TPJ - Inca Trail and Amazon 10 April - I am thinking of going on this trip .. would like to talk to others already booked on it
Hi Vicky
Both my brother and myself are doing the Inca Trail/Amazon Rainforest departing on 10th April.
We didn't bother to arrange anything ourselves choosing to do everything through Exodus instead - i have used them on numerous occassions for various other trips and have always found their service to be excellent.
Not quite sure what you mean re who is doing the usual inca trail as surely we all are - it being part of the trip and all?? Are you talking about the moonstone trek? If this is the case then no we are doing the normal trail.
Hope this helps
Hi Vicky,
I'm on the 10th April Amazon/Inca Trail trip with my brother in law. I've gone for the all-inclusive package, he wanted to go separately so booked with KLM via Holland. We go via America. Exodus subtracted the cost of the flights from his holiday. It was about £800 from memory.
We'll be doing the usual Inca Trail.
Regards,
Phil B.
Hi guys! Thanks for replying to my message.
I have now booked the trip. I decided to do the flights with Exodus in the end although I am staying for a fews days in NY on the way back.
Very excited and counting the weeks now. I have never done a trip like this so I am really looking forward to it although a bit scared of the trek... Will be running and walking a lot in the next few weeks to get fitter and ready for it.
Looking forward to meeting you all!
Vicky
Hi Vicky,
Our trip on the 24th was cancelled due to lack of interest. Which begs the question how you posted on our other post on the Tuesday and told us no further bookings were being taken and they didn't cancel our trip until the following week... I smell a rat, but having rebooked for this departure date it's anice smelling rat because we get to go 2 weeks earlier! :-)
We've never done anything like this before either but we do live in the Lake District so we've been tramping up and down the fells for a few weeks now in a desperate attempt to get fit.
We've booked our flights through Exodus and fly from London. If you know of 6 people then I guess Carron and I make 8. Anyone else going wants to say Hi?
Kind regards,
Paul
Hi Paul and Carron
I didn't actually asked them about the trip on the 24th as it said in the website that it was closed so I assumed that it was fully booked. The trip on the 27th March also showed as closed and they told me that it was fully booked but that one is not open to bookings again. I guess it was a good thing that you could be flexible to move to the earlier trip. Glad you are joingin this trip.. the more the merrier!
Looks like there is 9 of us so far. I am a solo traveller. I am Spanish but have been living in the UK for the last 15 years.
I am having my jabs on Friday and have now started walking and running in an effort to get fitter. There is so much stuff to think about in preparation for the trip. Very exciting.
Vicky
Hi Bibi,
What jabs are you having and where? I've still to organise mine. I've been advised that the yellow fever jab needs to be done at least 10 days before travelling.
Regards,
Phil B.
Hi everbody,
We were wondering what insurance you guys had opted for. Have you gone for the Exodus one to be safe or another provider?
We seem to have found a better deal with Insure and Go but struggling to find their wording on emergency rescue etc.
We are getting Yellow fever jabs in the next couple of weeks as you apparently can be a little afterwards... :-o
Is everybody flying from Gatwick? Reccomendations for car parking/hotel the night before? We are traveling from the Lake District, so need to stop over.
Regards,
Paul/Carron
Hi Phil
I went to my GP surgery and the doctor advised me to have 4 jabs ( having them tomorrow);
Tetanus,Polio and Diptheria (all in one this is how they come), Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Yellow Fever. The first three are usually free on the NHS, most GPs won't charge you. For the Yellow Fever one they are charging me £45. I also got a private prescription from GP for antimalarial tables. I went for the cheap ones (Doxy about £17 for a box of 50.. Must take them at least 2 days before travelling during trip and then 4 weeks after the trip... The alternative was malaron which are about £3 per tablet and need to be taken 2 days before, during and a week after trip... so about £60-£70. I was told both tablets work well for Peru and the amazon area. Hope this helps.
Vicky
Hi Paul/Carron
I am using my employer's insurance and paying a bit for adding the adventureous upgrade as the basic insurance only covers trekking up to 2000 metres.
I have used Insure and Go in the past. Make sure policy covers trekking to the right altitude though.
I though the group flights were from Heathrow.... I am booked on these flights which I was told were the group flights;
DateFlt. no.CarrierDepartTimeArriveTimeBaggageSeats10 Apr 2010CO035Continental AirlinesLondon Heathrow (4)08:40Houston12:4020kg110 Apr 2010CO590Continental AirlinesHouston16:00Lima22:2220kg124 Apr 2010CO1038Continental AirlinesLima22:45New York Newark07:40 +120kg Why are you booked on flights from Gatwick?
I am sorry but I dont know of any hotels near Gatwick. I am staying at my sisters the night before as she leaves near Heathrow airport.
Vicky
Thanks Bibi for the information. You reminded me I needed jabs so in the meantime I spoke to a GP and had the same ones as you today. The cost was the same - £45 for the yellow fever and the rest free on the NHS. So far I feel fine, but have been told my arms may go numb and I may develop a mild fever. I guess I'll find out tomorrow.
I've also been advised to take anti-malaria drugs as well and am going back next week to sort them out. I was told that some of them can cause nausea so I'll need to do some research into what I'll take.
Phil B.
So I have numb arms and fever to look forward to for tomorrow :) I am actually more scared of the needles than anything else.
I read a bit about the effect of the antimalarial tablets and you are right some do have small side effects but the reviews were mixed. I guess Malaron came out best but it is also the more expensive... Trying to cut corners after paying so much for the trip and thus why I decied to go for Doxy ( GP said the side effect were relatively mild and not everybody gets them).
Are you flying from Heathrow by the way?
Hope you dont get any fever or numbness : )
Vicky
The needles are okay - I didn't feel anything and there is no numb arm today. The tetanus jab is a little sore, nothing more.
I've parked at both Heathrow and Gatwick before and just gone through the web for on-site parking at each site. I think you pay pretty much the same whichever company you use, but distance from the terminal does affect price. I'll be getting a taxi/train as it's cheaper for me than parking for two weeks.
I think we may be all on different flights. My details are:
10 Apr 2010 CO029 Continental Airlines London HR 10:25 New York Newark 13:15
10 Apr 2010 CO1037 Continental Airlines New York Newark 14:45 Lima 21:26
24 Apr 2010 CO1038 Continental Airlines Lima 22:45 New York Newark 07:40
25 Apr 2010 CO018 CO New York Newark 09:00 London Heathrow 21:20
Phil B.
It does seem we are on different flights.. these are ours. Allthough its Heathrow not Gatwick, my error.
Date Flt. no. Carrier Depart Time Arrive Time Baggage Seats 10 Apr 2010 CO035 Continental Airlines London Heathrow (4) 08:40 Houston 12:40 20kg 2 10 Apr 2010 CO590 Continental Airlines Houston 16:00 Lima 22:22 20kg 2 24 Apr 2010 CO1038 Continental Airlines Lima 22:45 New York Newark 07:40 +1 20kg 2 25 Apr 2010 CO018 CO New York Newark 09:00 London Heathrow 21:20 20kg 2
It looks like the same flights on the way back (except for Vicky, who will be breezing around the big A) but some of us are going to Houston and some to New York as a stopover on the departure...
I need to sort this insurance out as it's quite a saving over the Exodus price :-)
Paul
Hi all
How are the preparations going? Are you walking a lot? I've been doing a bit of walking mostly on flat terrain.. I am getting a bit scare now about the trek! My legs are already hurting just thinking about it!
I had my jabs and it was OK apart from a big bruise that appear on my arm where I had the yellow fever jab. Phil, have you got your malaria tablets? I have decided to spend a bit more and get the more expensive Malaron ( 24 tablets for 58 quid at the local pharmacy). I wish they had booked me on your flight as it takes less time via NY than via Houston.
Paul/Carron.. I am glad you are on the same flight as mine. Have you sorted out your insurance?
Only a few weeks to go now.... can't wait!
Vicky
Hi,
We've both been really busy here, but sadly not with prep for the trip!
Carron has had her Yellow fever jab and I haven't yet. We still need to get Malaria tabs sorted. 1001 things to do!
Got our annual gold level insurance from Insure&go for £104 or so - and it covers white water rafting, I'm led to believe this may be an optional trip...
We've booked a hotel with parking near Heathrow and an additional night when we get back. Coffee at the airport if you like Vicky? And anyone else on the same flight? We'll sort something nearer the time.
How's everyone else doing? Getting excited yet?
Paul/Carron
Hi,
I've been doing some biking and jogging, but probably not enough. Next week I'm in Anglesey and intend to do some coastal walking for a day and hopefully some walking in North Wales another.
I intend to start buying kit for the trip in Betws-y-Coed whilst I'm there - some trousers, long sleeved shirt and a light sleeping bag. What's everyone else taking? For the Inca Trail, advice seems to be just the bare minimum. I'm still unsure if I want to take my DSLR along due to the weight.
What insurance policy did you go for (could I please have details)? I still need to sort this and the malaria tablets out too. I'm on a later flight, so probably won't see anyone until I arrive in Peru.
Regards,
Phil B.
Hi Phil,
It was quite simply an Insure and Go Gold 'annual family policy' I think I can email you the policy handbook and details in PDF format if you supply an email address.
Very very quick to set up, try popping on the site and getting a quote. I think we went for Gold because of the level of cover needed to cover a £5000 trip (two of us).
Regarding clothing: As we live in the Lakes and we really should get out more (I'm into photography too Phil). We've invested in some craghoppers pants and stretched to a pair of Rohan pants each too. We've also gone for Craghopper 'Nosquito Lite' shirts (Can you tell there has been a sale on lol) windproof light jacket and gortex waterproofs (paclite). We've not opted to buy sleeping bags and have phoned Exodus to book them over there. 100% deet mozzie repellent, plenty of medical stuff too like plasters, hygene gel for hands, incect bite cream etc. for the Amazon - we've been eaten alive before and have no wish to repeat the experience!
I don't actually think it will be that hard a walk, 27 miles over 4 days - 7 miles or so a day? Not that much really... The wife can do that shopping up town....
I've wondered about my DSLR too and have decided to take it. Hell, it's the Inca trail! I'll never go again...I don't mind lugging it about.
Paul
Hi all,
Just wondering about your ages and location in the UK?
We're 36 (Paul) and 43 (Carron). Nearest 5 years for the ladies if you're shy... ;-)
From Kendal/Cumbria
Cheers
P/C
Hi guys!
Paul, thanks for the tips on clothing and other stuff to take. I have more or less bought similar things for the trip. How much did Exodus quote you for hiring the sleeping bag. I don't have one and I am thinking of hiring one over there to save on some space in my luggage just in case I do any shopping in NY. I bought a 50% deet insect repellent... do you think that would be enough?
I am also thinking of taking my samsonite hard case suitcase with wheels as I do not have a holdall. What are you all using as baggage?
Phil, hope you are having fun and enjoying your walks in Wales. I did a 15 Km walk on Sunday to a coastal village near where I live and it wasn't too bad but it was on flat terrain and no altitute!
As for my age, I am 40 and live in Colchester in Essex but work in London and spend a lot of time in Ealing, London at my sisters. I believe the nine of us on this trip and on the 35-45 range according to Exodus.
I just have to do the visa waiver application for the states and buy a few bits and pieces and I will be sorted. Can't wait to be there!
I would love to meet for a coffee at the airport. Let's arrange it near the time.
Vicky
I bought a dry flat bag from this website to keep camera, phone and passport safe and dry. Apparently they are very good.
http://www.over-board.co.uk/catalog/?gclid=CObKjMG7wqACFSGElAod62-Lag
V
I went a bit potty in the sales as well - I think I'm probably craghoppers best customer of the year so far! Have pretty much got everything I want now though I think - just need to get my malaria tablets and some deet and some water purification tablets.
Myself and my brother both live in Warwick, I'm 39 (Lisa) and he is 42 (Lee). We haven't been doing anything special training wise but we do both go to the gym so have just carried on as usual with that. I decided it was not going to be too difficult walking wise - as already mentioned by Paul the distances are not great - It will just be the altitude, if anything, that makes it tricky.
Has anyone done their electronic travel authority yet? If so what did you put in the box for address whilst in America? I know that sounds stupid but I don't want to muck it up - do you leave it blank, put not applicable or what?
I've got a 3/4 season sleeping bag from previous trips which is quite bulky but if it gets cold at nights I'd rather be warm so that's coming with me.
I also quite like photography - although I'm hopeless and not very good and have got very carried away and bought a panasonic lumix fz38. I just need to learn how to use it before we leave....I could be in trouble!
tenlegs (Lisa)
Aaargh the visa!! Forgot all about it, well done Vicky!
Just a couple of things left to get, Malaria tabs and my Yellow fever jab really.
The sleeping bag was £25 and we pick them up over there... so not a luggage issue. We asked Exodus about sleeping bag liners and were told that the bags were well cleaned after each trip.
50% deet should be fine - Carron is paranoid about Mozzies lol - don't forget Deet eats plastics/clothing etc so only good for skin. Other repellents should be used on clothing.
We are taking normal suitcases and probably using the Exodus holdall for the trip to the Amazon. We also have a rucksack each for the trek - they are Camelbak 3 litre water ones. We plan on traveling light too Phil.
The waterproof bag is a good idea, we are using simple slide shut food bags for passport etc. Or might use the 'secret' passport pocket in the craghopper shirt (you know what we mean don't you Lisa?)
I have a Sony Alpha A100 with 18-50mm and 70-300mm lenses but just taking two batteries, one 4gb card and just the shorter lens. Might not take the charger. Plus Samsung compact. And... just bought a HD camcorder, had to. Thats's what I told the wife! So that's coming too. (maybe not so light after all).
Lisa- By Electronic Travel thingy do you mean the USA Visa? If anyone else has filled this in would love to know what you put? Are you on the same flight as us and Vicky? Sadly Phil seems to be on a later flight.
Vicky says there are 9 of going and 7 of us are in the forum, I might drop Exodus a line and ask if they'll email the other two and see if they want to drop in here and say hello. Bit of a unique experience chatting to people we'll be traveling with prior to actually going!
Take care all - we're nearly there.
Hi all,
Just completed the visa and in answer to one of the questions about what to put in the address box within the USA...
I put 'In transit - Lima'
Regards,
Paul
Yep - I've just been on and done our travel authority as well - don't know what I was worrying about, it was really easy - that will teach me to read things properly before doing them!
What is everybody taking money wise? - Travellers cheques, dollars or sol? and how much?
Is everyone just thinking coffee at the airport as we are definately going to want breakfast. What time are you thinkink of meeting up?
Hi all, looking forward to meeting everyone, although getting concerned by all the training you're all doing. Fell walking and coastal walks? Lisa and I managed to get trollied in the local clubs but thats about it. She has erred to the fact we go to the gym but most of the time is spent in the jacuzzi so I am looking forward to some quality hotels on the trip!!
I have had all the jabs but seem to be the only one who had an adverse reaction and ended up with 2 days off work, so looks like I will be the one taking altitude sickness for the team!
we are on the Heathrow via houston flight so the coffee/breakfast get together looks like an early one. If anybody wants to suggest a time, we'll see you there.
Hi,
Definately not taking travellers cheques. Probably a 70/30 split of Dollars/Sol some info here.
http://www.therealperu.co.uk/guide/LanguageMoney.aspx
We like to eat too lol. Well, the flight is at 08:40 (10hr flight then 6.5hr from Houston to Lima) so going on the advice Exodus mention in their joining instructions we'll be arriving to check in at the airport at about 05:30ish. So propose breaky at about 06:30ish at Garfunkles (can anyone confirm Terminal 4?).
The link at the bottom of this post is based on a search I did for breakfasts at T4 Heathrow - Garfunkles seems ok, they do a 'Great British Breakfast' for £7.25 judging from their menu. (Big link lol, but it works...)
What sort of reaction did you have Lee? I'm going for mine on Thursday. Couple of days off will be fine by me.. :-)
http://www.heathrowairport.com/portal/site/heathrow/template.PAGE/menuitem.db266045e5632a72f4b12871120103a0/?javax.portlet.tpst=a1877ef0540245720f92c310aca12635&javax.portlet.prp_a1877ef0540245720f92c310aca12635_shoptype=Restaurant&javax.portlet.prp_a1877ef0540245720f92c310aca12635_SAVE_SUCCESS=true&javax.portlet.prp_a1877ef0540245720f92c310aca12635_form.validation.flag=true&javax.portlet.prp_a1877ef0540245720f92c310aca12635_shop=0d4caaf7210f4110VgnVCM10000036821c0a____&javax.portlet.prp_a1877ef0540245720f92c310aca12635_SHOW_SHOP_PAGE=true&javax.portlet.begCacheTok=com.vignette.cachetoken&javax.portlet.endCacheTok=com.vignette.cachetoken
Paul/Carron
Hi Paul
I had the yellow fever and typhoid jabs together and ended up with flu like symptoms that kept me in bed for 2 days, sounds good but I haven't had a sick day for 12 years so was gutted.
Garfunkels it is then, had a quick look and has mixed reviews, but at that time of the morning??
Lee
Hello all! Being meaning to write a message for days but I never seem to find the right time to do it!
Paul, thanks for the info on the sleeping bag and the insect repellent. I got some stuff to spray on clothes too following your advice but in any case I also know about the secret pocket on the graghopper shirt... I hope we all have different colors... :-)
Nice to hear from Lisa and Lee. Looking forward to meeting you all. Granfunkles at 630am sounds good to me!. Lee sorry to hear you were so ill.. BTW, I got some altitude sickness tablets just in case...
I guess everybody has filled in the visa waiver by now... I actually put the address in NY where I am staying on the way back.
Lisa, you were asking about how much money to take... I am still considering that one... I think it will be around the £500 mark .. and agree with Paul.. about 70/30 split... I believe it is easy enough to change dollars into soles at the airport in Lima upon arrival, so not sure if I will get them here or there.. what is everybody doing?
Phil, did you buy the sleeping bag? how much does it weight? I still have not decided if I am taking one with me or hiring one there. A friend has one that she can lend me but she still has not figured out what season it is and I have not seen it yet.
Unfortunately, I am not into photography like the rest of you ( I wish I was!) and I am just taking a tiny digital camera with me but I'll watch and learn from all of you!
My spare room is a mess with all the stuff for the trip spread all over the place. Not long now! Really looking forward to it now....
Vicky
Hi,
I bought a Mountain Equipment Lamina 20 Long based on the advice given at Cotswolds in Betsw-y-Coed. It's 1.5KG, more details here: http://www.nomadtravel.co.uk/catalog/view/mountain-hardwear-lamina-20-sleeping-bag
I was originally going for a 700g-800g bag, but it was explained to me that the amount of fill in the bag would not be sufficient to keep me warm as the bag would be too snug. If the bag is tight around the body then the fabric is taut which compresses the fill-space, reducing the bag's ability to retain heat. I'm also a little too tall to fit the standard bags so thought it better to buy a comfortable one. Definitely try out the bag if you can before buying. I also bought a liner for it and an extra water-resistant bag (just in case). I expect the porter will be carrying it, and having weighed out some of my other kit, don't think the 1.5KG will be a problem. I expect the water to weigh the most in the day bag.
I was also given advice on day bags as I had the one I was going to take on me. I didn't buy one at the time but have since ordered the Osprey Atmos 35 online. I visited the Cotswolds shop in Piccadilly, London, but they were more interested in selling rather than listening to my needs and giving advice. I can't recommend the Betws-y-Coed shop enough, BTW.
I'm just about done with kit now!
I've still to sort out insurance and malaria tablets which I expect to get done today.
Phil B.
Nice sleeping bag Phil. Thanks for the advice. I am taking a Vaude Wizard Air 24+4. Just bought myself a 2 litre hydration pack yesterday. I think I am done with buying too.
Get a few quotes for your malaria tablets.... One of the local pharmacies I tried was the cheapest at £57.60 for 24 Malarone tablets (the expensive ones). Sainsburys and Asda were next at £60. Others quoted me more than £80. You can even get them a bit cheaper online but I just couldn't be bothered with all the hassle of having to send them the prescription by post...
Vicky
Hi all,
Vicky, which altitude tablets did you get? We probably won't bother with them or if we change our minds get them over there.
I had my Yellow fever jab last Thursday and no problems at all, not even a sore arm, Carron tells me hers is still sore... Also got our Malaria tablets today Doxy-wotsits and they were £16.20 for both of us but we'll need to take them for 4 weeks after.
10 days to go!
Paul/Carron
Paul, I got prescribed Diamox Capsules and no less than 30 of them so don't worry about buying any... you and the rest can have some of mine if you need them! ( Hope none of us have the need to take them anyway!).
I still have not got my money sorted out... are you getting the soles in the UK with the US$? Post office?
Getting very excited now!
Vicky
Vicky
Hi,
Insurance is now sorted with Insure and Go.
I ended up paying around £64 at a local pharmacy for 23 malaria tablets. I considered shopping around, but I don't think I'll get the time before I go. My fault for leaving it so late in the day. Dollars I'll get next week. I used www.interchangefx.co.uk for a recent Paris trip who have a branch in Queensway, London. If you use them, ask for the internet rate (check it first), as the tourist rate in the branch is not as good. I'll ask them to order Sols as well, if they can.
So what's left? A small medical kit, a water bladder and some string!
Phil B.
Did you gor for Gold insurance Phil? Don't forget to bring a copy each of the policy. It's required or they make you take a policy out over there...
We've printed 3 copies out of EVERYTHING lol, one each and one to leave at home with relatives in case something happens. Paranoid has got nothing on us!
Paul
Hi Paul,
I went for Black as I will probably be going away again in the next 12 months.
I've contacted the exchange in Queensway and they can't source me sol. Has anyone else bought sol as the Post Office website has a minimum order of £350?
Regards,
Phil B.
Hi all,
Lisa and I got £450 sols between us from the post office, ordered last Saturday and collected today. I had made enquiries with HSBC who take up to a week to order but I didn't ask the minimum amount. Dollars next week. In total I think we are taking about £600-£700 dollars each just to be sure.
We have given up buying stuff now as it really is doing our heads in. What to wear? it's worse than a girlie night out! Very uncharacteristically, and largely due to having bought clothes I don't normally wear, my bag is already packed and ready to go! If I've forgotten anything then it's too late.
Can't wait now, see you all at Garfunkels
Lee
Hi Phil - You got me a little worried about the availabilty of Peruvian Sol so I phoned Thomas Cook who are our normal supplier. £300 worth ordered for Sat without a problem. Plus some Dollars...
Regards,
Paul
Hi Lee - Can totally ephasize with you about non stop buying, it'ss upposed to be a rough and ready trek... I would spend less on a posh cruise! :-)
Being straight forward northeners we are unfamiliar with city life and the exploits of those down south (south of Manchester is 'down south') but appreciate things are a bit more 'liberal' there so we are quite looking forward to hearing about your 'girlie' nights out Lee?
:-)
Paul
I couldn't agree more with you guys about the non-stop buying... I am also thinking of doing more travelling this year if nothing else to amortise all the money spent on clothes and gear for this trip : )...My last piece of shopping will be some pens and air balloons to give to the kids there (or the porters for their kids) as apparently that stuff is very much appreciated.
Phil, I called the post office and my local one can order Soles and have them ready to be collected the following day - no minimum order. If you pay by cash you can avoid the charge of your credit/debit card provider when buying currency- most do!. Rates just slightly lower than online... but one thing compensates for the other.
Lee, you are so well organised!! packed and ready to go! well done! I'll be packing the day before as I usually do! : )
Are you all taking the exodus kitbag with you for the trail?
Have a nice Easter!
Vicky
I've asked my local Thomas Cook to get me £230 sols this week.
I've just got to get a nosquito lite shirt (as everyone raves about them here) for the jungle.
Has anyone checked the arrivals forum? I've just read this and found it very useful:
http://www.exodus.co.uk/forum/post/11963-advice-inca-trail-and-amazon-rainforest
I think Lisa and Lee are spot on with the amount of dollars they are taking, based on the experiences of "iinman".
Yes we are taking our kit bags as we've noticed on other peoples photos that there are Exodus kitbags lined up next the tents.
We're just hoping we've not cocked up any paperwork or anything!
Our Malaria tabs say 'no alcohol', this is going to be a problem!
See some of you at Heathrow and the others on the next continent!
Paul Carron




Hiya
I am thinking of booking this trip departing on 10 April. Would like to find out from people already booked on it if you are booked on the group flights through Exodus or did it yourself, and who is doing the usual Inca trail.
I have been told that 6 people are already booked on this trip.
Woud be great to hear from any of you.
Vicky