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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 Inca Trail & Salkantay Trek

Everything was very smooth. Trip notes were helpful, and logistics were all clear and set up. I always felt like I was in good hands with people who were capable of answering my questions.

Most Inspirational Moment

Truly detaching from the world and getting out to explore very remote areas of the country. I appreciated that it felt we were on our own journey, where very few people had gone before - did not feel touristy, and I appreciated that. Experiences felt unique and tailored to our group and what we were interested in or how we operated. Our guide - Jean Pierre - really made the trip so much richer with all of his knowledge, passion for the culture and history, and overall positive outlook. He was quick to help however he could and really showed each of us how much he cared about us and our experience along the way. This trip wouldn't have been possible without him and his leadership, along with the other staff - the chefs delighted us with amazing meals all along the way, and horsemen and porters all really cared for us too. Also, just the overall itinerary. I felt like it was very full without being too full & challenged us but in the best way - never more than expectations that had been set. Allowed us to see and do so much - it was an unforgettable, very rich experience & I am very happy with it overall.

Thoughts on Group Leader

JP really made the trip so much richer with all of his knowledge, passion for the culture and history, and overall positive outlook. He was quick to help however he could and really showed each of us how much he cared about us and our experience along the way.

For the adventurer who loves a challenging trek

This trip had a great mix of trekking and learning about Peruvian culture and Inca history. The views were incredible and there are so many Inca sites along the way. The food was an absolute standout!

Most Inspirational Moment

Finally reaching the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time was a moment I will never forget. It's been a dream of mine for many years and I can finally say I've been there. It is also a big reward after a tough 7 day trek. A special mention for the incredible meals prepared by the chefs on the trek. Wilbur and Antonio never served the same dish twice and always made sure they took everyone's dietary requirements into consideration.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Edwind was the best leader. He was extremely patient, calm (even when you werent), funny and professional. He paid close attention to the health and safety of the entire group and the Oxygen checks became the most anticipated event of the day. I thought that he managed the expectations of the group really well and allowed people to trek at their own pace. His knowledge about the Inca society is incredible, he is truly a treasure!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The weather can change at any time. I went during dry season and it rained pretty much everyday. Pack extra waterproof clothing and make sure you waterproof your kit bag and backpack. Walking poles are essential, and you may want earplugs as campsites can be noisy with barking dogs - or a 24hr Peruvian party.

Spectacular challenging trekking and amazing food!

This trip provides a fantastic combination of challenging remote trekking on the Salkantay section and over the Inca Chiriasca pass, the traditional Inca Trail with amazing site of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate, plus many fascinating Inca sites which were brought to life by our exceptional and knowledgeable leader, Edwind. The food on the trek was superb – big shout out to our amazing chefs – plus meals out in Cusco were a revelation, with beautifully presented, tasty options.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of the Inca Chiriasca pass in fantastic clear conditions. First sight of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate - one of those places that you've seen so many pictures of and can't quite believe you are there for real! It was all the more rewarding after all the days of hard trekking to get there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Edwind was amazing - funny, sociable, patient, knowledgeable, calm, organised, reassuring and encouraging. I have done several high altitude treks but felt that our heath was most closely monitored on this trip, with private/discrete discussions of any health issues, monitoring of altitude symptoms and daily blood oxygen level readings (which became quite competitive!). Edwind also brought all the Inca sites we visited to life with his amazing historic knowledge. He truly made the trip the best it could be and we couldn't have asked for a better leader and guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely take walking poles - the steep steps on the Inca Trail part are something to behold! Lots of warm layers, as many have advised - yes it really does get very cold in the higher camps. Take enough pants for the trek - washing might not be easy in the cold. Earplugs - Peruvians seem to like to party and there are lots of barking dogs! Walk at your pace - you will be well looked after no matter how fast or slow.

The Inca Trail & Salkantay Trek

Perfect holiday with a fantastic guide. We were very well looked after on a challenging trek; safety was paramount with our welfare checked daily. The guide was so knowledgeable and painted a vivid picture of inca life. The food was exceptional especially while we were camping at altitude.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arrival at Machu Pichu through the Sun Gate and staying at a high camp site under a glacier.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Edwind is a fantastic leader who imparted a vast wealth of knowledge about the Inca civilisation. Everything was organised perfectly and we were very well looked after and felt safe at all times. He ensured that everyone was introduced to each other which meant there was a lot off friendly faces on the treck, with great support from the porters and chefs.

Couldn't possibly have been better!

This was the trip of a lifetime – having long had Machu Picchu on our bucket-list: the actual experience (of arriving via the mountains) far exceeded all our expectations.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being able to watch the Inti Raymi festival as part of the tour.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We are hugely appreciative of the care and passion with which our tour-leader (Holger) guided us all the way and ensured that all our needs and requests were met.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for both hot days and very cold nights.

Wonderful Salkantay and Inca Trail

The Salkantay Trek gives you both remoteness, superb mountain and glacier views along with the Inca Trail and the reward of the inspirational Machu Picchu at the end. It’s definitely worth the extra days of walking and camping. We didn’t see any other groups for the first three days! There was high level of support provided by the leader, chef and porters. The food on the trek was exceptional – nutritionally balanced, plentiful and varied. The days in Cusco before the trek provided good acclimatisation as well as familiarising ourselves with Inca history. The Machu Picchu Museum was well worth a visit in advance of the trek.

Most Inspirational Moment

Camping close to the Salkantay mountain and glacier (there was no one else there except the Exodus group) and the first glimpse of Machu Picchu as we came through the Sun Gate.

Thoughts on Group Leader

William was a fantastic leader. He was extremely knowledgeable on the history and geography of the areas we walked as well as taking us to all the key sites in Cusco. He was always on hand to provide advice, whether we had questions about the trek or were looking for cafe and restaurant ideas in Cusco. He was always looking out for our health and well-being, including monitoring our oxygen levels and checking for effects of altitude. He always had our best interests at heart.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip starts at altitude in Cusco and reaches higher levels during the trek. Do read the trip notes so you are as well prepared as you can be in basic fitness for the ascents and descents and length of walking days. It’s cold at night (especially near the glacier) so make sure you take the clothes that Exodus recommend. Exodus provide a good sleeping bag if you don’t have one.I always take snack bars in case I need extra food on the trek, although we were provided with plenty of snacks and fruit (more so than other treks I have done).

Well organised, challenging, beautiful.

A challenging first few days over Salkantay pass etc., then a simply beautiful second third as we descend to the Sun Gate and into Machu Picchu itself, then a very relaxing few days sightseeing several amazing towns (Ollantaytambo and Pisac in particular – we only had an hour in Pisac and I’d’ve liked to stay there for an afternoon). The porters on the trip are amazing of course, but the cook was a genius! The most delicious trout in quinoa one night and cooked in a mess tent over a single gas stove…

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bobby was a fount of knowledge on plants and history every step of the way.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's can be a lot colder in the hills at night than you expect. Have a very warm sleeping bag and keep a dry underlayer at least for sleeping in.

Immersion in the high Andes

Really excellent trip. Altitude is an issue. We needed the first few days acclimatising in Cusco, where walking up hills seemed an effort. But we were acclimatised when the trek started. There are two parts to the trek although they merge seamlessly. The Salcantay trek is more remote, higher and supported by horses. Highest pass 5k metres. Highest campsite is cold enough to freeze your bootlaces (even Cusco is hot water bottle cold at night). Then you join the Inca trail which is more mainstream, less wild but still breathtaking, no horses but plenty of porters who skip up and down the trail carrying their loads. Not the most challenging walking, probably half the days were proper level 5 and the other half more like level 3. But on the Salcantay part of the trek you really do feel that you are in places where humans are not supposed to tread. Macchu Pichu is very touristy but stunning. The nights at Agua Calientes and Olanta are delightful and Cusco is a fabulous city to spend a few days. Lots of Inca sites – possibly a little too many history lessons for some. We were humbled by the care provided by the leader Edwind and his crew of chefs, horsemen and porters. A wonderful crew who really added to the trip. We felt safe and very well fed. Oh and Peru is a very welcoming country, no litter (pachamama), no smoking and very pleasant people.

Most Inspirational Moment

The massive unclimbed peaks of Saltancay, the avalanches, the black Llama in the night sky

Thoughts on Group Leader

Edwind was terrific. He became our friend. We spent a lot of time together in the food tent and he gets everything just right. Well maybe he could prune the history lessons a tad.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The altitude is a potential game changer. Walk slower than normal going up hill. Think carefully about packing. It gets down to minus 10 at night in the highest camp. The 10kg limit on the trek includes sleeping bag but not the mat. Take a powerbank as not electricity on the trek. Long nights in the tent so take something to read. You get a cold shower on night 4. Enjoy.

Absolutely Fantastic

I had high expectations of this trip and it did not disappoint, not one little bit. Cusco is a beautiful city, very relaxed, clean, and welcoming – perfect for acclimatisation before and relaxing after the hike. As for the hike itself it was tough at times but well worth the effort. I am so glad we decided to do the High Inca Trail, giving a few extra days to experience the stunning scenery. We were lucky to have perfect weather, clear blue skies and sunshine during the day, a little rain overnight, but mostly clear skies to admire the stars and milky way. The numerous Inca ruins we passed were mind-boggling – just how did they build these places in such precarious locations?! And Machu Picchu surpassed all expectations – it is truly breathtaking, an absolute must on anyone’s bucket list.

Most Inspirational Moment

The obvious one was seeing Machu Picchu for the first time. After this scaling the highest point, Incachirisca Pass, and surviving Dead Woman's Pass! But by far and away the most inspiration came from the porters, rushing past you on the trail to get to the next camp site before you, having been left behind to dismantle the site you had just left, laden down with kit - put your own puffing and panting with a day pack into perspective!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was brilliant. He set a good pace, made sure we didn't overdo it, and kept a constant check on our wellbeing. He was very knowledgeable, ensured everyone was included, and was unbiased and diplomatic when needed - which is often the case in group travel. Nothing was too much trouble for him, he was always there for us. Assistant leader was also great.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It may seem daunting, and it is tough, but it is totally achievable if you are prepared to give it your all. You can expect to feel the effects of altitude, suffer headaches, so be prepared.

Amazing trip !

Well, what a trip that was ! An amazing experience made all the better by excellent organisation by Exodus.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching our goal of Machupicchu was my highlight

Thoughts on Group Leader

Carlos Enrique, our guide & leader was phenomenal, he was not only very knowledgable about Peru’s history & the Incas but also very passionate about them too which made me even more interested. He is a true credit to the Exodus team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just book & go ! You will not be disappointed