Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Many moments were deeply memorable: the first sight of Machu Picchu is as breathtaking as the pictures. Our guides were delighted that the sun shone but a bit of misty cloud would have been my ideal atmospheric visual experience. The site is pristine thanks to llamas that graze and keep the grass neat and it was not over-crowded with visitors. Out homestay was a delight in so many ways: local food and traditions and a really warm and honest welcome to the family home. The Inti Raymi festivities as already mentioned. The sites that presented the Inca agricultural innovations - some of these were optional as part of the Sacred Valley tour: salt pans and agricultural laboratory terracing and I strongly recommend this additional trip. On the last morning we went to the Larco Museum. It is not included in the trip, but I think that all of the group got taxis there. It is an excellent museum with fascinating objects, well displayed and described in Spanish and English. It also has a good restaurant.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was very well organised and took great care with health and safety. Unlike some other Exodus trips that I have been on there were a lot of additional guides. It may be a Government tourism policy to employ local people but their skills and knowledge was variable from excellent at the Santa Catolina convent, to charming but poor at Machu Picchu. The number of additional people who were part of the planned programme (not the optional ones) also added to the cost of tips etc. which was well above the Exodus suggested kitty so maybe Exodus should review their estimate.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The Trip Notes are for all the Exodus Peru trips so read with care and do your own research about what to take e.g. we did not have porters but I gave the children's clothes I had brought with me to the family on Amantani island, which was fine. There are a number of extra, optional activities to suit different interests. We were pleased with the choices we made but some people who did other things reported that they were disappointed because the description of what they were going to see did not match the reality. I recommend reading up in advance or with a non-listed option ensure that you get details so as to minimise the chance of disappointment. The tipping kitty only went to the male porters and not to the female chambermaids.

Most Inspirational Moment

Its difficult to choose just one as each day revealed some new place or aspect of Peruvian culture. Machu Pichu really is stunning and as magical as it looks in the photos. I personally found travelling through the Andes very inspirational. I hate long journeys by road (I suffer from motion sickness) and I was dreading the road journey but the scenery of the Andes really is breathtaking. So glad we traveled overland instead of flying straight to Cusco. Its inspired me to consider further overland journeys.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Giuliano was an excellent tour leader. He ensured all our transfers, arrivals, hotel check ins and local guided tours were well co-ordinated. He was knowledgeable on local places and history, he was also very responsive to requests from members of the group to do additional activities, vary the itinerary. As a tour leader who has previous experience of gourmet food tours he also gave us some great recommendations for eateries.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The pace of the trip is full on and everybody suffered a little with altitude. Some were very tired, others developed sinus problems, others had upset stomachs or felt nauseous. Only one encountered breathing problems and was immediately put on oxygen and handled expertly by our tour leader. I personally opted to take Diamox for altitude and had no problems breathing at altitude but I did still experience slow digestion and on occasion had an upset stomach. Fortunately I had a big bag of medical remedies from home and my advice would be to bring these with you. I recommend bringing hydration salts and over the counter remedies for an upset tummy/indigestion. I bought a ticket to hike Montana Machu Pichu 3 months in advance, for the morning of the 2nd day in Machu Pichu, . Since there are only 400 available a day, mountain hiking tickets sell out months in advance, if this is something you want to do email Exodus and they will advise you the date you need to purchase the ticket and details of timing. Be aware you have to be very fit and get up early (5am) and be back at the hotel by 2pm. Practical suggestions of things you should bring for the trip - A stash of tissues, antibacterial wipes (essential), small overnight bag/daypack and a good supply of cash. Opportunities to use credit cards are limited to the more expensive shops and restaurants. Also whilst ATMS are available, they are not always on the doorstep as you often stay in remoter locations.

Suggestions

The age demographic of the group took me by surprise. I was the only person there under 50, everyone else was at least over 60 and there were 17 of us. Whilst my travel companions were all good fun and young at heart I did, at times, feel like an outsider. Useful info to have: Luggage allowance on the internal flight to Lima is 23kg and you are permitted an 8kg bag in the cabin. Tipping Kitty was $83, it would have been good to know if Exodus had advised us of this in advance. It is worth having the tipping kitty as there are a lot of places where carrying our own bags could become a chore. Fortunately the bell boys and drivers did this for us and were tipped from the kitty. Shopping for artisan items is better when travelling in the Andes. If you see it and like it, grab it as you go, I found less unique items available and those that were ended up more expensive in Lima.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the condors.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Guiliano was the best tour leader. Always on hand to help, sorted every situation flawlessly and with a sense of calm, even when assisting one of the group with oxygen when they were unwell at altitude. What stood out was the forward planning and anticipation that Guiliano showed. We could get on with enjoying the holiday whilst knowing that everything was under control.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take American Dollars.

Suggestions

Go on this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing Machu Picchu with my own eyes & hiking up to the Sun Gate. Overnight Homestay with such a welcoming family on Amantani Island on Lake Titicaca was an honour & privilege. Seeing the Condors soar at Colchester Canyon.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Guiliano was absolutely amazing, he really couldn’t do enough for us and was always enquiringly about our health every day to ensure that people knew how to cope with the altitude etc. He had the patience of a saint - even when dealing with perhaps the more challenging individuals in the group !! In the evenings he gave us the option of having a group meal for those that wished to do that and took us to a wide variety of local restaurants. This was totally unexpected and as a solo traveller I really appreciated that extra effort. He showed such passion and knowledge for his Country & was very good at explaining the history and ways of the Peruvian culture to us. His command of English was very impressive.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take heed of the trip notes - it can get chilly so be prepared for that. Many of the hotels we stayed in did have electric heaters in the room but not all of them work efficiently even if there is one. Restaurants can also be cold - which I didn’t think about. Our internal flightback to Lima had a baggage allowance of 23kg not 20kg but worth double checking. Money exchange was very easy to find for both US dollars, UK Sterling and Euros, in most major towns and cities. Many shops took US Dollars in payment.

Suggestions

Time at Machu Picchu was a bit on the tight side as the obligatory guide seemed to waste a lot of time giving us the two hour tour ( he wasn’t very good to be honest & it’s a pity Guiliano wasn’t permitted to take us around). The afternoon visit is a good idea however as the site is much less crowded. I had to choose whether to go for the Sun Gate in my free time - which I did (1hr up, 20 mins at top, 45 mins to get down (but I’m used to hiking) but then couldn’t also do the guardhouse as it was roped off by the time I got back to it. All tickets for the optional sunrise visit the following morning were sold out by the time we got to Aguas Callientes. Not sure if it could have been bought online in advance but might be something Exodus needs to look at. On your second day walk along the riverside to the local Museum its well worth the time as they have a fantastic exhibit telling both the history and discovery and clearance of the Machu Picchu site ( beside the Botanic Gardens - which aren’t up to much - but included in the entrance fee). Take ID with you as they asked for a passport or equivalent.

Most Inspirational Moment

Machu Picchu is a pinch yourself can't beleive I'm here moment. My highlight of the trip!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Guiliano was fantastic. He couldn't do enough to help us all out. He was knowledgeable of his home country and had so many facts I've bought home with me. I honestly can't say enough about him. I hope any other trip I do I have a guide half what he was!