CLASSIC PERU

17 days from GBP2,899 to GBP3,299 including flights
Tripcode: TPR

Countries Visited: Peru

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Our Clients’ Reviews

Average Review Rating: from 9 reviews.

Sandra Barrett

CLASSIC PERU

Written October 2011
The trip was more than I expected, it was fantastic. The organisation throughout the trip couldn't be faulted anywhere.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Thoroughly enjoyed the jungle and was thrilled to entice a tarantulla out of his burrow with the help of Hugo. Loved seeing all the variety of flora and fauna. I also enjoyed the parrot at the Tambpopata Lodge.
Reaching the summit of Abra de huarmi wanusca (Dead woman's pass) was another even though the weather wasn't good. Arriving to tour Machu Picchu was tremendous, can't believe the size of the Inca ruins. Views from the last point on the Inca trail were a WOW (not from the sun gate)
Travelling to Puno across the Altiplano was an experience and amazed at the vastness and nothingness of it all. It was also very interesting on Lake Titicaca (although I feel a bit touristy)
What did you think of your group leader?
Our main group leader was Flaminia, we couldn't have asked for a better guide. So friendly and knowledgeable, she became one of us straight away. Her detailed knowledge of ALL aspects of the trip were particularly impressive. She was so caring.
We also had an assistant guide - Huilson - on the Inca trail who was also very helpful and knowledgeable and supportive to the slower walkers.
In the jungle we had Hugo to guide us and again his knowledge was incredible.
I don't think we could have done any better for guides.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Advice for future travellers, go prepared for the terrain. Ensure you are fit enough and have done some hill walking. Go prepared especially if you have knee problems. Make sure you read up before you go in detail.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Don't go expecting brilliant sunshine. We saw plenty in the jungle and at Lake Titicaca but on the Inca Trail we did occasionally see the sun albeit very briefly. I would also recomend taking a down jacket for the evenings on the trail, we didn't because we were told by someone from Exodus we didn't need to. It would have been useful. Do make sure your waterproofs are lightweight as this then makes it easier when walking in them. Carry as little as possible. GO TO ENJOY WE DID
Nandita Nelson

CLASSIC PERU

Written June 2010
A truly amazing experience, especially if you are a bird lover, GO TO PERU!!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
All of it--Macchu Picchu was fab, but only one of many great moments. For me it was the birds, the colourful HUGE crested woodpecker on a branch, the toucan flying across the Tambopata river, the antshrike hiding in a bush, the 20 varieties of hummingbird hovering over the flowers, the enormous colorful hoatzin and jungle caracara, the finches, yellow siskin, paradise birds, macaws, and the glorious vermilion flycatcher that just flew across a garden in Lima. If you are at all interested in birds, it is a big mistake not to visit Peru. I literally saw 100 species I had never seen before.
The orchids were lovely too!
What did you think of your group leader?
As crazy about birds as I was, so perfect for me. A genuinely interested and warm person, not just doing a job.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't underestimate the altitude. Do some regular excercise before you go. If you do no exercise at all, this may not be the trip for you. I manage 20mins on a treadmill a couple of times a week, so I am not exactly super fit, but if I didn't do that, it would have been tough.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Take lots of insect repellent, and just soak up the mountains, the culture and the wildlife.
Sarah Wong

CLASSIC PERU

Written August 2009
Exceeded my expectations. 14 days was not enough but it was an excellent introduction to an amazing country. Peru has much to offer :- Nature, history, culture, colourful people.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
1. Climbing to the top of the mountain pass at 4700 metres on day 2 of the Moonstone Trek.
2. First view of Machu Picchu. Words cannot describe it. You must see it for yourself
3. The deep blue waters of Lake Titikaka, the sky and clouds.
What did you think of your group leader?
Carlos was excellent with good communication skill and passion for his work and country.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Highly recommended. Peru is definitely worth going to. You will not be disappointed.
Joseph Smith

CLASSIC PERU

Written July 2009
It was a great holiday. We got to see so many things and it was a fantastic introduction to a beautiful and diverse country. We were certainly kept busy with loads to see and lots of early starts. The trip is definitely not one for taking it easy and relaxing!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The Moonstone Trek was brilliant. It was great to get so far off the beaten track - the 2nd and 3rd days of the trek genuinely felt a long way away from civilisation. A particular highlight was getting to the top of the highest pass just after lunchtime on the second day of the trip. 4,750m felt like a real achievement and there were great views under beautiful clear blues skies. You could look down into the empty mountain valley below at 4,350m, where you would be camping that night, and enjoy the fact that there was nothing there apart from llamas and alpacas. It was also humbling to meet the local people on the trek - the older children (9+) who walked 2 hours each way to go to school every day, the younger children outside the simple village school at 3,800m where they go until they are 8 or 9, and the grandmother and granddaughter in their single room farmhouse (full with 20+ guinea pigs running around the floor) while the rest of the family were out working in the fields, all without any running water, electricity or other modern conveniences.
What did you think of your group leader?
Rene did a good job - he was very well organised and very knowledgeable in terms of Cuzco and Inca history. The whole trip ran efficiently, and Rene kept everybody on track, which can be difficult with 13 people all having slightly different ideas of their perfect holiday! I think on occasion he struggled a bit in terms of language, not in a way which hindered basic communication, but there were times when he repeated what had already been said having not understood the question asked. This certainly wasn't something that detracted from the holiday though, and am guessing what might be gained in terms of ease of comprehension would be lost in terms of genuine understanding and passion for the country and Inca history, which Rene clearly possessed. Richard (our trek guide) was very helpful and looked after us well on the Moonstone Trek. Hugo and Daniel (our jungle guides) definitely deserve a special mention - they were fantastic for the 3 days we spent down in the jungle. They were always enthusiastic and entertaining, with a great sense of humour, and kept everybody happy and amused at the same time as providing an incredible level of insight into their rainforest environment, which they are clearly very proud of.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be prepared to be busy and if you can afford the time don't go back to work the day after you arrive back in England! Take a spare camera battery with you as 1 is unlikely to last for the 3-4 days of the trek. Would recommend carrying more Sol than USD, as it is much more use for tipping, local payments etc. All USD notes have to be kept pristine or they won't be accepted. Fly with KLM rather than Iberia if you have the option - those of us on the holiday who flew Iberia were not fans of the experience (old planes for longhaul, no TV's in the back of seats makes a 10 hour flight pretty dull, poor quality food and service). Finally, make sure to get your Yellow Fever jab at least 10 days before departure so you don't have to spray yourself with DEET every hour to keep the mosquitoes off in the jungle!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Enjoy!
Lynne Sharratt

CLASSIC PERU

Written June 2009
This was an amazing holiday - more of an experience really. We did and saw so much that by the start of the second week, it felt like we'd already been away for a month! Hard work at times, but well worth it. Highly recommended.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The most inspirational moment of the trip for me personally was sitting in a stream / watering hole at the back of the Tambopata Lodge and seeing the view down river, knowing that I was all alone (momentarily!) in the Amazon - it was just incredible. Also, getting to the top of Dead Woman's Pass and feeling the sense of achievement. Also, tramping through the jungle, across log bridges, proper Indiana Jones stylee!! Lima itself was an incredibly vibrant city also - loved it there and would have liked some more time explore.
What did you think of your group leader?
Rene was brilliant the whole time. Very informative and keen to share his knowlege. He arranged a doctor when a couple of us fell slightly ill and made sure we got the best out of our trip, and arranged for a birthday cake for my boyfriend which was a nice surprise. The local guides were excellent also - a special mention for Hugo and Daniel from the jungle section who were enthusiastic, had an excellent sense of humour and obviously so proud of their rainforest!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take lots of hanf gel (especially for camping), be prepared for lots of early starts and uncomfy sleeping mats in the tents - it would have been good to take some extra padding but this would have taken up too much room. Other than that - the trek itself was hardgoing at times (altitude definately has it's effects) but lots of fun and very rewarding. Walking poles recommended for anyone with slightly dodgy knees or sense of balance (like me!) Be prepared to pack and unpack a lot as well. If you're nervous of flying, this might not be the trip for you as in all, we took 9 flights over the two weeks.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Enjoy!! You will have an amazing time, and get to know a great bunch of people if our trip was anything to go by. Open your mind and just go with it. Experience everything you can whilst you're there!
Ruth Easton

CLASSIC PERU

Written September 2008
An amazing trip that packed in so many sides of Peru in two short weeks, from the vastness of the rainforest brimming with unfamiliar plants and animals, the beautiful wildness of the Moonstone Trail to the more frequented sites of Machupicchu and Lake Titicaca.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There are so many things about the trip that stick in my memory: morning mist clearing above the valley we camped in on the second night of the trail, hunting for cayman at night in the jungle, seeing the massive stones used by the Incas to build the Sun Temple at Ollantaytambo then walking for two hours along the route these great stones were transported. However, the one moment I won't forget is sitting in silence in the dark on a jungle lake, the sky crowded with unfamiliar constellations and seeing a shooting star. It was magical.
What did you think of your group leader?
Gilda was very helpful, knowledgeable and flexible with the group. Nothing was too much trouble for her. Edwin knew a great deal about the plants, animals and folklore of the jungle. On the Moonstone Trail Cesar had a good knowledge of the wildlife and the mountains but also of the history of the Inca and pre-Inca sites we saw on the way. When one of the group fell ill on the first day of the trail Cesar dealt with the situation with real kindness and sensitivity.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't miss the chance to see the Amazon rainforest. Peru has so much more to offer than just Machupicchu.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Great food - even on the trail. When do I ever have flambeed bananas for dessert even at home! Comfortable hotels in convenient locations. Beautiful lodges in the jungle - complete with mosquito nets and solar heated showers.
Patricia Rowley

CLASSIC PERU

Written July 2008
My first trip with Exodus - but it won't be the last (hopefully). A great trip that lived up to and exceeded my expectations. Peru is a superb country to visit but do be prepared for the poverty that exists in some places.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The two high spots were - firstly the whole rainforest experience, loved everything we did in this part of trip but lying in hammock in afternoon and in bed at night listening to the sounds outside were pure magic;
and
- secondly completing the Inca Trail (especially day 2 arriving at Dead Woman's pass) and first sights of Machu Picchu from the sun gate are also unforgettable moments.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader was Gilda and she was superb - nothing was too much trouble for her and she soon got the hang of our sense of humour! Her knowledge of the area around Cusco and on the trail really brought the trip alive.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Change a decent sum of money into local currency at the airport in Lima when you arrive and don't waste time changing bits and pieces in a variety of towns.
Be very careful what you eat and where - we were but even so 3 out of 9 had temp. tummy troubles.
Sort out clothes etc in advance for rainforest as you have very little time to sort things out once in Peurto Maldonaldo.
Buy or take a stick for the Inca Trail - really saved our knees.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Go for it - I can't recommend this trip highly enough. The nine in our group all got on well and we had a fantastic trip led by a fantastic local guide. Well worth paying a bit more for the extra comfort of nice hotels and a comfortable bed after 3 days of camping.