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.

gillian markwick

ESSENTIAL PERU

Written April 2011
Very good guide who really looked after you. Very hectic schedule would have been better if we could have stayed in Cusco a extra day and Lima as well.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Seing the sacred sights and the Condors. I really enjoyed allthe nature we saw.
What did you think of your group leader?
He was very knowlegable and looked after us well.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be careful what you eat and take imodium and antibiotics with you. Drink lots of water to avoid altitude sickness.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Will always remember this trip.
brent ward

ESSENTIAL PERU

Written April 2011
Overall quality of the trip was very good, it is a long road trip through ever changing landscapes that tended to always outshine my expectations of what could be lurking round the next bend
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I was quite surprised by how awe inspired i was by Machupichu, its a place that you think you semi know prior to arrival as its been photographed so many times and plastered here there and everywhere, but being the last people walking in it at sun down was incredibly magical
What did you think of your group leader?
Rene was natural charmer, managed to appease the groups uncertainties before we even knew we would have them, 10/10
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Flights were a problem, missed connections (not exodus fault, but continentals) and not checked in on return flight so my very nervous partner had to sit apart from me on the flight home andthis caused much distress on both journeys, would recomend booking direct flights rather than exodus package.
Jane Warner

ESSENTIAL PERU

Written December 2010
We packed so much into this 2 week trip - awe-inspiring with spectacular scenery – it was all we expected … but managed to deliver much more. Rene was a brilliant guide, his wealth of knowledge and passion for his homeland and its cultures, made this a trip to remember.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Where do we start? Machu Picchu – awe-inspiring, magical, stunning scenery – difficult to think of just one superlative – it was all we expected … but delivered much more. An incredible mountain-top setting especially the views from Intipunku – well worth the climb.
The Andean landscapes, condors overhead, guanaco and vicuna on the hillsides, snaking roads through green valleys and over snow-capped mountain passes past glaciated lakes, filled with amazing pink flamingo and set in the desolate altiplano.
Lake Titicaca – Homestay on Amantani Island - well worth the climb to see the sunset from Pacha Mama.
Arequipa - a real jewel - the White City with the bustling Plaza de Armas, the quiet of the Santa Catalina Convent and the serenity of the Museo Santuarios Andinos and its display of the Ice Maiden .
What did you think of your group leader?
“A Star” – he was knowledgeable and above all passionate about his country, its cultures and people. He was a leader and guide who always demonstrated his professionalism and went ‘beyond the call of duty’ on many occasions, always striving to ensure we had the best experiences. The holiday was all that we expected but Rene made it a trip of a lifetime with his enthusiasm and tips to make the most of our free time.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
This trip packs a lot into 2 weeks so be prepared for some long days in the bus – but enjoy the fantastic scenery along the way - we were lucky and saw guanaco and condors en route Nazca to Cusco.
There are early starts – but Machu Picchu at sunrise and the condors rising on the thermals do make it worthwhile.
You may have difficulty with the altitude – it can result in headaches and a shortness of breath. It doesn’t affect everyone and do drink lots of water – it really works.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Make the most of every day – do take a big memory card for your camera. We would wholeheartedly recommend this holiday it was a superb trip which we will always remember
Heather Callaway

ESSENTIAL PERU

Written October 2010
This was to be my last long-haul trip before impending retirement on a pensioner’s pittance put paid to my cherished dreams of world travel. I chose Peru because of Machu Picchu, of course, but Peru is so much more than that. It’s a country of startling contrasts, from the desert regions of its coastline to the dizzying heights of the Andes.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The highlights that will remain with me, apart from Machu Picchu – simply stunning and fulfilling all my expectations – include sandboarding the dunes at Ica, the hot springs of Agua Calientes, the floating islands of the Uros people on Lake Titicaca, the condors in the Colca Canyon and the convent of Santa Catalina in Arequipa. I wish now that I’d had time to read up about the Inca civilisation beforehand, in order the better to appreciate the many archaeological sites.
What did you think of your group leader?
The tour was spectacularly well organised and our guide, Juan Manuel, deserves the highest recognition for his attention to detail, his professionalism, his energy, his genuine concern for our welfare and his sense of humour, particularly when it came to announcing yet another early morning start! Juan was calm and collected, even when dealing with minor crises and was always ready with advice and information, welcoming the constant questions fired at him with good humour.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
I would be sorry for any traveller flying directly to Cusco from lower altitude, but the tour was designed to allow us to acclimatise slowly. If you follow the tour leader’s advice to the letter (especially when it comes to drinking the coca tea and eating those deceptive chocolate bars!) you may escape altitude sickness altogether, or get away with slight breathlessness after exerting yourself. You do need to be aware that it affects different people in different ways and you will probably not escape unscathed. But is it worth it!

Is there anything else you would like to add?
Visiting just as Spring was taking a hold, it was amusing to see the Peruvians all wrapped up in their winter woollies still, whilst we travellers wore teeshirts (well, most of the time, we did have English-type driving rain in Puno and it was COLD at the highest point of 4,900 metres).
For anyone hesitating over whether to book this trip, I’d say don’t, just do it. Machu Picchu by train may be cheating a little, but it does give you time to see some of the other attractions of this wonderful country whilst you are there.
Malcolm Earnshaw

ESSENTIAL PERU

Written October 2010
Little is heard of about Peru except Machu Picchu, but this trip showed me that there is so much more. The scenery is ever changing - from the coastal desert around Lima to the rugged Andes with Flamingo lakes and snow capped peaks. Outside the cities, life goes on unchanged from centuries ago. Farmers still plough with oxen and the traditional, colourful dress is worn.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Nothing can prepare you for Machu Picchu. The setting is absolutely stunning with high peaks all around and I'll never forget the first sighting of the ruins.
But as I said there is so much more. The Uros islands on lake Titicaca were fascinating. As we approached we could see the reed canoes and the fish statues high above the islands. Listening to the the islanders describe how the islands were constructed and their way of life was fascinating and it was a strange experience walking around on the spongy surface - then seeing the solar panels which provided power for the TVs !
The Colca canyon was stunning too with huge expanses of terracing and the Condors at the Cruz del Condor. It was such a thrill to see them emerge from the valley and soar around us.

What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader was Juan Manuel Diaz and he was an absolute star. He was immensely knowledgeable about the Incas and the pre Inca civilisations which gave us an insight into what we were seeing at the various sights. But more than that, he was good company and had a great sense of humour.
He kept us to schedule - necessary on a trip such as this, advised us on how to combat the altitude sickness and took us to some very good restaurants.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Peru is a big country and you have to be prepared for some long days in the bus (up to 11 hours) and some early starts (6.30). This isn't the case every day, but there will be some. There are stops for sightseeing, meals, toilet stops etc. to break this up which helps. But to see this much in 2 weeks, there isn't a viable alternative.
The hotels we used were comfortable, friendly and had English style toilets. Some had pools.
Peru is not the place for gourmet food. The midday stop usually had a limited menu, although we rapidly decided that a sandwich would do anyway. In the evening better restaurants were available, specially in Cusco and Lima.
You may have a day or so not feeling your best when you get to Cusco. The altitude can result in headaches or stomach upsets and a shortness of breath. It does ease after a couple of days though.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
You will see so much on this tour. Make sure you have a big memory card for your camera (1000 photos is very possible). If you can learn a bit of Spanish, that would be useful too but it's not essential.
The homestay is an experience - but well worth it. Although basic, it was very comfortable and our hosts were very friendly (this is where the Spanish would be useful).

All I can add really is that I would wholeheartedly recommend this holiday and also Exodus.
Godfrey Zahra

ESSENTIAL PERU

Written August 2010
Summing up this holiday is rather difficult, since there were pleasant moments and some annoying ones aswell. Maybe the tour route can be altered to minimise the long trips and early morning departures, which made certain aspects of this tour annoying.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Machu Picchu was the highlight of this tour, but Colca Canyon is a pleasant surprise, which, to be honest I did not expect to enjoy as much as I did. The sky, as seen from Amantani Island is an experience that is printed in my mind, and not forgotten very easily. The floating Islands of the Uros Indians, and their hospitality is not to be missed, nor the lovely city of Cusco and Arequipa
What did you think of your group leader?
Carlos the tour leader is exceptional. He is always there to help, and give useful advice. His knowledge, about all that concerns Peru, is unlimited. He is a person dedicated to his job.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
To future traveller I would say that the trip is at times boring and too tiring, but still enjoyable. There are long trips, early morning wake up calls, the hotels are not the best choice available, breakfast is non existant, in most of the hotels. More time spent exploring the cities of Cusco, Arequipa and Lima would have made this tour more interesting. Other stops were in remote areas with nowhere to go, and nothing to see.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
In certain places it is adviceable to take your own bed sheets, since certain rooms are infested with bugs. Me and my friends had the unpleasant experience of bug bites, which persisted for several days.
Wendy Goodbarn

ESSENTIAL PERU

Written August 2010
This trip exceeded my expectations. Despite the early morning starts,groan, groan, the timings enabled us to see many of the important sites well before other tourists arrived.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Machu Pichu was fabulous, but seeing the condors was truly a spiritual experience.
What did you think of your group leader?
Carlos was the best group leader I have had for many years. He took time and care to make sure all our needs were met as well as being a fount of improtant knowledge and information.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take medication for Altitude Sickness with you, just in case. Be prepared for early morning starts and take a book for the long bus journeys.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
It was a fantastic experience. Despite the wide age range of people, the whole group gelled and got along really well. I look forward to my next Exodus trip.
Thanks Carlos

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Our Clients’ Reviews

ESSENTIAL PERU

ESSENTIAL PERU

ESSENTIAL PERU

ESSENTIAL PERU

ESSENTIAL PERU

ESSENTIAL PERU

ESSENTIAL PERU