Classic Peru

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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  Anthony Moriarty

  CLASSIC PERU

  

  Written May 2013

  this was an excellent trip (and ive done many!!)a real variety and taste of what this amazingly diverse country has to offer 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  the final walk upto yhe sungate and entrance in to machu picchu in all its glory-just like the incas uded to see it

  unbelievably breathtaking and something i will always remember

  What did you think of your group leader?

  excellent

  flexible and experienced

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  be prepared to be challenged by dead womans pass

  and pack carefully-lots of varied climates to deal with

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  one of the best holidays ive ever had!

   
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  Charles Johnson

  CLASSIC PERU

  

  Written September 2012

  An active holiday with like minded people, very varied and in the main well planned and informative. High light was the trek and arrival at Machu Picchu, given the facilities the porter's and chief done an excellant job. On the downside the toilet tent on the trek was grim, three quarters of the party were ill at some stage, fortunately not ourselves. Some of the trip could have been less touristy. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  On the upside, without doubt was arrival at the Sun Gate with views down to the Inca ruins. The sense of peace and tranquillity at other abandond Inca ruins on the trek was almost tangible.  On the down side was the farmers fires in the Amazon rain forest viewed on our approach to the amazon airport, although we were assured they were 'controlled', it brings home how valuable the forest is and how easy it would be to abuse it.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  The leader, Rene was great, made quick and good decisions when met with a unexpected problems, super knowledge of the country, flora & fauna. Cared for the group without any nannying, allowed you free hand but you knew he wasn't far away. Good manager and very well liked.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  On the trek it was useful to have a portable pee pot ( as used by light aircraft pilots and others no doubt ) saves a run to the loo (poo) tent in the middle of the night. We had two walking sticks ( adjustable ) each, probably our age but they did save our knees. Daughter managed with none but then she's half my age !! Keep covered in the jungle, the mosies are crafty, happy to fly up open trouser legs - tuck into socks or you will be scatching for the rest of the trip. At Cusco you could change sterling to local currency at the money change shops - they seemed to give best value anyway. Enjoy, it's a great trip.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The arrival at Lima was not brillant, the guide ( not Rene, a stand in ) said a 7.00 am on the bus to the hotel that the rooms were not available til after lunch is there anything you want to do - not really what you want to hear after a long night flight, expected some organisation. But after a word he gathered his senses and we had a stroll round and some breakfast, some of the party decided to go off to a museum so best prepare before you go - shared taxi from the hotel seemed reasonable cost. After the trek and on to Lake Titicaca the bus journey was through interesting scenery and well worth staying awake for, shame about the obvious tourist stops at 'local' houses. Seems the inhabitants packed up at 5 and then went home. The boat trip to an island on the lake was not worth the 6 hours there and back, poor lunch and even poorer slow and fume ridden boat. Should have turned back after visit to the reed island folks. Otherwise brillant trip and well worth the effort.

   
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  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

   
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  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.

   
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  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.

   
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  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!

   
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  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!

   

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