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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  Martyn Roberts

  THE INCA TRAIL

  

  Written June 2013

  An absolutely amazing experience. I was expecting it to be really good but it far exceeded my expectations. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Arriving at the Sun Gate at Macchu Picchu on a glorious sunny afternoon and getting my first glimpse of the ruins.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Both Bobby and his assistant Frank were excellent group leaders. They looked after everyone perfectly from start to finish. They were both a credit to themselves and Exodus.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  The facilities at the campsites on the Inca Trail were far more limited and basic than I expected. Thank goodness we had our own portable toilet.

  It can be very wet even in the middle of the dry season. Make sure you come prepared for this. On a couple of nights it was colder than I anticipated. If you are bringing your own sleeping bag make sure it is a 3/4 season one.

  Change more than the recommended $50 in to Peruvian Sol as you will definitely need it.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  If you are thinking about doing this trip do not worry about the walking, the camping, the dodgy toilets etc. You will find that being on the Inca Trail and then experiencing Macchu Picchu is such a fabulous experience that it makes you forget every minor hardship. Just do it. You won't regret it at all !

   
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  emma bentham

  THE INCA TRAIL

  

  Written May 2013

  The Inca Trail was amazing, it was everything I expected it to be and I'm so glad I finally ticked it off my bucket list. The trek was fantastic. I thought I'd love Machu Picchu more, but I didn't - the walk was definately the most exciting part.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Getting to the sun gate after 4 days of hiking up and down Inca steps. I didnt think that was the end and thought I had hours to go but then Machu Picchu was there in front of me. I'll never complain about walking up the stairs at work ever again. The campsite on the 3rd night was beautiful and waking up to alfresco breakfast (the porters took away the breakfast tent) surrounded by mountains was amazing. My favourite day was the 3rd day hiking through the cloud forest with steep sided ridges and rocky paths, I wish this day would last longer. The porters were fantastcic and woke us up every morning with smiles on their faces and coca tea and cooked delicious 4 course meals every day. 

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Wilfredo was great. He was forever telling us Inca stories and made sure the group had chance to socialise together and spend time apart. He recommended delicious restaurants and bakeries and promoted ethical tourism by showing us local artisan shops and taking us to weaving villages so we knew our souveniers were locally sourced and made. He made sure we were all safe on the trek and having a good time, even after walking 4 long days he went to the town and got ingredients for pisco sours because we all wanted to make some. He encouraged us to learn some Spanish and Quechua - even if the only words I remember are 'basos' and 'sulpayki'. He has set a high standard now for all other tour leaders to follow, whichever trek / trip I book next. 

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Take trekking poles and try and do some trekking first to get used to rocky, uphill terrain. Take proper hiking boots. For the ladies - the toilet is a bucket and a plastic bag - either learn how to squat properly or take a shewee. Also spray on hair shampoo, baby wipes and talc came in useful. Take spare camera batteries - you will take lots of photos and there is no electric on the 4 day trip. Ear plugs are good idea - the tents are pitched close together sometimes and you will hear your fellow campers snoring. 

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The Inca Trail is fantastic. Exodus were very profesional and always kept in contact and were quick to answer questions via email. The whole trip was well organised from getting picked up at the airport and looked after in the hotel to going home. The hotel staff were friendly and helpful and the support team of porters and cooks were amazing. I would definately book with exodus again, especially when going on a trip that requires porters, guides and visiting less travelled area. 

   
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  Paul Welch

  THE INCA TRAIL

  

  Written May 2013

  Excellent! I was expecting big things from this holiday & was not disappointed.Exodus did deliver, the next hiking/adventure etc. holiday i plan will definately be with Exodus. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Reaching dead womans pass was a real achievment.

  Watching the sun set at 3200m whilst camping in the cloud forest was pretty spesh.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our group leader (Holger "Ollie" Colliantes) was exceptional. Not just whilst on the trek but at all times during our holiday. He was always available to help with anything but not in your face. While on the trek he had everybodies health & best interests at the front of his mind, but also felt like one of the group.  His knowledge was also exceptional. 10/10 nice job Ollie

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  When they say the porters can only take 7kg, they can only take 7kg. Be prepared to rough it for four days, but its well worth it.

   
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  April Rigby

  THE INCA TRAIL Moonstone Trek

  

  Written May 2013

  A very well co-ordinated trip. It would have been impossible to put together such a combination of events by myself for the cost of the trip. Absolutely no hassle, every potentional stress point was anticipated and solved by the trip leaders on the ground. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Looking at a snow covered mountain peak (Mount Veronica?) on the way back from the loo tent in the middle of the Andes at 2am with frost on the tents, after a day of climbing at high and stressful altitudes. 

   

  What did you think of your group leader?

  We had two - Ollie in Cusco and Miguel for the trek. Both were excellent.

  On the trek (the Moonstone) I did not think I was up to it after the first day. But Miguel had been assessing us all and when I confided my fears to him he said I could do it and gave me the confidence to continue. I was looked after SO well by Miguel, and the second in command (Frank) and I made it to the pass by myself (no horse rides) and also the rest of the trek. It's a big responsibility, taking people into the mountains, and Miguel did a grand job.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Take wet wipes and plenty of lightweight warm clothing. Don't under estimate the effects of altitude on your body. Go with an open mind and enjoy the experiences that come your way - don't rush, a little with depth is better than a lot that's superficial.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The tipping system!

  This was the only stress point for us and the others on our trek. Brits are lousy at tipping. We're not mean, but just can't do it well! At the end of our trek we sat round the table and our guide ( who hated talking about money) explained the customary and voluntary tipping system for our porters, horsemen and cooks. Everyone of them had done a great job and we all wanted to give them something. But the Peruvian hierachy of who gets how much was beyond us. All we wanted was for our leader to say,"I suggest about X soles total for the lot, and I will divide it up according to their importance, but please feel free to give more or less." Then a hat could be passed round the party.

  We also tipped both our guides, the group sorted that out between themselves with not too much hassle.

  Finally, I will definitely use Exodus again. After years of organising my own adventures, it is wonderful to have everything organised, but still to be in touch with the people and the country.

  Thank you, all the Exodus Team. 

   
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  Elizabeth Reid

  THE INCA TRAIL

  

  Written April 2013

  well organised trip with excellent porterage with quality leadership from Fabrizio and Roberto. A well paced walk taking in breath taking scenery with the flora and fauna being regularly highlighted by the knowledgeable Roberto. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  arriving at the Sun gate taking in our first view of the Macchu Pichu site. The leaders well prepared us for this and ensured we arrived in good time to enjoy the mid afternoon sunny clear panoramic views . The third night's campsite will be remembered for ever as the constantly changing views due to the clouds movements were spectacular .

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Excellent as he had everyone's wants at heart, particularly the lost luggage on the day of arrival at Cusco? He was also very concerned at Our miss management of our supposedly booked extra days in Cusco.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  I never use walking sticks but my advice would be to take them as the ascents can be long and steep, so to the descents however, the scenery is breathtaking. In Cusco take the open top bus tour as it really takes you on a grand tour of the centre and the Christ statue , the views are stunning.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  We took an extra 4 days in Lima which was well worth the effort . The bike tours are excellent and the distinctive areas are all special in their own way. Miraflores is perhaps the better part to stay in as it is lively and close to the coast. Booking our own flights was beneficial as it allowed us to pencil in a few extra days in Cusco to acclimatise to the altitude. Also to avoid Heathrow. We flew Manchester to Paris then on to Lima.

   
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  ALISON MACLEAN

  THE INCA TRAIL

  

  Written April 2013

  Trip of a lifetime. Fantastic scenery, fantastic group. You will lose weight as the food rations are quite small. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Coming through the Sun Gate

  What did you think of your group leader?

  ok

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  This trip is brilliant, but the organisation was disappointing in several areas:

  1. Promised a private toilet tent for each night of camping - Exodus changed their mind, but neglected to inform us pre-trip. This was inexcusable. One night this meant a long and unsafe walk to a shared toilet. 

  2. Flights changed by Exodux but no new ATOL certificate sent

  3. Whole group made to check in on-line in LAN offices in Cusco day before we left. This did not work.

  4. Insurance paid for but not sent a certificate until requested

  5. Never received an evaluation form from Exodus

  Word of warning - tried to pick up bags in Lima but they were not there. Had to take next plane to Cusco - bags eventually arrived 24 hours later after a LOT of airport hassle. Not the best start to the day

   
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  Matthew Hignell

  THE INCA TRAIL

  

  Written April 2013

  We were well looked after and the trail was magnificent with awesome views. Arriving at the sun gate overlooking Machu Picchu was emotional after four days trekking. Really felt like I had achieved something. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Waking up early to see our campsite floating above the clouds and the distant mountains tinged with pink as the sun rose on day four.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Flaminia was very knowledgeable, understanding and fun.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Keeping warm at night required extra layers of clothing inside sleeping bag. Antiseptic handgel and wipes helped me to avoid any tummy problems.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  My wife was taken ill just prior to the trek while in Peru and Exodus were exemplary in helping us with the doctor, the hospital admission, discharge and getting the necessary drugs sorted. Although my wife missed the main part of the trek she was able to join us for the final night Camping and the visit to MP.

   

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