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.

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.
Raymond Edwards
ESSENTIAL PERU

Written December 2012
Peru was more varied than expected. Exhausting but enjoyable. Cusc
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The whole trip was an assault on us. But it was very interesting especially its complex history.
What did you think of your group leader?
Carlos was fantastic,

As tour leader,
Always thinking about the safety and wellbeing of the group.
Proud of his heritage.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be prepared

for long journeys,
keep hydrated at high altitudes (take water with you at all times),
Use hand gel before handling food and drink,
Arrive a day early to adjust properly and the start was very early.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Not really.
The experience was exhausting and exciting. After a month back and reviewing photos we are still baffled how we all coped.
The group was good and everybody got on.
On the whole it was fantastic as I was able to share it with my wife as opposed to cycling cuba which was also good BT for different reasons.
Patricia Donald

ESSENTIAL PERU

Written November 2012
This trip certainly covers the ground and gives you an excellent taste of Peru. There are long travelling days but the rewards from the scenery make it all worth while. Early starts but you don't feel rushed as there are plenty of stops to enjoy the scenery. The bus was very comfortable and even had it's own loo.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Machu Picchu is magnificent and lives up to the hype. Best to go in the early morning to avoid the crowds. The site is much bigger than I expected.   The other highlight for me was the home stay with a local family on Armantani Island in Lake Titicaca. We were welcomed with open arms and well looked after while there. Seeing the condors at Colca Canyon was another highlight. Magnificent birds soaring effortlessly on the thermals - wonderful.   The Ballestas Islands on the first full day is another highlight. The boat gets you quite close to the wildlife so good photo opportunities there too.
What did you think of your group leader?
Juan was a star - well organised, very knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour. Everything ran very smoothly and his knowledge when visiting all the archeological sites was second to none.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take your camera and lots of memory cards! As others have said, pack light; take layers and remember a sun hat. There are laundry facilities available at the hotel in Cucso - excellent value at 7 soles per kg.   Money changing is easy too; change some at the airport but there are plenty of money exchanges in the towns as well as ATMs. Take US dollars as sterling is not always accepted even in banks. Dollars can be used to pay some of the entrances and tours. The Sacred Valley of the Incas is an optional tour but I would recommend it; Ollantaytambo and Pisac are worth it.
Follow the advice about drinking lots of water as it does help avoid altitude sickness.   There are shopping opprtunities everywhere and the goods on offer are well made and cheap. I didn't have the heart to bargain too hard when the prices were low to start with.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Food was excellent all round. In Cusco we tried some of the smaller local restaurants; good value for money and delicious. Pisco Sours went down well as did Peruvian beer (which we've found here since getting home).

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Our Clients’ Reviews

ESSENTIAL PERU

ESSENTIAL PERU

ESSENTIAL PERU

ESSENTIAL PERU

ESSENTIAL PERU

ESSENTIAL PERU

ESSENTIAL PERU