When I was a child, I read Tintin and the Temple of the Sun. Several decades later here I was, in... Anonymous, 2017 See more reviews
When I was a child, I read Tintin and the Temple of the Sun. Several decades later here I was, in... Anonymous, 2017 See more reviews
This was a great trip, planned and organised to Exodus’ usual high standards, which enabled my... Anonymous, 2017 See more reviews
So much to see and enjoy. The landscape is awesome and the itinerary excellent. All of the places... Anonymous, 2017 See more reviews
A comprehensive tour of the best cities in Peru, a lot of travelling but well worth it Mark, 2017 See more reviews
A fabulous trip, everything you imagine and perhaps more. The trip notes are accurate and yes... Anonymous, 2017 See more reviews
Thoroughly enjoyable trip. Felt like 4 weeks rather than 2 as we did so much. Very long days,... Anonymous, 2017 See more reviews
Amazing trip, visited so many iconic sites and saw wonderful things. Best adventure yet. Anonymous, 2017 See more reviews
You'll see amazing and varied scenery on this trip, from islands in the Pacific to barren... Anonymous, 2017 See more reviews
This is a fantastic, if tiring, trip. Peru is a stunning country and a must-see. I had my breath... Anonymous, 2017 See more reviews
Itinerary Include flights Expand all London to London Day 1 Fly to Lima. The group flights arrive into Lima this evening. You will be 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. Hotel El Tambo 1 (or similar) Day 2 Drive south along the coast and sail to the Ballestas Islands, home to the highest concentration of marine birds in the world; overnight in Ica. We set off very early this morning (around 5.30am) and drive south from Lima until we reach the port of Paracas (4-5 hours' drive). The Ballestas Islands lie a short distance off the coast here and are home to one of the highest concentrations of seabirds in the world – we visit them by boat. On the outward journey we pass the curious pre-Inca Candelabra geoglyph, a huge (over 150m high) three-pronged trident shape etched into the sandy hillside, the origin and purpose of which remains unknown (although there are many theories). Upon reaching the islands we explore the caves and rock archways by boat and observe the Sea lion and Fur seal colonies as well as Humboldt penguins and an array of birds such as cormorants, pelicans, tendrils, and Peruvian Blue-footed booby birds. The boats are open-top motorised boats and are shared with other non-Exodus clients (occasionally the sea is too rough and the boats can't operate). Take heed of seabirds above – it is advisable to wear a hat! The boat trip lasts around two hours. Once back on dry land we drive for an hour or so to Ica, the heart of Peru's wine-growing region. At the Huacachina oasis just outside of Ica there are high sand dunes where we may have time to try 'sand-surfing' and ride in dune buggies (optional). Hotel Vila Jazmin (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 On to Nazca; see the Nazca lines; optional scenic flight. We drive towards Nazca, stopping to visit the viewing platforms overlooking the Nazca Lines. These are one of the world's great archaeological mysteries, consisting of enormous drawings and patterns etched in the desert sand. In the afternoon, for those who wish there is usually time to take a scenic flight over the Nazca Lines (additional cost), weather permitting. Due to the small planes used, this is not suitable for those with a fear of flying or who suffer from travel sickness. Alternatively your leader can help arrange optional visits to the nearby burial grounds, Antonini Museum, or the Planetarium. Casa Andina Hotel / Alegria (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 Turn inland from coastal desert, climbing high into the Andes. We turn inland from the coastal desert today, climbing high into the Andes on today's long (9-10 hrs) but spectacular drive. Vicuñas (a smaller wild relative of the llama) can be seen along this road, as this area is Peru's largest vicuña reserve. This region has only recently become easily accessible to tourists due to an upgrade of the Abancay/Chalhuanca road. The altitude here can make physical exertion difficult (the highest point we reach today is Negro Mayu, a high pass at approx. 4600m). It is recommended to rest in the evening. Tonight, we stay a couple of hours near to Abancay on the road to Cuzco. Tampumayu Hotel (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast Day 5 Drive to Cuzco (3400m) visiting Inca sites on the way. We set off towards Cuzco this morning, stopping to visit the unique Inca Saywiti stone and Tarawasi ruins. The glaciated summits of the Vilcabamba Mountain range and the descent into the Apurimac River valley demonstrate the dramatic contrasts of the Andes Mountains, and we should expect stunning scenery throughout today's 7-8 hour drive. It is recommended to take it easy upon arrival into Cuzco and to drink plenty of water to allow your body time to acclimatise to the altitude (3,400m). Hotel Casa Andina Koricancha (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Free day to explore Cuzco. Today has been left free for exploring Cuzco, one of South America's most beautiful cities. The Plaza de Armas is a fantastic spot for people watching, and the Koricancha Sun Temple located in the Santo Domingo Church and monastery is worth a visit. The Mercado San Pedro is the place to try some local produce and there are many handicraft markets to shop for souvenirs such as alpaca jumpers and scarves.Outside the town are more Inca ruins, notably the fortress of Sacsayhuaman where the Inca armies made their last stand against the Conquistadores. A combined entrance fee (Tourist Ticket) for these sites and many others is recommended – please see the Optional Excursions section below for prices. Sightseeing excursions to places outside Cuzco, including the Sacred Valley of the Incas, are also available. Please ask your tour leader. Hotel Casa Andina Koricancha (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 Train to Aguas Calientes; tour of Machu Picchu. For most people, the highlight of the trip is the visit by train to the greatest ruin in the world, the lost city of Machu Picchu. This is one of the architectural and engineering marvels of the ancient world, in a mountain setting of staggering immensity. The Spaniards never found it; the Incas left no records of it, so Machu Picchu remains a great enigma, a city lost for centuries in the jungle until it was rediscovered in 1911 by the American historian Hiram Bingham. We transfer to Ollantaytambo train station to catch a train to Aguas Calientes (the town below Machu Picchu). The railway line follows a beautiful route through the Urubamba River Valley. In the afternoon we take a short bus ride up the winding road to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the ruins. Having been trialled in 2017, new regulations for visiting Machu Picchu will be fully enforced for 2018; you will be limited to a maximum of four hours within the site and must be accompanied by a guide. There will also be three set routes to follow around Machu Picchu; Exodus selects the most comprehensive route. Please note that exploring the ruins involves a reasonable amount of walking, including up and down steep and uneven stone steps. Visiting in the afternoon tends to be quieter than the mornings and the mist which shrouds the ruins at dawn has usually dispersed. Inti Punku El Tambo (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 Free morning or optional second visit to Machu Picchu; afternoon return to Cuzco by train and by road. Today we have a free morning to enjoy the buzz of this little town in the jungle below the ruins. There are some hot springs nearby, however they tend to suffer from overcrowding and therefore poor water quality, so are not recommended. Should you wish to visit Machu Picchu again this morning, your leader will help you to purchase a second entrance ticket (subject to availability) which will allow you a further four hours to explore the 'Lost City' – for the second visit it is not mandatory to have a guide. At the time of writing a morning ticket costs PEN152 (approx. £35/US$47). In the afternoon we board the train back to Ollantaytambo and then continue by minibus to Cuzco, arriving in the late evening. Hotel Casa Andina Koricancha (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast Day 9 Free day for optional excursions. We have a final chance to enjoy the sights and shopping of this beautiful city. If you fancy something more active then there is an array of optional activities available from Cuzco that your leader can organise. These include paddle-boarding on a lake, mountain biking, or a combination of via ferrata and zip-lining in the Sacred Valley. Hotel Casa Andina Koricancha (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast Day 10 Drive to Lake Titicaca (3800m), with stops en route; boat to Amantani Island for homestay. Today we travel for 8-10 hours along the Vilcanota River and onto the altiplano, the high plains separating the Andes from the jungle. Although it is quite a long drive, the views are often spectacular. There are scheduled stops at interesting sites to help break up the day and we will get to appreciate the immensity of the Andean landscapes. This afternoon we arrive at the shores of Lake Titicaca (3800m) and board a boat for our trip to Amantani Island. Hiking around the island offers great views across the lake, whilst the night spent with a local family is a fantastic cultural insight into lives very different to our own. (A packed lunch is included today). Amantani Island homestay (Basic) Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 11 Explore the island; afternoon boat to Puno visiting the floating reed islands. We explore the island in the morning before boarding our boat for the three-hour journey to Puno on the lakeshore. On the way, we visit the Titinos Indians, who live on islands of floating reeds and, save for a few modest concessions to the modern world, still live as their ancestors would have done centuries ago. Most tours visit the Uros islands closer to the shore but we go to the more isolated Titinos Islands for a more authentic experience. Casona Plaza Hotel (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast Day 12 Drive across the altiplano to Colca Canyon. Today we head off across the altiplano again. This time we cross to the south west, heading back towards the coast to the high Colca Canyon (5-6 hours' drive). En route we have opportunities to see vicuñas and possibly flamingos before descending into what is considered to be the second deepest canyon in the Americas (the deepest, the Cotahuasi Canyon, is also in Peru). There is time in the evening for a visit to the hot springs near the main town of Chivay (3635m) – a warming pleasure after the chill of Lake Titicaca. Hotel Pozo del Cielo (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast Day 13 Morning condor viewing; afternoon drive past huge volcanoes to the 'White City' of Arequipa (2350m). An early start to view condors soaring on the morning drafts rising out of the canyon. Extensive terraces, stunning colonial churches, and burial tombs are viewed before we ascend out of the canyon and cross Patapampa Pass (4910m) on our way to Arequipa, known as the 'White City' due to the pale volcanic stone used to construct many of its colonial buildings. The picturesque city enjoys a year-round pleasant climate and is surrounded by 6000m volcanoes, including the near-perfect cone of El Misti. Ensueño Hotel (or similar) Day 14 Morning visit Santa Catalina Convent; afternoon fly to Lima. In the morning we visit the huge and serene convent of Santa Catalina. Built in 1580 and only opened to the outside world in the 1970s, it offers a rare insight into the lives led by the nuns and has changed little through the centuries. There are still around 20 nuns living in the northern corner of the complex. In the afternoon or evening we fly to Lima where will transfer to our hotel in Miraflores. Hotel El Tambo 1 (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast Day 15 Depart Lima. There is time today for optional tours of Lima including visits to the Gold Museum and tours of the historic downtown before we are transferred to the airport in the afternoon for the overnight flight to London. Meals included: Breakfast Day 16 Arrive London. The group flights arrive in London this afternoon.
Amazon Rainforest extension (from Lima) Code: XPL Easily accessible via a short flight to Puerto Maldonado from Lima, the Amazon is the world's largest rainforest and home to an astonishing array of wildlife, as well as countless plant species. Spending three nights at a lodge in the incredibly rich Tambopata Reserve, we use motorised canoes to explore its lakes and rivers, and follow jungle trails to discover its dense forests. The detailed itinerary can be found here. Please ask your sales consultant for more details.
Peru Visas are not required by UK citizens, Western European nationals, Americans, Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders, South Africans and most other nationalities. If you are in any doubt please contact the nearest Peruvian Embassy.
Peru There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. Zika fever is a mosquito‐borne viral disease and a known risk in Peru. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. 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 GP or travel health clinic for further advice. We also strongly recommend that you obtain a Yellow Fever vaccination. Dengue fever and/or 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 avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites: always apply insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers while in the rainforest to avoid being bitten. The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up‐to‐date information.
Hotels, Titicaca homestay 13 nights hotels, all en suite, 1 night homestay with basic shared facilities. The hotels normally used are indicated within the itinerary however accommodation may differ from those stated depending on your departure date. Throughout this tour we stay in carefully selected 3-star hotels with en suite bathroom facilities throughout, with the exception of one night on Amantani Island. Most hotels have a safety deposit box in the room but if not, there will be one at reception. In Lima we stay at Hotel El Tambo 1, located in the upmarket Miraflores District - Larco Mar shopping mall is within walking distance as is the trendy Barranco District, where you'll find a wide variety of restaurants and nightlife. We usually stay in Villa Jazmin in Ica, which offers large rooms and an outdoor swimming pool. Near to Abancay we stay at Tampumayu, which is a hacienda style property - a little rustic but full of character and there's a pretty little church within its grounds. In Cuzco we stay at one of the well-known Casa Andina properties, Casa Andina Koricancha, which is ideally located within walking distance of the main square and the Koricancha 'Sun Temple'. For our Machu Picchu visit we spend a night at Inti Punku El Tambo in Aguas Calientes; a simple yet contemporary hotel. The most basic accommodation is in Chivay and Arequipa but it serves its purpose for a night. Casona Plaza Hotel in Puno has a local 4-star local rating, is centrally located, and has a lovely restaurant area. Please note that central heating is very rare in Peru, even in good standard hotels. Most hotels provide plug in heaters and spare blankets. Additionally whilst all of the hotels have a hot water supply, it can be temperamental when there is high demand. A railway line runs straight through the centre of Aguas Calientes and whilst we try to allocate rooms away from it whenever possible, the trains might be heard from some rooms. On Amantani Island on Lake Titicaca, the group will split up overnight to stay with local families. There will generally be a few of us in each house and we may have to share rooms en masse - single supplements do not apply for this night. The rooms are basic but clean and your beds will have sheets and plenty of blankets. There are outside toilets and washbasins. The lack of electricity or road noise (there are no roads!) and the starlit sky on clear nights makes for a truly peaceful and serene experience. Single rooms can be booked for single supplement, subject to availability, at the time of booking. This supplement covers single rooms throughout the trip, with the exception of the homestay on Amantani Island. We recommend the early booking of single supplements and of pre/post tour accommodation.
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Reviewed December 2017 Brigitte Hease Trip: Essential Peru A childhood's dream come true. When I was a child, I read Tintin and the Temple of the Sun. Several decades later here I was, in Peru, a wonderfully diverse country in terms of its geography and culture. Our like minded group of travelers quickly became a team. The itinerary was excellent, taking into account increasing altitude levels, so by the time we started the Inca Trail, our bodies were acclimatized. The great variety and magnificence of the landscapes surprised us. We saw astonishing wildlife on offshore islands, mountain high volcanoes dominating historical cities, flying condors over deep canyons and beautiful valleys. There was the colourful culture of Lake Titicaca and Puno ; the iconic Inca Trail with amazing porters ; the beautiful cloud forest worthy of an RHS gold medal ; many splendid and mysterious archaeological sites ; tempting craft markets and cuddly looking alpacas and llamas ; excellent food and pisco sours... all eased and facilitated by our very experienced, organised, calm and knowledgeable guide Holger. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? There were many ... but seeing Macchu Picchu bathed in golden sunlight from the Sun Gate brought a tear to my eyes... as did a cloud of pretty yellow and orange butterflies dispersing over the water as our canoe gently approached...one of nature's magic spectacle in the Amazon region of Peru. What did you think of your group leader? Our guide, Holger was very experienced, caring, knowledgeable, organised, calm and enthusiastic. We appreciated his great experience of the Inca Trail. He was excellent at flagging areas of difficulty such as steeper sections, pointing out flora (orchids) and fauna along the way. Highlighting good vantage points to take photos, explaining the history and archaeological heritage of the sites, whilst making sure we were all fine along the way. One of the best guides we have had on a mountain trek with Exodus. Is there anything else you would like to add? This itinerary included some long bus journeys necessary to cover the vast distances between cities, but there were many stops. Our bus was very comfortable and we could enjoy the fantastic landscapes passing by as well as discreetly taking photos of colourful local costumes.
Reviewed December 2017 Brigitte Hease Trip: Essential Peru A childhood's dream come true. When I was a child, I read Tintin and the Temple of the Sun. Several decades later here I was, in Peru, a wonderfully diverse country in terms of its geography and culture. Our like minded group of travelers quickly became a team. The itinerary was excellent, taking into account increasing altitude levels, so by the time we started the Inca Trail, our bodies were acclimatized. The great variety and magnificence of the landscapes surprised us. We saw astonishing wildlife on offshore islands, mountain high volcanoes dominating historical cities, flying condors over deep canyons and beautiful valleys. There was the colourful culture of Lake Titicaca and Puno ; the iconic Inca Trail with amazing porters ; the beautiful cloud forest worthy of an RHS gold medal ; many splendid and mysterious archaeological sites ; tempting craft markets and cuddly looking alpacas and llamas ; excellent food and pisco sours... all eased and facilitated by our very experienced, organised, calm and knowledgeable guide Holger. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? There were many ... but seeing Macchu Picchu bathed in golden sunlight from the Sun Gate brought a tear to my eyes... as did a cloud of pretty yellow and orange butterflies dispersing over the water as our canoe gently approached...one of nature's magic spectacle in the Amazon region of Peru. What did you think of your group leader? Our guide, Holger was very experienced, caring, knowledgeable, organised, calm and enthusiastic. We appreciated his great experience of the Inca Trail. He was excellent at flagging areas of difficulty such as steeper sections, pointing out flora (orchids) and fauna along the way. Highlighting good vantage points to take photos, explaining the history and archaeological heritage of the sites, whilst making sure we were all fine along the way. One of the best guides we have had on a mountain trek with Exodus. Is there anything else you would like to add? This itinerary included some long bus journeys necessary to cover the vast distances between cities, but there were many stops. Our bus was very comfortable and we could enjoy the fantastic landscapes passing by as well as discreetly taking photos of colourful local costumes.
Reviewed December 2017 Cathy Cant Trip: Essential Peru A ‘bucket list’ trip! This was a great trip, planned and organised to Exodus’ usual high standards, which enabled my partner and I to tick of a number of ‘bucket list’ experiences that we’d wanted to do since our ‘teens. The only downside was the number of hours spent sitting on the comfortable coach - but Peru is such a long country, and out itinerary so diverse, that there really wasn’t any alternative. And, as usual, we were able to stop and see places too small for a final destination which we would not otherwise have seen. Altogether, a good, thorough exploration of Central and southern Peru. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Oooh ... the Nazca Lines ... Machu Pichu of course ... floating islands on Lake Titicaca ... the food ... What did you think of your group leader? Daniel Torres was an excellent tour leader - possibly our best Exodus leader yet. Coming from Lima, he thoroughly understood our problems with altitude, yet his own altitude problems never once impacted on his care and attention to detail. A lovely man. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Do not underestimate the variable effects of altitude! I was short of breath (especially at night) and experienced disrupted sleep and a complete loss of appetite. At very high altitudes (during brief coach stops) I felt as though I was standing on the deck of a ship - move too fast and I was swaying. My partner also suffered disrupted sleep, but wasn’t nearly as breathless and his appetite was undiminished. We saw the Nazca lines from a small aircraft (an optional extra which the guide arranged) - expensive, but worth it. But we were all very glad to get off the plane - cramped, of course, but did the pilot really need to bank so enthusiastically? Is there anything else you would like to add? Dany, our tour leader, was a real foodie, and took us to some marvellous restaurants. When we went off on our own we also found some great places - good food seems to be easy to find all over Peru. Warning: Peruvians apparently eat their main meal at lunchtime - and portions are gargantuan! We prefer to eat in the evening - when portions are still massive. But pretty reasonable prices - expect to pay around £10 for a main course. Wine is expensive, but Cusquena dorado beer is usually reasonable.
Reviewed December 2017 Barry Hunter Trip: Essential Peru Wonderful So much to see and enjoy. The landscape is awesome and the itinerary excellent. All of the places we visited were memorable, from Macchu Pichu to Lake Titicaca (great homestay, so friendly) to Cusco to the condor viewing.....plus many more wonderful places. Always wanted to see the Nasca lines and this was one of the few tours we could find that included it. The weather was largely kind to us so I would say it is a good month to go. We also enjoyed some really great eating experiences - thanks to our Tour Leader 'foodie' , Danny. We really could not fault anything. The hotels were good and well located, the (sometimes long) journeys were broken up by regular stops along the way and there was some dramatic scenery to enjoy. We largely coped with the altitude but be aware that it does affect a number of people in some way. Finally, our Tour Leader was excellent, probably the best we've ever had. All in all a fabulous tour, one not to be missed !!! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Has to be Macchu Pichu !! What did you think of your group leader? Fantastic.
Reviewed October 2017 Mark Bottomley Trip: Essential Peru Essential Peru A comprehensive tour of the best cities in Peru, a lot of travelling but well worth it What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? There was something everywhere we visited from Condors and other wildlife to historical sites and remains What did you think of your group leader? Exodus recruit local people who can offer a unique insight to the country, our group leader was struggling a couple of days but sourced a replacement guide who took his place so we didn't miss anything Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be prepared for long drives and early starts but the pay back is getting to see a lot of Peru in a short time Is there anything else you would like to add? Try the local cuisine whilst there as it is varied but not all of it is as authentic as you might first think on some excursions
Reviewed October 2017 Pauline Bowdery Trip: Essential Peru Essential Peru A fabulous trip, everything you imagine and perhaps more. The trip notes are accurate and yes there are a couple of very long travel days but the views and huge expanse of Peru and the Anders make these pass quite quickly. Don't miss the optional tour of the Sacred Valley, oddly enough this was as thrilling as Machupicchu for me. Yes the early starts can be a bit of a killer but if you have done these trips before you know this comes with the territory. Altitude and coach journeys make you take naps so you soon catch up. Don't under estimate the need to keep on drinking water and for sunscreen, layers to cope with the changes in temperature and of course a very good camera. Don't, like me, forget to use your video when you visit Condor Valley, l should have also used my tablet. Traffic in the cities is horrendous and in Cusco you have to walk to get the coach. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The terraces created by pre and Inca people, the really do go right up into the sky and The Anders are simply jaw dropping stunning. What did you think of your group leader? Carlos was fantastic, follow his advice and you won't go wrong. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Layers, sunscreen, camera, don't bother with binoculars there isn't a lot of bird life and the condors, if you're lucky with the timing and weather, come so close you don't need them. Don't always reach for your camera let your eyes enjoy the majesty. Getting to and from Machu picchu is an adventure in itself, lots of waiting for the buses. After entering the Machu picchu site there is no toilet or opportunity to get water. I don't think it is worth the cost to go back on the free morning but the museum just outside the town is worth a visit.
Reviewed October 2017 Viv Morris Trip: Essential Peru Essential Peri Thoroughly enjoyable trip. Felt like 4 weeks rather than 2 as we did so much. Very long days, on the coach 5.30 to 7 am starts, but most people slept on the coach, and meant we made the most of the holiday. Beautiful scenery. Tour guide announced it was an adventure not a holiday, and it was. Very varied. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Machu Picchu without a doubt. Amazing place. Lake Titicaca a close second. Beautiful, friendly people. Everything at a slower pace, probably due to the altitude! What did you think of your group leader? Very knowledgeable, very caring, particularly over the altitude question. Made us feel we were in safe hands. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The altitude is no joke! If you suffer from motion sickness, like I do, you may suffer. Even the travel pills which usually keep me okay on these trips didn’t help and I was very sick for the day of long driving (10-12 hours ), and the boat trip on Lake Titicaca. But having said that I wouldn’t have wanted to miss the trip, it was well worth it, and the upside was I was given the front seat of the coach for the rest of the trip! There were only 2 nights I missed as had to sleep it off. In the trip notes it says explore the island when on Lake Titicaca. By this it means walk at altitude from 3,800 to 4,100 straight up to the top of the island! Beautiful views,but at that altitude the less fit members of the party were not able to do it and we had 3 hours allowed to go up and come down again. Is there anything else you would like to add? Best way to see Peru. Very varied trip. Beautiful, stunning scenery, lovely old towns, with some amazing sights like Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and the Ura people and the Condors at Colca Canyon and walking there.
Reviewed September 2017 Sandra Burton Trip: Essential Peru Essential Peru & Rainforest Amazing trip, visited so many iconic sites and saw wonderful things. Best adventure yet. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Machu Picchu. It was all I'd ever imagined. The ingenuity of the Inca is astounding, from their astrology to their amazing architecture. Walked the site for 6 hours, didn't want to leave. What did you think of your group leader? Diana was extremely informative, her organisational skills were outstanding and her level of care for group members was over and above that required of a group leader. Exceptional. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be prepared to fit a lot into the time with some very early starts. It's worth it. If going to the Rainforest don't take bright clothes as the colours can frighten wildlife and also take shorts & vests if going in the dry season. Is there anything else you would like to add? I would have liked a little more time in Aguas Caliente to go to Machu Picchu again and also to go to the Rainbow Mountains from Cuzco but understand that would require extra days on the holiday which may not be possible for most people.
Reviewed September 2017 Nicola Peers Trip: Essential Peru There is more to Peru than Machu Picchu You'll see amazing and varied scenery on this trip, from islands in the Pacific to barren desert, high mountains, the flat altiplano, lush jungle, lake Titicaca, deep canyons, extinct, dormant and live volcanoes, and bustling cities. Colourful clothing and hats as varied as the landscape, and delicious food. Long bus journeys but comfortable with plenty of stops and stunning scenery. Lots of optional trips mean there is time for independent exploration if you prefer. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Lake Titicaca - both the homestay and the visit to the Uros Islands. The people were welcoming and keen to share their way of life, so different to ours. What did you think of your group leader? Our group leader was excellent. She took great care of us all, was very professional and organised, and always ready to help. She was also extremely knowledgeable and clearly has a genuine interest in the history of her country. Thank you Diana! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Drink plenty of water and coca tea to help with the altitude. Stay as long as possible at Machu Picchu and watch the chinchillas emerge as the crowds leave. Learn a few words of Spanish - it shows willing and English is not widely spoken. Is there anything else you would like to add? We enjoyed exploring on our own in Cusco, Aguas Calientes, Arequipa and Lima. We felt safe everywhere and ate well even when choosing restaurants ourselves.
Reviewed July 2017 Lynne Stewart Trip: Essential Peru Essential Peru This is a fantastic, if tiring, trip. Peru is a stunning country and a must-see. I had my breath taken away on countless occasions by the scenery and I feel privileged to have experienced such a diverse and interesting country and people. Don't hesitate to do this trip, but do be aware that it is a packed itinerary and don't underestimate the relentless early mornings! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Michu Picchu was awe inspiring and enchanting, it surpassed any expectations I had, just amazing. The homestay on Amantani Island on Lake Titicaca was fantastic, our 'mum' was wonderful and cooked us the most delicious dinner and breakfast. She was so lovely to be around and chat to even with the language barrier. In addition, I had the best (and only!) good night's sleep there. The Nazca Lines were amazing, we didn't manage a flight over them due to fog, but seeing them from the tower was still great. Cuzco and Arequipa are both wonderful cities to explore and had a very comfortable feel when walking around them. The hot springs in Chivay are worth doing, very relaxing and fun. Seeing wildlife (penguins, sea lions, pelicans, flamingos, vicuñas, llamas, alpaca, condors) along the way was fascinating, and what can I say about the scenery throughout the whole journey... just magnificent! What did you think of your group leader? Diana was very good. She was extremely organised, efficient and knowledgable. She made sure the trip went smoothly and she was proud to show and teach us about her country. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take Peruvian Sols with you if possible, or if you take US dollars or Euros then change a decent amount at the airport in Lima as you don't get to a money exchange for 3 days due to the itinerary. I was advised to change just $30-40 at the airport, but this was insufficient and the advice was inaccurate apparently due to the tour now starting on a Friday. Many ATMs charged 18 sols for withdrawing cash, look for BCP as apparently they don't charge. Take clothes for warm and cold weather, it really was necessary. In one day you can need hats and gloves in the morning, shorts and t-shirts at lunchtime, and then back on with the woolies in the evening! Although the bus journeys sound long they were in fact very comfortable with a toilet on board and lots of stops. The altitude did effect most people but only for short periods and it was manageable. Be aware if you have high blood pressure as the altitude can affect that. As well as drinking water to prevent dehydration, drinking electrolytes is important as too much water flushes those out. But the guide was experienced in dealing with any symptoms of altitude and gave good advice. Be prepared for early starts pretty much every day, leaving at 7am was a lie in!! There were a couple of mornings free for a more relaxing morning. I took a few useful souvenirs (shopping bag, soap, pencils) from home for my homestay mum and she was delighted. You can buy items such as candles, pasta, salt etc from the market there though if you don't take with you. The optional excursions were all worth doing. Try to stay awake on the bus so as not to miss the outstanding scenery! Is there anything else you would like to add? Go for it! Peru is wonderful and this trip packs in so many amazing experiences and sights. Some of which you couldn't do without going through a company such as this. ... you may need a holiday after the holiday though!
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