MACHU PICCHU, TITICACA & THE AMAZON

16 days from GBP2,449 to GBP2,949 including flights
Tripcode: APA

Countries Visited: Peru

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Our Clients’ Reviews

Average Review Rating: from 9 reviews.

brian thombs

MACHU PICCHU, TITICACA & THE AMAZON
Written July 2009
This not a holiday! It is a true guided adventure, exploring the very best areas of Peru. Some very early mornings, but well worth getting up for. All excursions are conducted at a leisurely pace.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The view over Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate after a 6 hour walk up the Inca Trail, absolutely breathe taking, even though you've seen pictures of it hundreds of times the real thing is amazing.
The family hospitality on Amantani island, and the Reed Bed Islands is very humbling, and another experience not to missed.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader Arturo, made the holiday. His knowledge of Peru is second to none, born and raised in the sacred valley, he took us places, individual travellers would never get to. Always friendly, extremely helpful, nothing was too much trouble. A credit to Peru and Exodus.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Everyone on our trip suffered with the Altitude in some way, usually headache, loss of apetite, occasionally S&D. it only lasts a day or so, don't be put off.
You must do the optional one day walk, it makes Machu Picchu special. It an easy walk, made more difficult by the altitude, take your time its not a race, drink a lot of water and stop often to admire the views, flora and forna.
On this trip you will need Peruvian money most of the time, but changing dollars is easy in all the larger towns.
Take a good torch with you into the jungle, you need it, there is no electricity, but the standard of accomodation is very comfortable. You do however need to be very friendly with you neighbours,the partition walls don't go all the way to the roof.
Safe bottled water is available everwhere, as are lots of sft drinks.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This is one adventure you don't need to be super fit for. If you have always wanted to go but thought it would be too strenuous for you, this is the one to go one. All the walks prior to Machu are to condition you for the day walk, so go on them.
You get the best bargains from road side sellars, and the local markets, there are lots so you don't have to buy the first thing you see. Have a great trip.
Gill Mullinar

MACHU PICCHU, TITICACA & THE AMAZON
Written April 2009
For me it was a totally amazing trip. It was exactly as described in the brochure - and yet everything was fresh and surprising, Peru was wonderful, the colours, the people, the food, the ruins - I loved it.  Found myself smiling (even after lots of early morning starts) for the sheer pleasure of being in such a beautiful country and seeing so many extraordinary sights.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
It was all pretty inspiring but walking with one other person up Machu Picchu proper (the mountain is not usually shown in the tourist photos but offers miraculous views of the ruins) was a lifetime high - felt like we were on top of the world. Lake Titicaca and our homestay on Amantani Island were also very special.
What did you think of your group leader?
Brilliant.  Holger Davalos is a one-off! He turned our trip from a busy travel itinerary into a voyage of discovery. I'm not usually one for guided tours, but he was just the best. He managed the whole trip (and the group) perfectly - understood when to push us, when to step back, when to relax, and when to take over. By the time we saw our first ruin, we had started to absorb bits of philosophy, history, geography without even realising it. He never patronised or overloaded, was fun to be with and yet a consummate professional. He gave me the feeling that I could shape my own trip, that I was not a tourist but a guest, and that Peru had everything to offer, which it does.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Do the one day walk into Machu Picchu if you can. The first week of the trip is very well structured in terms of helping you to acclimatise, and our guide really helped by teaching us how to walk at altitude. Take decent walking socks into the Amazon with you - I only had thin socks thinking it would be hot and had to borrow thicker ones for wearing inside the wellington boots we all had to use for hiking. Getting the right balance between when to pay in sol and when in dollars was tricky and you may need to think quite carefully about how to make sure the Peruvians get the best deal from each transaction.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Don't go on this trip for a rest! It is busy, there are some long days of travelling and many early starts. But as an introduction to all that Peru has to offer it scored pretty high for me. And if you get an amazing local guide like we had, your trip is made.  I had a great time, learned a huge amount, felt excited, challenged, alive, exhausted - the perfect adventure.
David Shelton

MACHU PICCHU, TITICACA & THE AMAZON
Written September 2008
This is a hectic holiday that packs a lot into 2 weeks. It is great value, but you need to be prepared for some early starts and a lot of travelling. You may experience the extremes of snow in some parts and the heat and humidity of the jungle in others - be prepared for a lot of variety!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The walk to Machu Picchu - it was fantastic scenery and very well paced. Several people missed this and made the trip by train- if you can do it, this one day walk is great and it is the best way to arrive at the best site and view of the holiday.
What did you think of your group leader?
Brilliant! Well organised, very very knowlegeable and extremely patient with the group if we complained about an early start! Flaminia was also very kind to those who had problems with altitude sickness.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Make sure you have sufficinet variety of clothing to deal with the inevitable differences in weather. Also, take advice about altitude sickness and medication in advance if you can. For most people it is a mild headache and breathlessness, but if you have a cold or virus it can make you sick.
Finally, be prepared to be pleasantly surprised by the Peruvians - they do not chase you along the road to force you buy from them, they are polite and friendly. Different to many other countries.
Ian Maxwell

MACHU PICCHU, TITICACA & THE AMAZON
Written July 2008
An interesting introduction to Peru and the Galapagos. Accomodation was adequate with the exception of Puno (Lake Titicaca) were the walls were paper thin, and the Galapagos boat where we drew the short straw and had the smallest cabin below decks (no window) and inadequate space.Guides were generally good with the exception of our guide in the Galapagos whose English was inadequate and who was more interested in the performance than in imparting information.All transfers worked well.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The night spent with a native family on an island in Lake Titicaca. Basic facilities but sharing the home af warm-hearted and friendly people. Also the clearest skies with no light pollution.
What did you think of your group leader?
We had one guide, Arturo, throughout the majority of our trip in Peru. He was knowledgeable and took care that everyone in the group heard his explanations. The only criticism would be short advance warning of the need to pack small overnight bags.
Other guides in Peru were either excellent e.g. in the jungle, or at least adequate.
However our guide in the Galapagos, Victor, was a grave disappointment. His English was inadequate - we had trouble understanding him (and often did not succeed) and the Dutch and Belgians in our group were at a complete loss. He was also more interested in the performance than in the conveying of information. A grave disappointment when there was obviously so much that could be imparted.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take an emergency bath plug! Most basins only provide cold water and almost invariably have no plug.
When you have packed, carry your bag a couple of hundred yards and then take out anything you think you could do without. On this trip no smart clothes are needed, you will have to transfer to a small day pack on several occasions - Lake Titicaca, Machu Pichu and the jungle - and accomodation on the Galapagos boat will be limited, so don't take anything you don't need.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Exodus should:
1. Emphasise the need to limit baggage and the occasions when in any case you will be restricted. This is mentioned in the itinerary but not given adequate promenance in my view.
2. Advise in their briefing where laundry can be done. Laundry facilities are limited, not apparent and with some hotel stays being limited to one night pre-advise would be very useful.
3. Consider looking for a better hotel in Puno (walls too thin) and a boat with more space* for the Galapagos.
4. Be more open about the quirks of the accomodation e.g. in the jungle the huts are divided in two withe the other half often occupied by strangers. The walls do not reach to the ceiling meaning there is absolutely no aural privacy!
* On the Galapagos boat our cabin, which was admittedly the smallest on the boat, was below decks (no window) and had only two small drawers for storage. The bunks were five foot eight long (my head touched the wall at the top of the bed when my feet were flat against the wall at the foot) and would be uncomfortable for anyone of above average height. I had to share the bunk with our luggage due to the lack of storage space. The floor space was less than two foot wide so only one person could realistically stand e.g. to get dressed. The "bathroom" facilities (where snorkelling gear had to be stored) were extremely narrow and required the flexibility of a contortionist and a good head for heights! (for use of the toilet which was up a couple of steps). This was not aided by an unwillingness for the shower area to drain which often meant there were two or three inches of water on the floor.
Margaret Latimer Pickard

MACHU PICCHU, TITICACA & THE AMAZON
Written June 2008
Enjoyed the trip wonderful scenery and the fellow travellers were a good bunch.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Arriving at the Sun Gate and looking down on Machu Picchu
What did you think of your group leader?
Excellant he was good company and most informative.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Not a walk in the park but if you are prpared to climb up hills and steps for two weeks then go for it .It is worth the effort and fascinating to see how these peoples past and present live compared to the west.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Only one hiccup when we arrived at Puerta Maldonado for our flight back to Lima where three of us were then going on to a further weeks holiday in the Galapagos. There was no flight as Peru's Ministry of Defence had withdrawn the licence from Aero Condor.
We ended up travelling in two vehicles for 18 hours by road (What road!!!) from Puerta Maldonado to Cusco.
This could be looked at as an added extra but the facilities were non existant and having already been up from 5am and not arriving in Cusco until approx 10am the following day was not funny.
Also the three of us that were travelling on to Quito then on to the Galapagos missed a day in Quito which was disappointing.
I would be interested in your comments with regard to this. I know Exodus could not help what the Ministry did but I think you knew about this happening earlier (Arequipa ) and nothing was done to re-book to another airline.
Exodus Response
Hi Margaret,

Thank you very much for providing feedback on your trip - I'm glad that you enjoyed your time in Peru and that you have taken away lots of great memories from your holiday.

The problem with the flights being grounded by the Ministry of Transport was certainly unfortunate, and definitely unforeseen. There was no indication that this measure would be taken until the day before your group was due to travel to Puerto Maldonado, and as soon as the stoppage was announced Aero Condor advised our local agents that tickets would be valid for use on Lan Peru, the only other airline flying from Cuzco to Puerto Maldonado. This is why you flew on Lan Peru to the jungle rather than on Aero Condor.

This was the situation right up until the day you left the lodge to return to Cuzco, when Lan Peru unexpectedly announced that Aero Condor's tickets would no longer be accepted on their flights. As Lan Peru's flights were fully booked for the next three days, the trip leader had no choice but to arrange minibus transport on the main road from Puerto Maldonado to Cuzco. This road is currently being improved so that it forms the last part of the main transoceanic highway connecting Brazil's Atlantic coast with Peru's Pacific coast, which means that there are a lot of roadworks at present

While we realise that the journey was uncomfortable and that there are relatively few facilities en route, we do not believe there was any alternative, and we are satisfied that our local agents used the best available transportation - the buses you travelled on provide the only regular passenger service from Puerto Maldonado to Cuzco. At such short notice, we would not have been able to rebook the flights onto Lan Peru, and so without using the buses we would have been forced to keep the group in Puerto Maldonado for a further three days - the consequences of this would have meant that you missed your Galapagos cruise entirely, and the rest of the group would have missed their return flights.

I hope that the unexpected road transfer hasn't put you off travelling with us again, and that you appreciate the efforts of our local agents in getting the group back to Cuzco as effectively as possible in what was a difficult situation.

Again, I'd like to thank you for taking the time to provide us with your comments, and we look forward to seeing you on a future trip.

Yours,

Tim Fearn (Exodus trip manager)

- Exodus Staff
Ann Jones

MACHU PICCHU, TITICACA & THE AMAZON
Written April 2008
This is a fantastic varied trip which lets you see a great deal of Peru in a short space of time. All the classics like Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca are included but there is much much more too
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Doing the one day trek into Machu Picchu was wondeful both from the point of view of your first sight of the lost city as you enter via the Sun Gate and on a personal achievement level of completing the hike.
Staying with the local family on Amantani Island was also a brilliant experience.
What did you think of your group leader?
Nery was in a word FANTASTIC. Nothing was to much trouble for her. She coped with many difficult situations quickly efficiently and with compassion. She was fun to be with and very knowledgeable. A great leader that was liked and respected by everyone on the trip
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Yes. It is very cold at times so I suggest you bring thermal underwear (one set to sleep in and one to wear out under your clothes at night) this was what I did. When Exodus say you need warm clothes including a jacket-they are right! It is also very hot in the Jungle but you need to be covered up on the walks so bring long sleeved light shirts and long light trousers. Do the one day trek. I was put off by one of the reviews where the traveller said that he had "questioned his sanity". While I did try to get fit for this before I left I would not describe myself as a trekker or particularly fit but found the day walk to be fine. Not easy, you walk uphill for about 4 hours, but Exodus have it worked out, you walk at a reasonable pace and take lots of breaks. It is definately worth the effort when you first see Macchu Picchu for the first time through Sun Gate and the sense of personal achievement you will get
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you are reading this wondering if this is the holiday is for you GO FOR IT. It is a great way to see a lot of Peru if you only have limited time. It is really well organised and varied. Its a busy trip, lots of early mornings, packing and unpacking, and travelling, but you can sleep on the plane home! The Peruivan people are great. No hassle from the street sellers unlike many places in the world. Exodus have organised the schedule very well to help you to get over the altitude sickness. You will experience some of this in some form as we all did but it passes in a few days and then you feel great.
Iain Macdonald

The whole trip excelled my expectations!
Written November 2007
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Meeting the locals in their own communities and homes. Also, the day treck on the last part of the Inca Trail, through the Sun Gate to the lost city of the Incas at Machu Picchu ...... awesome!! The Lake Titicaca visit and home stay was great too- getting a full insight as to how the floating reed islands are made and how the communties survive on them.
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What did you think of your group leader?
Fabrizzio was fantastic. A credit to his country. He was informative, patient, interested ... everything a group leader should be.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The altitude WILL have it's affect on you. Headaches, sweats, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, or some combination of these..... no matter how fit or unfit you may be. It's only temporary, though. Also, the sun burns VERY quickly at altitude. Bring plenty suncream and water. The jungle, as expected, is very hot and very humid!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I am so glad I chose this trip. It covers a huge part of Peru. All the great bits that everyone wants to see .... Lake Titicaca, Machu Picchu, and the Amazon Jungle. The trip also includes unexpected treats such as visits to families in their own homes and tastes of local cuisines.