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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158 Reviews
4.7 out of
5
Reviews
Jodie Day
Reviewed July 2022
Essential Peru is an Essential Holiday!
For my first long distance trip I couldn’t have chosen a better company to book with. Right from the start, landing in Lima, I was looked after, guided and supported the whole way through my trip. It is full on, value for money, and never a dull day. Peru is stunning and I urge anyone with a sense of adventure to book onto this trip!
Most Inspirational Moment
The most inspirational moment for me was visiting the two islands. Before this trip I had no idea that there was communities that still lived like this, living off the land with little to no electricity, it's fascinating! I learnt so much across the whole trip.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Holger was fabulous. His passion for and knowledge of Peru was what made these two weeks so special. He took us to the best restaurants for the most authentic food, so we got to try foods like alpaca and guinea pig. He looked after us and helped us every step of the way, he made the trip so stress-free and easy.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I would advise you to pack for all weathers. It can be really warm some days but very cold in the Highlands and on the island at night. Don't forget suncream, a hat and bug spray!
Jinny Pohl
Reviewed July 2022
Terribly let down by Exodus
For me the whole trip was damaged by one terrible experience. I paid the full price of over £3,000 to Exodus for this trip trusting Exodus to make the best decisions for me. I was booked on Air Europa, which I had not heard of before and is a discount airline that takes the meaning of discounting to another level. On both flights to Peru and back, I received one meal of under cooked rice and chicken, one small cup of water and a cup of tea. On the flight to Peru, fortunately I had some water with me. But flying back, I did not have time to fill my water bottle and had no water with me. I asked the steward if he would fill it for me and the answer was “very sorry, the water is for all passengers therefore I cannot fill your bottle, but ask me if you want any water”. Each time I asked for water, he vanished very quickly saying that he will come back but did not. More than the poor quality of the food that is served, not having water for such a long time was terrible. I felt very ill and after coming home it took me several days to recover from this awful, awful experience. This becomes even worse as three people on the tour (there were only 5 of us) were booked on KLM and had a very different experience. After paying the full amount including for flights, why was I booked on Air Europa, whereas other tour members were booked on a better airline? If you were saving money on me Exodus, you have now lost a loyal client. I have been on six tours with Exodus and this will be my last. You are not to be trusted Exodus and the standards that were there in the past are not there now.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing Machu Picchu for the first time. But there were many amazing moments.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Holgar (Olie) was an excellent tour leader with great knowledge of his country and with very good command of English. He has a kind and friendly personality and went out of his way to help us and to make the trip a memorable one for us. His organisation skills were outstanding and he made sure that everything flowed smoothly. As I suffered from altitude sickness his kindness and help was invaluable to me.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Ask Exodus all the details such as the air line you will be booked on (if you are booking with flights) etc before you book the trip. Do not trust Exodus to make the right decisions for you. From what I gathered from some members of the group, Exodus offers better prices and a better service if tours are booked through third parties such as Trailfinders. It might be better not to book directly with Exodus and better still, book with another tour operator.
Kristen Whitla
Reviewed July 2022
Incredible local guide and fantastic, action-packed itinerary!
I’ve just come back from the Essential Peru trip and it was incredible. Our expert local guide, Holger, was fantastic. From the beginning, his outstanding knowledge of Peruvian culture, folklore and cuisine shaped and enhanced our experience as we travelled through the country.
Most Inspirational Moment
It’s hard to pick just one moment, as the whole trip was fantastic from start to finish. Viewing the Nazca lines, spotting Andean condors in Colca Canyon and visiting the floating Reed islands on Lake Titicaca were definitely some of the main highlights! However, personally, it was when I caught the first glimpse of Machu Picchu coming into view. You always see it in photographs, but it was so much more impressive seeing this massive world wonder in person. Surrounded by lush green towering peaks, it really is an incredible sight to see!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Nothing was too much trouble for Holger! He helped us order the best local dishes, grabbed us exotic fruits to try on long bus journeys and always ensured everyone’s food allergies were catered for. He always went out of his way to help the group. Holger was also really accommodating to those who struggled with adjusting to the altitudes on longer walks. His excellent knowledge of Pre-Inca and Inca culture knew no bounds and really added to the whole experience. He’s also a great photographer and was able to capture and share photos of Giant hummingbirds and Andean Condors with the group! You could tell this is more than a job to him. He loves his country and is really passionate about being a tour leader, taking travellers beyond the guidebook to ensure we saw a different side of Peru. Thanks Holger for being such a wonderful guide!
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you get bitten abroad, definitely bring mosquito repellent and soother with you! In the winter months, I’d consider bringing thermal socks and thermal jackets. Layers are a must, as it can range from -2 to 23 degrees on a single day in winter.
Emlyn Jones
Reviewed January 2020
Essential Peru
We were on the same trip as Neil Thomas and agree with everything that Neil has written in his detailed review. One part of the trip that Neil didn’t mention was the Nazca Lines. From ground level these look like very uninteresting scratches in the sand, if you can see them at all. From the air they are amazing. But to see them from the air you have to fly in a very small plane, which is not for everybody. If you are happy to fly in a 7 seater plane that banks steeply from side to side to show people sitting on both sides of the plane the “lines” below you then go for it, it is well worth it. If you don’t fancy the flight, there is a tower that you can climb to get a good view of .a couple of the lines, and a new much taller tower was being built.
Most Inspirational Moment
The first sight of Machu Picchu. It really does exist!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Giuliano Gallesi was an excellent leader. He is very knowledgeable, but also knew when to stop talking and just let us soak up the view. He took extremely good care of everybody on the trip and was available from first thing in the morning to last thing at night.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Peru is a big country, so to see the Nazca Lines, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and see condors flying close up in just two weeks involves a lot of travelling. That combined with the altitude at Cusco and Lake Titicaca makes it an exhausting trip. It is well worth the exhaustion and I wouldn't want to have missed any of it.
Neil Thomas
Reviewed August 2019
Llamas and Alpacas: Machu Picchu Dreaming
It took me a while to love Peru. It didn’t help that our flight from Gatwick was delayed nearly 24 hours, resulting in us missing the first part of the adventure, and then enduring two very long travel days. However, once we arrived in Cusco and dealt with the initial impact of the altitude, the magic started to work.
Ignore the sprawling, traffic-filled suburbs: the historic centre of Cusco is a magnificent place to spend a couple of days. We enjoyed visiting the market, the Bohemian quarter of San Blas, people watching in the Plaza de Armas and even waiting to cheer a bride into her wedding.
Our days in Cusco bracketed our visit to Machu Picchu, which is every bit as magnificent as the guidebooks lead you to believe. Our allocated afternoon time slot allowed us to walk to the Sun Gate before visiting the main site – a rewarding experience affording magnificent views.
The downside of MP – the shuttle buses to and from Aguas Callientes. You will have to face lengthy queues in each direction.
On our second morning in Aguas Callientes we resisted the urge to visit MP again and instead were taken on a walk along the railway line to Los Jardines de Mandor, a beautiful botanic garden in the cloud forest leading to a waterfall. I would urge all Exodus clients to make this three-hour excursion – it was a highlight for us.
After Cusco, there was another sprinkling of magic on Amantani Island, an oasis of beauty on Lake Titicaca. Our visit coincided with an island fiesta, so we enjoyed the riot of flags, dancing and colour displayed by the locals. Our journey across Titicaca also involved a visit to one of the floating island communities. That too was wonderful in a weird way.
Next was the trip through the altiplano to the charming town of Chivay, stopping to watch an erupting volcano and a couple of whirlwinds en route. I can also now tell my llamas from my alpacas, as well as vicunas – there are plenty of all three species to be seen en route.
Chivay offered a trip to the thermal springs and a rare hour of leisurely self-indulgence. The next day it was an early start to see the Andean condors rising on the thermals in Colca Canyon – another memorable experience.
Then it was Arequipa, our visit coinciding with another festival of music and dance, and finally Miraflores, and a belated meeting with Paddington Bear, before our flight home.
Most Inspirational Moment
Machu Picchu, Cusco, Amantani Island, Colca Canyon, the train trip from Ollentaytambo to Machu Picchu. There were more, but you get the drift.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We have been on numerous Exodus trips, all with good leaders, but Giuliano Gallesi was on a higher level than all of them - not just because of the altitude. He dealt efficiently with our day-late arrival and then led the tour with authority and compassion throughout. He was quick to recognise the signs when group members were struggling with the altitude and twice called the doctor as a result.
He has a very good command of English, a likeable personality, was happy to answer all our questions and, above all, was available to the group 24/7. A true professional.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be aware of the long distances involved in the itinerary. For most of the route, the bus had a toilet on board, but that is of little consolation if, like me, you are not happy travelling near the back of a coach.
We bought Peruvian Soles in advance of the trip and these were easier to use than US dollars. Dollars are accepted, but you are subject to the vagaries of local exchange rates.
Food was generally of a very high standard. Our tour leader took us to or recommended consistently good restaurants.
Make sure you have a supply of toilet paper handy. Many public banos did not have any available.
Linda Stephenson
Reviewed July 2019
Amazing Peru!!
From start to finish this trip ticked all the boxes. Yes it’s full on, Peru is a huge country and this holiday maximises your time to visit all the most interesting places and areas. The scenery whilst travelling around is amazing. Didn’t even open the book I’d taken to read on the coach!
Most Inspirational Moment
There were many - the reed islands on Lake Titicaca, standing at the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu at dawn - watching the transformation from atmospheric cloud and mist to bright sunshine, seeing the Andes in all their glory and experiencing the Amazon rainforest and it's amazing flora and fauna.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Daniel was fabulous. His friendly personality, pride in his country, knowledge of Peru's history and cultures, enthusiasm and organisational skills and excellent English made us feel very well looked after. Felt like we were travelling with a friend who was also a guide and leader!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just do it! You can sleep when you get home!!
Gary Cox
Reviewed July 2019
A fantastic iconic adventure.
Did i enjoy this trip,you bet.From the start to the end this trip was a revelation,everyday was an highlight.Back home after 3 days,and iam still buzzing.
Most Inspirational Moment
Peru is so much more than Machu Picchu,which of course is fantastic.For me,the homestay on Lake Titicaca,the local market next to San Pedro market in Cusco were truly memorable.I could go on,and on,everyday was inspirational.
Thoughts on Group Leader
This was probably my adventure of a lifetime,and Daniel,our group leader,made this happen.His organisation skills,his patience,his passion for Peru were exceptional.Through his leadership we experienced a magical Peruvian adventure, many, many thanks Daniel.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take lots of spending money(you will need it)and enjoy Peru.
Georgina Shanks
Reviewed July 2019
Good
A fascinating country, exceeded expectations.S
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing Condors in the Colca cannon.
Thoughts on Group Leader
An experienced leader, who had lost his love of the job. Daniel was very wrapped up in his family’s, yes two of them. He kept information to himself, and only informed the tour at the last minute. He treated us like children, and obviously liked the men, he was very hostile to the women at times. He dumped the group as quickly and as often as he could. Very little information was given on long journeys, so I feel we did not learn as much about Peru as we could have. The specialist guides were much better.
Advice for Potential Travellers
There are a lot of extras to pay for, not listed in the trip notes. museums, cathedrals etc. ,
Christine Harrison
Reviewed May 2019
Essential Peru
This was an excellent tour. Lima, Cuzco and Arequipa were very interesting and lively cities to explore, each containing many palaces, cathedrals, convents, crypts and so much more. The Inka Museum and Sacsayhuaman site in Cuzco should not be missed nor the Planetarium and ancient burial grounds at Nazca. The flora and fauna were also amazing and plentiful.
Most Inspirational Moment
The most amazing sights were the Ballestas Islands, the Nazca Lines and, of course, Machu Picchu.
The second visit to Machu Picchu gave me the chance to explore it all over again at my leisure.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I found the easiest way to cope with extremes of altitude (ie warmth and coldness) was to dress in layers. Also to have plenty of snacks handy for the long, long drives.
Richard Wightman
Reviewed May 2019
This trip has everything
This has to be the trip of a lifetime. Of course you visit Machu Picchu, but so much more. To start with the seabird colony at Ballestros island including penguinsand peleicans. Then the impressive Nasca Lines before heading to the hills and across the plateau to Cusco visiting other Inca sites on the way. Machu Picchu is amazing – everything I expected and more. We visited at 1200 noon and it wasn’t too crowded, even better we had a free morning the second day so went again and saw more of it – went a further 950 feet up to the Sun gate ( the entrance to the site from the Inca trail) also the Inca bridge. Then back to Cusco and long drive to Lake Titticata and delightful home-stay with local people…an amazing insight into how the island communities live day to day. Then across the lake to see the floating islands, meet the people and have a trip on a reed boat. Next to Colka Canyon to see condors – I would not have missed this as one of the highlights of the trip – we saw 12 and got some great pics. Finally to Arequipa before return to Lima. It really feels like I have been on 3 holidays all rolled into one – I struggle to think how I can better this.
Most Inspirational Moment
see above
Thoughts on Group Leader
Brilliant - nothing was too much trouble and always looking after welfare of all the group. A local Peruvian leader employed by Intrepid who 'leads' for several different holiday 'brands'
Advice for Potential Travellers
Lots of long drives 8-9 hours and early starts leaving hotel at 7.00am. Note that you need to be fairly fit and active and in good health - just about everyone was affected by altitude but only to the extent of breathlessness - nobody suffered AMS.
