Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Many things made this trip inspirational; admiration for our porters, getting to know my fellow Exodus travellers, the amazing Inca architecture, the stunning vistas round every turn ... but the highlight for me was reaching the Sun Gate after four days trekking up and down passes. The first views of Machu Picchu were simply awesome; made all the more impressive as we had worked really hard to get there and felt like we owned them more than the day trippers! It was a special moment that will live with me for always.

Thoughts on Group Leader

"Fab" was a good group leader, always there with practical information and local knowledge. His patience and encouragement on the trek was appreciated and for me he found the right balance of leadership with a laid back style. He also managed to stay looking pristine on the trek ... we want to know his secret!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Follow the trip notes! The advice they give is accurate and a good starting point. In addition take ‘baby wipes’ which help keep smells at bay, especially as it can get quite hot in the day. We were glad we'd taken a fresh t-shirt for each day and sports (moisture wicking) ones are best ... you will sweat with the effort even if it's cooler, particularly on Trek Day 2! It can get cold at night and at the top of Dead Woman's Pass, so don't forget the layers too. A poncho is also a worthwhile investment as it will cover your day pack should it rain. They're cheap enough from Cuzco. Trekking poles were a godsend for me as I have an old knee injury. The descent after Dead Woman's Pass in particular is difficult if you do have bad knees and it will take you longer to get to camp, so do think about this trip if you would not be able to get down steep uneven stone steps that continue for ages! However, if you can manage it with poles, even if it takes you longer than the group, in my opinion it's still worth it. Get practicing beforehand though by swapping any lifts for stairs! Don't forget spare batteries for your cameras ... and even an auxiliary compact camera if you have one! Whilst I didn't need to use mine myself, it came in handy for a fellow trip member whose camera packed up whilst walking round Machu Picchu itself! Oh, and if you like your cocktails, do try a Pisco Sour!

Most Inspirational Moment

Having seen spectacular scenery and amazing encounters with wildlife, the last zodiac cruise we did in Fournier bay was completely surreal. Blue skies, flat calm and glass like sea, with icebergs and bergy bits all around, seals, penguins and other birds, and humpbacks to finish off with. It was like being on another planet, which in a way it is.

Thoughts on Group Leader

All of the staff, especially the on-board experts were excellent and for the whole trip there was never any doubt that they were doing their utmost to make sure we had the best experience possible.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do ensure you get to Ushuaia at least a day (24hrs) before the ship departs. Peferably longer if possible. It will avoid the stress of relying on unpredicable airline schedules and adverse weather, making sure you get to the ship in good time for embarkation.Good thermal layers are essential. Pay heed to all the advice given about clothing. Practical, warm and waterproof.Waterproof bags are essential for any camera equipment. Dry bags are OK as long as the camera is padded inside it, as bags tend to get wet and bumped around in the zodiacs.All the showers on board have shower gel, moisturiser, shampoo, and conditioner dispensers. So save weight and leave your own stuff at home.There is a limited library on board (mostly reference books), so we were glad we took electronic readers (Kindle) as they save a lot of space and weight if you are an avid reader, especially on 'sea days'.Sunglasses (UV and polaroid), sunscreen and lip salve protection are essential. The ozone layer is at it's thinnest in this part of the planet.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me the best highlights was the Souk maze in Fez, especially visiting the tanneries with the colour and smells!, and also the camel ride into the desert at sunset. The contrast between the cities, remote mountains, desert and coast was particularly striking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Yahya is an excellent guide. Very thorough, knowledgeable and proud of his home country. He responded positively to all our questions.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

If arriving late evening at Casablanca airport you can change some money in the baggage hall at a reasonable rate, although I would advise you wait until the next day in town to get a slightly better deal.The transfer day from the desert to Tordro Gorge can be a significant temperature change, be aware that the sun is shielded from the Gorge for many hours and there is little or no heating in the hotel that was very cold when the wind blew.  

Most Inspirational Moment

Inspirational moments included climbing Sigiriya Rock and the wonderful views from the top; watching the monkeys in our hotel grounds; the cycle ride at Giritale along the lake and waterways, being able to soak up the tranquillity and beauty of the area and glimpse Sri Lankan life; the walk on Horton Plains; the incredible train ride to Bandarawela, another wonderful glimpse of Sri Lankan life and a sense of freedom and excitement that has now gone from train rides in the UK; the game drive at Yala National Park, seeing elephants in the wild and being surrounded by such beautiful scenery; the palm fringed golden beaches at Ahangama and having time to sit in wonder at the beauty of the Indian Ocean; the lovely city of Galle with its coastal feel, lovely architecture and characterful shops and cafes.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dilipe, our leader, was wonderful. He had such passion for his country and was full of knowledge on all aspects of life in Sri Lanka which he imparted with enthusiasm and humour. He went the extra mile to keep his clients happy...especially arranging for the bus to stop so that we could take the photographs we wanted to take! He was flexible when we wanted him to be, notably in Galle when he allowed us to wander and have lunch wherever we pleased rather than sticking to the chosen hotel restaurant. He managed the kitty perfectly  and made life so easy for us by organising all the tips and making sure we were never short of water. I couldn't fault him as a group leader and wish him well for February when his wife is due to give birth to their first child!

Advice for Potential Travellers

I won't repeat the useful advice given in other reviews. It is worth saying that the best shopping for gifts is in Kandy and in Galle. In Kandy there is a fantastic shop close to the Queens Hotel, called Odel  Luv SL. Quite expensive by Sri Lankan standards by not by UK standards. A wonderful selection of colourful and good quality gifts. It is also worth visiting the Kandy Market in the city centre, close to the bus station, where I found some beautiful shawls and spices. In Galle just explore the small streets near the sea and you will find plenty of great shops for presents! Antibacterial handwash always useful to reduce risk of stomach bugs. The bus journeys on some days are along winding roads. If you are prone to travel sickness it's probably a good idea to bring pills/wrist bands with you and ask if you can sit near the front of the bus. Make sure you bring a Sri Lanka adaptor so you can charge your camera! You are likely to take a LOT of photos! Bincoculars are useful if you love birds as there are lots in the Giritale area and in Yala NP. I had been under the impression we would pretty much be in a different hotel every night. In fact, we spent 2 nights in Sigiriya, 3 nights in Kandy and 2 nights in the hotel on the coast. This gave the opportunity to do some washing and for it to dry. A travelling clothes line would probably be useful!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many but here are 3. Seeing the Nazca Boobies and Waved Albatrosses still displaying to each other and sparring with their beaks when we visited Suarez Point on Espanola Island. Also the time a Blue Footed Booby decided that it was going to come close to us and investigate - or did it just want to make it's way along the path we were on? Thirdly, the event that was the 'icing on the cake', so to speak, was on our last day, on Seymour Island when we saw Frigate birds with their red pouches inflated. It was not their normal breeding season but 1 or 2 can be seen at most times of the year, we were told.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, called Darwin, was brilliant. He knows all about the geology as well as the wildlife. He is passionate about conservation, spending some time doing voluntary work for the National Park ,and was able to answer all our questions about it, the wildlife and life in general on the islands. He was caring and helpful and gave us a good idea of what to expect to see and do each day

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are couple of long navigations that can be a bit rough so be prepared. If you're a particularly poor sailor try the ear patches - like nicotine patches - available from your Dr. Also, if your nervous about snorkelling have a couple of lessons before you go, because, like us, you may have many more opportunities than what is listed in the trip notes!.

Most Inspirational Moment

Many. Cycling through the villages with paddy fields and mountain scenery. Meeting very friendly vietnamese people and lots of high 5's with the kids.   Cycling up and down the pass was just inspirational. Hoi An is a beautiful traditional place. Loved all the lanterns hanging up.  Ha long Bay is touristy yes but has to be seen and ticked off. An amazing place. Food is just so delicious. Missing it already.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leaded Lam and the support team could not be faulted. They put so much work into the holiday to ensure everything went smoothly. I felt sorry for him as he was bombarded with so many questions but he coped admirably.  Not sure about some of his jokes though.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just do it. Make sure you do some cycling before you come. Don't take too much stuff.  There are plenty of opportunities for laundry. Bring immodium,wet wipes.  Take padded cycling shorts and lightweight tops. Fleece needed for Ha Long Bay if you go November-December. It was quite cold when we were there. Hoi An is a good place for measured suits and leather jackets. Just have an idea of a style before you get there. Wireless in every hotel so no issue with comms. Cambodia and Ankor Wat is easily done before the trip. It was only 1 hours plane journey from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh. Suggest spending extra time before/after the trip if you have time.

Most Inspirational Moment

Tsunami monument on beach at Yala.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

Enjoy! Take lots of Deet.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling up to the pass was very exhilarating and rewarding.The sceneries all along the roads are amazing.The welcoming of every child and adult along the way is heart worming.Hoi Ann is a fantastic place to have couples of days rest.The boat trip and night in Hanoi Bay with the kayaking trip are 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lam was the most smilly, carring, patient and kind person I know. He was constantly checking on our needs and comfort. He always kept is calm when we were asking him time and time again the adgenda of the day despite him eplaining it very clearly the 1st time but because of us not being focused. His knowledge of his country is exellent and we could ask him any type of questions he always knew the answer. He really made this trip interesting and comfortable. He is a fantastic guide.His team, Hi, the truck driver and bus driver were also ever so helpull and carring, they also made this trip ever so pleasant 

Most Inspirational Moment

It was all just a brilliant trip

Thoughts on Group Leader

Elijah our trek leader was informative, amusing and very efficient. A great chap, the chef , Wilbur, seemed to magic the most incredible three course meals out of the kitchen tent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Think about the Moonstone trek as an alternative to the Inca Trail, you will not be disappointed

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of the 21km climb and then sailing down the 30km descent the other side!  And meeting some great people in the group

Thoughts on Group Leader

Unfortunately I probably gave him my stomach bug - he was certainly unwell for a few days - so coped admirably in the circumstances.  Good to have a second person on hand as a safety net.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Build a good bit of cycle fitness if you've not been in the saddle for years.  Realise that there are quite a few transfers involved in this trip - and there's not much space in the back of the vehicles!  Also that there are no toilet facilities for 90% of the time whilst you're out on the road - just in case you're squeamish about that sort of thing.  The support vehicle is your safety net - I got in it the first day when I was feeling really poorly.  So with that guarantee, I'd say go for it!