Peru Explorer

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...

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  Andy Cork

  PERU EXPLORER

  

  Written September 2012

  This is probably the best holiday I have ever been on. The combination of the beautiful country, the amazing people, the well planned itinerary and a friendly, helpful and well informed guide just made this the experience of a lifetime. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  I think the most inspirational part must be arriving at Intipunku (The Sun Gate) at Machu Picchu after four days of walking (the final day being in the pouring rain). Despite the weather and the rather cloudy view of Machu Picchu the sense of achievement and the incredible sight just made it a moment that will stick with me forever.

  There were so many other inspirational moments though: making it to the top of Dead Woman's Pass - a hard slog but well worth it, the trip out to the Ballestas Islands and seeing all of the birds and sea horses, the waves on the coast on the long drive to Nazca and the incredible close up experience of the condors at Colca Canyon.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  I can't fault Juan at all - he was everything you could expect a group leader to be and more. His knowledge of his country is unparallelled and I think he actually knows the name of every bird, and gave the impression that he had actually met most of them before too. He wasn't just a guide though - he was a friend, a travel companion and, when I was feeling decidedly ill, a great doctor!

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Book now - you really won't regret it. The organisation of the trip, the itinerary and the amazing sights and view of the country just make this the way to see Peru. I honestly don't think I would have changed a thing!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Well, you may have already worked out I was mightly impressed both with the tour and with the guide, so I'm not sure what else to add. I just want to also say how pleased I was with the pre-departure help - the office staff were just a phone call away to answer those last minute questions and when the first leg of my flight out was delayed they were also on hand to help me out and advise me on what to do. Great job there too!

   
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  Glynis Murfin

  PERU EXPLORER

  

  Written September 2012

  This was a wonderful holiday that packed a great deal in. It was really well planned. We were a small group of seven and got on well, eating together in the evenings. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  It's difficult to single one thing out. Machu Picchu was amazing of course, even though we reached it in pouring rain - the only wet day of the trip. The musicians we encountered by accident in the streets at Puno and Chivay were perhaps the most exciting thing for me. I'd heard about harps being played upside down, but hadn't really hoped to see them. Also the dancing at Arequipa. The August departure (apparently accidentally) took us to Arequipa and Chivay during the Feast of the Assumption celebrations. The Colca Canyon was another definite highlight. So were the Ballestas Islands. And the road trip down the Pan-American highway.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Juan Cardenas couldn't be faulted. He looked after us really well, and was a great travelling companion. His English is excellent and he is tremendously well-informed. He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of Peruvian birds and eyes like a hawk when it comes to spotting them. He is also a brilliant photographer, and at the end he gave us each a CD of his photos of the trip.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Peruvian soles can be obtained (and changed back) in the UK - try Marks and Spencer or American Express. You don't need to use dollars and change currency twice. ATMs can be used without problem in Peruvian towns.

  Remember to take insect repellent and anti-histamines with you on the Inca Trail, as the black flies are merciless.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  If I was doing it again I would arrange myself an extra day in Lima at the end, as we weren't able to see much of the historic city, or any museums, at the beginning of the trip. It would also break up the long journey back to the UK from Puerto Maldonado.

   
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  Peter Fraser

  PERU EXPLORER

  

  Written September 2012

  This trip had great potential and we enjoyed those parts we were able to particiapate in except that we were forced to curtail the holiday on medical advice because my wife suffered severe altitude sickness at Chivay. We hence missed the trek to Machu Pichu and other high altitude parts of the tour and had to return to sea level until we were able to rejoin the group in the Amazon jungle. 

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  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Take medication for altitude early. Do not linger at high passes.

   
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  Pauline Sear

  PERU EXPLORER

  

  Written April 2012

  Amazing, fantastic, what an adventure.  Just love Peru. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  I went up to Mach Picchu, with a travel companion, for an extra afternoon.  We traveled up in an empty bus so the driver stopped for us to take photos.  So exciting going up there, looking for those first glimpses of the Inca city, and then we arrived.  Machu Picchu takes your breath away, that first view, the beauty of the site, of the surrounding mountains. awesome.  I had to pinch myself to make sure I was really there.  The dream of a lifetime.  As the afternoon wore on people left.  We stayed on until closing and enjoyed the peace and quiet, the calm.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Rene, our group leader was just great.  He was very knowledgable about all things Peruvian, the country, the Inca's, politics, wild life and flora.  It was great to see him, and local guides taking photos even though they have been to the sites repeatedly.  We were looked after vey well.  thank you so much Rene.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  You don't need to take U.S. dollars.  Sterling can be changed just as easily.  April was a great time to go.  The weather was good, very little rain, layers of clothing worked well.  Also the wild flowers were stunning.

  I did suffer from altitude sickness.  Just get help if you struggle, don't wait until you are really ill.  Coaches and hotels all have oxygen and there are designated altitude clinics. They are geared up to help travellers.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Alpaca is the best meat.  So tender.  Was not so excited by guinea pig.  Prefere them alive.

   
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  Robert Brydon

  PERU EXPLORER

  

  Written April 2012

  Great trip - my fourth with Exodus and as good as the previous ones. Several thousand miles, many amazing places and sights.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  After spending 4 days walking the Inca trail, to arrive at the Sun Gate and see Machu Pichu appear below us.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  The group leader was very good - passionate and informed about his country and solved any problems that arose.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  If you are thinking about it - then go and enjoy!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Well worth going for the three weeks - I felt that I got a better feel for this amazing country and its people.

   
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  Rose Arshad-Baker

  PERU EXPLORER

  

  Written March 2012

  A true trip of a lifetime. Busy itinerary which ensured we got to see all the highlights and diversity of the country and landscape, so you got a real feel for the country with sufficient time to enjoy it.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Seeing Machu Pichu for the first time is always going to take top spot, though others come a close second - waking up in the rainforest and lying in bed listening to the animal sounds was amazing.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Rene Calancha was a fantastic tour leader - informative, fun, looked after us, and managed to organise the group very well. I'm amazed he manages to think of everything like he does, a true professional who is focussed on making sure people have a good time.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Read the advice on packing very carefully - plenty of layers as it does get cold in Chivay, Puno and Cuzco, whilst the sun is still strong so you will definitely need good sun protection - they say at least SPF 15 but I would go for SPF 40-50!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  I've been wanting to see Peru for years, especially Machu Pichu, and the itinerary on this trip does not dissappoint. You get to experience so much from the varied landscape and climate of the country, the people, the food, to the history and culture. There were so many highlights its difficult to name the top ones - Machu Pichu, the rainforest, the floating reed islands, the pre-Inka museums, Cuzco, Nazca lines, all were amazing. I didn't do the Inka trail, but my husband did and found it difficult but very rewarding - it worked really well for us that we had the choice whether to do it or not. We also did a Premium Adventure, and the standard of hotels was generally very good, the transport for getting us all around was excellent, the minibuses used were very spacious (though we were only a group of 8 so that probably helped). All in all, a fantastic trip and would definitely recommend this trip for anyone who would like to see Peru over several weeks and is happy with travelling lots to ensure they make the most of their time.

   
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  peter frost

  PERU EXPLORER

  

  Written December 2011

  Had wanted to visit the "sights " of Peru since learning about the Incas as a schoolboy .This trip realised those dreams . 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Reaching the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu after 4 days on the Inca trail.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Mr Rene Calancha is an absolute star , knows everything there is to know about Peru or knows someone who can help.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Take your guides advice about the affects of both the strong Peruvian sunshine and altitude . They know best . Pack for all weather conditions

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Dont take too many spare clothes , laundry service at overnight stops is very cheap and very quick , hand it over before you go to dinner and it will be ready by the following mornings breakfast .

   

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