Reviews

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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173 Reviews

4.8 out of 5

Katrina Hawkins

Reviewed July 2014

Inca Trail

I booked on this with a coupl eof friends to celebrate my 50th birthday. It really was a trip of a lifetime and exceeded all my expectations. The Group leader was so knowledgable and funny and his side kick entertained us with his singing in the morning.
we had a really friendly lovely group of people that all survived the trip together, despite some of us suffering altitude porblems, we pulled together and helped each other through with lots of spirit and laughter.

The porters were fantastic – went out of their way to make the experience a good one and the cooks were amazing – the meals were superb and healthy – even cooked a birthday cake for one of the group during the trek!

Would definatley recommend this to anyone wanting an adventure

Most Inspirational Moment

I guess Macchu Picchu - it felt very emotional actually being in a place that is so infamous in pictures and i felt in awe of how massive the sacred ruins were. It was alot greener than i imagined it and a really beutiful place. There were some other beautiful sites en route including all the scenery of the mountains and flowers along the way

Thoughts on Group Leader

Will was amazing - so kowledgable and funny - had a wicked sense of humour and so friendly. He sat down with a couple of us each evening and went through the names of the places we had walked through etc for our journals and was really helpful and sympathetic when we were suffering from altitude. Couldnt of asked for a better leader and really missed him when we left

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go prepared with walking experience, comfortable boots as we were walking quite a few hours each day - lots of medication for all eventualities Lots of light layers is good as we experienced all weathers and just a light waterproof as you have to carry it. A cap or hat is essential for the last few days of the trip if you dont want bad hair days photos :) and definatley a spare battery for your camera as you will need it - i came back with over 400 photos!

Barry O'Neill

Reviewed July 2014

Inca trail

An incredible hike with spectacular views in a beautiful country. The trail has many varied sections making the walking very interesting and after the second day there seems to be incredible Inca ruins around every corner.The people are very friendly and Cusco is a really interesting city. We were also fortunate to have a really great bunch of people in our group who got on really well. Can’t recommend it highly enough.

Most Inspirational Moment

Is is impossible to pick a single moment, a choice between looking up at a blanket of stars one night, to walking a section of the trail quietly by myself and then the fist view of Machu Pichu.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cesar was fantastic, a really nice guy who found time for everyone in the group. He was assisted by Anthony and between them they brought warmth, fun and complete professionalism at all times. It was a pleasure to meet tham and spend some time with them.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Look carefully at the average temperatures, it was much warmer than i expected during the day and i would have been better with some lighter gear. Be prepared for basic sanitary conditions...but it is part of the experience and a continual topic of conversation on the trail..

Richard Carter

Reviewed June 2014

What a trip

The inca trail has it all, the best views, stunning trails and the most amazing scenery I have ever had the pleasure to visit. The camp sites (days 1-3) are mind blowingly beautiful. The ruins are fantastic and the first view of Machu Picchu permanently imprinted on my brain, amazing!!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through the sun gate and gazing upon Machu for the first time, hot and sweaty after a great days trailing. Breathtaking and emotional. Completing some of the trails, tunnels, passes, monkey steps, this trek has it all.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cesar was outstanding!!! Calm, knowledgable, funny and great company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is actually more challenging than you might think. The ascents and descents are steep. The steps, especially the monkey steps, are challenging. So train for it, don't let fitness spoil an amazing trip. Pack light, you need less than you think, but keep a clean set of gear for the last day of the trip. The last day involves a train trip, a morning in Machu and a coach journey back to Cusco. Research and book the restaurants in Cusco, they are excellent, especially Marcello Batata and Ciciollina.

JASON POTTS

Reviewed June 2014

INCA TRAIL

Having never been away on my own before or done any trekking, I was a little anxious about what to expect, I am 43 an reasonably fit but was still a little worried, but after meeting the rest of our little gang I relaxed a lot as we were all about the same age and all looked in the same sort of physical fitness and from that moment the whole trip was incredible the organistion, our tour leader, food, porters (one of them was 71 yes 71) and people I was with were all exceptional, It turned into the best thing I have ever done and I loved every minute of it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Its dificult to say the most insiprational moment, from getting to the start and crossing the river to reaching the sun gate there were so many, getting to the top of dead womans pass on day two (which is by far the hardest part of the trip) waking up on day four to be surrounded by snow top mountains and finally reaching the sun gate and seeing Machu Picchu all were pretty amazing but the most inspiration for me came from my fellow travellers we all got on so well from the very start, there was no split at all, for the whole trip we helped and encouraged each other, we ate, drank, laughed ( so much) and on more than one occasion shed a few tears together, we even had a little disco in our dinner tent one night with the music from the phones and the flashing lights from our head torches much to the bewliderment of the other trvellers on our campsite. The whole trip was an incredible, exhilarating and inspirational journey and I feel very very lucky not only to have done the Inca Trail but to have done it with 12 other fabulous people.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cesar who we christened Top Cat and Anthiny (chicken legs) were absolutely first class, their sense of humour, patience and knowledge was amazing and the pride that they clearly have in not only the Inca Trail but also Cusco and the country itself was evident for all of us to see and really enhanced the whole experience. In my opinion they are a credit to Peru and its fantastic culture and Exodus are very lucky to have them both. Also a special mention for Paloma who met us a Lima airport, took us to our hotel and then went out of her way to give us a little tour

Advice for Potential Travellers

Follow the trip notes, DO take at least one walking pole they really help espescially going down hill. buy a poncho (£2) and buy a scarf, there are people selling them just before you start for 8 soles (£2) it will keep the sun of your neck. Bond with your fellow travellers help and encourage each other all the way, don't rush take your time( there were other groups who seemed to think it was a race, surely not the idea) if you feel tired turn around take in the amazing scenery it will inspire you to carry on And most importantly try the pisco sours they are lovely, but dont have more than two or maybe three, or you may end up like one of our group who tried playing musical chairs......... on her own......... with one chair....... and still lost.

Reviewed January 2014

THE INCA TRAIL

Looking back at our trip it was incredible, not necessarily life changing but the memories will remain with me for a very long time and gave me a wonderful sense of achievement. The scenery was breathtaking, the Inca sites unbelievable (how did they manage to build them in such inaccessible areas?), the peruvians so hospitable and my fellow trekkers – well what can I say? We all had a fantastic, certainly aided by the excellent organisation from Exodus.

Most Inspirational Moment

Actually starting the trek and walking over the very first bridge after receiving our permits and having our passports stamped. A feeling of elation and trepidation all at the same time.Dead Woman's Pass - an incredible feeling to have made it (and survived!) Getting up before dawn to see the sunrise over the snow capped mountains on our 4th day. The views were breathtaking.Reaching the Sungate after a copious amount of steps and seeing Macchu Pichu for the very first time. Being over-awed by its size - so much bigger and more impressive than I ever imagined.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Filumenia was real trooper - encouraged us all when we found it difficult, made us all laugh, was a fabulous photographer taking all our cameras at one time to snap a group shot for each of us. She was exceptionally knowledgable, pleasant and fun to be with and worked extremely hard to fulfil everyone's needs, a great asset to the Exodus team. We couldnt have asked for anyone better - thank you.

Advice for Potential Travellers

However fit you think you are - take walking poles - there are more steps than you can imagine! Walk slowly, have the best equipment you can afford. You dont need a lot of clothes and certainly no make-up!Dont opt for single tents even if travelling alone as they are very small!!!! No space to sit upright and if it rains its almost impossible not to touch the sides thus letting in the damp.Remember your swimming costume as the hot springs on the final evening of the trek are a pure delight! Towels can be rented.Buy a poncho in Cuzco - about £1. Very useful - used to protect you, your clothes and your rucksackExpect variable weather Enjoy and take loads of photos - its incredible to look back and remember what you achieved.Local currency is required and used more than Exodus states although you can pay in dollars (exchange rate ok!)

Reviewed December 2013

THE INCA TRAIL

The whole trip was a fabulous lifetime experience for me and I would recommend this trip to anyone. I travelled with friends who were incredibly supportive, especially as I have a fear of heights. However, all of the group members and leaders made us feel very welcome and I think anyone travelling on their own would also have a great time.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate, having just scaled what felt like an impossible set of steps! Experiencing the warmth of the Peruvian people and generally just pinching myself that I really had just unzipped my tent to reveal a snow covered mountain shrouded in wisps of mist right outside. The scenery was stunning and we experienced sun, rain and cold weather during our trek.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Flaminia was incredibly patient, well organised and keen to share her knowledge of the country which was appreciated by all members of the group. Freddie helped me get through the worst parts of the trek for me, in terms of my difficulty with heights and was unfailingly patient.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking poles were great for the harder parts of the trek and helped me keep my balance. Wipes and loo paper were essential for loos etc. Hand sanitizer was a must. You can hire a towel and buy shampoo when you get to the hot springs in aguas calientes which was well worth a visit as after four days we all felt in need of some hot water. Don't forget your swimming things as the springs were incredibly relaxing after the trek. Also take some small coins with you to pay for some of the loos on the trip, also for some extra water if you need it. I had a warm waterproof hat which was really useful. Every night we filled our water bottles at camp with hot water and these were great when put in your sleeping bag to keep you warm during the colder nights. A disposable camera is great if you have problems with your camera, like one member of our group. The ponchos are really good as they are lightweight and keep you and your rucksack dry and are easy to take on and off. Don't underestimate the altitude and several members of our group took altitude sickness tablets. This helped one of our group who had been very ill on arrival in Cuzco.

Reviewed December 2013

THE INCA TRAIL

This trip is simply amazing, hard work in places but as our guide said, "Take your time" and you will get there. The stunning views and the whole experience is worth your hard effort and this has to be one of the best trips I’ve ever done.

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!

Reviewed December 2013

THE INCA TRAIL

We opted for the Moonstone trek, as we thought it would be more remote than the Inca trail , it was absolutely amazing, the only other people we saw on the whole trek were locals, and only about three of them. Outstanding views and pretty hard walking due to the altitude, but well worth it. Just excellent.

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

Reviewed December 2013

THE INCA TRAIL

It was the first time my wife and I had done this kind of holiday and it proved to be an amazing experience

Most Inspirational Moment

The great local people who seem to have fewer material things but are happy, it made me think about what's important

Thoughts on Group Leader

She was great, very patient and helpful as well as totally professional

Advice for Potential Travellers

Altitude sickness can be a problem, take the advice of your guide, slow down and believe that you will feel better soon!

Reviewed November 2013

THE INCA TRAIL

An excellently run trip with lots of time to acclimatise. Be under no illusions day 2 climbing up the steps to the top of Dead Womans pass is a killer, but so worth it when you get a glimpse of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate

Most Inspirational Moment

There are so many. the group waiting for me to finally get to the top of Dead Womans pass before us all taking the final step together. The first glimps of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate. Sitting quietly imagining what it would have been like all that time. Camping on what felt like the top of the world.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was great, very knowledgeable and helpful

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take walking poles, they are invaluable and can be picked up fairly inexpensively. A saviour for tired legs and really helpful for all the down hill walking.

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