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

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51 Reviews

4.9 out of 5

Reviews

The High Inca Trail - snowy peaks and a fascinating history

Two weeks in the Andes with spectacular scenery and a rich cultural history.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is hard to pick a favourite day or sight, as there was something special on each day. Personally I love snowy mountains so seeing Salcantay was special. Camping near the base of Salcantay was very memorable – a campsite in a spectacular setting, hearing and seeing avalanches, seeing the milky way and waking up with frost inside the tent!! On these first three to four days of the trek we had the trail pretty much to ourselves, and we were the only group at this particular campsite. I also particularly enjoyed reaching the end of the Inca Trail at the sun gate and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time. The setting, scale and craftsmanship is most impressive.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rolando was a fabulous guide with an encyclopaedic knowledge about pretty much everything! He is very passionate about his country, its history and culture. He imparted his knowledge with great enthusiasm, had a great sense of humour and was very encouraging if anyone was struggling e.g. on a steep section of the trail. He was also very organised, including arranging our departure times each day on the trail when we joined the main Inca Trail so we had the trail mostly to ourselves, with just a few porters. This meant we avoided the crowds and only saw other groups at lunch stops and the campsites. It was also a pleasure to spend time with assistant guide Javier on the trail.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You really can and do experience four seasons in one day on this trip so be prepared for temperatures ranging from what felt like plus 30 degrees down to about minus 10 degrees Centigrade. Take a full set of thermals, including thermal socks. If you take a metal water bottle this can be filled with hot water after dinner creating a hot water bottle for the coldest nights. It's best to take a proper cover, or if not use a hiking sock! Take a toilet roll and antibac hand gel. Not all toilets in Peru supply such items! On the free day in Cusco on return from the trail we booked a private guide and transfer for Rainbow Mountain which was spectacular. It was also possible to arrange to trip to Moray, Moras and the nearby Incan quarry in the Sacred Valley. Before you book the Lake Titicaca extension I would recommend checking with Exodus whether they have booked the tours to see the Uro Indians and Sillustani with a private guide. The four of us that did the extension were put with mixed tour groups for the morning and afternoon. This worked okay for the Uros Indians as the group was small and all English speaking. However for Sillustani there was one guide for two buses covering both English and Spanish speaking groups – basically the group was far too large meaning this afternoon was my least enjoyable of the full trip, the rest of which was very good.

Salcantay Pass and the Inca Trail

A fabulous 2 weeks trekking in the Andes. I’ve travelled with Exodus on a number of ‘challenging’ treks, and this one ranks highly both in outstanding landscapes, historical context and enjoyment. Conditions are challenging but this is a positive; it makes achieving the goal even more rewarding!

Most Inspirational Moment

Machu Picchu was far more spectacular than I had imagined; the magnitude of Inca architecture, craftsmanship and culture was humbling. We didn’t see a soul for the first 3 days on the Salcantay Trek; only when you join the Inca Trail are you reminded that it is a very popular tourist destination. That said, our itinerary meant that we avoided crowds by leaving later than other groups in the morning. Plenty of snack stops and a pace appropriate to the altitude also helped!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rolando, the epitome of professionalism. A lovely man who imparted such wide and thought-provoking knowledge of the Incas, and with immense pride in his country and culture. Calm in the face of adversity and sensitive to the individual needs of group. A special mention also for Javier, our second in command. A joy to spend time with; he will make an outstanding group leader when his time comes. I especially enjoyed the encouraging and supportive relationship these two men demonstrated throughout the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip notes outline very clearly just how cold it can get at night, but still my gloves were not adequate for the morning we trekked Salcantay Pass; invest in proper kit! Do your research on places to eat for the first couple of nights in Cusco; especially if you are a solo traveller as group meals didn’t happen until we reached Machu Picchu town.

Excellent Trek to one of the 7 wonders of the modern world!

Truly an excellent 2 week holiday! 7 days spent in the Peruvian Andes- 4 days trekking around Salcantay, 3 on the Inca trail, ending at the Sun Gate and that picture postcard view of Machu Picchu. If you have entertained the idea of doing this holiday, or a shorter version of the trek, I’d just book it! You will certainly not be disappointed.

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to choose just one but I would have to go with reaching the Sun Gate and getting the first view of Machu Picchu. It really is an eye opener and you definitely feel you have earned it after 7 days of quite challenging trekking through the Andes. As well as MP, the scenery in general, is truly magnificent. There are plenty of times when you'll want to stop and simply take in and admire your surroundings. If you are lucky and get clear skies during the evening, you should see the Milky Way.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bruce was excellent! Very professional, caring and made sure he understood the capabilities of the group. He has a passion to share his knowledge about his country and it's history and gave very detailed, interesting explanations when we stopped at archeological sites. He made every member of the group feel welcome and brought us all together as a 'family' for the two weeks we were together. A special mention needs to go to Cesar, our second guide. Knowledgeable and very likeable- along with Bruce he made sure all of our needs were catered for and that we all finished the trek in one piece. One final mention goes to the support team- cooks, wranglers and porters. These guys are like machines! While you're struggling up and down the trail, this team carries up to 25kg of equipment per person and make sure camp and lunch spots are set up well before you arrive. Truly awesome.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Train for this trek and be prepared for the change in altitude, it really does make a difference and you'll notice it when you reach the hotel in Cusco. As other reviewers have stated, pack for all seasons. At the highest camp (4,200m), you will be very cold and temperatures will fall below zero. The next day, you'll be in a valley and in temperatures above 20C. We were fortunate not to get any rainfall but it is still a possibility. Take a mixture of Peruvian Sols and US dollars, for use in Cusco.

Magical Machu Picchu

Amazing hiking over the Salcantay pass to the magical Machu Picchu.

Most Inspirational Moment

The anticipation of each turn the closer we got to the sun gate, and then the first view of Machu Picchu was incredible

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wilmer, our leader was very knowledgable and relaxed with the group - good fun

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take ear plugs! The frogs in camp 3 (might have been 4) are lovely but noisy, and you may get need them for the hotel in Machu Picchu town (depends what room you get) Also allocate at least 50soles per meal (includes one drink and tips) Food is amazing - there are great restaurants in Cusco, camp food - incredible Highly recommend green point in Cusco - it's vegan (I'm not) but they do a very reasonable set menu (4 courses) for 15soles and food is amazing (5min walk from hotel) - highly recommend

High Inca Trail

Fantastic trip … Challenging enough without killing you! It is your holiday after all!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Lying in the tent listening to the glacial avalanches on Salkantay was pretty awesome and of course getting that first sight of Machu Picchu.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rolando was great, so passionate about his Incan heritage and very knowledgable. He loves telling the story of the many sites you visit on this trek and really brings it alive. With regards the walking and the altitude, he was always looking out for everyone in the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It was colder than I expected in the evenings so if debating whether or not to take the 3 or 4 season sleeping bag or the down jacket - take the warm stuff!! The early start for Machu Picchu is definitely worth it - by 9am the place is packed!

The High Inca Trail

The High Inca Trail was more challenging than expected albeit very rewarding. Trip starts at high altitude and within a few days, there are a couple of long climbs that would not be a problem if it were not for the altitude. That said, I believe it was extremely beneficial doing The High Inca Trail (as opposed to just the Inca Trail) (which includes the Salkantay pass) as this most definitely prepares you for the part of the walk on the Inca Trail which climbs to 4,125 making this walk more enjoyable.

Most Inspirational Moment

Stunning scenery and culture and experience overall in Peru! I thoroughly enjoyed the town of Cusco as well - very impressed! Amazing to actually visit Matchu Pitchu which I have wanted to do for years!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the high altitude which is upon you quickly due to Cusco sitting at 3,400. The 10kg weight limit when you start that actual Inca Trail is extremely strict so be prepared. Take light clothes and lots of layers. It does get very cold camping. I was very grateful for my down jacket in the evening.

High Inca Trail

Epic in every sense of the word! We Trekked and camped in the most remote and awesome places, faced hot sun, sub zero nights, snow, wind, mist and rain! We star gazed, swam in a glacial lake, saw stunning sunsets and got up early to see the sunrise on Salcantay mountain. The many Inca sites and Machu Picchu were even better than we could have imagined!

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting up to see the sunrise on Salcantay Mountain, the first glimpse of Machu Picchu at the sun gate, and returning very early the next day seeing it shrouded in mist only to see it clear to give magnificent views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bobby was a great leader. He had great knowledge on both Peruvian culture and Inca history. On the last day in the Sacred Valley he went out of his way to arrange extra sight seeing visits.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't under estimate the huge variation of temperatures during the day! In the sun it can be really warm but in the evenings and night it gets extremely cold! You need a down jacket and warm sleeping bag and lots of extra layers.

High Inca trail as must do trip

High Inca trail was brilliant. Fantastic trekking, amazing trails and beautiful scenery. If things couldn’t get any better, to top it off we had a really fantastic leader in Tomas Llancay and also a brilliant second leader in Sebastian.
I would highly recommend the high Inca trail as you get to see a small part of Peru that not many other do and we had the trails mostly to our selves.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational part of my trip was camping at the bottom of Salcantay and then the following morning trekking up the Inca Chiriasqa pass. Though to be fair the whole trip was brilliant.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tomas Llancay was one of the best leaders that I have had so far on all the trips I have done. We always knew what we were doing and had great advise on what we could do on our free days. Huge knowledge on Inca sites, flora and fauna. Its was also lovely to see the encouragement he gave to Sebastian (our second leader) which allowed Sebastain to talk to us about some off the site we visited on the trail, which Sebastian did very well. He also want out of his way to help my partner find a perfect location for him to propose to me, with out me finding out.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you have a lovely warm sleeping bag as I was very greatful I had mine as it can get very cold on some of the camp sites.

High Inca Trail

An unforgettable experience. Great guide (Tomas LLancay) who managed everything without fuss and provided an education into Inca History en route. 6 nights of camping is not my favourite but this is perfectly acceptable with great food that kept my calorie intake up. Excellent acclimitisation at start so we all started well.

We were all strangely discombob. when we met the masses of tourists at Machu Picchu.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of the 3/4 passes.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Outstanding

Advice for Potential Travellers

JFDI. (I was just turning 65 so don't be put off)

high inca trail

A trip to Peru in october 2015 , a couple of days sightseeing to acclamatise to the altitude, followed by 6 days hiking in the Andes, following the high Inca trail, we had fantastic weather, no rain , excellent company and brilliant support staff, guides , horsemen and porters and the Chef made fantastic food, and a chance to see the iconic Inca ruins macchupicchu made for a superb holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

The six days hiking getting to Machupicchu was fantastic, the high mountain views and varying landscape was incredible, the numerous Inca ruins were a treasure to see, varying wildlife , birds and flowers added to the adventure and the thought of finally seeing an anceint Inca stronghold was enough inspiration for all to complete the trek.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wilfredo was an excellent guide, very knowledgable in all things Inca, good understanding of individual hikers needs, all ways willing to help and resolve issues and knew the mountains well providing excellent camp sites with fantastic views

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go with an open mind , expect the unexpected, the weather and temperatures can vary in the mountains so go prepared. check the packing list but only take essentials due to weight restrictions