Inca Trail & The Amazon Rainforest: Peru Trekking 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 72 reviews.

Gail Madeley

INCA TRAIL & THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

Written September 2012
This was my 10th trip with Exodus and once again they didn't let me down. There is a lot of travelling, but when you take the size of Peru into account, this is the only way you are going to get to see so much.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The trip falls into three parts: the Rainforest, The Inca Trail and Lake Titicaca, so all three had their own inspirations. The Rainforest - the diversity of animals and birds; The Inca Trail - achieving Dead Woman's Pass and reaching the Sun Gate; and the tranquillity of the Lake.
What did you think of your group leader?
You don't get to meet the leader, on our trip this was Marcial, until you get to the airport in Puerto Maldonado. The guide who met us at the airport in Lima didn't have much to say and didn't know his way round Lima, having to ask his way to sights on several occasions. The guide in the Rainforest, Leol, was fantastic and so knowledgeable. How he managed to spot the animals and insects in the dark and when there was only a fleeting glance during the day was unbelievable. Marcial came into his own once we left the rainforest. His knowledge of the culture of Peru was vast, he knew the best places to eat as he was local to Cusco. Because we were a small group we only needed a mini bus, rather than a coach so we were up and ready each day on time and therefore he didn't need to chase anyone up. His advice was accurate and he answered any questions we had.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Money - make sure you take enough US dollars. The trip notes are pretty accurate, but that is just to get by. If you are a spender then take more. Change about $75 per person in the airport - the exchange rate is much better in Cusco - that will get you by for getting round Lima, the airports, water etc. When you get to Cusco change quite a bit as you will need Sols for all your shopping and eating out, only some restaurants take card. Tips for the porters can be in dollars, but you will need Sols for some of the additional trips rather than dollars.
Luggage - pack as light as you can for the Inca trail - remember the porters can only 7kg of what you will need and some of that includes your sleeping bag and thermarest. Make sure your sleeping bag is warm enough - work on the comfort rating rather than the temperature rating. A two season bag is not warm enough! You will need more tops in the rainforest than you think as you will need to change at least 3 times during the day, where as on the Inca Trail you probably don't need as much as you think! And if you do, remember you have to carry it!
Poles - if you are used to walking with poles, take them as they help with the ups and downs. If you are used to walking without them, then you probably don't need them - you can always find a sturdy stick en route.
Water bottles - take bottles that can be filled with boiling water as these can be used as hot water bottles at night while camping.
See if you can get the earlier flight back from Puno to Lima as we had to hang around for 5 hours after getting back from Lake Titicaca before the 9.00pm flight to Lima and couldn't see any reason for this. It means you don't get to the hotel until nearly midnight!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Enjoy the culture - each town has its own square and cathedral - from the poor to the rich, enjoy the wildlife including macaws, sloths, condors, caimans, monkeys, parrots, snakes, spiders, etc, etc, and enjoy the ruins, as I am sure that's why you will book the trip in the first place.
Try the alpaca - very tasty, guinea pig - not much meat and a lot of little bones. If you like tea, make sure you have the coca leaves, but if where you work perform random drug tests, make sure you tell them you've had some, because it stays in your system for a week after you get back. If you are not sure about antimalaria tablets - we took them - check your insurance, because if you do get bitten and get malaria your insurance may not pay out!
Be prepared for the travelling, but just do it as it is out of this world!
Roisin McCabe

INCA TRAIL & THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

Written August 2012
An inspirational & exceptional trip with precision organisation, guided by a true professional.A fantastic mix of trekking, culture and history, beautiful scenery with a new image around every corner, new experiences and all this with great company.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Without a doubt it was reaching the Sungate on day four of the Inca Trail to obtain the first view of Machu Picchu.
A close second was the sunset on Amantani island on Lake Titicaca.
What did you think of your group leader?
Juan was a wealth of information who assisted everyone in the group with their individual needs and never seemed to tire of answering questions and accommodating group members.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Bring along good insect repellent, carry toilet tissue paper at all times and make sure you have a good camera with long battery life!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Don't have too many expectations and go with an open mind to new experiences and meeting new people.
Hannah Dainty

INCA TRAIL & THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

Written August 2012
An amazing trip! Well worth the money. Some experiences that I will never forget!
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The most inspirational moment of the trip was reaching the top of Dead Woman's Pass. After climbing for 1200m reaching the top was fantastic! We were all elated. A definite highlight. Another moment was first seeing Macchu Picchu when we reached the sungate, be warned there are some very steep steps before you reach that point. Luckily, our guide was there to carry our trekking poles as we scrambled up. Lake Titikaca is amazing, staying at the homestay was not something that I was looking forward to but was one of the most amazing parts of the trip, especially dressing up in Peruvian attire!
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader, Juan was brilliant. He organised us and made sure we were in the right place at the right time. He had lots of knowledge to share with us on the Inca Trail and was able to answer any questions that we had. I became ill during my trip and Juan was able to sort out all medical help that I needed which meant I could carry out with the trip.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Use trekking poles on the Inca Trail, there are lots of steps going down and they were very helpful. Make sure you have spare rubber tips though as this is the regulation of using the trail. Ensure you have a good pair of walking boots and socks so that you don't get blisters. Be prepared to tip all local guides as well, we had separate guides in the rainforest, an additional guide up in the Inca Trail and a guide for Lake Titikaca which we have to tip separately to our main guide.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This trip was one the hardest things I have ever done and really takes you away from your creature comforts. But it is amazing and completely worth all the hard work. Met some brilliant people and had some fantastic experiences. Definitely a trip of a lifetime :).
Natalie Shenton

INCA TRAIL & THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

Written August 2012
I had high expectations for this trip and they were all exceeded! I felt like we saw the real Peru and a lot of what it has to offer. The main thing I was looking forward to was trekking the Inca Trail but I enjoyed my time in the Amazon so much I didn't want to leave. The homestay on Lake Titicaca was a fantastic way to finish our time in Peru.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There are so many to choose from but I would have to say finishing the Inca trail and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time was a really special moment and something I will never forget. I remember thinking that the sungate looked like heaven trekking up to it with the sunlight streaming through, knowing this last 'up' section was the final challenge. Stepping through the sungate and seeing Machu Picchu was the best reward for a challenging 4 day trek.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our leader Juan was fantastic! His archaeological knowledge was very impressive and you could tell it was something that he was passionate about. Nothing was too much trouble for him and he made sure everything ran smoothly over the two weeks, he really looked after us as a group. It was a pleasure to get to know him and travel Peru with him, a country he is extremely proud to be from.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Torch, insect repellent and sun cream! You should be prepared for no electricity in your room at the jungle lodge in the amazon, just candles (which in my opinion added to the charm of the lodge) and obviously on the Inca trail you will need a torch. Insect repellent is a must for the amazon but there are also biting bugs on the trail so don’t throw it away after the jungle.The weather (depending on where you're going) varies from place to place, very hot on the trek in the day (sun cream and sunhat is definitely needed) and cold at night and in Cuzco. Walking poles are great, even one will do to help you down the steep sections and if you don’t want to carry these in your luggage you can buy them In Cusco or at the start of trek.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Only that it was a fantastic trip and something you shouldn't hesitate to do! Although the trek was tougher than I expected I loved every minute and was constantly amazed by the changing scenery. This trip shows a lot of what Peru has to offer and although it's quite a busy itinerary there is nothing I would want to miss out!
Wendy Bartholomew

INCA TRAIL & THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

Written August 2012
Wow, an amazing and varied holiday with plenty of transfers and locations steeped in the culture and history of Peru. You certainly will not get bored on this trip. Be prepared for the climate change from a temperate Lima, a tropical Amazon rain forest to the high altitude of the lovely Cuzco, Inca trail, Altiplano and Lake Titicaca.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The views were amazing but arriving at the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time was definitely one of those moments you will never forget. We were luck to have glorious sunshine when we arrived, just to make the moment just that more magical.

What did you think of your group leader?
We had a main group leader that joined us when we arrived at the rainforest and stayed with us until our return flight to Lima. Flaminia was an excellent leader, resolving problems, getting us from A to B and very knowledgeable on the Inca trail and the trip down to Lake Titicaca. In addition, we had guides in Lima, the Amazon and Lake Titicaca with all the specific knowledge of the area.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be prepared for lots of travel, transfers and staying in different locations. The trip notes don’t prepare you for the endless packing and repacking, including at airports! We were fortunate that we could get some laundry done at the hotel on the 2 occasions we were in Cuzco, definitely a must if you can, after the rainforest and Inca Trail.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The Inca Trail itself isn’t difficult but the effects of altitude on your body do make it a challenge and you will need to be reasonably fit to enjoy it. If you can, try and compartmentalise your case for the different parts of the trip to save repacking. You really don’t need and can’t take much to the Amazon, and everything gets dirty on the Inca Trail so don’t bother with lots of changes of cloths.
Be prepared for the Peruvian stomach bug, with plenty of tablets. Most of us got it to some degree at one stage of the trip or another and even on the return to the UK! Finally don't expect the Ritz other than the hotels the rest of the accommodation and camping is basic, very basic. I don't think I found one toilet that had a loo seat, not alone any running water. Despite all that it was definately an amazing and wonderous holiday, go for it.
Tony Parkinson

INCA TRAIL & THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

Written July 2012
Despite having been on many trips before, this still stood out as a truly extraordinary adventure with the best guide and support team we have travelled with.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The mixture of Rainforest, Mountain and Lake / homestay was unique in our experience so far. The scenery in Peru is every bit as amazing as we had hoped.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our leader, Juan Diaz is the best leader we have encountered in many adventures. Caring and extremely knowledgeable, bearing an uncanny likeness to Indiana Jones and well suported by his assistant and team, he made the trip for us.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't underestimate the effects of altitude and the steepness of parts of the ascent. Machu Picchu is very crowded indeed but well worth the visit.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The food during the trek was the best we have encountered so far.
Hazel Strudwick

INCA TRAIL & THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

Written June 2012
Wow! This is a fast pace, full on, amazing trip! Loved every minute of it!
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The Inca Trail is tough but totally worth every step! The first sight of Macchu Picchu as you step though the Sun Gate is very special. The homestay at Amantani Island - staying with Flora - was very special. The flight into the Amazon basin - via Cusco - to see the snow-capped mountains suddenly replaced by flat, dense green jungle and brown tributaries of the Amazon. Try and get a window seat - and take lots of photos! Wandering through local markets - and small towns - like Urubamba - watching locals go about their business.
What did you think of your group leader?
Rene is a very experienced group leader who is very passionate about his country. He knows every step of the Inca Trail. His organisational skills ensured we were alway in the right place at the right time - without us ever feeling rushed or hurried. Rene made sure we enjoyed every step of the trail - even on the second day - going over Dead Woman's Pass. Slowly, slowly! Rene's knowledge is very good. He has a very calm, friendly nature. Anyone doing this trip will be very lucky to have Rene.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take walking poles!! These are a must both in the Amazon and the Inca Trail. There are lots of steps on the Inca Trail and poles make going up and going down much easier! Pack light. Washing can be done in Cusco - organised by Rene. Drink loads of fluids - water is freely available on the trek - so drink lots to help avoid altitude sickness. Take US dollars and change into soles as required.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The food on this trip is very good. The cook on the Inca Trail is able to conjure up some amazing 3 course meals. Food is plentiful! The white water rafting trip out of Cusco was a really fun day. The rapids are only level 2 and 3 - but it's a good day - with a good lunch included. This is a must do trip! Expect lots of early starts - we had a 3.30am wake up call one morning in the Amazon - but it was worth it - to trek to the lake to see the otters. Book it and have fun!!!