2out of7 - Leisurely / Moderate You are reasonably fit, enjoy the outdoors and are looking for some exercise. Some previous experience is preferable for activity based trips.
Enjoy an in-depth exploration of the highlights of southern Peru
This trip is the perfect introduction to one of the most diverse countries in South America. Our journey contrasts the incomparable scenery of the Andes with the lush vegetation of the Amazon Rainforest and the barren coastal desert, as we discover ancient cities, buildings and fortresses of colossal size in settings of amazing beauty. For walking enthusiasts, there is the option to trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (at no extra cost), and for wildlife lovers, the Ballestas Islands and the rainforest are sure to impress.
Join us to celebrate Exodus’ 50th anniversary!The departure starting in Lima on 30 June 2024 features extra inclusions to mark the occasion: a Nazca Lines overflight, a local birthday celebration and a special edition Exodus kitbag.
Highlights
Discover the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and the colonial cities of Cuzco and Arequipa
Have the option to walk the classic Inca Trail at no extra cost
Spend two nights deep in the Amazon
Visit the traditional island communities of Lake Titicaca
See beautiful Arequipa plus Colca Canyon and its condors
Key Information
17 nights in hotels and two nights in a jungle lodge
Group normally 5 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Spends time at altitude
Travel by internal flight, train, boat and private bus
Inca Trail option (no extra cost): Please request on booking. Three nights of full-service camping replaces three nights in hotels. Additional meals included during trek
Countries visited: Peru
What's Included
All breakfasts, six lunches and three dinners included. Additional meals on Inca Trail option
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Arrival and departure transfers
Inca Trail permit (if Inca Trail option selected at time of booking)
What's Not Included
Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips that improve life for the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
The use of a local guide means our customers are well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels and restaurants, the emphasis on eating locally produced food, and by supporting other local enterprises.
The Inca Trail porters we work with are not directly employed by our local partner, but we work with the same communities each year. They are fairly paid and we also supply uniforms, walking shoes and provide safe transport and community support for them. Our trek manager is a leading figure and consultant for the Porters’ Federation, which campaigns for the fair treatment of porters in the region.
We’re passionate about the welfare of our Inca Trail porters. Alongside setting the golden standard for fair treatment, we’ve taken the next step with our pioneering Porter Project. In Peru, despite trekking the Inca Trail numerous times, most porters never have the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu. We’ve taken the initiative to fix this and in 2018 started a project to ensure each of our porters has the opportunity to experience an important part of their own cultural heritage. We can now proudly say more than 164 porters have been involved this project, and our mini-documentary Carried Away about our porters has helped raise awareness of the awesome job these porters do.
Funded by the Community Kickstart Project, our operator is working with Medlife to deliver emergency food parcels to the households of porters and other staff members who have continuously worked hard to guide our clients along the Inca Trail.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
By travelling in a small group, led by a local guide, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
When visiting Machu Picchu, the costs of permits and for our guided tour go towards the upkeep and maintenance of the site.
We adhere to all Machu Picchu regulations. There are limited permits to reduce overcrowding and damage due to footfall, but our guides and porters are still very mindful of how we treat the environment. We have a strict ‘leave no trace’ policy, meaning we have respect for wildlife and the landscape, separate rubbish and take all waste back to a proper disposal place.
We work with our partners on the ground to proactively eliminate or reduce waste, for example eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles and instead providing refills for reusable bottles. Our local operator provides water boxes instead of water bottles to provide water to the passengers. The boxes are taken back to the office in Cuzco for proper recycling.
We operate a zero-impact policy on the Inca Trail removing all waste from campsites and separating it so it can be easily recycled or composted. This ensures no rubbish or plastic is left behind in the places we visit.
Our local operator has been certified and verified by Rainforest Alliance since 2015.
Our Animal Welfare Policy ensures all our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices with regards to working animals and wildlife viewing.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
Through our Planet Promise, we have pledged to halve the carbon footprint of our trips by 2030 and made rewilding and carbon compensation commitments for every customer who travels.
Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
Vegetarian options are available at majority of accommodation and restaurants.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own reusable water bottle on this trip; filtered water will be provided where tap water is not drinkable.
What happens when one Irishman takes on the Inca Trail – as a porter?! In 2016, Jarlath McHale took on Peru’s most famous trek, the Inca Trail. In 2017, he went back to complete the same four day route – but this time as one of the porters who so inspired him first time round. Filmed and edited by our own videographer.
Welcome to Lima, the busy capital of Peru. There’s plenty of adventure on your trip, but today’s all about settling into the hotel. You are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel in the Miraflores district of Lima. There will be a notice board in the hotel reception with details of where and when the group welcome briefing will be held.
Accommodation: Hotel El Tambo 1 (or similar)
Day
1
Start Lima
Welcome to Lima, the busy capital of Peru. There’s plenty of adventure on your trip, but today’s all about settling into the hotel. You are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel in the Miraflores district. There is a notice board in the hotel reception with details of where and when the group welcome briefing will be held.
Accommodation: Hotel El Tambo 1 (or similar)
Day
2
Free morning; afternoon city tour
This morning has been left free; in the afternoon, we have a tour of Lima. We visit Miraflores, the modern residential district, and then explore the historic downtown area. We discover the Plaza de Armas, Basilica Cathedral and Government Palace (also known as House of Pizarro) as we take a short walk around the colonial centre. We also visit the incredible Church of San Francisco, which houses one of the oldest libraries in the Americas and sits on top of a labyrinthine network of catacombs complete with the bones of Lima’s wealthy 18th– and 19th-century residents. This evening, perhaps visit the bohemian district of Barranco for local food and pisco sours, the national cocktail of Peru.
Accommodation: Hotel El Tambo 1 (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
3
Drive to Paracas, visiting Pachacamac and Pucusana
We drive south from Lima today, visiting Pachacamac Fortress, the largest coastal Inca city at the time of the conquest. We stop for a late lunch of fresh seafood at the attractive fishing village of Pucusana. A stroll around the village, where the day’s catch is displayed at the market, and a boat ride around the bay (subject to weather conditions) offer great insight into a contemporary Peruvian coastal town. We then continue southwards to the town of Paracas, where we spend the night.
Accommodation: Hotel Gran Palma (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day
4
Sail to Ballestas Islands; continue to Nazca via Ica
A short drive from our hotel takes us to the port, where we board our launch to visit the Ballestas Islands, a national park containing the highest concentration of marine birds in the world. There are also sea lions and numerous bird species on the islands and we also see the Paracas Candelabra, a curious pre-Inca design on the cliff face, only recognisable from the sea. We drive to Nazca in the afternoon and visit viewing platforms close to the Nazca Lines. These are one of the world’s great archaeological mysteries: enormous figures and patterns etched in the desert sand, best seen from the elevated position of the viewing platforms. There should also be time for optional visits to the nearby Antonini Archaeological Museum, a pre-Inca cemetery, or the Nazca Aqueduct, which gives an insight into the Nazca civilisation’s ingenious subterranean irrigation system.
Accommodation: Hotel Alegria (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
5
Drive along the coast then turn inland to Arequipa
We have a long drive south through the coastal desert, with great views of dunes and the Pacific Ocean, before heading inland into the mountains on the road to Arequipa. Our drive is approximately 12 hours, including time for lunch and stops to stretch our legs.
Accommodation: Su Majestad (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day
6
Arequipa city tour, including Santa Catalina Convent
Arequipa is a beautiful colonial city in a fertile oasis, with many historic buildings characterised by their use of white volcanic stone from the nearby Misti, whose dramatic cone dominates the town. In the morning, we visit the cathedral, the Jesuit church of La Compañia and the huge, serene convent of Santa Catalina, which retains typical features from the 16th and 17th centuries and is a peaceful refuge for the nuns who still live here today.
Accommodation: Su Majestad (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
7
Drive to Colca Canyon
A spectacular drive takes us to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. On the way, we pass volcanoes and almost certainly see vicuñas in the highlands before we cross the Patapampa Pass (16,110ft/4,910m), which marks the descent into the canyon itself. As we take the winding road to the town of Chivay, the sight of the green, fertile terraces of the canyon is a real contrast to the barren yet beautiful landscapes we have travelled through for most of the day. This is the first day where we may feel the effects of altitude – although we do not linger at the top of the pass, we spend the night at around 11,810ft (3,600m) and so it is a good idea to take it easy on arrival.
Accommodation: Hotel Pozo del Cielo, Chivay (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
8
To Colca Canyon; explore and search for condors
We have a full day exploring the Colca Canyon, starting with a visit to the Cruz del Condor, the best place to see mighty Andean condors as they glide on the morning thermals. We also see the ancient tombs that line the cliffs on one side of the canyon and stop in the villages along the way, which house several interesting colonial churches. Depending on time, we may take a short walk along farm tracks to learn more about the agriculture on which the whole region is dependent. After a long day of exploration, an optional visit to the hot springs near Chivay this evening is a wonderful way to relax.
Accommodation: Hotel Pozo del Cielo, Chivay (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
9
Drive via Sillustani to Puno, by Lake Titicaca
Today, we drive through the mountains to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. En route, we can see vicuñas before making a short visit to the unique burial towers (chullpas) of Sillustani. The altitude here (12,470ft/3,800m) makes physical effort very tiring, and the evenings are very cold, so taking time to rest is highly recommended.
Accommodation: Casona Plaza Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
10
Full-day Lake Titicaca tour (Uros and Taquile islands)
We spend a full day on Lake Titicaca today visiting the floating islands of Uros and Taquile. First, we take a boat to Uros, where the people have been living on reed rafts for centuries. Although many have now moved to the mainland, there are still a couple of thousand who remain on the islands anchored close to Puno. A reasonable amount of their income is now provided by strictly regulated tourism, but they also fish the lake and barter with mainland communities to obtain essential daily items. Our cruise continues as we visit picturesque Taquile Island, home to a community known for their male-only weavers and traditional lifestyle. Our walk to the village affords us panoramic views of the lake, and it is often possible to see the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real in the distance
Accommodation: Casona Plaza Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day
11
Drive across the altiplano to Cuzco
We take a bus ride across the altiplano, the high plains separating the Andes from the jungles. Although it is quite a long drive (approximately 10 hours), it is often spectacular. There are scheduled stops at interesting sites to break up the day and appreciate the immensity of the Andean landscapes. These include La Raya Pass (14,150ft/4,313m), the watershed and geographical dividing line between the altiplano and the Vilcanota Valley where Raqchi Inca temple is located. We arrive in Cuzco (11,155ft/3,400m) in the evening.
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Andina Koricancha (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day
12
Morning stand-up paddleboarding; afternoon cooking class
This morning, we travel to nearby Piuray Lagoon, where we spend the morning paddleboarding while surrounded by a stunning scenery of mountains and terraced fields.
In the afternoon, we enjoy a cooking class, learning all about different plants and herbs used in Peruvian cooking and how to prepare traditional food and drink. After our lesson, we have time to enjoy the well-deserved dinner we’ve prepared ourselves.
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Casa Andina Koricancha (or similar)
Inca Trail option: Start Inca Trail trek from Km82; walk along Vilcanota River; climb to Huayllabamba
Those who have opted for the Inca Trail option split from the main group today and begin the Inca Trail.
Early this morning, we transfer (1hr 30min) from Cuzco into the Sacred Valley. Reaching the town of Ollantaytambo, we drive for one hour along the final stretch of road to the start of the Inca Trail at Piscacucho, recognized among adventurers as Km82. After greeting our trekking crew, we show our passports at the checkpoint and begin the fabled Inca Trail trek. Our route today runs alongside the Vilcanota River, beneath the snow-capped peak of Nevado Veronica, passing through cactus gardens and settlements, until we reach the terraced Inca ruins of Llactapata, where we continue up the Cusichaca Valley to camp near the village of Huayllabamba (9,186ft/2,800m).
Today has been left free for exploring Cuzco, one of the most beautiful cities in South America. The Plaza de Armas is a fantastic spot for people-watching. The Mercado San Pedro is the place to try local produce and there are many handicraft markets to shop for souvenirs such as alpaca jumpers and scarves.
If you fancy something more active, there is an array of other optional activities available from Cuzco including mountain biking or a combination of via ferrata and zip-lining in the Sacred Valley.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Casa Andina Koricancha (or similar)
Inca Trail option: Summit Dead Woman's Pass; descend to Pacaymayu
The morning begins, as all do on our Inca Trail trek, with a hot drink delivered to your tent. Today’s journey is both challenging and rewarding, marking the most demanding and best-known stretch of the trail. A slow and steady climb takes us through a cloud forest to the meadows of Llulluchapampa, then we summit Dead Woman’s (Warmihuañusca) Pass, the highest point on the trek at 13,829ft (4,215m). After a well-deserved round of high fives and photos at the summit, we begin our steep descent on original Inca steps to reach our campsite in the scenic valley of the Pacaymayu River (11,811ft/3,600m). Warm up in the dining tent with a hot, fresh meal followed by a well-deserved sleep under the Andean night sky.
Visit Pisac market and Inca ruins in the Sacred Valley
This morning, we head out of Cuzco to the colourful handicraft market at Pisac, at the entrance to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. After free time to browse the stalls, we take a walking tour of the huge Inca ruins above the village. We enjoy a traditional pachamanca lunch today, whereby the food is wrapped and buried in the earth along with hot stones, which cook it slowly. After lunch, we drive down the valley to Ollantaytambo, where we visit the immense Inca fortress and explore the unique village whose streets still follow the pre-conquest grid plan.
Inca Trail option: Over Runquracay Pass to the ruins of Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca
After a hearty breakfast, we start the day with a climb, which takes us past the ruins of Runquracay and over the Runquracay Pass (12,894ft/3,930m), our second and final pass. From here, the Inca Trail becomes a clearly defined rolling path of flat boulders, providing access to sites only available to those on foot. One of the standout archeological sites we visit is Sayacmarca (11,893/3,625m), perched high above the green cloud forest. From here, we enjoy views of Salkantay mountain as we hike to our spectacular campsite on the ridge above the Inca site of Phuyupatamarca (12,073ft/3,680m), where we can enjoy the sunset and sunrise.
Free morning in Ollantaytambo and then travel to Aguas Calientes
We have a free morning to explore Ollantaytambo and then make the scenic train journey through the Urubamba River Valley to Aguas Calientes (approximately 1hr 30min), arriving in the afternoon. The rest of the day has been left free to explore at your own leisure. Aguas Calientes is a bustling town with a large handicraft market (although prices here are at a premium in comparison to Pisac or Cuzco markets).
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Terraza de Luna (or similar)
Inca Trail option: Walk down Inca steps to Wiñay Wayna and Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate
From Phuyupatamarca, we take the famous Inca steps: a 1.2mi (2km) stone staircase that rapidly descends into an immense panorama, with the peaks of the Vilcabamba range above and the Vilcanota River far below.
Reaching Wiñay Wayna, we have plenty of time to explore these beautiful ruins and eat lunch before continuing along a relatively flat section of the trail (by Inca standards, through cloud forest and wild orchids to finally reach Inti Punku (the Sun Gate).
From here, we get our first full sight of Machu Picchu, with the Huayna Picchu mountain rising behind… congratulations, you made it!
Inti Punku is traditionally busy with photo-taking trekkers in the morning, so our late afternoon arrival affords us unobstructed views of the magnificent ruins. We also get a chance to snap some classic photos of Machu Picchu before we take the 30-minute bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes for a shower and comfortable bed for the night.
Inca Trail option
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Terraza de Luna (or similar)
Distance covered: 5.5mi (9km)
Activity (hours): 6-7
Day
16
Guided tour of Machu Picchu; return to Cuzco by train and road
Well-rested and refreshed, we return to Machu Picchu this morning for our guided tour. Machu Picchu is an architectural and engineering marvel, the staggering mountain backdrop making it even more dramatic. The Spaniards never found it, the Incas left no records of it, and so Machu Picchu remained an enigma, a city lost for centuries in the jungle until it was rediscovered in 1911 by the American historian Hiram Bingham. Your guided tour highlights the history, culture, architecture and mysteries that Machu Picchu still holds today.
This afternoon, we catch the train back to Ollantaytambo (1hr 30min) and continue by private bus to Cuzco (1hr 30min).
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Andina Koricancha (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
17
Tour of Cuzco and Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman
We have a full-day tour combining the highlights in and around the city. Outside the town are Inca ruins, notably the fortress of Sacsayhuaman where the Inca armies made their last stand against the Conquistadores. In the centre, we visit the Plaza de Armas, and many examples of the famous Inca stonework like those of the Qoricancha Sun Temple in the Santo Domingo church and monastery.
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Andina Koricancha (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
18
Fly to Puerto Maldonado; travel by boat into rainforest; afternoon jungle walk
We leave Cuzco early today as we take a short flight to the small rainforest town of Puerto Maldonado (due to poor flight availability, this flight will connect through Lima and be considerably longer on some departures). On arrival, we transfer to the dock for a boat trip to our lodge in the Tambopata Reserve – this journey takes between 1hr 30min and three hours depending on which lodge we stay in. On the way, we may see caimans, river turtles and waterfowl. After time to settle in, we take a short walk along the forest trails near the lodge to look for nocturnal animals.
Accommodation: Cayman Lodge Amazonia (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
19
Jungle exploration by boat and on foot
Activities today vary according to the lodge used but generally include a mixture of walks along forest trails, time spent in canoes to explore rainforest lakes, and the opportunity to go high into the canopy for a completely different view of the forest. The resident guides are normally around in the evening to answer questions and from some lodges (not all) there is the option to take a canoe onto the river in search of caiman by torchlight.
Accommodation: Cayman Lodge Amazonia (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly to Lima; depart
We return to Puerto Maldonado after breakfast today and board our flight back to Lima, where the trip ends. Depending on our arrival time, there may be time for last-minute shopping or optional excursions this afternoon before the group flights depart in the evening.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
20
Fly to Lima; end Lima
We return to Puerto Maldonado after breakfast today and board our flight back to Lima. If booking an onwards flight from Lima today, please ensure it does not depart before 7pm. You can also speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in Lima.
Meals included: Breakfast
Arrive London
The group flights arrive in London this afternoon.
Share Your Photos...
#ExodusTravels
Essential Info
Is this trip for you?
This trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) – for more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. However, the altitude can make physical activity feel more tiring than at sea level. As this trip spends considerable time at altitude, we ask you to refer to the Altitude Warning within the Trip Notes for more information and advice on how to limit the effects of altitude sickness. Although we do not linger there, the maximum altitude visited on this trip is at the Patapampa Pass (16,110ft/4,910m). Please ensure your travel insurance covers you up to this altitude.
Please note, it is essential you read the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu regulations in the Important Information section of the Trip Notes before you book this trip.
The size of Peru means this trip involves some long drives and early starts. The longest drive is about 10 hours. However, the private buses used are comfortable and the scenery is outstanding. There are also several stops to break up the journey.
Although the rainforest lodges we use are clean and comfortable, they are remote and facilities are limited. In particular, electricity is usually only provided in the main buildings.
Many of the Inca sites (including Machu Picchu) are built on hillsides and sightseeing often involves walking up and down steep streets or on uneven steps or terraces. As such, you should have a good level of mobility and a reasonable level of fitness.
Strikes are not uncommon in Peru and, while these are generally peaceful protests, they can result in roadblocks and disruption to travel. In this event, your leader amends your itinerary if necessary to minimise the impact.
Inca Trail trek option
There is the option to trek the four-day classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in place of four days of this itinerary if you wish. You must select/request the Inca Trail trek option at the time of booking to do this.
There are extremely stringent booking procedures in place for the Inca Trail. A trekking permit is required and there is a daily cap on the number of these available. Inca Trail permits sell out very quickly, especially for peak-season treks (May to August). If you wish to do the trek, we recommend booking at least six to eight months in advance to avoid disappointment. We also need your full passport details (required to purchase your Inca Trail permit) or we can’t process your booking.
Please note, the trek itself is graded as Activity Level 3 (Moderate). There are four days of walking with full porterage at a maximum altitude of 13,830ft (4,215m) and an average of 10,000ft (3,050m). Though not without its difficulties (in particular the ascent and descent of the first pass, known as Dead Woman’s Pass!) this trek is certainly possible for anyone in a good state of health and fitness. However, we would not recommend to anyone who is totally unused to walking. If you are not a regular walker, you should put in physical preparation before departure. It is also not particularly suitable for those with bad knees due to the number of steep and uneven steps, particularly on the third and fourth days of the trek.
Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hotel El Tambo Uno, Avenida la Paz 1276, Miraflores 15074, Lima Phone: +51 1 2194080 Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately Airport: Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 45 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) from the end hotel.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Lima Location end: Lima
Vaccinations and Health
Peru
There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, typhoid, tuberculosis and yellow fever. Additionally, Zika fever, a mosquito‐borne viral disease, is a known risk in Peru. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so you should take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Please check all vaccination recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.
Amazon: If you are travelling to the Tambopata reserve in the Amazon rainforest, the risk of malaria is slight, but you may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice. We also strongly recommend that you obtain a yellow fever vaccination. Additionally, dengue fever and chikungunya are known risks in the Amazon region. Both are tropical viral diseases spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for either, and therefore the best form of prevention is to take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Visa
Peru
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Peru. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
All breakfasts, six lunches and four dinners are included. For those doing the Inca Trail trek option, all meals, some snacks, and drinks/water are included during the trek.
Drinking water is included throughout as the tap water in Peru is not safe to drink; boiled and filtered drinking water is provided on the trek and elsewhere your leader buys large water containers from which you can refill your bottle.
Hotel breakfasts are normally simple buffets, usually including bread/toast and jam, cereal, sometimes eggs or cooked dishes, sometimes fruit, tea/coffee and fruit juice. Regrettably, we cannot guarantee that wheat-/gluten-free products are available for breakfast in all locations – if you have an intolerance you may wish to bring your own breakfast food.
We also try a traditional pachamanca, a meal cooked on hot coals in the ground.
Where lunch and dinner are not included, we visit a variety of cafes and restaurants. For some of the days with long drives, we may take some packed lunches to eat at a scenic spot along the way.
Peruvian cuisine is loved for its flavours and originality; it’s well worth digging into the local delicacies. Among these are ceviche (seafood or fish marinated in lime juice), lomo saltado (a Peruvian take on a beef stir-fry), and various hearty soups including the delicious quinoa soup. Other dishes include roasted cuy (guinea pig) and alpaca steak. To drink, there’s pisco sour, the national beverage.
Weather
The diverse geography of Peru results in a very varied climate between different regions. The coastal desert, including Lima, is generally dry but cloudy through most of the year. The exception is January to March when the skies are clear and the temperatures rise.
In Cuzco and the Andes, April to November is the dry season; during these months the sky is generally bright and clear with strong sunshine in the mornings, sometimes clouding over as the day progresses. In the Andes, however, anything is possible at any time of year, including cloud rolling up from the Amazon basin, rain or even snow, and rapid and unexpected changes! During the dry season, temperatures at night can dip to around the freezing mark (and sometimes below) particularly around Lake Titicaca.
Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu are in the cloud forest and, as such, attract large amounts of precipitation all year as clouds move up from the Amazon basin. Rain here can be heavy but is seldom prolonged.
While the Amazon Rainforest is generally warm and humid, it can be subject to drops in temperature caused by cold fronts pushing in from the south – this can occur at any time of year but happens most often in June and July. This can drop temperatures considerably and we recommend you take some warm clothing with you to the lodge in case of sudden weather changes.
Hotels and jungle lodge (plus camping on Inca Trail option)
This itinerary has a diverse blend of three-star hotels, each reflecting the three different regions this trip takes in. Those who select the Inca Trail option will be treated to our fully supported camp services with cooks, guides and porters. The normal accommodations used on this trip can be found on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are some of the notable places we stay.
Arequipa: Su Majestad Hotel (nights 5-6)
This boutique hotel is in a beautiful mansion from 1801, its construction based on the white ashlar and volcanic stone with which the old colonial buildings were built. Pots of geraniums and other plants adorn the passages and patios highlighting the architectural beauty and unique charm of the hotel.
Those who choose to take our classic four-day Inca Trail trek sleep among Andean peaks and wake to mountain views. It’ll be the adventure of a lifetime for some, but not one without comforts. We sleep and dine in good-quality four-season tents. We also have a toilet tent set up both in camp and during lunch stops. We stay in official campsites where additional bathroom facilities are available.
Amazon: Cayman Lodge Amazonia (nights 18-19)
Cayman Lodge Amazonia, near the Tambopata National Reserve, offers simple all-inclusive comfort in an Amazon jungle setting. The wooden lodges are built with the type of thatched roofs typically seen in the surrounding jungle communities. The rooms are simple, and all have private bathrooms with running water at room temperature. Electricity is available in the main lodge during mealtimes, while in the bedrooms, lighting is provided by lanterns or candles. There is also a restaurant serving delicious local cuisine, a bar for refreshing drinks, and guided excursions to explore the rich biodiversity of the surrounding rainforest.
Worth knowing
Single rooms can be booked for an optional single supplement, subject to availability at the time of booking (excludes two nights in the Amazon lodge). If you are taking the Inca Trail option, this supplement covers the cost of a single tent for the duration of the trek.
Wow where do I start ?! Having just returned from a 3-week Peru Explorer trip (APX230521) I suppose my first thoughts would be about the size and scale of Peru, the sheer variety, the colours, the smells. The landscape is one of extreme contrasts from arid desert flanked by the Pacific, to vast empty looking scrub in the highlands dotted with the occasional vicuña or alpaca (or volcano), to small fields of crops on the edge of towering mountains and plunging canyons, to steamy jungle with the snow-capped peaks of the Andes in the distance. The sweeping scenery changes steadily as you drive through it – just be prepared for a number of long days on the road.. Exodus list this trip as a 2 out of 7 – Leisurely/Moderate activity level. This is not the case. The distances, the roads, the “standard” early starts – the alarm was usually set for 5:00am – and the altitude made this considerably more arduous. (This rating should be reconsidered I suggest). As you might expect Peru’s cities are noisy bustling places – often choked by traffic – Lima being a case in point. Getting around takes time. This trip actually spends little time in the capital. If you can spare half a day (ie. on Day 2 before the city tour) I would urge you to devote an hour or two to the Museo Larco as we did. This houses a spectacular collection – www.museolarco.org/en/ Arequipa and Cusco were both fascinating, Cusco seemed especially vibrant as the locals prepared for the big festival with music and dancing from the young and not so young ! As one who did the Inca Trail, I actually had little time in Cusco (initially arrived late in the evening from Puno, then away at 5:00am the next morning ..) Whether the itinerary was changed a year or two back (so I was told ?) it might work better if the Day 17 tour of Cusco and Sacsayhuaman were brought forward to Day 12. I would also be tempted to drop one of two of the smaller Inca sites on this day to allow more time in Cusco itself. The actual Inca Trail was well organised and well run with a very experienced guide – but be warned. The cold at night (I found it odd that my “4-season” sleeping bag didn’t seem to keep the cold out), then the heat once the sun rises and the altitude can make this hard work .. but the scenery was again a complete delight. Those porters work really hard for what they get. Set in all this are the various historical and archaeological sites – these do not disappoint ! The view of Machu Picchu really is stupendous and the site visit fascinating – despite the crowds and the various limitations imposed on visitors, fixed itineraries for example. (Be aware that those who opt to do the Inca Trail have to follow a different route to those who do not trek. My wife and I were there on the same day – but had to visit separately). Wiñay Wayna and Sayajmarca (for those trekking) are also spectacular locations – again set on steep mountainsides. From start to finish our whole trip ran calmly and smoothly, controlled quietly by our experienced leader Raul – despite running into the odd problem with roadworks/traffic and with changes of drivers/vehicles. His attention to detail and to the personal needs of his group was excellent. My wide became quite ill – he did everything to help her. This made all the difference to her trip. Thank you Raul. One further comment, about money. Yes, ATM’s are readily available in the cities however – the withdrawal maximum can be rather limiting (400Sols so 85 quid give or take). Bear in mind also that the Peruvian bank charges a fee for using their hole in the wall, normally something like PENS 36.00. It can be less, but for a smaller withdrawal total.. People might want to consider taking some Sols into Peru from the start. Over 3 weeks our Peru Explorer trip involved many wonderful places and many amazing people – both guides and locals. Despite some of the news coming out of Peru this year and despite a 3-year delay (we had booked originally to go in 2020 ..) the dream finally came true, a dream since childhood for some of us.. PS: the Café Manos Unidas mentioned towards the end of the Trip Notes should be removed. When we asked about it, we were told this worthy training initiative had stopped during Covid ..
Most Inspirational Moment
See above
Thoughts on Group Leader
See above
Advice for Potential Travellers
See above
Suggestions
See above
Graham Wright
Reviewed December 2022
Career in ruins
As with all Exodus trips that I have been on, prepare yourself for early starts and long days. It is not a holiday but more of an adventure so be prepared to immerse yourself in a feast of archaeology and anthropology in order to gain some understanding of the cultures and history of one of the cradles of civilisation. You will explore the diverse geographical regions from coastal deserts, islands, high altitude lakes, the Altiplanos, the famous sacred valley from Cusco, the spectacular Machu Picchu and the depths of the Amazon rainforest. There are an endless numbers of churches, museums, archaeological sites to admire and inform your thirst for knowledge. The Incas, although significant, were not the only civilisation to occupy Peru.
If you are as lucky as we were, Exodus managed to make the earth move for us (4.3 on the Richter scale at Arequipa} and a nearby volcano even elected a new Pope! Later on, they conversed with the gods to allow us to experience a 24-hour rainstorm in the forest- it easily beat the 5inch days I used to see in Wales.
Our driver, Alex, successfully managed the frenetic driving conditions in the cities, Pan American Highway and our ascent into the Andes- I could not work out whether a Highway Code actually exists. At the end of each day, he was also skilled in Acupressure and massage- enough to release any tensions.
Our guide had the unique knack of managing and leading our group to maximise their understanding of not only his proud identity as one of the ‘locals’ but also to find other passionate guides at different intervals to further our understanding of the history of his country. Despite the farmers’ protests towards the end, he still managed to get us to the pinnacle of the trip- Machu Picchu.
Truly an adventure in which you have to immerse yourself.
Most Inspirational Moment
Having suffered from Altitude sickness for a considerable length of time (11days), which did naturally affect my ability to participate in some activities and enjoy the fantastic Peruvian cuisine, I was glad that eventually, I managed to get to Machu Picchu. This had had been a childhood ambition, encouraged by my father who had bought encyclopaedias to stimulate my interest in other parts of the world that he was unable to travel to in his lifetime.
The sights will stay with me.
A flight over the Nasca Lines is the only way to appreciate the size and scale of these features in the desert, followed by a trip to the local planetarium to understand their significance (nothing to do with Von Daniken's theory) and to observe the rings of Saturn through the telescope.
Thoughts on Group Leader
What can be said about William? A multi-lingual Cusco lad proud of his heritage (although unwilling to sacrifice his own daughter- it is surprising how we can all be a bit selective about taking things from our past!).
He was always available to facilitate not only the group’s needs but also each individuals needs as circumstances arose. I will be forever grateful that he managed to get me support when I had to turn back on the Inca Trail after 20k. How can he be so fit- although he was born at altitude!!!!
His knowledge and enthusiasm for his chosen career was very evident. He also had an incredible network of local passionate guides that only enhanced our experiences.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do not underestimate the Acute Mountain Sickness; while most will acclimatise within 2-3 days mine was prolonged and before this trip, I thought that I was reasonably fit. Whether Covid-19 had anything to do with this, as I had been ill with it for 3 weeks some 2years ago, I will never know. Just be prepared to consult with a doctor, I had been unable to do this in the current climate as was finding it hard to get a consultation prior to leaving.
Suggestions
It is a pity that a sewerage infrastructure is not in place at Puno as all the effluent just dumps into Lake Titicaca right where the reed islands are. Beyond the peninsular, the water is clear.
Vince McClave
Reviewed September 2019
Fantastic three weeks exploring Peru
The trip starts with exploring the capital city Lima, then follows the coast seeing flocks of the sea birds and sea lions on the way before turning inland into the Andes, the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and a brief visit to ‘the jungle’. You see magnificent landscapes along the way from the desert-like coastal plains to the fabulous snow-capped Andean mountain tops with an active volcano on the horizon. You visit manu Inca and pre-Inca settlements during the course of the three weeks. After the effort and camping along the Inca Trail there’s just enough time to visit the jungle for more wild-life viewing. This excursion has the lot!
Most Inspirational Moment
In terms of physical effort, going over Dead Woman's Pass on the Inca Trail. However, seeing the condors gliding in and around the canyons and cliffs and viewing the Lines of Nazca from above were also pretty inspirational moments. The Inca sites were all phenomenal in terms of size and construction.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Group Leader Luis Gonzales was brilliant. Knowledgeable, attentive, always careful as to our health, particularly when we were at altitude and very keen to show us everything Peru offers, Luis was always professional and had a great sense of humour.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for all weathers. We had heat and humidity in the jungle and rain, wind, sleet, mist, cold as well as sun and heat in the Andes. Invest in a good poncho - the plastic ones for sale locally are not up to the job.
Steve Deutsch
Reviewed July 2019
A fantastic journey around Southern Peru
An amazing trip full of insight and excitement. 3 weeks seeing the Coast, the Desert, the mountains and the jungle. Lots of early starts but worth it to cram in as much as possible. So many highlights including the Ballestas Islands, the Nazca lines, Arequipa, Colca Canyon and its condors, Cusco, Ollantaytambo, local festivals, the Moonstone Trek, Machu Picchu, the jungle…
Most Inspirational Moment
Following the Moonstone Trek, high in the mountains, for 4 days and 3 nights, camping in the wilderness and waking up to snow one morning, meeting virtually no-one, supported by a great team. Visiting Machu Picchu which really is as amazing as the pictures suggest. Going to the Amazon jungle, which was fantastic, such a change from the rest of the trip, with lots of wildlife to see.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Bruce was fantastic. Friendly, committed, cheerful, and informative he kept us to time and schedule and was great company too, even giving up part of his day off to take us to another site.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just be aware that although the trip is rated leisurely / moderate there are lots of early starts and lots of travel on the coach, with limited downtime, particularly until Cusco. But its a great trip and there's so much to see.
Suggestions
Go, its such an interesting country.
Stephen Trowell
Reviewed November 2018
One of the two best trips of my life
Overall this was the trip of a lifetime. Spending three weeks in Peru was worth every minute, from the Anthropological and Archaeological museum in Lima, through the Ballestos islands, flying over the Nazca lines, the Altiplano with volcanoes and the most gorgeous flamingos, Colca Canyon and the condors, Cusco, Ollantaytambo, The Sacred Valley, the Maras saltworks and Moray Inca agricultural research station (if that is what it was) and Machu Picchu. The Peruvian people, their food, their cities. The Andes. The geology, the wildlife. It truly was a cornucopia of delights. We were very lucky with the weather, which was well nigh perfect.
The trip was very well planned and allowed plenty of time for acclimatisation, so that by the time we arrived at Cusco, we were quite at home with the altitude. We had chosen not to do one of the hikes to or near Machu Picchu and instead spent an extra three days in Cusco. We were largely left on our own but Exodus and our tour guide had arranged and advised us on the activities we wanted to do. It worked out very well and we didn’t exhaust all the extra museums, art galleries, restaurants nor do all the day trips etc. that were available. We were very happy with our choice and we had a lot to discuss with our more active tour companions when they returned to Cusco.
Most Inspirational Moment
Probably standing at 5,000m, with a 300 degree panorama round the rainbow hills at Hanchipacha. This wasn't part of the official itinerary and we did it on one of our free days (we did not do the Inca Trail). We lucked out with the weather and the resulting photo now dominates a complete wall in our house. Honourable mentions to:
The condors which came out for us at Colca Canyon. They were breathtaking.
Seeing a very large anaconda in Amazonia.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Reni was excellent. The depth of his experience was telling. He worked really hard to look after everyone and make sure we stayed safe and got the very best experiences possible. 10/10
Advice for Potential Travellers
The only negative was some of the bus driving. We had a long trip one day and we had a second, younger, bus driver who was doing insane things at night, on a winding road with oncoming fuel tankers. It was very scary and dangerous and our tour guide spoke to the driver in Spanish. Things improved but it should not have got to this point.
Suggestions
The local guides were great. Another of the positives for us was our fellow travellers. Two from the UK, two from Canada and two from Australia. They were interesting, diverse people with a big range of ages and experiences.
David Whittle
Reviewed October 2018
Peru Holiday
A superb holiday from start to finish, taking in many different facets of Peru as a country. From Pacific coast to historical sites, magnificent mountains, glorious wildlife and fascinating jungle. This trip had it all. Add in the variety of different modes of transport and there is something to appeal to anyone.
Most Inspirational Moment
The completion of the Inca trail trek, despite the dreadful weather, was a moment of true inspiration.
Firstly for having completed the physically demanding trek and secondly for the panoramic view of the historic site of Macchupiccu, and realising the scale of it all.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The group leader was excellent, dealing with every situation in a cool, efficient manner. His personality was very endearing and his knowledge of the various different places was inspirational. His frankness about the problems facing Peru as a country was refreshing to hear.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do not be fooled by the Exodus rating of the trip. It is harder than they would have you believe. In fact probably one of the most physically challenging things I have ever undertaken. Despite significant preparation there is no way, living in Britain, can you prepare for the altitude effect which affected the majority of our group to some degree.
Suggestions
The standard of the hotels used, whilst on the whole was good, there was some variation which at times was slightly disappointing.
Mira Dumancic
Reviewed October 2018
Excellent trip, do it!
Fantastic trip! Great itinerary, great leader and wonderful country. Everything was beyond expectations. A busy and well organised adventure that highlighted the diversity of Peru.
Most Inspirational Moment
Many wonderful moments. Flying over the Nasca lines was a highlight, having studied pre-Hispanic South American history decades ago and finally seeing them. The condors at Colca Canyon were amazing. On of our free days, we visited Rainbow Mountains; a surreal landscape that was breathtaking.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent leader. Knowledgable, passionate, very calm and relaxed. Very hard working and kept everything running smoothly, organising many activities for the diverse group. Amazing organisational skills. I've done a number of small group tours (Intrepid, Geckos) and Reynaldi is one the best tour leaders I've known. Outstanding.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Plenty of sunscreen. If hiking, take good equipment, although some can be hired before trekking. Take layers of clothing, as weather ranges from very cold to very hot.
Suggestions
If you wish to visit museums on the itinerary, check that they are open on the day that you visit. I was looking forward to visiting the Ica Museum, but it was closed on the day we were there. Unfortunately, that wasn't mentioned in the trip notes. I think it would be good if Exodus mentions museum closures in the trip notes.
Clive and Jean Parsons
Reviewed September 2018
A Great Adventure
As described, the itinerary encompasses a tremendous range of activities, venues and experiences which provided insights into the country’s culture, history and heritage. We met many interesting people along the way and had great fun with fellow travellers and guides. As usual with Exodus trips there were many early mornings and some long journeys, but these are necessary for the trip to achieve the stated aims! Hotels were comfortable and all had suitable amenities. Food – and drink – was plentiful and tasty and generally good quality. The route was well planned and enabled us to fully acclimatise before attempting the focal activity for us – the Inca Trail. It also put the trail and Machu Picchu into a broader context so that we appreciated it all even more. Support on the Inca Trail, from our guide and ‘porters’ was exceptional. We had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed (almost) every minute.
Most Inspirational Moment
Walking the trail, arriving at and visiting Machu Picchu was the real culmination as that was our main objective, but was heightened as a result of what we had experienced on the trip beforehand. There was magnificent scenery in many places, but especially at sunset and sunrise on the trail. Condors soaring overhead in Colca Canyon were also awe inspiring.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Mike was exceptional. His knowledge enthusiasm and passion for his country and its cultural heritage added a whole extra and very special dimension to the trip. He ensured that everything was very well organized and he managed individual needs particularly well - especially on the Inca Trail. He also ensured that we got full benefit from other local guides and anyone else supporting the trip, such as porters and drivers. There was a real feeling of one team dedicated to helping us to get the most from the trip. He also engendered a real sense of 'family' for us trippers. All this with a 'wicked' sense of humour!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Money - we didn't have any need for US dollars. Credit cards were usable in most restaurants. Credit and debit cards gave a far better exchange rate than cash in the UK - especially if you have a fee free card.
Climate / Weather - didn't really get a feel for the temperature range from the trip notes and most towns got colder earlier than anticipated.
Inca Trail - the packing list for the trail possibly over complicated requirements. Also trip notes were not clear that you need stuff for six days allowing for the night in Ollantaytambo before (as well as the night in Aguas Calientes after) - but you can leave things in the lodge at Ollantaytambo and pick up on return. It is worth doing aerobic activity beforehand as the altitude on day 2 had experienced walkers puffing!
Suggestions
Other companies often have a different schedule for the 4 day Inca Trail. The Exodus model suited us perfectly and we often had the trail seemingly to ourselves. If you are thinking about doing it - just go for it!
Anthony Child
Reviewed August 2018
A wonderful way to see Peru's highlights
We went on this trip in July which is the Peruvian winter.
This tour lasts for around 3 weeks and for the majority is packed with a full itinerary. You start at Lima, known locally as ‘Donkey Belly’ because it is always cloudy due to the local topography and weather systems. To be honest Lima is OK but a typical capital city with usual buildings of interest and you really don’t need to spend much time there. We did however get our first sample of the local Peruvian alcoholic drink – Pisco Sour. A brandy based drink made from the skin of grapes. It is one of Peru’s best kept secrets. You must try it! Hotel clean and functional.
From Lima we were driven in a coach that had more room than needed for our party of 14 which would see us all the way through to Cuzco. We needed space as the trips can be long and some folks felt a bit nauseous. The two drivers were lovely chaps and couldn’t do enough for us. Exodus always provide large boxes of water for each leg of the journey and is always needed. From Lima you then head off down the coast on day 3 to visit Pachacamac Fortress an Inca coastal settlement. . Interesting enough and a good place to take photos of the settlement which is dry and dusty. This a good taste of the first of many Inca sites throughout the trip. Afterwards on to the coastal resort of Pucusana where we had lunch and a boat trip around the bay photographing the numerous pelicans. The food at the restaurants here and throughout the trip was of a high standard and most enjoyable. The hotel here was pretty basic and the rooms small.
The following day we headed for another harbour for a high speed boat ride to the Ballestas Islands, which we understand has more sea birds per square metre than anywhere else in the world. If you have a telephoto lens then take it as the variety of birds is fantastic, including penguins. You can’t get too close due to the rough sea and rocks but this excursion is truly spectacular. Can imagine folks could feel a bit nauseous if the sea is too rough, so keep looking at the horizon. Later we visit the Nazca lines from watch towers which is really needed to gauge the perspective of these unusual markings.
The next day is pretty arduous as we travel inland across dry and sometimes windy uneven roads to Arequipa. A number of our party felt or were ill due to travel sickness on this 10 hour drive. We have a few short stops along the way which are greatly needed. The following day we discover this old city and are rewarded with some great photos of the surrounding dormant volcanoes and one live one. The city is very interesting and gives visitors a much better insight in to local Peruvian life and culture. The trip to the convent is very interesting. The hotel was very quaint but lovely with a huge atrium. The city square is well worth a visit for supplies and at night is pretty lively.
On day 7 we visit the Colca Canyon, a spectacular drive along the edge of the valley. The famous Condors are the treat at the end! We leave fairly early after breakfast and are lucky as the thermals are starting just as we arrived. We saw these wonderful graceful birds in all their glory soaring time and time again. Use that telephoto if you have it. They are not the only birds as we also saw lots of other smaller varieties including the South American Large Hummingbird. This spectacular place was surreal, although if the weather is against you (as it was the day after) the Condors won’t come out to play. The drive here to Chivay climbs high through the mountains and very bendy but had spectacular views.
The hotel at Chivay was more basic but reasonable enough. Wifi here was poor and can be patchy at many of the hotels. Exploring the town here and the local market is relaxing way to spend the evening. Our guide as always will recommend places to eat. We didn’t sample the hot springs but many of our party did and thoroughly enjoyed it. We had been put off by previous reports of lack of cleanliness but our group didn’t notice anything untoward.
The additional local tour guides that are picked up at each stage along the way add immensely to the enjoyment with them imparting their specialist insight to the region we visit. We rated all of them, all of whom had an excellent command of English.
The next part of the trip was to travel to Puno on the edge of Lake Titicaca. We are climbing it seems all the time but stop regularly at view points and to see the wild Vicuna and Alpacas roaming the high plains. Puno is a thriving bustling City we plenty of sights and local amenities. The hotel and food here was very good with the central plaza a very popular place to spend some time. The next day we visit the Lake and board a boat that takes us to the Reed People who literally spend their lives floating on the lake on the reeds. Full of local tradition and colour you will be invited to spend some time with these people with ample photography opportunities. You finish off by taking a trip around the reed village in their own boats which would look more at home on a pleasure park, but great fun nonetheless.
As you travel higher some travellers may start to feel the effects of altitude. We did take the recommended medication for this part of the journey and all the way through to Machu Picchu. We felt more fatigued than normal, so a more relaxed pace and plenty of fluids is the best solution.
Another long coach journey but with more stops and less bendy all the way to the Inca capital of Cusco. We spend more time at Cusco than anywhere else but the hotel is ok but fairly basic. Maybe Exodus should look at an upgrade. My friend didn’t do the Inca Trail and spent even more time there. If you are on the ground floor then there seems to be a lot of noise from staff and guests.
Cusco however is a lovely City full of history and tradition. As always the central plaza is the main focus of the locals and truly worth an evening visit. The restaurants were also very good and you can try local dishes such as Alpaca or Guinea Pig. We visited the spectacular Sacred Valley and the fortress at Ollantaytambo, and a vibrant local market was well worth a visit . Take care not to take photos of the locals unless they are happy for you to do so. Many will ask for a Soles or two.
The next part if the trip is the Inca Trail. Everyone will have wonderful memories of this but here is what we experienced. You start off early to get on the trial so the weather is chilly. You climb for most of the first 2 days then descend for the rest. We travelled in winter and at night it does get very cold and you are under canvas. We chose to take our own sleeping bags but I the ones you can get from Exodus are perfectly good with a warm liner. Unfortunately it did also rain for a couple of the days, which can drench you all the way through. Fortunately we had decent quality ponchos bought in the UK (you need them). The paths can get slippery so robust good quality hiking boots or shoes are a must. Walking Poles, I would thoroughly recommend for steadiness on uneven parts. The tents are waterproof enough although the ends did get wet and although the ground for the most part only had a slight incline you did slip down the tent during the night. Wear dry clothes at night (I wore thermals) especially if your day clothes are damp. You climb as high as 16,000 ft across Dead Woman’s Pass (another group photo).
The walk is a reasonable pace but due to the altitude a slow pace is best and the guides will keep this steady pace. The Porters and they were probably 25 of them just for our group, did an absolutely fabulous job, packing and unpacking each day, cooking really amazing food and just about seeing to everything. All the water is boiled and therefore clean, make sure you drink plenty. We took small bottles of concentrated juice from home as this helped mask the taste of boiled water. Just remember, you will get wet, you will get cold, you will get hot, so you need to pack for everything but the Porters will only carry 7kg of your kit. The rest is up to you and your day bag, so only take stuff absolutely necessary. All of your other luggage and suitcase will be waiting for you at hotel at the end of the trek. You get an enormous sense of achievement doing this walk but you will get out of breath especially on the way up. Along the way you visit some amazing Inca sites and you have regular stops for rest and refreshments. Exodus plan this very carefully. Although the trail is only about 26 miles, don’t forget it’s up and down all the time. The travel toilets are as you would expect basic, and only at camp. There are some loos along the way but not many. A trip to the bushes maybe called for but you must take you own paper and you cannot leave it in the bushes. Doggy poo bags probably good to take along.
The night before the final day you stay very high up overlooking the mountains that lead to Machu Picchu. We had a lot of mist and cloud but when it cleared the spectacular scenery is breathtaking. On the final morning you say goodbye to the Porters who earn every Soles you tip them. They carry around 25kg each on their back and speed past you as they go the next site, sometimes wearing just sandals in the rain.
As you cross the Sun Gate Machu Picchu comes into view in the distance. Nothing prepares you for this awe inspiring site. Forget the photos you’ve seen, this leaves you speechless. The group gather together for the usual group photo then proceed downhill to this famous Inca phenomenon. You spend quite a bit of time at the site taking photos but don’t go in to the main part which is the plan for the next day. As you leave the site weary, smelly but elated you go on a switch back coach ride to Machu Picchu town. After being fairly remote walking in the mountains you are faced with a loud and huge swarm of day trippers. You have to queue for the bus which took us about 20 minutes.
The hotel in Machu Picchu was fairly good although some in our group complained they had no hot water, which after 4 days under canvas would have been an extreme disappointment.
The following day our Exodus guide Renaldi (Renny) took us on amazing historic guide of the Machi Picchu site. You just can’t get enough photos of such an extraordinary and magical place. Nothing really prepares you for what you see.
In a way everything is sort of an anti-climax after Machu Picchu but you still wonder at the marvelous scenery of this geographically varied country. The train back to Ollantaytambo through the deep valley was an excellent way to leave Machu Picchu. We then catch a minibus back to Cusco, a bit crampt as all the seats were taken up by the group. The next few days we ‘come down’ with a few more days in Cusco and visiting other Inca sites.
The final part of the tour is a short flight from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado in the Amazon. You stay in lodges built on stilts and sleep under mosquito nets with no hot water (cold shower), but of course you expect this. After the dryness of the west coast and the elevation of the trek, the Amazon seems to be out of place in Peru. Whilst there we enjoyed the high speed river journeys, the late night Cayman spotting, the night trek in search of wild like and the boat trip on the lake catching Piranhas. Great sunsets along the river and the trek to the lake was very enjoyable. Saw some monkeys and plenty of birds but I guess we were hoping to see more wildlife.
Just a final point of caution. On our flight back we landed in Cusco to pick up more passengers for onward to Lima. However at Cusco, the airline company Avianca in their wisdom, decide that the air conditions (too hot) would affect lift off and they offloaded some of the suitcases, some of which were from our party. It took some nearly 2 weeks to be reunited with their baggage with Avianca hopelessly not interested. It didn’t detract however from a wonderful and memorable holiday.
Most Inspirational Moment
Lots, but of course the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu itself. The Inca sites generally were breathtaking. Loved the boat trip to the Ballestas Islands. Colca Canyon and the Condors. The Reed People and the trip into the Amazon.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Renaldi (Renny) was a fantastic group leader, caring, considerate and compassionate. Everything worked like clockwork, with him on the phone at every point to ensure we would be met without hold-up. His knowledge was phenomenal especially concerning the Incas, Cusco and Machu Picchu. He had such a vast knowledge about everything Peru. He is a credit to his industry.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Weather: be prepared for everything from wet to hot to cold. Take layers for the trek that can be taken off. Wear good rainproof hiking shoes or boots. You need to grip. I slipped over a number of times on the descent even with good boots. Take a quality poncho. Walking poles a must. Take a good quality waterproof jacket to suit the season. It gets very cold at night on the hike.
Cameras and phones can't be charged for 4 days on the hike, so take a spare battery or large battery charger. Caution, all batteries must be carried in hand luggage including from phones and cameras otherwise Avianca may offload your luggage.
Headtorch a must for hike and Amazon
Altitude sickness tablets
Refillable water bottle
Hat and sun screen - due to altitude very easy to get sun burn (I did)
Sunglasses
Suggestions
The group we had ranged from 50-over 70 years of age. If you are reasonably fit with no health problems you can do the trek. You will get out of breath on the way up, but so did everybody. The Amazon part of the journey didn't add that much to the trip. Maybe suggest going deeper in to the amazon where we may see more wildlife.
Rob and Fiona Batten
Reviewed August 2018
A wonderful Peruvian adventure
Make no mistake, this is not a holiday as such but a full-on early morning to evening priceless adventure and experience. If you are doing the Inca trail you will probably find yourselves with only a couple of half days spare. Not one moment of this will you ever regret – we can honestly say that it was of the best experiences in 40 plus years of travel.
Every day was well organised and went as smoothly as any holiday as diverse as this one could do.
The hotels were of a good standard, particularly for a third World country.
As far as the Inca trail is concerned, we are in our mid sixties, reasonably fit and had no real problems completing it. The porters are just incredible and ran past us as we laboured up and down hills!
The food on the trek was amazingly good and we all ate well.
Most Inspirational Moment
Too many to list!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader was Renaldi Chacca. After all our years of travelling we can honestly say that Rennie, as we called him, was the best we have ever known. This was a sentiment shared by everyone else in our group. His depth of knowledge about the history, culture, politics and all things Peruvian was truly amazing. He was by turns kind, sympathetic, humorous, efficient but firm when the situation required it. We felt that we were saying goodbye to a friend at the end of the trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
In July it snowed on the Inca Trail so go prepared for all conditions.
Celebrate Exodus' 50th anniversary! This departure includes a Nazca Lines Overflight, a local birthday celebration and a special edition Exodus kitbag
Celebrate Exodus' 50th anniversary! This departure includes a Nazca Lines Overflight, a local birthday celebration and a special edition Exodus kitbag
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
*Please note any date & price adjustments will be displayed on the next step of booking. You will be able to revert back to booking without flights if the options aren't suitable for you.
You may also like
15 Daysfrom2 875 €
Guided Group (Excl. Flights)
Southern Peru's archaeological and natural wonders
Culture
16 Daysfrom6 718 €
6 395 €
Guided Group (Excl. Flights)
Southern Peru, Lake Titicaca, the Amazon, and Machu Picchu
Culture
15 Daysfrom4 798 €
4 355 €
Guided Group (Excl. Flights)
Trekking, jungle and indigenous culture - the best Peru has to offer