Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The Andean scenery on the Moonstone Trek was stunning, especially on the third day as we descended towards the Sacred Valley. Unexpectedly coming across the ruin of an Inca Temple in that high and isolated place, in the shadow of the beautiful snow-capped Mount Veronica was truly evocative. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our lovely group leader, Flaminia, is one of the best I've ever had the pleasure to travel with - knowledgable, helpful and patient. Her guided tour of Machu Picchu was particularly excellent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be very careful with what you eat and drink, and you should have no health problems.Be prepared for blistering heat, near-freezing night time temperatures, and rain.Don't be put off by the long days spent in the 'bus - the scenery is spectacular and ever-changing. Take the optional flight over the Nazca lines if you can - trust me, this is the only way to see them. 

Suggestions

Probably one of the most fascinating and varied of my many adventures - thoroughly recommended.

Most Inspirational Moment

Finally arriving at the Machu Picchu guard house having completed 4 days of walking through the mountains and just soaking up the sublime view.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Really helpful and calm, but organised and kept everything flowing with no issues. Knowledgeable and friendly too

Advice for Potential Travellers

The Inca trail gets cold at night- make sure you have a good sleeping bag (warm in minuses), walking poles were surprisingly useful.

Most Inspirational Moment

Looking down over the monster of a climb we had all successfully completed, sitting at the top of Dead womens pass and taking in one of the most breathtaking views I have ever seen.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Carlos was fantastic. He always talked with great passion and enthusiasm and he never failed to make things fun and interesting.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take your walking poles!!

Suggestions

Our porters on the Inca trail where amazing. The amount of equipment they carried over a trek that I found challenging with just a little day pack was so impressive.The food that was cooked for us on the trek was outstanding. It kept us all going!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole group making it to the top of Dead Women's Pass, and all the way to the Sun Gate.The view from the Sun Gate down to Macchu Picchu was surreal - but well worth all the effort!Seeing how everyday people in Peru live gave me much more insight than a "normal" holiday would have done.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Carlos was absolutely brilliant! He looked after us perfectly, giving us enough freedom when we needed some space, but always being there if we needed any advice or help. He also tailored our trip to perfection, and was able to "read" the wishes of the group.A very good asset for Exodus to have!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't worry too much about the altitude. The aclimatisation days (and advice to stay off alcohol!) work a treat, even if some of the walking has to be done at a slower rate than you may be used to...

Suggestions

I had an incredible holiday - perfect in the amount of activity and "off" time. The camping on the Inca Trail was good fun, and the food delicious - how can two men achieve that with just a double ring calor gas stove?The complimentary activities (for me, the Trail was the main draw) were interesting and fun, meaning, unfortunately,  the time flew by.A great holiday that I thoroughly recommend!

Most Inspirational Moment

Lake Titicaca and the reed islands; Saqsayhuaman; Tambomachay; Raqchi;Dead Woman's Pass; Machu Picchu; Ballesteras Islands.  All breathtaking and all " wow " moments.  

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide, Karlos, was knowledgeable, organised and so hard working with all his focus being to make this the best experience for all of us in the group which brought our diverse group very much together.  Excellent chap who brought out the best in his support groups too from porters to drivers.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared - physically and emotionally.  Also remember it is a developing country and there will be problems with plumbing and toilets.

Most Inspirational Moment

The trek along the Inca Trail was amazing.  The scenery, the exotic vegetation of the cloud forest and the many Inca ruins along the way all contributed to the anticipation and excitement of reaching the Gate of the Sun and our first sight of Machu Picchu.  We were not disappointed!The Peruvian people were so cheerful and uncomplaining, especially or porters and drivers.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader, Fabrizzio, was brilliant.  He was extremely efficient, very knowledeable, patient and friendly.  Thanks to his excellent organisation, everything worked like clockwork.  He worked hard to make sure that everyone got the most enjoyment out of the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do it!

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking the Inca trail and seeing Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate. Despite seeing many photos previously I wasn't prepared for the hugeness of the siteAmazing food whilst campingRiding in the dune buggy and sliding down the sand dunesSeeing the Humboldt penguins in Ballesta IslaTalking to the Peruvian peopleTravelling with a great group of people

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabrizzio was an excellent guide, very friendly and very caring. He has a very laid back attitude but is extremely well organised. Fabrizzio was very concerned for our well-being and ensured that we drank plenty of water and rested well and always checked how we were doing particularly when people had been unwell but he was never obtrusive. He was clearly very proud of his county and shared his knowledge with us. He also took us to some excellent restaurants. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

 Things I would have liked to know:If you fly from Lima to Puno be prepared for feeling extremely tired for the first couple of days even if you take it easy and also be prepared for headaches, almost everyone in our group suffered headaches for the first 2 or 3 days.Wear waterproof trousers on the boat trip to Ballestas Island - the sea was very choppy and we all got wet - it was like a theme park water ride.Do the Dune Buggy optional excursion and sand boarding it's great fun and excellent value but don't put sun cream immediately before or you'll get plastered in sand.The long coach trips are inevitable and the roads can be very winding making it difficult to read so audio books or Ipod will help pass the time. We had someone who knew lots of games so we were kept entertained. A pack of cards might also be useful particularly when you are camping. Take dollars and change into soles - you will need both, your guide will advise how much to change and there are many opportunites.  If you are travelling with United Airlines via Houston they do not do vegetarian meals on the Houston to Lima stretch so make sure you buy something at the airport if you're likely to get hungry. If you don't like your room for any reason politely ask to change as the guide and the hotel are keen to ensure you are happy.Take a swimming costume for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes. Towels can be hired and you can buy soap and shampoo very cheaply. It's just what you need after 4 days trekking and they even serve you a beer in the pool - heaven! There was also a pool in the Nazca hotel.Poles were a must for coming down the many steps on the Inca trail. Hire a sleeping bag then you only have it for the days of the trek, you also get a thermorest mattress and the sleeping bag is a four season so keeps you snug and warm. 

Suggestions

If you're thinking of doing this trip go ahead and do it. If you enjoy walking and are reasonably fit you'll be able to cope with the trek. There is no need to rush as there is nothing to do at the campsite so take your time, enjoy the views and put one foot in front of the other and you'll get there.I am scared of heights so had some concerns about edges but there was no need the paths are wide and there aren't any exposed edges. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Surviving Dead Woman's pass and of course the view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate. The sunset and then sunrise on the mountains as seen from the camp at the top of Phuyupatamarca Pass was spectacular. Dining on "Canadian" trout on Taquile Island in Lake Titicaca was a treat.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rene is passionate about the history and cultures of Peru and was eager to share his knowledge. He is well organized and handled whatever challenges came up with ease. We would enjoy any trip with him. Wilson was also very helpful on the trek.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take it slow. There is plenty of time and it is the best way to avoid altitude sickness. We are mid 50's and were not too far behind our younger friends. This trip's pace of 5 days is much better than other tours with only 4 days. Use poles - the steps can be brutal.

Suggestions

Take the optional tour of the Inca ruins around Cuzco and also the Ballestas Islands. The Nasca Lines have to be seen from the air if possible. We would use Exodus again but we don't understand their airport transfer and duffel bag policies for tour members from outside of the U.K. Most of our group were not from England (so had to pay for airport transfers and provide their own duffel bags for the trek), but Rene was kind enough to arrange our transfers and lend us stuff sacks.

Most Inspirational Moment

Ending the Inca Trail and first views of Machu Picchu were incredible. The approach through the sun gate and looking down on the city is one of the most marvellous sights in the world. Viewing the Nazca lines from the air in a small aeroplane (it's the only/best way to see them). This optional trip is currently advised by the British Foreign Office as a "do not do", due to a crash a few years ago. But I have to say I found the experience fine in all aspects (pilots, aircraft, service). You make your own choice.......... Definitely a fantastic experience.From a fun perspective, you cannot keep a smile (or scream) off your face on the dune buggy experience. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Words are not enough. I have been on several treks/experience holidays, Fabrizzio was the best!!!Patient, caring, supportive, friendly, just keep applying the adjectives.Can I please have him on all my future holidays?A few examples: he served all our meals on trek, he was always first up, he listened to everyone (never mind how insane their question), he helped everyone, he  made sure everyone had what they wanted, when they wanted it. He didn't try and control the group, but he made sure the group functioned.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Most of it has been said in other reviews.Take at least one pair of shorts, swimwear, a good sunhat.Take good walking gear, prepare for all weathers (a problem I know, but we had all weathers on the trek and through the rest of the holiday.)Some hotels struggle with the provision of hot water, plugs for sinks, towels are rarely in great supply. But generally they are clean and functional.Take currency in a mix of Sols and US dollars. My advice 20/80%.The food in Peru is very good, both local dishes and regular international dishes are always available. You will not starve! 

Suggestions

Be prepared for a lot of travelling!The basic journeys to and from Peru are long and tiring.Even more so if you are unfortunate enough to fly with United Airlines (my advice DON'T, ask for alternative routes/carriers)Overland journeys in Peru (Cusco to Nazca, Paracas etc ) are long, coach journeys. I think we covered 650KM in 2 or 3 days. Take a good book (Kindle).Exodus management of the logistics involved is superb.BUT it's all worth it. This is an opportunity to see MOST of what Peru has to offer. You can sleep back home! 

Most Inspirational Moment

The trek was by far the best part of the holiday, and the superb views driving through the Andes.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Fab(rizzio) was brilliant.  He dealt with everything we threw at him, all organisation was  excellent.  At times some of it appeared beyond his actual remit.  He also coped (better than the rest of the group) with a couple of awkward members of the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the long road journeys.

Suggestions

Only to say that the representative who met us at Lima when we were a day late, was not the sort of person we needed to see.  Instead of being supportive and assuring all was OK, he told us (as though it was our faults) that we would have to pay for our night's accommodation and the rebooked flight the following day.