Machu Picchu & Galapagos: Peru, Ecuador Discovery Holiday

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 7 reviews.

Tony Teperek

MACHU PICCHU & GALAPAGOS

Written August 2012
A wonderful experience combining fabulous Andean scenery and mind boggling Inca archaeology, with the surreal island experience that is Galapagos.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Several moments.
1. We did the optional Inca Trail day walk to Machu Picchu. We alighted from the train directly down onto the track, no platform of any kind, and just the 4 of us (including our guide). Everyone else on the train continued to Machu Picchu. We were in some remote jungle next to the river and as we crossed a footbridge a flock of parrots screamed overhead - I felt like Indiana Jones! We saw hardly anybody else on the trail. Not counting our guide, my wife was the youngest at just 59 and our excellent guide, Juan-Manuel, paced our walk gently so we took 6 hours of steady climbing to reach the Sun Gate and get our first view of Machu Picchu. I was literally moved to tears.
2. Snorkelling in Galapagos. A group of 4 or 5 sea lions joined us just to play.
3. The tameness of everything on Galapagos. Having to walk around Boobies and Albatrosses because they don't get out of your way - in fact they are more likely to come closer for a good look at you.

What did you think of your group leader?
We had three. Juan-Manuel in Cusco/Machu Picchu, Esteban in Quito and Sylvia on Galapagos. All three were excellent. Juan is a professional archaeologist as well as tour leader so has immense knowledge. Esteban's pride in his city and country was infectious - he also took time out to praise the UK's handling of the Olympics and the oening and closing cermonies. Sylvia is Swiss but a long time resident of Galapagos and also had great knowledge.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Altitude: This affects people differently. I knew people who have done this trip before and was told I would have a headache on the first night in Cusco and perhaps feel nauseous. I was a bit concerned because I know from previous experience in the Alps that I don't do altitude well. However neither my wife or myself experienced either of these symptoms but I did feel a little short of breath at times. This did not impact at all on our ability to enjoy any of the trips or activities. More surprisingly I had most trouble with the breathlessness when trying to sleep.
Inca Trail: For anyone used to a little hill walking in the UK, pennines or lake district for example, it is no problem. But don't get fooled by references to "short" trail. It is only short compared to the 4 day hike of the full trail. We took it pretty steady and it was at least 6 hours of steady uphill walking.
Cachalote (the boat in Galapagos): The boat is quite small and the cabins are tiny but the bunk beds are comfortable and ensuite toilet and shower facility are fine. There is no opulence here (none wanted either). We had 2 large suit cases which were difficult to deal with in the small cabin. Most travelling is done at night and it can be pretty rough. The food is simple but excellent and generous.
Snorkelling: The water is quite cool. I have no wet suit and elected to do without (available for hire), making do with a couple of tee shirts. If you can swim in UK water you'll be ok as I was, it is a bit warmer than UK, although I was coming out with numb fingers after an hour in the water. The Americans on the boat used wet suits and they were complaining of the cold!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I think I've said it all above. Don't forget to pack on overnight bag for the Machu Picchu trip - it is easily overlooked in the trip notes.
John Hartley

MACHU PICCHU & GALAPAGOS

Written October 2011
As usual Exodus provided and supplied a superb trip that lived up to my expectations.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Visiit to Machu Pichu site and the whole week sailing and visiting the Galapagos Islands. Also interesting short tours of Cusco and Quito.
What did you think of your group leader?
Excellent in Cusco and Peru and in th Galapagos
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Prepare your fitness for the Inca Trail
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Go for it - a wonderful experience
Ruth Wilkins

MACHU PICCHU & GALAPAGOS

Written May 2011
Exciting places to go, Peru full of culture, flavour and fantastic sights. Machu Picchu was amazing. Galapogas was an experience, lovely scenery and wildlife, although for my husband and I it lacked the abundance of wildlife we were expecting. Still a great holiday
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Machu Picchu was the most inspirational moment of the trip, when you get to the top of the site or to the sun gate, and look back it is amazing to see and to try to understand why this civilization lived on the top of the mountains and the obstacles they must have overcome to even build their houses.
What did you think of your group leader?
Fleminia our group leader in Peru was absolutely fantastic. She took account of everyone in the group and their particular fitness levels and experiences. She was not overpowering and was a natural leader who was also interesting and full of knowledge. Very committed and very proud of her country.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Consider the altitude sickness, although it doesn't affect you much, it does slow you down, and this is something we hadn't really thought would affect us, mainly just headaches, dizziness and breathless.
Galapogas, some rough seas if you are not in love with small boats. A number of people were less well on the trip, although the staff really do look after you.
Be ready for 11 flights. This obviously does take time, and a number of days seemed wasted in Quito waiting to travel the next leg.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Peru fantastic, very cultural and beautiful people. Enjoy the time, although you don't get much time on your own to go out and experience without the group.
For your time in Quito Zazu's restaurant was the best!!
Peter Reynolds

HIGHLIGHTS OF PERU & GALAPAGOS

Written June 2010
A fantastic experience of the Amazon Basin, Machu Picchu and the Inca heritage,and the wonders of the Galapagos Islands. Covered a lot of ground and some early starts, but well worth the effort!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The grandeur of the mountain scenery on the trail to Machu Picchu, and the first view of the ancient city itself.
A close second must be the amazing wildlife on the Galapagos - albatross and other seabirds, iguanas, sea lions, turtles and many more.
The magic of the Amazonian jungle on and around the Tambopata River was also quite enthralling.
What did you think of your group leader?
All three were excellent. There is nothing we don't now know about Inca walls! Fabrizzio was an enthusiast!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Go for it, if you have the notion and plenty of energy! Read the trip notes and be prepared with a few clothes for all seasons. Good walking trainers are fine, rather than boots. Plenty of sun cream and insect repellant. Not the trip for you if you don't have a head for heights (like one of our group!!)
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you're thinking of extending your stay by a day or two, do it in Quito rather than Lima.
Martin Gibbons

HIGHLIGHTS OF PERU & GALAPAGOS

Written November 2009
A truly excellent trip - it really feels like several holidays in one, from the Amazon Rainforest, to the Inca sites of the Sacred Valley and Machu Pichu, the cities of Cusco, Lima and Quito, and the fabulous Galapagos Islands. As menioned by previous reviewers there are a lot of dawns starts and flights but many of these are very short (Cusco to Puerto Maldonado is only 30 minutes) so it never feels like hard work.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
So many to chose from ! ..... seeing a family of capybara at night on the banks of the Tambopata river ..... Pisac market with its array of colourful Peruvian fabrics ..... the first glimpse of Machu Pichu from the Sungate at the end of the Inca Trail .... getting so close to all the wildlife on the Galapagos, including albatross chicks pecking at your shoelaces ! ..... snorkeling with turtles, sharks, dolphins, and on our last day for 20 minutes with a very playful sealion ..... the final group dinner at the incredible gothic (complete with suits of armour !) seafood restaurant of Mare Nostrum in Quito
What did you think of your group leader?
The guides and group leaders were excellent throughout ... worthy of special mention are Edwin at the Tambopata Lodge and Darwin (yes that really is his name !) for our week on the Galapagos ... and a very special commendation for Nery Ccacyahullca Bejar (our group leader and guide for most Of Peru) - she is exceptionally knowledgeable about all of Peruvian culture and history and always put herself out to help the group ... finding the banks with the best exchange rates when we need to change money and sorting out the best medicines at the pharmacy when one of the group had food poisining.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
* In Peru it is much better to pay for everything in Peruvian Sol - you can usually pay in US dollars but you get a very poor exchange rate - I would recommend taking at least half you cash in Sol (you can get Sol at UK banks in advance).
* Take a good underwater camera - there are so many fabulous snorkeling opportunites in the Galapagos.
* The local tour operators seem to have trouble coping with unmarried couples - we booked as a couple but not having the same surname we found that we were never allocated seats together on the internal flights and in the Galapagos we were initally allocated separate cabins sharing with other members of the group of the same sex ! This was very quicky sorted out but if you are booking as a couple not with the same surname it may be worth seeking confirmation that you will be sharing throughout.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
A thoroughly enjoyable and inspirational trip - highly recommended. We booked our next Exodus holiday within 3 weeks of returning so they must be doing something right !
Stella Ellis

HIGHLIGHTS OF PERU & GALAPAGOS

Written April 2009
Our first experience of Exodus. Be prepared for many flights (13 takeoffs and landings). Always up at first light and bed at dusk; non stop, but not rushed. Stunning scenery at every turn & wonderful flowers April/May. Wildlife in Galapagos so close it's within reach, but you musn't. Absolutley not fazed by humans. Small boat ideal, and every port of call different from the last. The guides in each region were superb. Excellent English, good sense of humour and fantastic knowledge of their speciality. Truly a holiday of a lifetime! Well done Exodus; I am sure we will be using you again.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There were two. The first was on the one day trek to Machu Pichu. The moment you turn the corner at Intipunku (Sun Gate) and seeing Machu Pichu in all its glory for that first moment.
The second was being so close to mating albatros and blue footed boobies! They were all pairing up for this year and going through their courtship just inches away form us. An awesome spectacle! Swimming with the sealions and penguins was also terrific fun.
What did you think of your group leader?
Hugo and Ricardo in Tambopata lodge were our excellent guides, and their knowledge of the flora and fauna was very good. Carlos was out group leader in Peru, but his speciality is the Inca history, so he took a more backseat approach whilst we were in the rainforest. He was brilliant, and certainly knew his stuff. He also had to oversee our travel arrangements within Peru for the trip (up to the point we left Lima). We were all very sad to leave him when we flew on to Quito!
On the Cachalote 1, Santiago was our guide (and therefore I suppose our leader). His knowledge was considerable and I think he was more strict in adhering to the rules of the islands than some guides. There are quite a few, for the well being of both the wildlife and the islands themselves.
All in all, we couldn't have asked for better leaders/guides.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
To keep the weight of your bag down, there are plenty of laundries in Cusco to do washing after the rainforest and after Machu Pichu. You have to leave half your luggage in safekeeping when you go to the rainforest, and again when you go on the the train to Machu Pichu (even if you walk). You do not need towels, as they are provided. Even swimming ones whilst on the boat.
Again, when you get to Quito, you can leave all the rainforest and heavy trekking stuff behind as there is not much storage on the boat. You do not need walking boots at all for this trip. In the jungle, if it is wet, you walk in wellies that they have. (Just check for holes - both mine leaked badly!) For the day trek to Machu Pichu and the tour itself, good trainers/ waterproof walking shoes are sufficient. On Galapagos islands, you either use Teva's for wet landings, or walking shoes. On the boat, bare feet are the order of the day as they do not want sand etc all over the boat.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just do it. It is a brilliant combination of places to visit. As you leave Peru you feel as if you are starting a second holiday when you arrive in Quito and Galapagos. Don't let the long flights and stopovers put you off!
June Griffin

HIGHLIGHTS OF PERU & GALAPAGOS

Written June 2008
Probably one of my best all round experiences.   It was the most expensive, but looking back on everything we did and everywhere we went, what was included, it was so well worth it - a truly inspirational trip.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
1) Arriving at the airport in Baltra, Galapagos Islands, to be greeeted by sea lions dozing on the benches when you get off the bus before you go to your boat.
2) Feeling like David Attenborough himself, walking among the hundreds of sea lions & their pups along the beach and seeing the facinating Sally LIghtfoot crabs also featured in one of his programmes - absolutely amazing!
3) Seeing the giant tortoises very close up and even seeing Lonesome George himself - he is still refusing to have anything to do with the 2 female tortoises that are in his enclosure - so sad!
4) Views at the Macchu Picchu site were totally amazing.
5) Also absolutely loved the accommodation in the rainforest and the exciting night time walks we had, even on our own without a tour leader!!
What did you think of your group leader?
We had 2 tour leaders as the trip was divided into 2 main parts.
Both were very knowledgeable, helpful and genuinely lovely people with a good sense of humour.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
For a trip like this you have to like adventure, lots of travelling - be prepared for getting up at unsocial hours, especially the flight outwards - had to be at Heathrow for 4am!    Lots of flying, going through various airports which can be monotonous waiting about, and having to pay a lot of extra airport taxes - we all needed to draw out extra local money to cover these, but well worth the effort to get to such a unique, memorable place like the Galapagos and to see such beautiful scenery and lovely people in Peru.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This trip was one of my most memorable - has to certainly be in my Top 5.   The food, people and accommodation were all excellent - but just to mention the accommodation in Quito - the Sierra Madre Hotel - was a little under par compared with the others in Peru.   What made the trip even more enjoyable was the fact that the small group of 5 of us all got on extremely well and the group of 15 on the Galapagos boat, although all different ages and nationalities, also gelled together really well.   The boat crew were also very efficient and well organised.
Main trouble is it is so depressing to come back to where I live and even more difficult, having to return to the routine of work.   But of course we have to do this to fund even more trips in the future!!