Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing soaring condors nearby in Colca Climbing around Machu Picchu  Sandboarding  near Ica and being amazed at how much I enjoyed it 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent  Good - very good - leader  Thought ahead about the expected and the unexpected  Very well  informed  A credit to you 

Advice for Potential Travellers

The flight via Amsterdam are much more conveniently timed  than those via the US And listen when your guide tells you to keep drinking water - when we got cavalier about this we did feel some - avoidable - altitude sickness 

Most Inspirational Moment

Without a doubt the final climb to Gilmans and then the summit was the highlight.  It was a tough evening but the sense of achievement at the top was amazing.We got on well as a group so it was brilliant that we all reached the top

Thoughts on Group Leader

The head guide Henry was excellent we had detailed breifings and good advice throughout the trip. Also his team of guides were very good.  They took execellent care of us particularly on summit night.In addition the porters were incredible - our porter met us half way down Kibo to help us with our day pack, and the food on the mountain was of a really high standard and there was plenty of it!

Advice for Potential Travellers

* Summit night was cold so be prepared* Take earplugs to help sleep in camp* We took diamox and would recommend taking it* Walking poles are on the kit list as optional but would def recommend taking them

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu after four amazing days walking was incredible, to the point I burst into tears. The site truly is magnificent and no words can describe Machu Picchu or the surrounding area. It's out of this world.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Marcial was incredible. Fantastic sense of humour, extremely well organised. He planned each day's walk so that we avoided the masses. I often found myself walking parts of the trail alone, although the guides were just a few metres in front or behind me, but it felt like it was our own. Ricky was also amazing, funny, cheeky in the best way and always had the best interests of the group at heart.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Layers are a must although the 7kg weight limit is difficult to stick to. However when you see the porters and how much they carry, you understand why the limit is 7kg. Good waterproofs as we had some rain are a must as is a good warm sleeping bag as it got cold at night on the trek.  Take a walking pole or two. We are so pleased we did in the end as they are a god send. Expect a lot of steps. Especially on day two. The walk is tough at points but stick to the pace of your guide and you will be fine.  We didn't suffer too badly with altitude sickness but we did take Ibuprofen regularly throughout the trip to stave off any symptoms. Also a water reservoir is much better than a water bottle as you can sip constantly which stops you stop starting alot on the up bits.We loved the hot springs at the end of the final day, as the feeling of hot water on your skin was amazing. (We also turned them into a Brits abroad holiday as we all had beers and were quite loud, very funny).Take something warm for the flight just in case the overnight flight is cold, like ours was and pack some spare clothes, toothbrush, baby wipes etc. in you hand luggage as the travelling is quite long.Enjoy every minute, as like I am now, you'll miss being on the trek so much. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mike is an exceptional leader.   He clearly has a passion for the outdoors and his knowledge was impressive.    Mike did an excellent job for the 2 weeks!  :)

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book it!  you will not regret it.   Its a good physical challenge

Most Inspirational Moment

Has to be when a young chap fell to his knees and asked his girlfriend to marry him. In Machu Picchu at the Temple of the Sun with all our group looking on. She said Yes.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excelllent guide, very knowledgeable and very well read.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Not much, it's a 4 day trek, the 2nd day is indeed a bit difficult, the 3 rd day is so and so, first and last are really easy. Service was very attentive, food was excellent but I still recommend you drink one dose of Dukoral beforehand just in case. Lots of stray dogs in Cuzco, way too many, none was aggresive but still, I felt uncomfortable, a dog bite is an immediate trip ending event. The 7 kg maximum porter bag weight was really hard to cope with. We had some rain, it was the last week in August, make sure you pack rain gear. Have sun screen and use it! also a light hat, the sun is very strong plus the hat will make double duty and protect you from burning. If you forgot anything there lots of stores in Cuzco where you can buy pretty much everything including memory cards for the camera. Pharmacies too if you need something. There are lots of ATMs in Cuzco, no issues. You should also be able to buy Peruvian soles from your local bank before leaving, I was able to in Canada. USD are accepted pretty much everywhere, exchange was roughly 2.5 new soles per USD. Take USD, no Euros or Sterling. Credit cards are also widely accepted. The hotel Exodus uses in Cuzco is a good choice. Do go on the side trips on the day of arrival and the following day, they are interesting and you will have the opportunity to see Inca ruins, craft markets and beautiful scenery. Do take it easy on the first and even 2nd day in Cuzco, it is 3,300 meters and you feel it the moment you exit the plane. Do not run!! it gradually gets better, when you're back from the trek you can run if you so wish.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing teh 360 degree view on Friday and being able to have lunch at such a magnificient spot.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I think Oliver is a very experienced leader, with a day he could assess everyone's capabilities within the group. He could accurately predict times, which I found a great help.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for good walking over the number of hours stated in the brochure. If you enjoy walking and are reasonably fit, all you need to do is pray for good weather and then just enjoy!

Most Inspirational Moment

We were able to be just feet away from 'wild' cheetah on foot, and in the truck saw elephant, rhino, zebra and giraffe, amongst others, closer than I ever imagined. The views from the top of the dunes at Sessriem were also breathtaking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader and camp assistants were wonderful. They were friendly, helpful and a joy to be around.

Most Inspirational Moment

Experiencing the fantastic Dunes and the desert environment with a guide/tour leader who had an amazing knowledge of creatures and plants and who was able to engage children and adults in his explanations. The second, equally brilliant experience was seeing so many animals and birds in their own environment - looking out for these made the long journeys pass quickly. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our 2 Leaders were equally amazingly good.  The first for his knowledge of his country and his ability to pass on this knowledge and interest to all family members and the second for his equally good knowledge but also for his fantastic meals - incredibly good - being family recipes in some instances and each day received with amazement that he could produce such good, varied food at all times.  The good natured way in which they managed the children enabled them to enjoy the holiday - giving them some freedom to spend their energy, and their patience in answering all questions in depth and so the young people will have learned a great deal about a culture different from their own.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for lengthy journeys between centres which are largely on rough roads.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching Gillmans,Stella,and last of all Uhuru Peak unbelieveable,fantastic

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abraham was brillant,he knew more about us than we did !! ( Health and Welfare )

Advice for Potential Travellers

Think positive and listen to your Guides and trek Leader.

Most Inspirational Moment

As most people have said to pick one would be difficult.  I loved the drive to the tea plantation, the Cave Temple at Dambulla and Polonnaruwa. But could easily have chosen the Temple of the Tooth at Kandy, or the bike and elephant ride or the historic port of Galle.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sujee was fantastic and gave 110% everyday. We had a group of 18, 9 children and 9 adults. As soon as we had arrived Sujee was making every effort for us to enjoy our holiday. He bought footballs for the children to play with in the pool so that by day two the children all knew each other. Where ever we went he had pre arranged for us to sit at the table with the best view, if there was a problem he sorted it immediately and where ever we went he was able to inform us about the places we visited. If you lucky he will sing for you on the coach!!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go to Sri Lanka before it becomes too busy and spoilt. This holiday gives you a great feel of Sri Lanka. Yes there is curry for breakfast if you want it, but also plenty of cereals, omlettes and fruit, my son never went hungry. Sri Lanka is relatively cheap so once you are there it will not cost you the earth to have a good time.  Try the Margaritas in the colonial hotel in Little England fantastic.