Essential Peru

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: from 63 reviews.

Christine Harrison

ESSENTIAL PERU

Written November 2012
If you want to see all the main tourist sites in Peru, then this is definately the trip for you. But, be warned, there are lots of early starts - 7 days when you leave at 7am or earlier. Unfortunately it's a necessity to take in these places within 2 weeks.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The Nazca lines and Machu Picchu had been on my "must see" list for several years, so they were my highlights and exceeded my expectations. Exodus didn't offer a flight over the Nazca Lines but I asked our guide if he could sort it out for me and he did. 4 of us took the flight. You get a truer picture of the enormity of the lines from the air. Our tour guide Juan was our guide around Machu Picchu. Our itinerary said we would go in the afternoon, but Juan suggested that we went the following morning arriving before the crowds and having better weather in the mornings. It rained that afternoon. One of our early starts, we were at the shuttle bus stop for 6.45 am and entered Machu Picchu at 7.20 am without any queuing. It seemed like we were the only people there and it was a beautiful sunny morning. Juan guided us around the site for about 3 hours giving us lots of detail about the Inca's, the buildings, the discovery of Machu Picchu and the possible future restrictions. At the end of our tour we had another couple of hours free time to explore. It was getting very crowded and the clouds were heading our way.
I can't thank Juan enough for his expertise and knowledge that made this visit such a success.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader was Juan from Cuzco. He was always so calm, very organised and his knowledge about all things Peruvian is huge.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be prepared for lots of early starts and, therefore, lots of early nights. If you suffer from travel sickness, take medication with you and use it. The roads through the mountains aren't straight.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We stayed in 12 hotels in 14 nights, so that's a lot of luggage transfers. After collecting my suitcase on arrival at Lima airport, I hardly lifted it until I checked in for the return flight. Our coach drivers and hotel staff took care of that very efficiently.
Holly Quinn-Parsons

ESSENTIAL PERU

Written October 2012
Peru is a hugely diverse country and this trip is a great way to see a lot. I couldn't believe some of the scenery I got to see and felt very lucky to have the opportunity. There are some long drives on the bus but so much to see along the way. Although the trip is billed as 'leisurely' I'm exhausted now I'm back because we crammed so much into two weeks, complemented by a lovely group who made for brilliant travelling companions. Another excellently organised trip by Exodus!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Machu Picchu! How could it not be?! We were taken there early in the morning so we got the best light and less tourists. Just wandering around it was amazing and walking to the top of the steps from the entrance gate, the trees breaking apart and seeing it properly for the first time - wow!
We also had a keen bird-watcher in our group so by the time we got to the Colca Canyon we were all equally excited and nervous. When five condors rose out of the canyon, it was just incredible.
What did you think of your group leader?
Juan Diaz was excellent. He managed to keep smiling for two weeks while trying to get us to keep to specific times when we were coo-ing over alpachas instead of doing what we were meant to! Despite having been to some of the sights over 100 times he was still really enthusiastic and eager for us to have a great time while learning lots.
He came across very calm and relaxed even though when the group were off exploring he was glued to his phone organising the next thing for us - I didn't pick my suitcase up for two weeks because he made sure they were taken to the right rooms in hotels.
He took good care of us when we got altitude sickness, made us laugh for two weeks and bascially made sure we really loved our time in Peru.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Pack light - the washing facilities in Cusco are cheap and excellent.
Don't underestimate altitude sickness! Although it is easily remedied make sure you get plenty of rest, drink the coca tea and do as your guide says.
Take memory for your camera!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Be prepared for some long drives - take something to entertain yourself but make sure you spend hours gazing out of the window at the amazing views.
Other than that, just be open minded, be prepared for traffic jams at 3,000m (weirdly brilliant experience) and just book it and enjoy!
Judith Enright

ESSENTIAL PERU

Written October 2012
A really interesting trip, covering all the most important sights in Peru. Scenery was spectacular, although be prepared for very long days travelling and many extremely early starts. Machu Picchu definitely lived up to expectations and we were particularly fortunate to have perfect weather for our visit.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Highlights, as expected, were Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, the Colca Canyon (to see the Condors), and visiting the Uros Indians living on the floating reed islands. Our overnight homestay on the Lake was so interesting and despite some qualms beforehand about the facilities our hosts were charming - living a very simple life but so hospitable.

What did you think of your group leader?
Fabrizzio was very helpful and all arrangements en route were pefect. He advised us regarding coping with the altitude - don't underestimate the effects this has - and proved a valuable and informative guide at Machu Picchu.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take cash in Peruvian Sol - US Dollars were only needed to pay for a couple of elective trips. Bargain for souvenirs, even some of the more expensive shops in Cusco were prepared to offer discounts. Alpaca products are worth buying. Be prepared to feel the effects of altitude and heed the advice of your guide. We were very lucky with the weather, which can be very changeable, so a lightweight waterproof jacket (with hood) is essential. Also, wear "layers" as early morning starts can be chilly but can then quickly warm up to t-shirt weather.
Try the Pisco Sours - delicious. I avoided the guinea pigs but was assured they are delicious!!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
To cover the itinerary in 2 weeks it is important not to underestimate the extremely long road journeys. Sadly (and unusually for Exodus) our bus was totally unsuitable for the amount of travel involved which made the journeys very uncomfortable with no room to stretch out and relax. On the plus side Peru was an amazing experience and one which I would not have wanted to miss.
I have rated the trip as 'very good' - which it was - but it would have been raised to 'excellent' if proper attention had been paid to our complaints about the tour bus, and satisfactorily resolved, which did have a negative effect on our overall enjoyment.
Lynda Parker Brown

ESSENTIAL PERU

Written October 2012
A great trip but exhausting. The drive across the Andes is amazing but could have been more enjoyable in a more suitable vehicle (with a toilet on board).
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The highlight of the trip was of course Machu Pichu which was truly breathtaking but we also enjoyed more than we thought we would the homestay on Lake Titicaca. Cusco is a great hub of life and we really enjoyed our couple of days there - it was nice to have some time to relax.
What did you think of your group leader?
Fabrizzio was an excellent group leader who took everything in his stride and dealt with problems quickly and effectively.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
We changed our £ into dollars only to then change them to SOL so on reflection I would have taken more SOL. Remember to spend all your SOL because the bank won't change them back if you return with them. We wished we had bought our souvenirs at Machu Pichu which had a great little market.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We had a great group of people to travel with and they made the trip very enjoyable.
I have reported the unsuitability of the vehicle used to Exodus and I hope they take note. 'Nature' breaks are not pleasant and not good for the environment.
Rosalind Johnson

ESSENTIAL PERU

Written September 2012
Varied , well organised , new delights every day An excellent tour - even by Exodus's high standards
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Seeing soaring condors nearby in Colca
Climbing around Machu Picchu
Sandboarding  near Ica and being amazed at how much I enjoyed it
What did you think of your group leader?
Excellent

Good - very good - leader
Thought ahead about the expected and the unexpected
Very well informed

A credit to you
Do you have any 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
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Cusco really lives up to the guidebooks praise - a vital , fun town
Theresa Worth

ESSENTIAL PERU

Written September 2012
Absolutely fantastic but hectic holiday. This is definately the best way to see what Peru has to offer - you will not be disappointed in any way
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The most inspirational moment of the trip for me was visiting Machu Picchu, its something I've always wanted to see and it for me lived up to my expectations and beyond. Going back on the 2nd day and seeing the sunrise over Machu Picchu was awesome. The trip to Cuzco was wonderful and the trip to Colca Canyon to view the Condors soaring above you so gracefully was breathtaking
What did you think of your group leader?
Our Group Leader Mr Fabrizzio Cornejo was excellent and a real credit to you. His knowledge and expertise made my trip to Peru unforgetable and he was very mindful of the whole group at all times
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Yes - listen to the group leader when he/she gives you advice, especially where preventing altitude sickness is concerned. If they say drink plenty of water, then drink plenty of water. Other than that justenjoy the whole experience of Peru - you will not be disappointed in any way
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thank you Exodus for putting such a trip together, I had a wonderful time and experience and met a very good group of fellow travellers! All I've got to do now is edit the 800+ photographs I managed to take!!!
jennifer donovan

ESSENTIAL PERU

Written September 2012
our first long haul holiday. saved for three years but well worth cost.good value, very little to pay for except meals,drinks(cheap) and souvenirs. Good company of fellow travellers.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Machu Pichu , seeing condors, lake titicaca. Cusco ( a beautiful place) santa Catalina convent (beautiful and peaceful)
What did you think of your group leader?
Fabrizzio Cornejo was excellent and very helpful re timings,clothing to wear and avaoiding ams. he was passionate
about his country
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
travel via Amsterdam, much less hassle and local connecting flights rhere from most/all local airports plus no ESTA
required. would recommend exodus, already saving for next hol
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Go for it, well organised but be prepared for long tiring days travelling- the price you pay for seeing the sites in
such a vast and diverse country.

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Our Clients’ Reviews

ESSENTIAL PERU

ESSENTIAL PERU

ESSENTIAL PERU

ESSENTIAL PERU

ESSENTIAL PERU

ESSENTIAL PERU

ESSENTIAL PERU