The Inca Trail

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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  Jadwiga Piorek

  THE INCA TRAIL - Moonstone Trek

  

  Written April 2012

  Originally we wanted to do the Classic Inca Trail, however because Exodus run out of lincences for this particular trip we did a variation of this trek: Moonstone Trek, which is much higher that the Inca Trail. This did not put us off and actually was better as we went on very remote, secluded paths that are not part of the massive tourist highway. During the whole trip it was only 6 of us + leader + cooks + sherpas and few local people that we past occasionally. PERFECT for those who want to experience the beauty of mighty Andes, beautiful nature, make new friends and clear mind from daily life! You still get to see all the good places including ending the trek in Machu Picchu! We came back very happy and whatever we spent was definitely worth it all! 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Camping in the middle of nowhere, getting up at undecent hours in the morning, walking all day and at the end of the day surprising ourseves with a happy thought that tomorrow is yet another day we will discover something new! You surprise yourself how far you can push yourself!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  We had two leaders, both Juan Manuel and Jesus were great, looked after the whole group at all times, checking whether we adjust well to the altidue. They have paced the trek fantasticly making sure no one is left behind and we stick as a group. They are both experienced leaders and showed us trully amazing places!

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Take a good sleeping bag, clothes for every weather condition, camera and good humor! Personally I found walking poles a saver on gravel, steep slopes and while jumping through the river. Won't hurt if you pack set of cards, we found playing UNO a great entertainment in the evenings!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Enjoy every moment! It's a trully amazing experience with such views that to say they take your breath away is understatement! They blow your socks off!!! :-)

   p.s. don't worry about the food, we ate like kings! That was one of the bigger surprises of this trek!  

   
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  Diana Maynard

  THE INCA TRAIL

  

  Written December 2011

  Inspirational trip - I loved everything from the scenery, archeology, weather, walking, guide and my fellow travellers. Also did the Rainforest Extension - definitely recommended. Still buzzing a week later. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  So many fantastic moments - sunrises and sunsets on the campsites, incredible views of the mountains, and of course Macchu Pichu. Getting up Dead Womens Pass despite being desperately ill and collapsing with altitude sickness and dehydration 3/4 of the way up.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Juan was probably the best Exodus guide I've encountered (and I've done quite a few trips with Exodus, all with wonderful guides). His knowledge and enthusiasm were unsurpassed, and he looked after the group very well, despite a very wide range of physical abilities. When I was severely ill with altitude sickness and later dehydration, he looked after me brilliantly, but without compromising the rest of the group, and with superb tact, even coming to check on me several times in the night and sitting up with me in the middle of the night when I was not feeling well. Nothing was too much trouble for him and he was friendly and sociable with the group without being too forward. The assistant guide, Wilson, was quiet and shy but extremely competent and with a great sense of humour. He'll make an excellent main guide when he becomes a little more confident.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Most of it's been said in the reviews, but do also check the Arrivals Gate forum on here, because there's lots of good advice there that I missed before I went.

  Unless you're very young and healthy, take trekking poles, they really help with all the steps even if you don't particularly have knee problems. Don't do this trip if you do have knee problems though, you will really struggle (one of our group had real problems) and it then slows the rest of the group down.

  Also take your own down sleeping bag, it weighs so much less and the weight limit is quite restrictive otherwise. Advice varies but your sleeping bag is not going to get wet (the tents are very waterproof) and there's no other reason why you wouldn't want to use down. I took a 3 season sleeping bag with a silk liner. On cold nights they fill your water bottle with hot water to put in your bag - excellent idea, and worth (as I did) taking a metal bottle just for that purpose, even if you drink out of a Camelbak during the day. I used a Thermarest and my own down sleeping bag, total weight 1 1/2 kilos. Some people were already up to 4-5 kilos with just those two things.

  You don't need many clothes, just a couple of tops, a couple of pairs of trousers, some decent thermals and a few changes of underwear. After our first day in Cusco was absolutely freezing, I couldn't believe I would ever be in shorts, but the weather changes dramatically from hour to hour and also in different locations. Do take trousers that zip off into shorts, much more practical. Also do take good wicking base layers (not cotton tshirts), you won't regret it. Also plenty of layers that you can put on, especially at night. In the day I wore mainly tshirt and shorts, plus at times a light fleece and a fleece jacket and poncho (and long trousers), in the evenings I wore 2 thermal base layer tops, a fleece jumper and a light down jacket, and thermal leggings under light trousers, and was only just warm enough. If you wear shorts during the day, use mosquito repellent even if you don't see any mosquitoes...I never saw any but they found my ankles all right! I was nervous about the "toilet tent" but it was not nearly as bad as some reviews have indicated - actually far nicer than the public loos and they never smelt at all!

  Invest a few soles in a plastic poncho (sold everywhere) to go over or wear instead of a rainjacket - it can get very wet and they are very effective at keeping the worst of the rain off, especially for your backpack too (use a waterproof backpack cover too). You really don't want to get everything wet on the trek as it'll never dry out.

  Most important thing of all: even if the weather is not hot, drink lots of water and take rehydration tablets too. They say 2 litres a day - I'd recommend 3-4 litres. Don't underestimate how much the altitude will dehydrate you - I thought I was drinking a lot and still suffered severe dehydration, to the extent that I collapsed a couple of times and started to lose consciousness.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Do the Rainforest Extension trip too (I think there's now a proper combined trip with the Inca Trail). But be aware, there are lots of creepy crawlies, snakes, piranhas and so on, so if you're afraid of these, the trip is not for you! Even more important to take good technical wicking base layers - you need long sleeves but it is extremely hot and humid so you will sweat buckets. Take a good book as there isn't much to do in the evenings and during the free time. Binoculars are really essential if you want to see wildlife (and there is plenty to see) and invest in lots of plastic ziplock bags for anything you don't want to get wet, and take a bin bags to line the kitbag they give you, as it's not waterproof. My only criticism of the guides in the Rainforest is that they were informative, but nowhere near the league of Exodus guides. They were a little distant and didn't give the impression of looking after you, just of instructing you. For example, our guide didn't ask about any medical problems, carried no first aid kit on a full day's walk in the jungle, and wasn't even interested when I fell and dislocated my shoulder, not even asking me how I was on the following days. Not a problem as I am pretty self-sufficient, but not what I was expecting, having been used to the caring friendly and organised nature of the Exodus guides.

   
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  Clair Rogers

  THE INCA TRAIL

  

  Written November 2011

  The Inca Trail is something everyone can and should do  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Seeing Macchu Picchu from the Sun Gate

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Fabrizio was a great lad... very laidback but thorough

  Riccardo was absolutely lovely 

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  You will have a lot of free time in the evenings. You can only take 7kgs on the trail, but sacrifice a bit of space for a pack of cards and a book, which will be real godsends. The trail is not that challenging. Only Dead Woman's Pass will give you a bit of a workout. The rest should be no problem for anyone with reasonable fitness and who doesn't suffer too much from the altitude.  We also did the Lake Titcaca extension....DON'T BOTHER. Travel independently here and try to get a bit more out of the experience by staying on one of the natural islands. Otherwise it's just a visit to an overpriced floating MARKET.

   
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  Paul Yeung

  THE INCA TRAIL

  

  Written November 2011

  Sometimes it's not the destination, but the journey.  So many views, so many memories. Take lots of pictures, because when you look back on them, you'll smile.  It makes me want to try out the other Treks now! 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  • Reaching the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu.  It's a lot bigger than the photos suggest and you realise the enormity of effort that was required to build the place.
  • The Cloud Forest... the Inca Tunnel... Dead Woman's Pass... Waking up at 3.6km high and (as we were the only campers) having Phuyapatamarca to ourselves!  The list goes on...

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Fabrizzio was friendly, informative and sooo laid back that he put everyone at their ease.  Ricardo was really helpful and had an infectious enthusiasm for the flora and fauna that seemed to rub off on the group.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  • Bring playing cards or a book, as there's nothing to do after dinner!  We ended up going to bed at 9pm, as there's not a lot to do on the mountain in the dark.
  • Bring plenty of waterproof bags to seal in dirty laundry when you pack them in the duffle bag.
  • Walking poles are optional, but I brought some for the first time and I think they helped me immensely.  I'd certainly be a lot more tired had I not used them.
  • Take spare camera batteries (I took 3),  You'll regret it when it comes to the moment when you want to take pictures... and you can't! You won't get a chance to recharge batteries until the 4th night of the Trek.
  • If you're thinking of buying a sleeping bag for the trip and are not sure when you'd next use it, I'd recommend hiring one from Exodus (currently £25, including liner).  I never felt cold in them and didn't have to worry about packing them for the rest of the trip.
  • Don't go mad and buy souvenirs on the first day.  You'll probably find them cheaper elsewhere, or wait until you come back to Cusco and buy them on the last day.
  • Take a swimming costume if you want to go to the 'hot springs' in Aguas Calientes on the last night.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  • The food on the Trail was fantastic, given the circumstances.  Top marks to the cook for his inventiveness!
  • The porters on the trip are like supermen.  How they do it is mind-boggling.  They earn every penny of their pay (and tips)!
  • Once you get to the Sun Gate, you sadly realise that the trek is nearly over.  Once you're actually in Machu Picchu, you realise you're mixing with tourists who took the train/coach to the place and the special moment feels lost and very commercial!  Top marks to Exodus for scheduling the dawn approach.
  • The train journey from Aguas Calientes back to Cusco has to be taken to be believed.  It was such fun.  Try sipping your drink without spilling it!

  
  We also did the Lake Titicaca and Amazon Rainforest trip:
  
  

  • I found the Lake Titicaca experience a bit of a disappointment, as you're only on the lake for one morning of the entire trip and of the 2 floating islands we visited that morning, the 2nd was just a market (and nothing else).  The whole 'floating island' experience felt very commercial and somewhat fake.
  • The Amazon Rainforest trip though is thoroughly recommended!  The Night excursions were brilliant and the trek into the forest a great experience.

   
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  Anthony Rawlings

  THE INCA TRAIL

  

  Written November 2011

  First time travelling with Exodus....certainly will not be the last! 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Being woken up at 4.45am one morning in the cold with a cup of tea from the porters.  We were above the clouds and got up to watch the sunrise over snow capped mountains with a blanket of cloud below us.  Dont see that every day!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Could not have asked for a better guide.  Juan Manuel Diaz was lively, funny and chock full of information both local and about Inca civilization. There was nothing we asked he did not have an answer for.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  This was the first time I have been camping.  Personally did not get on with a 'mummy' sleeping bag, friends insist on them but I found it claustrophobic and cramped.  Other than that had a whale of a time.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Thoroughly enjoyed the trek, had a great group with 9 other trekkers, 2 of them were friends that travelled with me but by the end of it we were all friends anyway.  The sight of Maccu Picchu when we walked through the sungate was astounding, after a 4 day trek we had made it!!  Also we were very lucky with the weather, I think we had only about 2 hours of rain in total.

   
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  John Clifford

  THE INCA TRAIL

  

  Written November 2011

  A superbly organised, breathtaking experience 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Seeing hundreds of humming birds.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Despite having done this trip some 120 times before, his enthusiasm and passion for his country, it's history and it's flora and fauna were truly inspirational.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Take some Imodium - most travellers got upset stomachs at some point on the trip!!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  If this trip is not on your to-do list it should be!!!

   
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  David Barker

  THE INCA TRAIL

  

  Written November 2011

  An excellent trek but very tough, especially on day2 ( Dead Womans Pass). Be prepared  for bad weather! 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Arriving at the Sun Gate - Intipunko and looking down at Machu Picchu

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Excellent. Very helpful and inspirational with first rate knowledge of all matters Inca

  However no provisions for emergencies. With only two guides available when one had to return to base because of someone falling ill there was very little provision for a back marker, and for long periods because of my slow pace i was on my own! More porters need to be trained to take over as guide no2 in the event of this happening. 

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Grading not as advertised in trip notes. This is an extremely tough and challenging trek and should be rated severe - NOT moderate! and should not be undertaken lightly. Requires a high level of personal fitness and stamina. That said it is an extremely rewarding trek.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Would like to see Exodus bring trip notes up to date ref:

  Airport transfers £20 NOT £10

  Lima City tours £60 NOT £30

  Exodus Response

  Hi David,

  Many thanks for taking the time to review your recent holiday.  I'm glad you enjoyed the trek and felt justifiably rewarded when you made it to the Sun Gate for that first view of Machu Picchu - it certainly is a high point after 3.5 days of walking!

  We provide two guides if there are more than 8 people in the trekking party, and if one guide has to accompany an unwell client back to a medical post the porters are instructed to ensure that one of them is always following the last person in the group so that safety is not compromised. We also encourage our tour leaders to keep the group together as much as possible in this situation, although this can be difficult if the group members have vastly different walking speeds. Unfortunately, Peruvian guide licensing restrictions are such that guides must complete university in order to be legally registered - the expense of this arrangement, combined with the fact that many porters have not completed formal schooling makes this impractical.

  I'm sorry you felt the trek was tough and should be rated higher - our ratings are based on several factors, including the amount of ascent and descent during the day, the number of hours you spend walking each day, the distance, and the number of days spent trekking. I feel that based on all these factors our "moderate" grading is fair, and it is certainly in line with similar treks which we offer, although I understand that the effects of altitude may make it more difficult. Although I would not recommend the Inca Trail to anyone with no previous experience of walking, I believe that is within the capabilities of anyone of reasonable fitness and does not require special training prior to starting the trek.

  With regard to the additional costs, the price of transfers in the trip notes refers to the cost these services in Cuzco, where the trip starts. Since you flew from a regional airport, it was necessary for you to spend a night in Lima, where higher transfer prices apply. As stated in the notes, the cost of the city tour is approximate, and will vary depending on how many people take the excursion - if just one person is taking the tour, as in your case, the costs will unfortunately be higher, whereas if more people take the tour the price will fall.

  I'm sorry that you felt these aspects of the trip didn't live up to your expectations, or if you felt that the trip notes were misleading, but hope this hasn't put you off travelling with Exodus in the future. Thanks again for your feedback on the trip.

  Tim Fearn (Peru trip manager)

  
  

  - Exodus Staff

   

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