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.

Justyn Barbery

INCA TRAIL & THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

Written October 2011
Absolutely fantastic trip, I enjoyed every moment of it. From the first minute to the last minute their was something to do, something to see, the whole trip was full of suprises and surpassed all my expectations. Peru is a exceptional place, Exodus do such a grand job, I came back from my holiday a different person, a better person.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The most insperational moment of the trip was the actual Inca Trail the whole walk was fantastic and was just ore inspiring. We has some amaizing views and the trail was great fun to walk along, around every corner and up every hill their was something different to see and do. The best part of the whole trip was after 4 days of walking, walking up the last few steep steps of the Sun Gate and seeing the classic Macchu Picchu veiw in the distance was brilliant. The whole group were speachless, and was good to have the whole group to make it to this point. I had carried a couple beers with me for 3 days (i bought some at the last place available) were quite heavy to carry, but was well worth it when I got to the Sun Gate I cracked one open and all the groip and myself had a swig, and all the other groups cheered and clap and thought what a good idea.
What did you think of your group leader?
What can I say, Fabrizzio was amazing. He did a fantastic job, nothing was every to much trouble. he was with us the whole trip, was a fountain of knowledge and always made sure we were ok and that we were safe.I could not of asked for anyone better. Also All the staff and leaders from all over the trip were brilliant. I especially thank the cooks from the Inca Trail who mustered up some fantastic 3 course meals.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
I learnt a fair bit from this trip, as it was my first big trip. Dont take to much, I did and didnt use it all. Make sure you take a very good 3-4 season sleeping back and liner (preferbly silk) It can get cold at night in the mountains. Walking boots for the trail, walkcing shoes for the excursions, I took sandals for the evening, but during the day it did get too sunny to wear them and some people burnt themselves.. A wide rimmed hat is essential, and a strong sunscreen (25+). Pack pleanty of imodium and dyralite nothing worse than getting a dodgy tummy, and if you can take some mint tea bags as they help settle the stomach greatly. Drink pleanty of water and gatorade whilst their, its very important to stay hydrated. I got sunstoke one afternoon and it was horrible.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Dont even think about it, just book it... this trip was fantastic, if you dont do it, you will regret it for ever.

The only thing I would like to say to exodus is that everything was fantastic, the only small problem I had was with the camping on the trail. the 'Thermarest' mats had come to the end of the life, they were no longer self inflated which meant we had to self inflate them by breathing in them, which has germ risks as other people would have done that before us, and also they have been used so much now that the flam inside them had compressed so they wernt as firm and compfy as they should have been, and some of them smelt really badly. But apart from that, it was all good.
Paul Denton

INCA TRAIL & THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

Written September 2011
Well what can i say about the Amazon and the Inca trail; what an experiance, the sites are amazing. The inca trail was extra special and the ruins were fabulous; just to be there and walk among the sites was quite somthing, a must do trip of a life time. However i will say i suffer from the clasic tummy bug and had to take antibiotics; but the worst bit was the fact that 7 out of the 13 of us suffered from some illness on the third day of the trail. What was the cause we can only speculate but we had the evening meal and with 3 hours all 7 of us that suffered were vomiting and having a really bad case of the runs!!! i've never in my 42 years suffered quite like that. we all then suffered for the next week recovering but could still enjoy the trip, if not as much as we might of had, had we not got ill. Still a must do.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
the moment you get up the final steps to the sun gate at Macho Piccho was quite sureal, we've been walking for four days and all in need of a good shower and we bump straight into the average tourist on a day trip to the sites. We had just experianced something those tourist would never know about, the trial itself as i say amazing. the views when on top of the mountains were incredable, so don't miss out take the trip and and do the trail!!
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader, Carlos, was a great guide and made all our arrangements for us sorting everything out making our life over the two weeks very easy. I will say that i think even Carlos suffered from the pace of the trip as it's non stop for the whole two weeks and even he got a little ratty at times. That said he was still a very good guide and worth every penny of the tip at the end.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Prior to getting to Macho Piccho you can book the Wayna Piccho mountain trail (the entrance is in Macho Piccho) and it takes about 2hours; but the sites are unbelievable and the infrastructure the incas put in place on that mountain was quite amazing and adds to the whole experiance.
The only other thing i can say is be carefull what you eat if you have a delicate belly like me!!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just do it!!
Karen Wellham

INCA TRAIL & THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

Written June 2011
The trip is slit into 3 parts and each is different. The jungle experience is fantastic and, although the inca trail is not easy, it is a great experience and the scenery is amazing. Exodus are one of the few companies that take four full days to complete the Inca Trail - this means that you leave the campsites a little latter, so do not meet many other trekkers on route, which is nice. It also means that you can take more time to see the scenery and for us, very few of the group got any altitude sickness. Although this means that you do not get to the Sun Gate at sunrise, you do get up early on day 5 and so still see the sunrise over Machu Picchu.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Reaching the top of Dead Woman's Pass on day 2 of the inca trail was an achievement, both for me and for the group. It is not easy, but it is worth the personal challenge. Take it slowly!
What did you think of your group leader?
Rene was excellent, very knowledgeable about Peru and particularly Cusco and Machu Picchu. He is a highly experienced trekker and was able to set the right pace for everyone, resulting in very few people getting any signs of altitude sickness. I would happily go on another trip led by Rene.Throughout the trip, we also had local guides - Wilson on the trek, Elle on Lake Titicaca and Richardo & Elvis in the Jungle - all were excellent.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Drink lots of water to prevent altitude sickness.
Take a pair of flipflops (with socks as it's cold) to change out of your boots in the evenings of the Inca Trail, and also a walking pole is essential as there are a lot of steps and it's hard on the knees. Also, take a spare camera battery for the trek - you don't want to run out of power at Machu Picchu. 7 Kg luggage for the Inca Trail is not a lot, so think light when you're planning the trip.
Take some high factor suncream as you burn quickly at altitude.
Try the Cocoa toffees and of course the Pisco Sours!
Be prepared for a lot of early starts and a lot of bag re-packing!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This is a great trip and covers a bit of everything. I would strongly recommend it. Both the jungle and the inca trail were highlights for me.
The inca trail is not easy, especially with all of the steps, but a little training beforehand, taking it slowly, using a walking pole and drinking loads of water all helps!
Eleri Rose

INCA TRAIL & THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

Written May 2011
First time we had every done this kind of holiday - walking in Europe yes, but this was something else!!. It was a 60th birthday present to ourselves and although it's a very full on trip we would not have missed it for anything. Don't hesitate - just go for it.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The end of the Inca Trail and coming through the Sun Gate even on a misty slightly moist day was something we will never forget, and when the mist lifted and you saw Machu Pichu for the first time it was just like all the photos but better. Then down to the Hot Springs - a real treat!
Going to sleep and then waking up to the sounds of the birds and animals in the rain forest, took ear plugs but did not use them as didn't want to miss anything. Certainly did not stop me from falling asleep.
Lake Titicaca - Amantani Island such lovely people and the home stay was far better than anticipated. Climbing up the hill in the afternoon to watch the sunset was just magic
What did you think of your group leader?
What can we say about Carlos - the group leader. He obviously loves his work as this comes over in the care and attention to detail he showed during the whole trip. The encouragement he gave during the walk up 'Dead Woman Pass' was brilliant - just kept us all going at a good pace and made sure we all got up and down. He arranged for laundry to be done overnight in Cusco, he arranged good value/good quality lunch or dinner for us whenever it was not included, or recommended good places to eat. He lived up to the nickname we gave him 'Papa Carlos'
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Just not to hesitate, go and book it - This trip is very full on, early morning starts, but early to bed because you are tired and sleep very well, there is very little time to sit and relax but when you do - then you really appreciate it!!. To see as much of Peru as you do on this trip would be difficult at a more leasurely pace, the organisation of the whole trip is second to none with hard working guides and porters making the whole trip possible and easy.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If there is a downside it is to do with tipping. Everyone knows tipping is part of the culture and it's made very clear in the trip notes how much you are expected to tip, and although you build this into the cost of your spending money by the end of the trip you do get a bit 'tipped out'. Although the guide has a lot to do it would be nice if you could give him all the tips at the start of the trip for him to distribute as trying to make sure you have the right amount of small notes for this purpose gets quite confussing especially towards the end of the trip when you are needing to do most of the tipping. I realise tipping is based on the service you have received and is difficult to judge this in advance - Maybe a kitty between 5 or 6 people would also work as an alternative.
Jennifer "Pika" Pickering

INCA TRAIL & THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

Written May 2011
This was a brilliant trip that packs a lot into 2 weeks. The service and standard of organisation was excellent.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The moment where you climb the steep stairs up to the Sun Gate and suddenly spot Macchu Picchu for the very first time!
Reaching the top of Dead Woman's Pass, and then surviving the descent in the pouring rain!
Being in the Amazon rainforest is an incredible, if intense, experience.
Watching the sun set over Lake Titicaca.
What did you think of your group leader?
Juan (the main group leader) was excellent, he has superb local knowledge and a real passion for his country and was very inspiring. He was also a great laugh and kept the group constantly amused with his jokes! He arranged plenty of extras such as a laundry service.
Wilson (assistant guide on the Inca Trail) was also fanastic and general life saver!!!!
The local rainforest guides were also very knowledgable and friendly.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be positive on the Inca Trail and enjoy the scenary. It's hard work, but there are plenty of rest stops and no pressure to hurry up, everyone can take their own pace and it is ok if the group is quite spread out. Do some training beforehand to improve fitness and stamina.
There is a LOT of packing, unpacking and re-packing so be organised with your gear. Take two bags - a nice spacious suitcase for general use and then a soft carry all or the exodus kit bag that you can fold up and put inside the suitcase. The suitcase is fine to use in the cities and for the jungle and trek you can use the soft bag and leave everything else in the suitcase. Bring a suitcase with some space left in it as it is bound to get filled up! We had to unpack and repack our gear in the check in area of the airport at one point as our stuff was spread over 2 bags and we needed to fit them all into the suitcase again for the flight.
Beware - 7kg for the personal Inca Trail gear allowance does not go a long way! Most of us carried that almost much in our day packs too! The sleeping bags that some of us hired were very warm but also heavy so took up most of the weight allowance.
The porters are amazing and the meals on the Inca Trail (in fact the food over all) is a very high standard, we had meals whilst camping that were better than you might get in a restaurant!
Get several large dry bags - for both day packs and hold alls. No'one cared about wearing smelly, dirty clothes day after day but no'one wanted to wear wet clothes! It can pour with rain at any point in the trip and it is possible for bags to fall into rivers. Also have a plastic wallet/folder for passport, paper etc. You will get a lot of bits of paper so I took an A5 clear wallet with me to keep them safe.
Bring a Nalgene or Sigg/Karrimor water bottle as you can fill them up with hot water and use them as a hot water bottle at night.
Take one reasonably nice (but easy to wear/fold up) shirt or blouse as there are several opportunities to eat in a restaurant. I felt like a real scruff on the final night wearing the same casual shirt I'd worn for so much of the trip.
Take plenty of batteries for your camera if it takes AA/AAAs. If it is a rechargable one, bring a spare as there is no where to recharge on the trek (you can in the jungle for several hours each evening).
Be prepared for some energentic dancing as there will be a fiesta on Amantani Island! It is great fun and you will also dress in local clothing styles!
Bring anti travel-sickness pills if you need them as there are long bus and train rides.
Bring plenty of lip balm and moisturising cream as the Inca Trail and Lake Titicaca can really dry your skin out.
The trip notes say to bring dollars and change small amounts into sols along the way, but we found it much better to keep most of the currency in sols and only keep a smaller amount (about 30%) back left as dollars. Everywhere takes sols anyway. It is also good to have a lot of change and small notes in sols rather than big bills. A lot of public lavatories charge 1 sol per visit so keep a supply of coins!
I found a pair of good walking books, light trainers/tennis shoes and a pair of sandals good for the trip but in hindsight I would have taken light walking shoes instead of trainers (as well as good, worn in boots) and sandals. There are plenty of times such as day trips, bus rides, plane journey etc where you don't want to have to wear the heavy boots all the time but there is still a reasonable amount of walking around and tennis shoes had a bit of a thin sole.
if you forget anything for the trek there are plenty of good outdoor shops in Cusco which sell all the usual gear. The best thing I bought was a waterproof rucksack cover!
Shopping in Lima for gifts was very expensive (western prices) - try and buy your gifts at local markets instead.
Get a woolly Peruvian hat in Cusco for the Inca Trail , they are excellent and only about £2 from market vendors!
Take an small inflatable pillow if you need a pillow for the Inca Trail, or a pillow case that you can stuff with your fleece, spare clothes etc for sleeping on.
Bring a small (handsized) travel towel for the Inca Trail as they give you a bowl of warm water to wash in so you want something to dry with.
Be prepared for every type of climate - from 0 degrees to 30+ and high humidity! A good wind proof jacket and a light fleece are both good ideas, or a thick windproof fleece. I had a thick fleece but it would have been a good idea to take a micro fleece or thin zip up jacket as well for in the citiesor when it was not too cold. Get really good waterproofs - do the shower test if necessary! No point in getting an expensive goretex jacket if it lets the rain through coming down Dead Woman's Pass, as some of our group discovered!!

There is a LOT of tipping, not just on the Inca trail, but the drivers and local guides as well. So budget for that as the trip notes make out that you just tip the Inca trail team and main guide.
During the homestay on Lake Titicaca the reed boat ride, lunch and dinner on the first day are not included in the overall price and you need to pay in sols for these when you are there (5 sols for the boat ride and 15 per meal), it is not much but it used up most of the money I had put aside for local crafts.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
It was generally a fantastic trip but be aware of a few things, the airline (Iberia) was a let down and it would have been much better if Exodus had chosen a different airline.

The first 2 days were very rushed and no'one really remember much of those days or took much in but after that it was fine. It was nice to have a lazy day on the coach after the days doing the Inca Trail, we all just napped or the coach all day or chilled out.
All in all a fanastic trip. Everything was run very well and the guides couldn't have been better. I would certainly recommend it and it is great to do so much more in Peru than just the Inca Trail.

LOVED IT!!!!
David Hall

INCA TRAIL & THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

Written May 2011
The most amazing adventure I have ever been on - thanks Exodus. I arrived with some excitment, but a great deal of trepidation. was I too old for the trip? Could I manage the Inka Trail? Would I hold other people back? Had I taken the right equipment. My fears were very quickly evaporated with an amazing group of fellow travellers and the most incredible and inspirational guide Juan.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There were many, but the one that stands out was the arrival at the Sun Gate. The guide very wisely did not tell us that at the top of a long flight of stairs we would see Mach Pichu. After a long day climbing down an incredible distance and then the last exhausting up hill climb, suddenly you see this amazing view of Machu Picchu. A number of us were struggling to hold back the tears!
What did you think of your group leader?
Absolutely amaxing! His English was superb. His pride in his countries culture was so evident you were caught up in it. His knowledge of the animal, insect and flora around seemed endless. He got us to the right place at the right time never flusturing anyone nor even seeing to be flustered himself. He never failed to do everything without a great big smile. He could not have been more helpful or informative.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Double check that what you have brought is totally waterproof. Our weather was generally good, but inevitably there were massive downpours from time to time and a couple of things we thought were waterproof did not manage the cloud forest! Stand in the shower fully kitted up and test!!!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The standerd of catering during the trail was unbelievable. Could not believe that i was camping at nearly 15,000 feet and tucking in to an excellent three course meal which included dressed trout.
Thank you
David Ball

INCA TRAIL & THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

Written May 2011
Very enjoyable holiday. Everything was well planned and organised both prior to departure and once in Peru. There is a lot of travelling involved, especially at the start but you do get to see a lot of things in a very short space of time. We were really lucky as although we had a big group (16 people) we all got on really well and it enhanced the holiday by making such good friends throughout the trip.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
It would be difficult to pick one highlight as the trip is so diverse.
The rainforest was excellent and we both loved the nature walks and all of the animals and creatures we saw. The accomodation was specatacular too. Not in a 5* hotel way but it fitted into the environment perfectly and really added something to the stay.
The Inca Trail was tough in places but enjoyable with exceptional support from the porters and guides. No-one really suffered from altitude sickness etc but I'm sure this was partly because we were so well fed, watered and looked after. As the trip notes suggest as long as you are reasonably fit you'll be fine.
What did you think of your group leader?
Juan was brilliant. Not only was he passionate and knowedgable about Peru he was funny, helpful and even gave photography tips to everyone! We can't say enough about how much Juan added to the trip.
The local guides should also receive praise. Emerson and Edwin in the rainforest were great and Emerson must have the best eyesight of anyone I've ever met to spot baby caiman, in the dark, from about 100m away! Wilson plus the porter team on the Inca trail were also very good. How the chefs create the meals we had during the trail in a little tent I'll never know.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
When you arrive in Lima change quite a bit of dollars into soles straight away. Although the trip notes suggest you can use dollars (and you can) the exchange rate is not very favourable and we found it much easier to have soles instead. Also, try and get small denominations (20 or lower) as many of the smaller shops and stalls have trouble changing anything bigger.
Pack light. We thought we had but we still had far more than we needed. We were able to get laundry done on arriving in Cusco and again after the trail and with a 7kg limit on your trail bags and not needing much for the rainforest (light clothing and long sleeves and legs) you'll find a lot of what you take doesn't really get used. Don't forget layers for the evenings on the trail and on the homestay! Waterproof ponchos seemed to work better than the bag covers when it rained heavily on the trail too. Only about 2soles in Cusco if you ask around.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you have the time and can afford to fly in a day early to have a free day in Lima would break up the travelling at the start of the trip. It was pretty intense for the first two days and if we were to repeat the trip we'd definitely look to do that.
Other than that just take a good sense of humour and enjoy yourself!