Itinerary Expand allLima to Lima Depart London.The group flights depart London this evening. Day 1 Start Lima; optional walking tour of Lima's colonial centre.Our trip starts in Lima today. The group flights are scheduled to arrive in the morning. A group arrival transfer is provided, and free transfers are also available for any flight, as long as you have supplied Exodus with your flight details in advance and have requested a transfer. There will be a noticeboard in the hotel reception with details of where and when the group welcome briefing will be held today. Time allowing, there is the option to take a walking tour of Lima's colonial centre this afternoon, replete with Spanish churches and colonial architecture.Hotel El Tambo 1 (or similar) Arrive Lima; optional walking tour of Lima's colonial centre.The group flights usually arrive into Lima in the morning. Those on group flights will be met at the airport and transferred to the start hotel. Your leader will give a short welcome briefing either upon arrival to the hotel or later this evening. Time allowing, there is the option to take a walking tour of Lima's colonial centre this afternoon, replete with Spanish churches and colonial architecture.Hotel El Tambo 1 (or similar) Day 2 Drive south to Paracas and sail to the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands; on to Ica.We set off very early this morning (around 05.30am) and drive south from Lima until we reach the port of Paracas (4-5 hours' drive). Here we take a boat to the Ballestas islands, a national park that contains one of the highest concentrations of marine birds in the world. There are Sea lions, numerous species of birds and the Paracas Candelabra, a curious pre-Inca design on the hillside, only recognisable from the sea. The boat trip lasts around 2 hours, and once we're back on dry land we drive for around an hour to Ica, in the heart of Peru's wine-growing region.Hotel Villa Jazmin (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 To Nazca; Nazca Lines viewing platforms; optional scenic flight.At the Huacachina oasis just outside Ica, there are high sand dunes where we may have time to try 'sand-surfing' (optional). We arrive at Nazca in the afternoon with time to visit the viewing platforms close to the Nazca Lines. These are one of the world's great archaeological mysteries, consisting of enormous drawings and patterns etched in the desert sand. Afterwards, for those who wish there is the chance to do a scenic flight over the Nazca Lines (optional).Hotel Casa Andina (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 Head high into the Andes to Abancay.We turn inland from the coastal desert, climbing high into the Andes on today's long (11-12 hrs) but spectacular drive. Vicuñas (a smaller wild relative of the llama) can be seen along this road, as this area is Peru's largest vicuña reserve. Flamingos are usually sighted at high Andean lakes near the road. This region has only recently become easily accessible to tourists due to an upgrade of the Abancay/Chalhuanca road. The altitude here can make physical exertion difficult (the highest point we reach today is Negro Nayu at approx. 4600m). It is recommended to rest in the evening after the 12-hour drive. We overnight in Abancay on the road to Cuzco.Hotel de Turistas Abancay (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast Day 5 Continue to Cuzco (3400m); afternoon free to acclimatise.We set off towards Cuzco this morning, stopping en route to visit the unique Inca Saywiti stone and Tarawasi ruins. The glaciated summits of the Vilcabamba Mountain range and the descent into the Apurimac River valley demonstrate the dramatic contrasts of the Andes Mountains, and we should expect stunning scenery throughout today's 5-6 hour drive.Hotel Koyllur Inn (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Free day in Cuzco to explore the many Inca ruins and Spanish churches.The city has a multitude of attractions in and around the city, both active and historical, and today is free to explore the city and its surroundings. An optional visit to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the Pisac ruins is available, as is the option to try paddle-boarding on a high altitude lake on the plateau just outside the city.Hotel Koyllur Inn (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 The Classic Inca Trail: Start Inca Trail trek from km82; walk along Urubamba River, climb to Huayllabamba.The Classic Inca Trail is a tangential branch part of a 45,000km road network linking the whole empire to Cuzco. It was built in the 15th Century to reach Machu Picchu but was abandoned soon after the Spanish conquest. American adventurer, Hiram Bingham travelled along the trail when he came across Machu Picchu in 1911. The trail opened to the public in 1970.We leave Cuzco early and drive for roughly two hours to Ollantaytambo; our last chance to buy any items needed for the trek. From here we veer off the road and follow a track beside the river (45 minutes) to the start of the Inca Trail at Piscacucho, commonly known as Km82. After greeting our trekking crew, we show our passports at the checkpoint and begin the Inca Trail trek. The trail runs alongside the Vilcanota River beneath the impressive snow-capped Nevado Veronica, passing through cactus gardens and fields of corn until we reach the enormous Inca ruins of Llactapata, where we continue up a side valley to camp near the hamlet of Huayllabamba.Walk Profile: approx. 11km / 6‐7hrs walkingFull-service Camping - Huayllabamba CampInca Trail - Meals Included: breakfast lunch dinner Moonstone Trek: Trek past ruins and hamlets to the village of Chillipawa.An early start as it's a very busy first day! We take a private minibus to the trailhead, stopping first to explore the nearby ruins from which the trek takes its name. This is a large site with several distinct Inca remnants, clearly of religious importance. As with the rest of the trek, we are most likely to have the site completely to ourselves. The Moonstone itself is a large carving on an enormous boulder, and its significance is not yet understood.The trailhead is in a quiet, dusty valley and we soon climb high enough from the floor to enjoy some great views. At around lunchtime we stop to explore the imposing pre‐Inca fortress of Wata that straddles the trail. The ruin has not yet been accurately dated and pottery can often still be found lying on the ground. The path then traverses along a green side valley as we make our way above a few tiny villages before entering the village of Chillipawa, where we camp.Walk Profile: approx. 10.5km / 6‐7hrs walkingFull‐service CampingMoonstone Trek - Meals included: breakfast lunch dinner One Day Inca Trail Option: Full day walking tour of nearby ruins including Tambomachay and SacsayhuamanThe hills above Cuzco city are dotted with some of the most interesting Inca ruins. We drive to the highest, Tambomachay, and return on foot to Cuzco via Puca Pucara, Qenco and Sacsayhuaman: an easy acclimatisation walk to get used to the altitude. An open-air picnic lunch is included during the hike near the spectacular ruins.Walk Profile: approx. 6.5km / 5-6hrs walking (inclusive of the time for visiting the sites)Hotel Warari / Koyllur (or similar)One Day Inca Trail Option - Meals Included: breakfast lunch Day 8 The Classic Inca Trail: Cross Dead Woman's Pass (4215m), then descend to Pacaymayu.This is the longest and most strenuous day. A long climb (largely up stone staircases) takes us first through an area of cloud forest to the meadows of Llulluchapampa, then over the Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman's) pass, at 4215m the highest point on the trek. After quite a long, steep descent we camp in the scenic valley of the Pacamayo River (3600m).Walk Profile: approx. 10km / 6‐7hrs walkingFull-service Camping - Pacamayo CampInca Trail - Meals Included: breakfast lunch dinner Moonstone Trek: Up the Accoccosa Pass and onto the high pampas.A long, steady climb with plenty of rest stops to aid acclimatisation takes us above the villages and into the high pampas ‐ rugged meadows of long grass. We normally stop for lunch shortly before the crest of the Accoccosa Pass (and the very rare Andean Flicker is sometimes seen (although often heard!)). The last leg of the pass is on loose red scree, but the view from the top makes it all worthwhile: a broad, hidden valley surrounded by snowy peaks ‐ the Huayanay Range on the left, the Urubamba Range straight ahead and beautiful, triangular Mt Veronica (5,800m) to the right. We have time to explore this plateau and experience walking in the high altiplano before returning to our camp for a well‐deserved hot dinner. The camp's isolation, well away from any settlements, results in spectacular night skies when clear.Walk Profile: approx. 8.8km / 4‐5hrs walkingFull‐service CampingMoonstone Trek - Meals Included: breakfast lunch dinner One Day Inca Trail Option: Free day in CuzcoToday has been left free to relax after the trek or explore Cuzco further. Again, your leader can help to arrange optional excursions and activities for you.Hotel Warari / Koyllur (or similar)One Day Inca Trail Option - Meals Included: breakfast Day 9 The Classic Inca Trail: Over Runquracay Pass (3800m) to ruins of Sayajmarca and Phuyupatamarca.We start the day with an easier climb which takes us past the ruins of Runquracay and over the Runquracay Pass (3930m). From now on the Inca Trail becomes a clearly defined path made of flat boulders. We pass the ruins of Sayajmarca and suddenly enter rainforest; at one point the trail passes through an Inca tunnel. We camp at a spectacular campsite on the ridge above the Inca site of Phuyupatamarca (3680m) to benefit from the views of sunset and sunrise.Walk Profile: approx. 12km / 5-6hrs walkingFull-service Camping - Phuyupatamarca CampInca Trail - Meals Included: breakfast lunch dinner Moonstone Trek: Continue along a narrow canyon and Incan aqueduct before crossing over to the Inca quarry of Canchiqata.We start after breakfast by following the stream from down this hidden valley into a narrow canyon. Rare polylepis trees grow here and we pass through a small grove as we leave the canyon. Our path then turns North and traverses very high above a deep and steep valley separating us from the Huayanay Mountains. This is probably the most spectacular section of the trek and we roughly follow a (now defunct) Inca aqueduct spectacularly carved out of the cliffs to take water from the hidden valley of our campsite to the Sacred Valley several miles away. At the end of the traverse we have a short but steep climb up to our lunch spot, a flat, ridge‐top meadow facing straight across the Sacred Valley to the snowy Urubamba Range.After lunch we walk down to Huayrapunku. Meaning "Gate of the Wind", this is a ridge‐top Inca shrine oriented to Mt Veronica, of which it has a simply incredible view. Finally, a short walk brings us to our final campsite in amongst the granite stones of the Canchiqata Quarry. It was here that huge blocks were cut from the rose‐coloured granite before being dragged down the mountainside and across the river to the Sun Temple at Ollantaytambo.Walk Profile: approx. 11.8km / 5‐6hrs walkingFull‐service CampingMoonstone Trek - Meals Included: breakfast lunch dinner One Day Inca Trail Option: Visit Pisac market and Inca ruins in the Sacred ValleyThis morning, we head out of Cuzco to the colourful handicraft market at Pisac, at the entrance to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. After some free time to browse the stalls, we take a walking tour of the huge Inca ruins above the village. We will enjoy a local meal in a community along the Valley and will learn about Local lifestyle and activities. After lunch, we drive down the valley to Ollantaytambo where we visit the immense Inca fortress and explore the unique village whose streets still follow the pre-conquest grid plan.Tunupa Lodge (or similar)One Day Inca Trail Option - Meals Included: breakfast lunch Day 10 The Classic Inca Trail: Walk down Inca steps to Wiñay Wayna and Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate.From the ridge, we embark on the infamous Inca steps: a two kilometre stone staircase taking us rapidly downhill amid a panorama of overwhelming immensity, with the peaks of the Vilcabamba range above, and the river thousands of metres below. After visiting the attractive ruins of Wiñay Wayna, we have an undulating walk through cloud forest high above the river to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. From here we get our first full sight of Machu Picchu itself, with Huayna Picchu rising behind.Traditionally busy with groups of trekkers clamouring for photos, we plan our arrival at Inti Punku later in the day so we can enjoy unobstructed views of the magnificent ruins. Whilst most groups choose to visit Machu Picchu today, we'll pass around the edge of the ruins and exit the site, descending to Aguas Calientes for a well-earned rest, a shower and a comfortable bed for the night. Our trekking permits allow us one entry into the site, which we use for our tour tomorrow when we are refreshed and more able to enjoy it.There is usually time for an optional visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes, however in recent years they have become over-crowded and the water quality can suffer as a result. We will be reunited with those who have been on the Moonstone Trek or the Train Option at the hotel this afternoon.Walk Profile: approx. 9km / 6-7hrs walkingHotel Inti Punku El Tambo (or similar)Inca Trail - Meals Included: breakfast lunch Moonstone Trek: Descend to Ollantaytambo where the trek ends; catch the train to Aguas Calientes and re-join the rest of the group.Photographers are advised to wake up before dawn this morning, to watch the sun rise over the Sacred Valley from our campsite high above it. The sun's first rays catching the glaciers of Mt Veronica certainly makes the effort more than worthwhile. This is our last day on the trek and we descend from the pampas down into the lush valley floor along the enormous stone ramps on which the Incas dragged the stones. We cross the river and explore the huge Sun Temple complex to see where the stones ended and what use they were put to. Our trek ends as we board the train to Aguas Calientes, where we join the rest of the group at the hotel.Walk Profile: approx. 8km / 2‐3hrs walkingHotel Inti Punku El Tambo (or similar)Moonstone Trek - Meals Included: breakfast lunch One Day Inca Trail Option: One Day Inca Trail via Wiñay Wayna to Machu PicchuThis morning we travel to Ollantaytambo and take the train to Km104 where we embark on the infamous Inca steps: a two kilometre stone staircase taking us rapidly downhill amid a panorama of overwhelming immensity, with the peaks of the Vilcabamba range above, and the river thousands of metres below. After visiting the attractive ruins of Wiñay Wayna, we have an undulating walk through cloud forest high above the river to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. From here we get our first full sight of Machu Picchu itself, with Huayna Picchu rising behind.Traditionally busy with groups of trekkers clamouring for photos, we plan our arrival at Inti Punku later in the day so we can enjoy unobstructed views of the magnificent ruins. Passing around the edge of the ruins, we exit the site and descend to Aguas Calientes for a well-earned rest, a shower and a comfortable bed for the night. Our trekking permits allow us one entry into the site, which we use for our tour tomorrow, but anyone wishing to visit the citadel on both days can purchase an additional entry ticket today – your tour leader will assist with this.There is usually time for an optional visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes, however, in recent years they have become over-crowded and the water quality can suffer as a result. Walk Profile: approx. 9km / 6-7hrs walkingHotel Inti Punku El Tambo (or similar)One Day Inca Trail Option - Meals Included: breakfast lunch Day 11 Guided tour of Machu Picchu; return to Cuzco by train and by road.In order to beat the day-trippers arriving from Cuzco and reach the ruins as early as possible, a very early start is required to queue for Machu Picchu; only government-registered buses can make the 30-minute drive up the winding road to the site entrance and during high season (May-October) queues can be hours long. Machu Picchu is one of the architectural and engineering marvels of the ancient world and what makes it all the more dramatic is its mountain backdrop of staggering immensity. The Spaniards never found it, the Incas left no records of it, and so Machu Picchu remained a great enigma, a city lost for centuries in the jungle until it was rediscovered in 1911 by the American historian Hiram Bingham. New regulations for visiting Machu Picchu are now fully enforced; of the three possible visiting slots, we will purchase the morning slot from 06:00 until 12:00 (unless unavailable), you will be limited to a maximum of four hours within the site and must be accompanied by a guide. There will also be three set routes to follow around Machu Picchu; Exodus selects the most comprehensive route. We catch an afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo (1hr 30 mins) and continue by private bus to Cuzco (2hrs 30 mins).Hotel Koyllur Inn (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast Day 12 Drive across the altiplano to Lake Titicaca (3800m), visiting Inca sites en route.Today we travel for 8-10 hours by private coach along the Vilcanota River and onto the altiplano, the high plains separating the Andes from the jungle. Although it is quite a long drive, it is interesting and often spectacular. There are scheduled stops at interesting sites along the route to help break up the day and all along the route we get a feeling for the immensity of the Andean landscapes. A packed lunch is included today. This afternoon we arrive into Puno (3800m) on the shores of Lake Titicaca.Hotel Casona Plaza (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 13 Day trip to floating reed islands of Uros and Taquile.A full day on the lake today as we visit both the island of Taquile and the floating islands of the Uros Indians.First, we take a boat to the floating island of Uros. The Uros have been living on rafts of reeds for centuries, and although many have now moved to the mainland there are still a couple of thousand who remain on the islands which are anchored close to Puno. A reasonable amount of their income is now provided by strictly regulated tourism, but they also still fish the lake and engage in barter with communities on the mainland in order to obtain essential daily items.Afterwards, we continue on to Taquile Island, home to a community known for their remarkable weaving and traditional lifestyle. The panoramic views of the lake from the island are incredible, and it is often possible to see the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real in the distance. There is the option to eat lunch on the island, before we return to Puno.Hotel Casona Plaza (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast Day 14 Transfer to Juliaca; fly to Lima.Today we transfer approximately 1 hour to Juliaca Airport and in the afternoon fly back to Lima. In the evening there is the chance to go for a final meal together at one of the local restaurants (at own expense).Hotel El Tambo 1 (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast Day 15 End Lima.The tour ends after breakfast today. Meals included: Breakfast Depart Lima.The morning is free, and the overnight group flights usually depart around lunch time or in the early afternoon. Meals included: Breakfast Arrive London.The group flights arrive into London this afternoon.
Amazon Rainforest extension (Pre-tour, from Lima) Code: XPLA Easily accessible via a short flight to Puerto Maldonado from Lima, the Amazon is the world's largest rainforest and home to an astonishing array of wildlife, as well as countless plant species. Spending three nights at a lodge in the incredibly rich Tambopata Reserve, we use motorised canoes to explore its lakes and rivers, and follow jungle trails to discover its dense forests. The detailed itinerary can be found here. Please ask your sales consultant for more details.Price from: £659 (compulsory supplement of £110 for single travellers)
Amazon Rainforest extension (Post-tour, from Lima) Code: XPL Easily accessible via a short flight to Puerto Maldonado from Lima, the Amazon is the world's largest rainforest and home to an astonishing array of wildlife, as well as countless plant species. Spending three nights at a lodge in the incredibly rich Tambopata Reserve, we use motorised canoes to explore its lakes and rivers, and follow jungle trails to discover its dense forests. The detailed itinerary can be found here. Please ask your sales consultant for more details.Price from: £659 (compulsory supplement of £110 for single travellers)
PeruVisas are not required by UK citizens, Western European nationals, Americans, Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders, South Africans and most other nationalities. If you are in any doubt please contact the nearest Peruvian Embassy.
PeruThere are no mandatory vaccination requirements.Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A.Zika fever is a mosquito‐borne viral disease and a known risk in places visited on this trip. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, we therefore strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. If you are travelling to the Tambopata reserve in the Amazon rainforest, the risk of malaria is slight, but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. We also strongly recommend that you obtain a Yellow Fever vaccination. Dengue fever and/or Chikungunya are known risks in the Amazon region. Both are tropical viral diseases spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for either, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites: always apply insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers while in the rainforest to avoid being bitten.
Hotels & Camping The hotels normally used are indicated within the itinerary, however, accommodation may differ from those stated depending on your departure date.In Cuzco we will stay at small, locally run hotels where possible, all located in the historical centre of Cuzco, within walking distance of the beautiful Plaza de Armas and close to restaurants and shops. The hotels each feature cozy rooms, buffet breakfasts and free WiFi. Most hotels have a safety deposit box in the room but if not, there will be one at the reception.In Aguas Calientes, we stay in a centrally located hotel with comfortable rooms, buffet breakfasts and free WiFi. Unfortunately, there is a railway line that runs straight through the centre of Aguas Calientes and whilst we try to allocate rooms away from it whenever possible, the trains might be heard from some rooms.Please note that central heating is very rare in Peru, even in good standard hotels, however, most hotels provide plug-in heaters and spare blankets which should keep you warm. While all of the hotels we use do have a hot water supply, it can be temperamental when there is high demand.The Inca Trail (and Moonstone trek) is on a full-service camping basis with full porterage, meaning that our camp staff will erect and dismantle the tents for you, cook, and do all of the camp chores for you. You need only carry your daypack. The tents used are 4 season Eureka tents purchased in 2019 and there is a separate dining tent for meal times, as well as a toilet tent for use both in camp and during lunch stops. On the Inca Trail we stay in organised campsites which are administered by the Regional Cultural Directorate, whilst on the Moonstone Trek we use wild campsites.Additional accommodationShould you wish to extend your stay in Peru, Exodus can book additional nights' accommodation in Lima prior to or after your tour. Please enquire at the time of booking. We recommend the early booking of pre/post tour accommodation to guarantee availability. Single SupplementSingle rooms and tents can be booked throughout for an optional single supplement, subject to availability. Please enquire at the time of booking.
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Reviewed June 2019 Zayna Davisperu adventure Overall a fantastic trip would use exodus again.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? All of it i loved every single part all amazing and breathtaking.What did you think of your group leader? Wilmer was the best tour guide i have ever had! I have done many many tours and wilmer was by far the best. Her was funny and helpful and his knowledge of peru was so brilliant. I learnt more than i ever imagined.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The inca trail is tough but once you have climbed the final OMG steps you realise just how worth it the hike and climb was!!
Reviewed October 2018 Johnny DeolGreat Views, Difficult Andes Trek, Crowded Reed Islands, Expensive Country Without doubt, Peru is a beautiful country, and our trip proved that the Andes is one of the most majestic mountain ranges on the planet. The highlights of our trip were: 1. The beautiful Ballestas islands off the coast of Paracas, where a lot of sea lions lazily dotted the islands along with dozens of penguins and lots of birds. We also saw interesting species of crabs and other shell animals. 2. The 4-day hike along the Moonstone Trek in the Andes - this was the most enjoyable part of our trip. The stunning views of Mount Veronica on the 3rd day kept us in awe, and the climb to the summit of the trek at 4,600 metres above sea level. We also walked through lovely meadows and farms along the way. Funnily enough, Machu Picchu was not the highlight of the trip, even though it was a nice experience to be there, it somehow seemed crowded and overflowing with tourists, taking away the calmness and serenity that is typically expected of such places. Be warned that the Moonstone Trek is a difficult one, and altitude sickness is a reality. You will feel the lack of oxygen and are most likely to feel nausea, headaches and vomiting. I did throw up on the 2nd day of the hike. Also note that altitude sickness can afflict anyone, even the most well-built or muscular or athletic of people. Just because you are very fit and may even be an athlete or sportsperson, do not think that you are immune to altitude sickness!! Peru is an expensive country, and the prices are marked up at tourist places, and shopkeepers will not negotiate prices lower than 10%-15%. You may find some products cheaper in Lima than in the tourist towns like Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, the town closest to Machu Picchu. ** Warnings: - Many restaurants add a 10% service charge to your bill without your consent in advance. - There is a "tipping" disease in the country, and you will find many occasions where the tour leader will ask you to give a tip to just about every service person you encounter, like a bus driver, the backup/alternate driver, the boat captain, etc. - If you are a vegan or vegetarian or have other dietary restrictions, you will need to choose your food carefully and remind the waiter many times. They do not seem to understand or appreciate these dietary restrictions too well. - Even simple things like a cup of coffee are overpriced in certain towns like Pucara, on the way to the city of Puno. Overall, Peru is a lovely country, but go there knowing what to expect. Safe travels!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The 4-day Moonstone TrekWhat did you think of your group leader? Good guy overall, very knowledgeable and sociable.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Yes, do not expect the Moonstone Trek to be a walk in the park. It is pretty difficult, I would personally rate it at Level-6/7 out of 10. Be prepared to throw up, get a headache, nausea, get goddamn tired and curse Exodus along the way :) But if you are willing to endure some discomfort for the rewards of stunning views of the Andes, you'll find that it is an investment worth the pain! Remember: Walk at your own pace, don't try to impress anyone by walking fast as you could faint, take enough breaks and rest stops, keep drinking water frequently, wear ample sunscreen and insect/bug cream or spray, and most importantly - listen to the advice of your tour leader on the trek. He is the best and most experienced person in the group, and knows what will help and what will hurt.Is there anything else you would like to add? Help keep Peru clean and beautiful. Please do not throw garbage or rubbish on the Moonstone Trek or anywhere you go. Enjoy and respect the immensity, majesty and grandeur of the Andes and you will be safe.
Reviewed August 2018 Pauline Patterson Stunning snow topped Andes Peru is a wonderful country with its varied landscapes and diverse cultures. Nothing can quite prepare you for the stunning vistas in the Andes and the once in a lifetime experience of the Inca trail, culminating at the Sun Gate and that first view of Machu Picchu. All this led by our outstanding guide Bobby and shared with a lovely group of people. A BIG thank you.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Undoubtedly that first view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate after 4 strenuous but amazing days on the Inca trail. It was quite an emotional experience.What did you think of your group leader? What a legend Bobby is! THE most fantastic guide, who shared his passion and knowledge of his country and immersed us into its heart and cultures throughout the trip.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? 1. Read the trip notes carefully 2. Get yourself physically fit for the trek which I personally believe is higher than the moderate level 3 graded by Exodus. 3. Altitude will have an affect! 4. There are long drives but the scenery is always extraordinary and do help you acclimatise to the altitude. 5. Days were pleasantly warm but the nights very cold particularly on the trek and in Cusco, so layers are essential.. 6. It is worth taking the optional extra flight over the Nazca lines to fully appreciate the extent of the carvings.
Reviewed August 2018 Martin PerrettInspirational treka Not just a holiday, more of an adventure!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Achieving day 2 of the Machu Picchu trek to Dead Woman’s Pass. Although not long as a days trek, the rise in altitude to 4200 metres was tough!What did you think of your group leader? The group leader, Bobby, was excellent in every department. A more capable, competent and helpful guide in all probability does not exist. His involvement with the group was welcomed by all and resulted in the trip being a huge success for the group participants. The information he provided on the various sites visited and the relevant history was most interesting and created further discussion within the group. With regard to the travelling and accommodation, Bobby took full control and made our holiday somewhat carefree, thankfully! A big thank you to Bobby!Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take warm clothing for the camping part of the trip as the nights can be very cold!Is there anything else you would like to add? The long bus journeys were tiring but it is part and parcel of the trip and seeing some great sites and wonderful scenery.
Reviewed August 2018 Shirley PerrettNice trail,Titicaca and Nazca A superb trip, very well planned and executed. The views were just amazing and the porters food incredible. We were so well looked after. Our guide, Bobby, was excellent and so informative. He knew all the best places to eat as well! Hotels were all good and we would thoroughly recommend the experience to others.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Arriving at Dead Woman’s Pass.What did you think of your group leader? Bobby was brilliant, he couldn’t have been better.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take plenty of thermals for the camping part as it was so cold at night.Is there anything else you would like to add? Thank you!
Reviewed August 2018 Kim StansfieldJuly 2018 Inca Trail and Peru Excellent Guide, Bobby (Ubaldo), helped the group understand so much about Peru’s history, culture, fauna and amazing achievements of the Incas and preceding tribes, and all done with real sense of humour. Off the Inca trail Bobby continued to look after us, so the small group that flew back to UK were looking for him to help sort us out at Gatwick. The porters and cooks were also brilliant, not sure how they covered the route so quickly and made food and camp sites so comfortable. Also helped having a really friendly group of fellow travellers. All-in-all a brilliant experience.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Standing on a high point in the Andes above the camp watching the sun come up - red glow spreading across the mountain peaks, magical.What did you think of your group leader? Bobby (Ubaldo Quispe) was brilliant - gave so much insight and things to think about, always joking, but real sense he was looking after us and getting things organised. Missed him when we got back to UK!Do you have any advice for potential travellers? If weather clear, take advantage of flight over Nascar lines, but don’t eat for a couple of hours beforehand. Really brings home the scale, but involves a lot of weaving. During Trail, take things slowly, but the guide will explain things like that. At Machupichu you are limited to small bag/ ruck sack, had left our small bags behind, would have been good to know about the limitation before leaving Cuzco.Is there anything else you would like to add? Only frustration was breakfast 1st day at hotel Tambo in Lima. Due to early start breakfast was minimalist, tea/ coffee, bread, jam. My wife doesn’t drink tea or coffee, so nothing to drink for her, and somebody else didn’t eat bread. Apart from that, the hotel was comfy and breakfast was good in normal opening times.
Reviewed July 2018 Susan PercivalMy holiday of a lifetime Peru and Mchu Picchu This has been my dream holiday for as long as I can remember. Nazca lines, Andes, walking the Inca trail to Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. It was more than I could have hoped for. The amazing scenery welcoming people, amazing food, Pisco sours and a friendly enthusiastic Tour guide. Without the long coach journeys we would have missed all the amazing scenery! The flight over the Nazca lines truly amazing and well worth doing. Day 2 of the trail definitely the hardest but the thrill when you reach Dead woman's pass is nearly as inspiring as reaching the Sun gate and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time. I was ill at the end of the holiday so missed Lake Titicaca.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Reaching Dead Woman's pass was as equaling inspiring as the emotion that overwhelms you when you reach the Sun Gate and see Machu Picchu for the first time.What did you think of your group leader? Our group Leader Willmer Delgado was an amazing ambassador for Exodus and for Peru. His knowledge of Peru and its history had us all enthralled for the whole 15 days in Peru. Nothing was too much trouble including helping track down my missing suitcase . Our assistant guide on the trail Kleverth was along with Will very patient and being one of the slower walkers who suffered with altitude sickness I was never made to feel like I was holding anyone back.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Drink the coca tea when offered to you as it does help on the trail. Don't let the coach journeys put you off, the scenery is amazing, you get to see Vicunas and Alpaca's roaming free, Condor's and Flamingo's. Above all enjoy the whole experience, a few early mornings wont kill you!
Reviewed May 2018 Barry RowleyInca trail Titicaca Nazca 463 The best trip ever.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? All of it. From the start, right to the end.What did you think of your group leader? Couldn't have asked for a better leader. Julio was a true professional. He is very knowledgeable. Nothing was too much trouble for him. I would be proud to have him as a mate.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Get booked up and enjoy.Is there anything else you would like to add? I'm looking at the brochure and thinking of re-booking.
Reviewed October 2017 diane McdermottFull on fun! This was an excellent trip which delivered exactly what it said it would. The main downside is the long days in the bus between stops and the fact that as it stands there is a very limited amount of time to spend in Cusco. However, the scenery over the Andes is spectacular, as is the view of Peruvian life the bus affords.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Definitely Machu Picchu for me. I was just glad to get there! Spectacularly atmospheric.What did you think of your group leader? Bruce was a thoroughly professional tour leader who engaged and considered everyone in the group. He was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about his subjects and made the tour come to life with his information about Peru, the Incas and the local wildlife. He was extremely kind and caring when I was ill and took active steps to support me. He organised the group well and gave options, but I felt he was hampered by the need to get everyone to the right place at the right time throughout the trip which at times made things feel rushed. Individual down time is limited.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Unfortunately before I left I had to forego the Inca trail owing to a mobility problem. It was definitely the right decision. If you are in anyway unsure of your ability to cope, do the Moonstone Trek which though higher, allows for some support with horses if you are struggling. With the Inca trail, there is much more limited potential for support. Also you MUST have good insurance! I took out Exodus insurance just to be sure that I would be covered for everything I might need. Since I ended up in hospital for 4 days with altitude sickness, this was money well spent. ( Altitude sickness is real, but most people manage to acclimatise. Unfortunately, I didn't, but that is the exception rather than the rule.) The support team at Cusco were superb and I was so grateful for all their assistance since the rest of the group and the group leader were on the trail.Is there anything else you would like to add? The biggest problem with this trip is that there are long spells of travelling then limited down time. We always seemed to need to be somewhere else which at times made it feel as if we were being herded at a pace slightly faster than we might have wanted. Bruce did his best to mitigate this by giving options and explaining his thinking so that everybody was in the know, but by the end of the trip, people were beginning to need a bit more leeway. This was entirely due to the fact that in Cusco in particular there was not enough time to see what the town had to offer or to explore local sites.
Reviewed October 2017 Justine Mole Brilliant holiday of a lifetime I've just come back from Peru and for someone who has never done a package holiday before, this one was absolutely fantastic.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Arriving at the Sun Gate after four days of trekking was incredibly emotional, it was hard at times and the altitude does affect you but with the encouragement of our guide/tour leader and the other trekkers we all made it. Getting to know other people on trip and our guide, we formed a close little group and hopefully will remain friends for years.What did you think of your group leader? Our group leader was wonderful, we couldn't have chosen anyone better for our group, he was very knowledgeable, and interesting, he was kind and had a sense of humour, he knew when to push us and when to hold back and let us go at our own pace, he usually stayed back with those who were struggling.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Don't ignore advice about altitude, we were all relatively fit but it still affected us in different ways, take it easy on the walk and don't push yourself. You won't lose weight as you can't go fast enough for aerobic exercise and you get fed too well, you get given plenty of snacks so don't really need your own.Is there anything else you would like to add? The hotels were all really good but sometimes other guests are noisy, take ear plugs or be prepared to tell them off, you go to bed pretty early on this trip as there are a lot of early starts and long bus journeys. The views are incredible which makes the bus trips bearable and there was plenty of room on the bus to stretch out and sleep. Also if you want to do the plane ride over the Nasca Lines take an anti sickness tablet. I rented a sleeping bag and poles rather than taking my own and they were cheap and worked perfectly well, warm and clean bag and they even provided a cotton liner.
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