needed those showers! Take pair of flip flops or similar for the evenings - you'll want to take off those walking boots. Puno/Lake Titicaca - just normal clothes needed for this which for us really came down to what was still clean. Fairly warm during the day but, again, pretty chilly at night. You do need an couple of outfits for going out in the evenings in Lima/Cusco/Puno but nothing fancy.

Karen Mackie

Reviewed June 2015

Amazon Rainforest & Inca trail

Trip of a lifetime. Loved every minute of the trip. Food fantastic, action packed agenda and Inca Trail was manageable as it was undertaken at a pleasant pace. Beautiful country.

Most Inspirational Moment

Camping above the clouds! Enjoying every moment of The Inca trail. In fact, not wanting the walk to end!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Holyer is a credit to Exodus. He really looked after us and was good company too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the heat and humidity of jungle and then the cold of up at 4200m. Busy agenda!

Harriet Hancock

Reviewed May 2015

Such an incredible trip!

This really was such an amazing 2 weeks and felt like 3 completely different mini adventures rolled into one!

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to mention! Seeing a sloth in a tree at our lodge in the Amazon. Reaching the top of Dead Womans pass on Day 2 of the Inca trail. We were all exhausted, excited and emotional! Also reaching the Sun Gate together and finding out a member of our group had thought ahead and brought a mini bottle of pisco in their day pack so we could all toast Machu Picchu together to celebrate! Also the Titicaca homestay was a brilliant experience, our family was so wonderfully welcoming and it was brilliant to have a party with them in the evening with a local band, dressed up in their traditional clothing!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Flamenia was very professional, knowledgeable and really looked after us. We must have asked her every question under the sun but she was always so friendly and smiley!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not throw away your insect repellent after the Amazon, you will still need it for the Inca trail. It gets really cold in the evening on the Inca trail, if you take metal water bottles with you with covers on, ask your leader to fill them up with hot water before you go to bed so you can use them as hot water bottles. You'll also have your drinking water ready for the following day! Wear two pairs of socks when hiking, it really helped to prevent blisters.

Melanie Falk

Reviewed April 2015

Amazing holiday . Inca trail and amazon rain forest

This is the most fantastic holiday. Full of different experiences and amazing scenery. Something I will never forget !

Most Inspirational Moment

Lots of inspiration moments as it was such a vaired trip but probably reaching the sungate at Michu Pichu is up there amoung many.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic. Very knowledgable, organised, hard working but also really good fun and good company .

Advice for Potential Travellers

You will enjoy it more if you are quite fit. Some in my group struggled with the trekking . If you can speak spanish it will help .. Take insect repellent for the forest !

Steph Whelan

Reviewed January 2015

Fantastic Experience!

A fantastic trip. Very well organised throughout, and it felt like the trip managed to fit a lot in. We were lucky to have Carlos as our group leader and a really fun group. The jungle trip was amazing, and Frank was an excellent local guide who made it a really fun time. The Inca trail was a great experience, fantastic scenery throughout and a real sense of history.

Most Inspirational Moment

It has to be arriving at the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu after four days of trekking, a once in a lifetime experience!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Carlos was excellent throughout the tour. Very well organised, and helpful in sorting out any problems. He had a great deal of knowledge, particularly on the Inca trail, and his tour at Machu Picchu was fascinating. He really made sure we had a fantastic experience of Peru.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely found the walking poles very useful on the Inca trail. Be prepared to spend a lot of time on boats when in the Amazon!

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