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...
This trip was all I hoped for and so much more! The Inca ruins were spine tingling throughout the adventure. Daily fabulous experiences. So much to talk about; so many awe inspiring scenes.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Lake Titicaca and the reed islands; Saqsayhuaman; Tambomachay; Raqchi;Dead Woman's Pass; Machu Picchu; Ballesteras Islands. All breathtaking and all " wow " moments.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our guide, Karlos, was knowledgeable, organised and so hard working with all his focus being to make this the best experience for all of us in the group which brought our diverse group very much together. Excellent chap who brought out the best in his support groups too from porters to drivers.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be prepared - physically and emotionally.
Also remember it is a developing country and there will be problems with plumbing and toilets.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The whole group making it to the top of Dead Women's Pass, and all the way to the Sun Gate.
The view from the Sun Gate down to Macchu Picchu was surreal - but well worth all the effort!
Seeing how everyday people in Peru live gave me much more insight than a "normal" holiday would have done.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader Carlos was absolutely brilliant! He looked after us perfectly, giving us enough freedom when we needed some space, but always being there if we needed any advice or help. He also tailored our trip to perfection, and was able to "read" the wishes of the group.
A very good asset for Exodus to have!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't worry too much about the altitude. The aclimatisation days (and advice to stay off alcohol!) work a treat, even if some of the walking has to be done at a slower rate than you may be used to...
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I had an incredible holiday - perfect in the amount of activity and "off" time. The camping on the Inca Trail was good fun, and the food delicious - how can two men achieve that with just a double ring calor gas stove?
The complimentary activities (for me, the Trail was the main draw) were interesting and fun, meaning, unfortunately, the time flew by.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Looking down over the monster of a climb we had all successfully completed, sitting at the top of Dead womens pass and taking in one of the most breathtaking views I have ever seen.
What did you think of your group leader?
Carlos was fantastic. He always talked with great passion and enthusiasm and he never failed to make things fun and interesting.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take your walking poles!!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Our porters on the Inca trail where amazing. The amount of equipment they carried over a trek that I found challenging with just a little day pack was so impressive.
The food that was cooked for us on the trek was outstanding. It kept us all going!!!
Review by Angela not GraemeThis was a trip I've always wanted to do and it lived up to my expectations. It was an excellent trip which was very well organised and enabled us to see the varied landscapes of Peru and learn about the Peruvian culture. I am not a camper so was particularly impressed with the camping part of the trip. The porters were excellent and took such good care of us. I couldn't believe the super standard of the food, you even got woken up with a cup of tea and got afternoon tea at 5pm. It was also great getting a hot bowl of water to wash at the beginning and end of the day.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Walking the Inca trail and seeing Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate. Despite seeing many photos previously I wasn't prepared for the hugeness of the site
Amazing food whilst camping
Riding in the dune buggy and sliding down the sand dunes
Seeing the Humboldt penguins in Ballesta Isla
Talking to the Peruvian people
Travelling with a great group of people
What did you think of your group leader?
Fabrizzio was an excellent guide, very friendly and very caring. He has a very laid back attitude but is extremely well organised. Fabrizzio was very concerned for our well-being and ensured that we drank plenty of water and rested well and always checked how we were doing particularly when people had been unwell but he was never obtrusive. He was clearly very proud of his county and shared his knowledge with us. He also took us to some excellent restaurants.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Things I would have liked to know:
If you fly from Lima to Puno be prepared for feeling extremely tired for the first couple of days even if you take it easy and also be prepared for headaches, almost everyone in our group suffered headaches for the first 2 or 3 days.
Wear waterproof trousers on the boat trip to Ballestas Island - the sea was very choppy and we all got wet - it was like a theme park water ride.
Do the Dune Buggy optional excursion and sand boarding it's great fun and excellent value but don't put sun cream immediately before or you'll get plastered in sand.
The long coach trips are inevitable and the roads can be very winding making it difficult to read so audio books or Ipod will help pass the time. We had someone who knew lots of games so we were kept entertained. A pack of cards might also be useful particularly when you are camping.
Take dollars and change into soles - you will need both, your guide will advise how much to change and there are many opportunites.
If you are travelling with United Airlines via Houston they do not do vegetarian meals on the Houston to Lima stretch so make sure you buy something at the airport if you're likely to get hungry.
If you don't like your room for any reason politely ask to change as the guide and the hotel are keen to ensure you are happy.
Take a swimming costume for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes. Towels can be hired and you can buy soap and shampoo very cheaply. It's just what you need after 4 days trekking and they even serve you a beer in the pool - heaven! There was also a pool in the Nazca hotel.
Poles were a must for coming down the many steps on the Inca trail.
Hire a sleeping bag then you only have it for the days of the trek, you also get a thermorest mattress and the sleeping bag is a four season so keeps you snug and warm.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you're thinking of doing this trip go ahead and do it. If you enjoy walking and are reasonably fit you'll be able to cope with the trek. There is no need to rush as there is nothing to do at the campsite so take your time, enjoy the views and put one foot in front of the other and you'll get there.
I am scared of heights so had some concerns about edges but there was no need the paths are wide and there aren't any exposed edges.
The trip exceeded our expectations. We enjoyed every minute and so much interest and so many contrasts made two weeks seem twice as long. The trip notes only give a taster of what is in store.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The trek along the Inca Trail was amazing. The scenery, the exotic vegetation of the cloud forest and the many Inca ruins along the way all contributed to the anticipation and excitement of reaching the Gate of the Sun and our first sight of Machu Picchu. We were not disappointed!
The Peruvian people were so cheerful and uncomplaining, especially or porters and drivers.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our leader, Fabrizzio, was brilliant. He was extremely efficient, very knowledeable, patient and friendly. Thanks to his excellent organisation, everything worked like clockwork. He worked hard to make sure that everyone got the most enjoyment out of the trip.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Do it!
Mike Sheere
INCA TRAIL, TITICACA & NAZCA
Written
One of the best trips in the world. Well organized and conducted. Spectacular views of the Andes. A great way to learn about the cultures of Peru - Inca, pre-Inca and current.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Surviving Dead Woman's pass and of course the view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate. The sunset and then sunrise on the mountains as seen from the camp at the top of Phuyupatamarca Pass was spectacular. Dining on "Canadian" trout on Taquile Island in Lake Titicaca was a treat.
What did you think of your group leader?
Rene is passionate about the history and cultures of Peru and was eager to share his knowledge. He is well organized and handled whatever challenges came up with ease. We would enjoy any trip with him. Wilson was also very helpful on the trek.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take it slow. There is plenty of time and it is the best way to avoid altitude sickness. We are mid 50's and were not too far behind our younger friends. This trip's pace of 5 days is much better than other tours with only 4 days. Use poles - the steps can be brutal.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Take the optional tour of the Inca ruins around Cuzco and also the Ballestas Islands. The Nasca Lines have to be seen from the air if possible. We would use Exodus again but we don't understand their airport transfer and duffel bag policies for tour members from outside of the U.K. Most of our group were not from England (so had to pay for airport transfers and provide their own duffel bags for the trek), but Rene was kind enough to arrange our transfers and lend us stuff sacks.
The best trip ever! Magnificent trek, despite heavy rain on day 2 ... the travails just added to the sense of achievement on reaching the Sun Gate. Food on trek unbelievably good - better than we eat at home - and loads of it. Superb guides at all stages, and the trail porters were magnificent - camp set up for us before we arrived, tea and hot water for washing delivered to our tents - like having a personal butler! The encouragement of the guides was truly humbling, and if any of us flagged they were there to give support. We also saw a lot of Peru, and had lots of new experiences, including dune buggies at Ica and sand-boarding for the more adventurous. This is a fun-packed trip of a lifetime - we loved every minute of it ...
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
talking to Fabrizzio, Hernan and Lizbett, our wonderful trail guides, about their pride in their Inca heritage ...
wonderful first evening meal on trek - asparagus soup, stuffed trout fillets, with rice and al dente mixed vegetables, followed by bananas flambeed in brandy with hot chocolate sauce - worth going for the food alone!
What did you think of your group leader?
Fabrizzio was experienced, knowledgeable, hard-working, encouraging - all you could expect from a guide and so much more! I had a chest infection and initially doubted my ability to complete the trek but he was hugely supportive and encouraging, and inspired me with the confidence to do it comfortably. He was also very good at ensuring group cohesion while giving everyone the chance to do their own thing - never once did we feel regimented to do anything.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't hesitate to book ... it's a great trek, and lots more besides.
Take swimming gear for Aguas Calientes and the hotel in Nazca ...
from 18 reviews.
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