Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

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14429 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed June 2013

THE INCA TRAIL

The Inca Trail was amazing, it was everything I expected it to be and I’m so glad I finally ticked it off my bucket list. The trek was fantastic. I thought I’d love Machu Picchu more, but I didn’t – the walk was definately the most exciting part.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the sun gate after 4 days of hiking up and down Inca steps. I didnt think that was the end and thought I had hours to go but then Machu Picchu was there in front of me. I'll never complain about walking up the stairs at work ever again. The campsite on the 3rd night was beautiful and waking up to alfresco breakfast (the porters took away the breakfast tent) surrounded by mountains was amazing. My favourite day was the 3rd day hiking through the cloud forest with steep sided ridges and rocky paths, I wish this day would last longer. The porters were fantastcic and woke us up every morning with smiles on their faces and coca tea and cooked delicious 4 course meals every day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wilfredo was great. He was forever telling us Inca stories and made sure the group had chance to socialise together and spend time apart. He recommended delicious restaurants and bakeries and promoted ethical tourism by showing us local artisan shops and taking us to weaving villages so we knew our souveniers were locally sourced and made. He made sure we were all safe on the trek and having a good time, even after walking 4 long days he went to the town and got ingredients for pisco sours because we all wanted to make some. He encouraged us to learn some Spanish and Quechua - even if the only words I remember are 'basos' and 'sulpayki'. He has set a high standard now for all other tour leaders to follow, whichever trek / trip I book next.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take trekking poles and try and do some trekking first to get used to rocky, uphill terrain. Take proper hiking boots. For the ladies - the toilet is a bucket and a plastic bag - either learn how to squat properly or take a shewee. Also spray on hair shampoo, baby wipes and talc came in useful. Take spare camera batteries - you will take lots of photos and there is no electric on the 4 day trip. Ear plugs are good idea - the tents are pitched close together sometimes and you will hear your fellow campers snoring.

Reviewed June 2013

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Holiday seemed to get off to a bad star , i paid £200 plus for the pleasure of travelling Americian Airlines, certainly was not a pleasure, Luggage was lost some where in Maimi and couldnt be found, ground rep for Exodus could have helped me more . if it hadnt been for the excellant hotel staff i would have came home at that point. Was advised by rep at 5pm to go and buy cothes etc as luggage wouldnt arrive before my 7 night cruise, she failed to tell me shops closed at 6pm. I had a knock at my door at 4.30am porter with my luggage . just an hour before i was leaving for air port to fly to Galapagos Isles. At that point i felt my holiday began ! Marks out of 10. Exadus reps 4 out of 10. hotel staff 11 out of 10.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are too many to mention ! the day the Orca whales played with the small boats tied to the back of the Cachalote ! seeing all the different species of Birds ! especially the blue footed Boobies dance on last day! The sally lightfoot crab eating a puffer fish! the white tip Shark jump out of thewater beside our boat ! The seals refusing to move when you wre trying to land ! so many to mention .

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jaun was excellant, very knowlegable about the area! and the nightly briefings were so interesting and funny ! his dancing and singing skills were memorable too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Dont consider to long just book it ! The Cachalote cabins are quite compact so I would advise not to take lots of luggage and use a soft bad that can be stored under the beds. After all that musch to see and do dont spend much time in your cabin. I am a veggie and the food the chef prepared was brillant! so much so most of the guests rolled of the ship.

Reviewed June 2013

THE HIGH INCA TRAIL

A challenging trek with some steep climbs. The 8 days saw us camping and trekking in rain, wind, snow and then beautiful clear blue skies.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of Dead Womens Pass and then a few days later arriving through the sun gate.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bobby was very knowledgable and very friendly and helpful. On the Cusco part of the trip he seemed a bit disorganised on occasion but I think this was due to discrepancies between the trip note itinery and the actual itinery he was able to offer. He gave everyone his contact details and on one occasion when it was free time to explore and I found myself lost I gave him a call and he responded immediately, he then came to 'rescue' me.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take waterproof clothing whatever the brochure/trip notes say the weather will be like! I had taken the trip notes saying there could be the 'occasional downpour' literally and I didn't take any waterproof trousers. After 2 two days of continuous rain I was almost out of dry clothes - luckily a fellow traveller had spare waterproofs he lent me (thank you John!).Budget for the tipping on the trek part of the trip. Again, the trip notes guide on tipping and advice given to travellers by Exodus staff varied a lot and on average we put about £130 each into the tip kitty.At Lima airport after you have collected your luggage, you need to exit the building and then walk back into the check in area of the airport to check in for the flight to Cusco.

Reviewed May 2013

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

This was my first group cycling holiday and I really enjoyed the experience of cycling with others and having very experienced guides with us at all times.

Most Inspirational Moment

The trip was very varied with lots of cycling but mixed with cultural experiences and plenty of delicious food. A fantastic way to see Indian life and soak in all the sensory explosions of colour, taste, noise and aromas.Getting to the top of Ooty hill up 36 hairpin bends was an inspirational moment even if it did take over 4 hours while others took 2 hours but kindly waited for us with tea and cake at the top!

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was very calm and efficient and we had excellent support from both him and his co leader and our lovely support driver who was always there with a seat in the bus, water and snacks to keep you going.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would advise anyone with a fairly good level of fitness to join this trip, and go with the flow and start ringing your bell as soon as you hit any town traffic, keep your eyes open and enjoy the amazing scenery which I can only describe as vibrant.

Reviewed May 2013

EVEREST BASE CAMP

What a fantastic trip! It has it all – views, culture, helpful guides, scary bridges, sweet yaks, hard leg work and amazing sense of achievement!

Most Inspirational Moment

I absolutely loved hearing the glacier creaking and grumbling - a side to Basecamp and that immediate region I had not anticipated. The views of all of the mountains are amazing - so high and majestic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was fantastic; friendly, had a sense of humor, helpful and had a lot of knowledge that he was happy to share about Nepal, the region, its people etc. He really made the trip a success.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for a trip of a lifetime! Its stunning scenery and such an experience.

Reviewed May 2013

ANDES TO AMAZON

Fantastic trip! Ecuador is amazing with so much to see – mountain, rainforest, cloudforest, coastal plain, varied paramo. There are beautiful people, colourful markets, colonial cities, and interesting wilds like jungles or mountain national parks.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were a number: firelight cleansing by the shaman at the jungle lodge, hummingbirds at Guango, crater-lake walk, monkeys outside my jungle cabin, Chimborazo, dolphins in the mangroves, Cuenca old-town, selecting my unique panama hat, the descent into the rainforest... I could go on.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had Fabian and he is the best guide I've had - he is laid back, easy-going, funny, a great story-teller, flexible, unflappable, patient, kind, and also well-informed with excellent planning skills. It matters to him that we had a good experience, and he went out of his way to add highlights into the trip which were unique and special. Mauricio was our driver - he was constantly smiling, polite, and helpful - and very safe and dependable. Recommend both unreservedly!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring layers of clothing - both a fleece and rain-jacket to layer since you get all sorts of climates on this trip. The altitude makes the sun more potent - opt for a stronger sunscreen than you normally use. You will take a boat to the jungle lodge, so if you can have just what you need in a lightweight duffel bag for those 3 days you'd likely be happier (pack some plastic bags, a lighter, bug spray, your flashlight). There is not much time to wash clothes on this trip - bring what you'd need for the duration. Bring US cash in $20's - higher bills are harder to change in some places, and there are few bank machines outside the major cities. Prices are in USD. I carried an altitude sickness prescription in case we needed it (it was not expensive). 'Undulating walks' means 'always up' ... more than I imagined, but well worth it! Check that your insurance covers you for altitude - no insurance would cover travellers for El Angel since it's red-flagged by the foreign office.

Reviewed May 2013

EVEREST BASE CAMP

An amazing, tough, challenging, awesome, fun, relaxing trip – all that and more!! This trip was a real privilege and a real once in a lifetime experience. I had the best time ever. Definitely deserves the 5 stars.

Most Inspirational Moment

Lots of special moments 1. Meeting and having tea with Kancha Sherpa at his home in Namche - the last living member of the 1953 Hillary Tenzing expedition. 2. Staying at Base Camp and meeting the amazing people of the North East India expedition. Speaking to the young 16 year old who was preparing to summit. The wonderful hospitality they gave us. 3. Waking up in the tent at Base camp - with everything frozen inside the tent. 4. Visiting the hospital at Base Camp and meeting Kirsty, the doctor. 5. Surviving the Lukla flight. 6. Snowing at Base Camp. 7. Getting up close to the Khumbu icefall. Seeing climbers on the icefall. 8. The amazing views of Everest and Ama Dablam.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lakpa was brilliant. He looked after each and everyone of us. He was always there if we needed him - day or night. He made sure people were eating. Made sure people were feeling ok. And had the necessary medicine if and when required. His knowledge is vast. He knows Everest. He knows the Himalayas. He shares his knowledge with everyone. He knows everyone! Thank you Lakpa - hope to trek with you again. All the guides were fantastic - Temba Senior and Junior and the Yak boy. All worked tirelessly to make sure everyone had the best time. From tea in the mornings, our bags always in our rooms or tent, gentle encouragement when the going got tough, sense of humour when needed, and most importantly making sure we acclimatised as best we could. Slowly, slowly! Very experienced.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Lots! The weight limit for the Lukla flight is a 'strict' 10kgs for main luggage and 5kgs for day pack. You can leave things at the hotel in Kathmandu. Essential items - a buff to avoid the Khumbu cough, good merino thermals, Imodium (altitude does play havoc with your tummy!), Nurofen for headaches, 4 season sleeping bag- but tea houses do provide blankets or quilts, a good day pack and hydration system - you must, must, must drink lots of water. You can buy bottled water or boiled water. Drink hot lemon at tea houses when you feel you can't drink anymore water. Walking poles - it's a long way up - and seems an even longer way down. Your knees will be grateful. A down jacket for evenings - and a windproof top and another warm but thin layer. You won't want to be trekking in your down jacket. Don't automatically assume you need Diamox. I never took it. Take local advice and see how your body copes. You can buy most things en route - tea houses sell snacks, water, coke, chocolate - gets more expensive higher up - but not too expensive considering it is carried up the mountain. Food at the tea houses is good. Breakfasts consists of porridge, muesli, eggs, toast, pancakes, tea. The menus include rice, noodles, soup, chips, pizza, yak steak, mo mo, apple pie! You need to be fit to enjoy the journey - but the awesome scenery that changes each day helps. Stop and take photos. Take spare batteries - you can charge batteries and phones at the tea houses and Base Camp. Phone signal is intermittent. Wi-fi is at some tea houses - including Dingbouche and Gorek Shep. Do the acclimatisation trek at Dingbouche. It's the rest day - but do it. It was my hardest day but I'm sure I benefited from doing it. Don't be put off by the flight to Lukla. It's an experience. The stats are in your favour. Keep calm and live the adventure! The planes are small and fortunately our flights were relatively smooth. Do it!

Reviewed May 2013

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

A fantastic trip that exceeded all my expectations. The wildlife is every bit as amazing as it's reputation, the snorkelling was out of this world, the Cachalote was a lovely little home on the sea and the guide and my fellow travellers were great company. What's not to like?

Most Inspirational Moment

The snorkel at Kicker Rock. Quite simply the best hour I've ever spent in the water. Just as you get used to swimming alongside sea turtles and a wide array of brightly coloured fish, you look down and below you, then around you, and you see upwards of 30 sharks, including a few Hammerheads! This passage between 2 rocks seemed to be a shark highway-they were everywhere you looked. Some eagle rays joined us swimming near the surface to add their grace and beauty to the mix- I could have stayed in that channel forever.Another great snorkel was at Sullivan Bay with penguins and a playful sea lion who blew bubbles right in my face.Out of the water it was great to see a giant tortoise, a baby sea turtle scurry for the sea and the famous boobies and iguanas in the wild and unafraid of humans.

Thoughts on Group Leader

David was a great leader and guide full of knowledge on the Islands and the wildlife. His enthusiasm was infectious and he was a good laugh and full of banter. He did his best to maximise our opportunities and prepare us for each excursion and he took into account preferences, and was always willing to give a helping hand to the more nervous swimmers or hikers.The entire Cachalote crew were great - helpful and happy!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip notes don't lie! Altitude sickness did affect me a bit in Quito so follow the advice and take it easy (and it's an excuse to eat lots of chocolate!). The cabin is small but I didn't find this much of a problem as was only ever in there to sleep and change. But don't over pack - bare feet on board the boat and environmentally friendly shampoo and shower gel is provided in each cabin along with indoor and outdoor towels so that might cut out some space in your luggage. You don't need extra food either as you are more than well looked after with big meals 3 times a day and snacks in between-thank you Richard! Any time beach time if offered, take your snorkel stuff if you like that sort of thing as you never know what you might see. We came across stingrays and golden cow rays, not to mention sharks just off the beaches we had time to relax on!Be prepared for early starts but they are all worth it for each excursion offers something new-and there was always a good rest period in the middle of the day to recharge.

Reviewed May 2013

MATERA TO PUGLIA RIDE

This was a fabulous trip that really exceeded my expectations. I knew that the region would be very nice but it was just stunning and the countryside was beautiful to cycle through. The accommodation was really lovely also…especially in Matera

Most Inspirational Moment

The views mainly...The lovely little towns we visited were great but the real delight was the contrast between the countryside and the coastal paths

Thoughts on Group Leader

we had an Italian guide Michele who was wonderful....very helpful (especially sorting out bills at the end of meals etc) and really organised to ensure we made the most of our trip

Advice for Potential Travellers

April/May was a wonderful time to visit....hardly any tourists.....I would just say Go before this region gets too busy

Reviewed May 2013

PETRA & WADI RUM BY BIKE

Very enjoyable holiday. Well organised. Plenty of time for sight-seeing and relaxation. Not as much cycling as I had anticipated – only 20-30K most days

Most Inspirational Moment

Sight-seeing in Petra

Thoughts on Group Leader

Friendly, helpful, knowledgeable

Advice for Potential Travellers

No real need to take your own saddle, SPD pedals/shoes or bike repair kits, maybe just a gel saddle cover and a water bottle. The bikes are good - comfortable and well-maintained. Most of the cycling is downhill or on the flat. All the roads are tarmac though some stretches are a bit iffy (potholes and gravel). There are a few hills but they are not compulsory

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