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 65 reviews.

Alastair Dewart

ESSENTIAL PERU

Written June 2013
Excellent trip if you want to see as much as possible in time available. Long journeys but broken up and comfortable transport. Marcial our guide was excellent - thankfully he had a great sense of humour!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Hard to beat Machu Picchu but Lake Titicaca and Colca canyon came close. The scale and diversity of the landscape is amazing.
What did you think of your group leader?
Marcial our group leader was excellent. Great sense of humour and knowledgable.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you want to see as much of Peru as possible in a short timescale go on this trip.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
A big thanks to Marcial our group leader for looking after us. The scenery is spectacular and the people friendly. If you love mountains don't miss the Andes.
Catherine Ashley

ESSENTIAL PERU

Written June 2013
For a Solo Traveller who wishes to see as much of a Country as possible then this is the trip for you. From start to finish this trip was well organised and ran like a well oiled machine. There was a lot to pack into this trip and this required some very early starts (like 4am wake up calls!!!) but we compensated by going to bed early - well some of us did?? Whilst the journeys between destinations were long the scenery was absolutely stunning and more than made up for it. The food was delicious, Alpaca Strogonoff highly recommended (tasted like pork loin), roast guinea pig tasted just like chicken. Accommodation first class, people very friendly - a trip you will never forget
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Seeing Machu Picchu and exploring the site was awe inspiring - be prepared for some serious walking up and down the terraces and up and down umpteen steps. We were very fortunate to see at least 15 condors flying in Colca Canyon and one landed on a rock that was so close even my small digital camera took a reasonable photo. I would recommend a very good camera with zoom lens fortunately a member of our group had one and has sent us the superb photo's he took of the condors, eagles, flamingoes and humming bird.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our Tour leader Marcial was excellent, a mind of information and nothing was too much trouble. He took us to some excellent resturants where the food was first class and not too expensive. Nothing was too much trouble
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
You will need to have a moderate fitness level to climb the Inca terraces. There is a 1hour hike to Amantani Village which is all up hill, anyone with knee joint problems will struggle with this part of the trip.
What we saw of the Nazca Lines were disappointing and it was recommended that they be viewed from a light aircraft at an extra cost of $100 + 25 Soles airport tax. Those that did the trip stated it was well worth doing.
The flight is long and Air France seats are compact with very little leg room - try and get an aisle seat.
US$ dollars travellers cheques can be difficult to exchange and the rate is very poor I would recommend exchanging the majority of your dollars into Soles
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This is a trip of a lifetime - do it!!
Jane Colquhoun

ESSENTIAL PERU

Written April 2013
I set off in high hopes of another fabulous trip,but sadly had to abandon the trip on day 5 due to acute mountain sickness which was a traumatic experienceTherefore my input is limited
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
All I saw were the Balestas Islands and their Humbolt penguins,whuich in spite of being photographed from a small boat are in focus-.This is about the sum total of my photographic records,as photography from the light aircrasft trip over the Nazca Lines wasn't worth the struggle;better to enjoy the ride ,which I did.
The drive into the Andes was breathtaking-literally!
What did you think of your group leader?
Was just getting to know him ;he was very knowledgeable and an excellent museum etc guide
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
I don't suffer from travel sickness but there were several sufferers on the trip
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I wpould to say a big "thank you " to the kind people who packed my bag for me
The Doctor who treated me was excellent and has since furnished me with 2 e-mails for Insurance purposes
Exodus were helpful ,my Insurance Co,less so and the Airport at Lima was chaos
Wendy Winterbourne

ESSENTIAL PERU

Written April 2013
A long tiring holiday with a few ups and downs, but overall a wonderful experience. The tour would not have been so good without our excellent tour leader organising everything for us!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The first sight of Machu Picchu was amazing - I had been feeling unwell for several days, but Machu Picchu made it all worthwhile - I even managed to get to the sun gate!
Another moment was watching the wonderful Condors - there were so many and some of them soared over us - it was better than I had hoped for.
What did you think of your group leader?
Marcial our leader was amazing. Throughout the whole holiday he was there all the time - whether at a site or in a restaurant. He sorted out money, tipping, shopping, excursions and entertainment. His English was excellent and he has a great sense of humour.
Marcial's knowledge and passion for Peru was fantastic - he really wanted to do the best for everybody - and tried hard to see to everybody even when he had to deal with some people who were suffering badly from altitude related problems.
We couldn't have wished for a better group leader!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
This is not a trip to take lightly - several people had altitude related problems which were quite draining. 2 of our party weren't able to travel to Lake Titicaca (rejoining the group at Arequipa) and 1 member had to return early to the UK. There were also several cases of 'tummy problems' and as there was no loo on the bus it's worth packing Immodium Instants or similar. There are lots of very long days travelling which is very tiring. However, if you (like me) have always been fascinated by the Incas and Peru then its definitely worth it! The sites and scenery are spectacular and the colourful locals are wonderful.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We ended up taking far too many clothes - organised laundry was available at Cusco and it really wasn't as cold as we had expected. Make sure you take a swimming costume - the hot springs were a very relaxing break.
We were nervous about our stay with locals on Lake Titicaca, but it was great fun. Make sure you take a small torch and don't expect to charge any batteries that night - there's no electricity! We also took some small presents - sweets, coloured pencils and tennis balls which were very gratefully received.
Fiona Buckley

ESSENTIAL PERU

Written March 2013
Peru is a beautiful country - there's lots to see and experience
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Classically it has to be Macchu Picchu - an amazing place and luckily we had glorious weather too. Have to say watching the condours came a very close second
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader was Marcial. He was a very good leader - informative (history, politics, literature, geology, flora and fauna were just some of the subjects covered). On the days where there was free time, he always offered to do something else for the group and all we had to do was pay for the transport. At meal times he ensured that we all had our own bills. Marcial made sure we all knew there was time set aside everyday if anyone needed to speak to him privately....overall he was great.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Go and see everything that you have the opportunity to go and see - extra bits such as the hot springs / Inca town & sites / Nazca lines flight are not included but will be on offer.....take a little extra cash and go everywhere
For the homestay, your guide will arrange for some gifts for the family however take something from home. We took some little Easter eggs, union jack pencils and pencil case and books for the kids....they were very much appreciated. Get involved in in the homestay - the families could not be more hospitable and welcoming
Is there anything else you would like to add?
As others have said, there are long days on the coach (minimum hours would be 5) so do be prepared for that. It's worth it though....
And enjoy the pisco sours.......
Brenda Smithwhite

ESSENTIAL PERU

Written December 2012
A full on two week trip around a beautiful country
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I really enjoyed the homestay on the island, other highlights were the Ballestas Islands, Machu Picchu, the condors, and the amazing scenery that we had throughout the trip.
What did you think of your group leader?
Carlos was great, timings were on, good restaurant recommendations and information about places
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
This is a really busy trip with lots of very early starts, long days on the bus and therefore early nights. There was a correct balance of guided bits and time to wander, but not much down time at the hotels. Be organised with your packing, and do laundry in Cuzco. ATMs are widely available, also banks to change money but USD must be in pristine condition. Average cost for a decent evening meal in a nice restaurant was £15 - £20. Cuzco handicraft market is the best place to buy souvenirs - eg woollen products, on the whole trip. Altitude sickness wasn't a problem if you drank plenty water and rested up. Only thing missing was a half day walk in one of the beautiful canyons. Take fewer clothes than you think you might need.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
A great full on sightseeing trip around a photogenic country.
Richard Keppleman

ESSENTIAL PERU

Written December 2012
First time Exodus trip. For someone who has traveled solo for over a decade, it was a wonderful and different experience. Great leader (Carlos), diverse and interesting group and a lovely country.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Serene valleys and alto planos; spotting condors in flight; and being able to sleep in at least one morning.
What did you think of your group leader?
The most caring mother one could hope for. Congenial, kind, informative and a real genuine individual.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you have avoided group excursions in the past, try one-it is a convenient hassle free means of going to many different places with the added benefit of wonderful companions.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
A warm thank you to the staff fot great memories.

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Our Clients’ Reviews

ESSENTIAL PERU

ESSENTIAL PERU

ESSENTIAL PERU

ESSENTIAL PERU

ESSENTIAL PERU

ESSENTIAL PERU

ESSENTIAL PERU