Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Standing looking into the steaming crater of Mount Vesuvius was amazing.  The ruins at Pompeii were simply awesome with a wonderful sense of the region's history.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Christine was brilliant - her local knowledge is extensive and she went out of her way to help us get the most out of every day.  We were all very grateful for her hard work!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are travelling in May its worth taking some warm clothes for the evenings - the temperature in the mountains is quite a bit lower due to the altitude.

Most Inspirational Moment

It would be difficult to pick one highlight as the trip is so diverse.The rainforest was excellent and we both loved the nature walks and all of the animals and creatures we saw. The accomodation was specatacular too. Not in a 5* hotel way but it fitted into the environment perfectly and really added something to the stay.The Inca Trail was tough in places but enjoyable with exceptional support from the porters and guides. No-one really suffered from altitude sickness etc but I'm sure this was partly because we were so well fed, watered and looked after. As the trip notes suggest as long as you are reasonably fit you'll be fine. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Juan was brilliant. Not only was he passionate and knowedgable about Peru he was funny, helpful and even gave photography tips to everyone! We can't say enough about how much Juan added to the trip.The local guides should also receive praise. Emerson and Edwin in the rainforest were great and Emerson must have the best eyesight of anyone I've ever met to spot baby caiman, in the dark, from about 100m away! Wilson plus the porter team on the Inca trail were also very good. How the chefs create the meals we had during the trail in a little tent I'll never know.

Advice for Potential Travellers

When you arrive in Lima change quite a bit of dollars into soles straight away. Although the trip notes suggest you can use dollars (and you can) the exchange rate is not very favourable and we found it much easier to have soles instead. Also, try and get small denominations (20 or lower) as many of the smaller shops and stalls have trouble changing anything bigger.Pack light. We thought we had but we still had far more than we needed. We were able to get laundry done on arriving in Cusco and again after the trail and with a 7kg limit on your trail bags and not needing much for the rainforest (light clothing and long sleeves and legs) you'll find a lot of what you take doesn't really get used. Don't forget layers for the evenings on the trail and on the homestay! Waterproof ponchos seemed to work better than the bag covers when it rained heavily on the trail too. Only about 2soles in Cusco if you ask around.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling down to the sea, with all the wonderful views ... then relaxing in the sunshine with delicious well-deserved ice-cream !

Thoughts on Group Leader

She was excellent - kept us all together both cycling and socially, and created a nice atmosphere in the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take your waterproofs ... I wouldn't have missed the morning cycling in the pouring rain for anything, despite the fact I got drenched !

Most Inspirational Moment

The scrambling ascent of Mancondiu on the last day; a very enjoyable excursion.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good; technically very competent, with an in-depth knowledge of the region.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for a long-ish drive (2 to 2.5 hours) to and from the airport at Bilbao.Check whether or not you have booked one of the "challenging weeks".

Most Inspirational Moment

The mountain walk was amazing.  Fabulous scenery and so many lovely spring flowers.  An absolutely brilliant day!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suzy was an excellent leader.  Her knowledge of the area, the flowers and the history of the place was phenomenal.  She also talked knowledgebly about her other trips and adventures.  She was also great fun, every walk ended in a bar for a drink before returning to the Cortijo.  We were also joined by Alejandro, who was taking over from Suzy in Andalucia, which was a fun addition to the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As a novice I took walking boots but walking shoes would have been far more suitable for this level of walking in Spring.

Most Inspirational Moment

Well standing on the peaks of course

Thoughts on Group Leader

Victor is a very friendly chatty guy, full of stories.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Its a pretty straight forward walking holiday but does require a good level of fitness if you go on the 'C' grade holiday otherwise you may feel you are keeping the group back.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sarah, so kind, so knowledgable, great fun. Fantastic . Thank you.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take this trip. Be clear whether you are going in a challenging or moderate walking week and do the one you want to do. Also be clear whether its a week primarily (but not exclusively) ffor single travellers.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sorry to those that didn't, but I particularly enjoyed the optional riding, which was over different terrain from the walking.  I did this on the last morning, when I was given a decent-sized horse, Barony, who was smoothe and responsive.  You don't need to book several hours, as indicated on the trip notes, and the E20 (I added a E5 tip, which was promptly offered back to me) I spent on one hour was well worth it - I should have done two.  I'd advise going early, to save the horses from the heat.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Professional and enthusiastic, with the patience that's occasionally required.  and a smile I'll remember.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You might like to pack ear-plugs, as there was noise on the Saturday night outside the hotel, and the walls let through some sound from adjacent rooms.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many, but the one that stands out was the arrival at the Sun Gate. The guide very wisely did not tell us that at the top of a long flight of stairs we would see Mach Pichu. After a long day climbing down an incredible distance and then the last exhausting up hill climb, suddenly you see this amazing view of Machu Picchu. A number of us were struggling to hold back the tears!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Absolutely amaxing! His English was superb. His pride in his countries culture was so evident you were caught up in it. His knowledge of the animal, insect and flora around seemed endless. He got us to the right place at the right time never flusturing anyone nor even seeing to be flustered himself. He never failed to do everything without a great big smile. He could not have been more helpful or informative.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Double check that what you have brought is totally waterproof. Our weather was generally good, but inevitably there were massive downpours from time to time and a couple of things we thought were waterproof did not manage the cloud forest! Stand in the shower fully kitted up and test!!!

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.