Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of Dead Woman's Pass which was not as bad as I thought it would be and certainly within most reasonably fit people's capabilities. Then obviously the first sighting of the Machu Picchu site from the Sun Gate made it all worthwhile :) Got to mention the camp staff /porters who were certainly inspirational and amazing - carrying everything at great speed from camp to camp and providing wonderful meals.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ollie kept our diverse small group of seven together (which wasn't an easy task for him!) and provided plenty of encouragement on the trek. Gave us plenty of information on sites and places we visited and was always available to provide help and advice.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The weather in Peru is changeable with plenty of rain. On the trek we all wore the ponchos at we bought in Cusco for a couple of dollars so I could have left my proper kagoule at home. I was dreading the trek camping but loved it - went for smile supplement which was a wise move - found it comfortable and fun! Take poles and knee support with you - no matter how fit you are they really help especially on the slippery wet descents. The Exodus green trek bag did not get used by anyone (should have left it at home!) the night before we were offered lightweight bags of similar size for our 7kg porters bag which we all took instead. Rented sleeping bag was clean and warm. Take the altitude seriously and take all precautions possible to maximise the enjoyment of the holiday. Beware sunburn! Do the Nazca flight - amazing and worth the money - however VERY hot inside confined space with seven people in small plane. Day trip on Lake Titicaca was brilliant- take sunscreen, hat, music and a book as long journey (2 hours) across lake. Sit on the roof and enjoy the view :) Take plenty of US dollars and get Sol when you arrive.

Suggestions

We booked our flights independently and so flew out a day early which gave us the chance to enjoy Lima and lunch in Miraflores and get over the travel before the early start with the group the next morning (they arrived late the night before we set off) JUST DO IT! At 58 I was one of the few oldies on the whole Inca Trail but put in training before hand and it is within your capability and feels such an incredible achievement. It's left me wondering what challenge to set myself next!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the stars at night on the inca trail and reaching the sun gate and getting our first glimpse of macchu picchu.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Really helpful and knowledgeable about Peru and the culture and history, very organized and enthusiastic always wanting to enhance the travelers experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Train hard for the inca trail I found it fairly hard and I would say I was an experienced walker and have done a previous trek with exodus which was rated as a 6 which I felt was appropriate. I did feel that the exodus rating of 3 was a little low as they are long days and the weather changes so quickly it can be very hot which makes challenging walking even harder. Cold nights and some rain also. The walk is described as undulating which in areas it is but there is still a fair amount of uphill walking in altitude. There is a lot of driving in this trip so be aware of this but a great way to see the outstanding scenery.

Suggestions

The Nazca lines are very interesting and the flight is a great experience. Lake Titicaca was such a lovely day and the Peruvian locals are so friendly.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking towards the Sun Gate after 4 days of trekking was amazing. I suffer from asthma so found the steps going up tough but with the support of Ollie and the group, the feeling of success when we all walked through the gate as a group will stay with me for ever.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ollie was a great leader. He helped me through my asthma with the altitude challenges. He just gave gentle encouragement and never made you feel that anything was too much trouble. His knowledge and story telling through the trip was superb and was a major factor to the success of the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Whatever you think you need for the trek - halve it. We all probably took too much. Buy a rain poncho - it was invaluable Believe you can do it - and you will. As we used to say - take one step at a time Don't rush the trek - stop and enjoy the scenery and reflect on what an amzing experience it is

Most Inspirational Moment

The Inca trail was brilliant - as much for the sense of achievement in finishing it as the sights you see.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Caesar was excellent. He made sure we got the most out of the trip, organised everything and generally was an interesting person to chat to about Peru.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Immodium for the Inca trail - several of us were struck down with an upset stomach.

Suggestions

You don't need to take the exodus bag with you (you can borrow there), don't really need a rain jacket as ponchos are better.

Most Inspirational Moment

Bit of a cliché but ... we've had Machu Picchu on our bucket list for some years but that moment when you step through the Sun Gate ...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cesar was excellent. It was all the little things that ran so smoothly you didn't notice them and the detailed advice about what you needed to carry that day that allowed you to focus on enjoying the moment rather than having to think ahead. When some of the group became ill Cesar went above and beyond to make alternative arrangements for them so that they could still make the most of their trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book it! Other than following the advice on dealing with altitude, we'd over-packed clothing for the trek (you don't get much in your 7kg baggage allowance) and under-packed the required amount of Imodium, toilet rolls and hand sanitiser. Enough said! If you're hiring a sleeping bag there's no need to bring a liner as these are provided. If you value your knees, listen to the advice and bring or hire walking poles!

Suggestions

We understand the need for all the camping equipment to be lightweight but a better standard of tent would have possibly saved wet sleeping bags. Air mattresses were comfortable. We think we were unfortunate with the 'gastric uncertainties' most of the group experienced but would suggest a review of basic hygiene policies might be helpful.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are too many to put them all down but one would have to be Machu Picchu and another would have to be, according to our guide, our "Limo" drive down to Lake Titicaca. It was in a bicycle rickshaw. That was fun.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ollie, our guide, was just the best. Nothing was too much trouble. He was very informative about the places we went to and about the way of life out there today and in the past.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, the trek is not that easy at altitude. Make sure you do train up for the trek as there are many sections with steps which really do take it out on your legs. What you may be able to do easily here is a lot harder with the thinner air. And don't be afraid of saying you can't go on in the first or second day. Help is there to get you to trek back down. After the second day you have to finish the trek. Make sure you do listen to advice, drink plenty and walk slowly.

Suggestions

Walking poles are one of the best things you could take with you, though you can hire them there. Be aware that most days will start very early so don't expect to get a lie-in!

Most Inspirational Moment

Day 4 of the Inca Trail trek arriving through the Sun Gate for the first glimpse of Mach Picchu.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent! A thoroughly knowledgeable and very sociable leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be aware that this particular trip has long periods of coach travel.

Suggestions

The culture of 'tipping' in Peru is alive and well! In addition to the advice in the trip notes, budget for the same amour again.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were a couple of inspirational moments. Finally getting to the top of Dead Woman's Pass, which is only the first pass on the trail, but at 13,776ft it was amazing!! Obviously Machu Pichu is the other. Our first sighting of it at the Sun Gate, was just awsome!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Carlos, our leader was just about the best leader we could have had. He is so passionate about his Incan history, and so knowledgable, we felt as though we were living amongst them. I have had a long held passion for ancient people's, and really felt a connection!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepaired for the altitude. It is the first trip I have done at altitude, and although I am a fit 67yr old, and I've done several trips in hilly and mountainous regions, I found it tough, even though you spend several days aclimatising.

Most Inspirational Moment

Near the end of the Inca Trail is the Sun Gate, when you walk through there you suddenly have your first sighting of Machu Pichu which is stunning. You suddenly realise that this is what you came for and you will never see another sight like it. Amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our Group Leader was called Carlos and he was fantastic. He could not have been more helpful. He was very passionate about his country and the history behind the Incas which in turn made him very knowledgable. He looked after us very well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My only advice would be to make sure you have good walking boots and take walking poles, even if you don't normally use them (I don't), they are a great help. Most of all enjoy it.

Suggestions

I've done two trips now with this company and I hope to do many more, both experiences have been amazing.

Most Inspirational Moment

The inca trek and all making it past dead women's pass was definitely the highlight - we worked together as a really supportive team with the encouragement and humour of our wonderful tour guide Maritza to keep us going! The scenery was absolutely stunning, and it was cleverly organised so we rarely came across other tourists until the last day. Food in camp was amazing - restaurant standard (albeit on steel plates!) and the group really bonded over entertaining evenings in the dining tent.Flying over the Nazca Lines was also an experience not to be missed, probably the only way to appreciate the vastness of the lines and the scale of it all.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Maritza was amazing - I've done a few tours now with different companies, and she was by far the best leader I've ever had. Really knowledgeable and passionate about her culture, but very sociable and humorous too and somehow kept our motley group in order! Really lovely lady generally - a little Peruvian star!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for feeling the altitude when you fly up to Lake Titicaca - but don't panic, it does subside. Take some warm clothes for the evening in the inca trek (and lots of spare clothes so you have clean things when you get back!). Walking poles were invaluable for me - and I think everyone in the group used them at some point. Oh and on a point of complete vanity - dry shampoo is fab for avoiding greasy locks!!!The flight over the Nazca lines is a great experience and would definitely recommend. Also the trip to the ballestas islands - most of us went and all really enjoyed. Otherwise - just go for it! you won't regret it!

Suggestions

Enjoy!!!!