Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

It's hard to say, it may sound too obvious, though, the day we done the peak of Toubkal would probably be it; though again, all the scenery throughout the trip was impressive. I was surprised how well everyone in the group got on, having reasonably similar interests, which made the trip even more enjoyable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hassan had a great sense of humour, and, also well organised, keeping us informed of any thing we needed to know.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If, like me, you're not used to having breakfast, having something you can snack on while walking is quite handy. I also noticed a few of our group had crocs (or similar rubber slip on shoes) and, although I had previously wrote these off as a fashion disaster, they did seem perfect for around the camp site.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the beautiful coast and the visit to Herculaneum.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jo Payne was fantastic. Good guide and a great sense of humour. Very caring and helpful. She tended to underplay the walks a little (so this didn't put people off), but we all helped each other and discovered we were actually capable of achieving more than we might have first thought. She was extremely encouraging and gave plenty of breaks with little stories of local knowledge. It was obvious that she was very highly thought of by the local people. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get reasonably fit first. Poles are a good idea as there are lots of 'undulations' and steps. It is cooler in the mountains than on the coast so a jumper (and pyjamas at night!) is a good idea.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Three Chimneys walk and the ascent up Monte Piana both provided amazing awe-inspiring views. The archeological features relating to World War 1 were also very fascinating and surprising.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Karl was a very friendly, sociable, and amusing leader and ensured we were all well informed. He also went at a pace allowing us to enjoy the many varied views and to take photographs. He clearly wanted us to enjoy our time there to the full.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't forget your camera!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

The nature of the trek in camping low and climbing out of the valleys over the cols meant an opportunity to 'reach the top' virtually every day, with a new spectacular view to discover.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mike was a fantastic leader, really knew his stuff and was able to add lots of value through his own experience and knowledge, and kept the group motivated and moving well. The support crew of Jane & John were second to none also with delicious catering and ensuring the welcome sight of biscuits & a cuppa awaited post a tough days trek! 

Most Inspirational Moment

Several moments.1. We did the optional Inca Trail day walk to Machu Picchu. We alighted from the train directly down onto the track, no platform of any kind, and just the 4 of us (including our guide). Everyone else on the train continued to Machu Picchu. We were in some remote jungle next to the river and as we crossed a footbridge a flock of parrots screamed overhead - I felt like Indiana Jones! We saw hardly anybody else on the trail. Not counting our guide, my wife was the youngest at just 59 and our excellent guide, Juan-Manuel, paced our walk gently so we took 6 hours of steady climbing to reach the Sun Gate and get our first view of Machu Picchu. I was literally moved to tears.2. Snorkelling in Galapagos. A group of 4 or 5 sea lions joined us just to play.3. The tameness of everything on Galapagos. Having to walk around Boobies and Albatrosses because they don't get out of your way - in fact they are more likely to come closer for a good look at you.  

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had three. Juan-Manuel in Cusco/Machu Picchu, Esteban in Quito and Sylvia on Galapagos. All three were excellent. Juan is a professional archaeologist as well as tour leader so has immense knowledge. Esteban's pride in his city and country was infectious - he also took time out to praise the UK's handling of the Olympics and the oening and closing cermonies. Sylvia is Swiss but a long time resident of Galapagos and also had great knowledge.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Altitude: This affects people differently. I knew people who have done this trip before and was told I would have a headache on the first night in Cusco and perhaps feel nauseous. I was a bit concerned because I know from previous experience in the Alps that I don't do altitude well. However neither my wife or myself experienced either of these symptoms but I did feel a little short of breath at times. This did not impact at all on our ability to enjoy any of the trips or activities. More surprisingly I had most trouble with the breathlessness when trying to sleep.Inca Trail: For anyone used to a little hill walking in the UK, pennines or lake district for example, it is no problem.  But don't get fooled by references to "short" trail. It is only short compared to the 4 day hike of the full trail. We took it pretty steady and it was at least 6 hours of steady uphill walking.Cachalote (the boat in Galapagos): The boat is quite small and the cabins are tiny but the bunk beds are comfortable and ensuite toilet and shower facility are fine. There is no opulence here (none wanted either). We had 2 large suit cases which were difficult to deal with in the small cabin. Most travelling is done at night and it can be pretty rough. The food is simple but excellent and generous.Snorkelling: The water is quite cool. I have no wet suit and elected to do without (available for hire), making do with a couple of tee shirts. If you can swim in UK water you'll be ok as I was, it is a bit warmer than UK,  although I was coming out with numb fingers after an hour in the water. The Americans on the boat used wet suits and they were complaining of the cold!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the Leopards. We saw a Warthog up in a tree, & then with difficulty spotted the male Leopard, we then spotted another male Leopard prowling around under this tree hoping a few morsels would drop down.We had just left Khwai village & heard a racket from a small herd of Impala, my husband looked around to spot a female Leopard, who then "allowed" us to take some photos before leaving as there was now no chance of her hunting down a meal.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sam was always cheerful even when our vehicle came to an abrupt & terminal halt, some 30km from our camp for that night. He & the other guys always looked immaculate, I have no idea how they managed to do so, as I managed to look very dusty just sitting in the truck being driven around.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The entry fee to Victoria Falls needs to paid in local currency  (Kwatcha) not dollars, & this has been so since July 2012. It is difficult to get local currency even in Livingstone the only useable ATM had long queues although the Barclay bank readily changed sterling it closed at 11.30am on our Saturday visit. One of the best ways at get local currency at the campsite was to pay in sterling and then the change willl be in local.Make sure you have enough Pula for the Chobe river cruise (don't miss out on this well worth going on). When we were there the credit card machine was a bit hit & miss, they wouldn't take Sterling/Dollars

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of the last hill!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Personable, organized, and spoke English well.  Michele was an inspiration.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring better rain gear.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many moments, but I will always remember seeing the bears when we walking to the bear hide.  Three bears were coming down the hill towards the hide and I didn't know whether to be worried or not!  It was also very interesting to see the way the shepherds still lived the way they have for generations.  The scenery was spectacular and provided many 'Heidi' moments!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cosmin was a brilliant guide.  He was very knowledgeable and happy to answer questions.  He even found us a tearoom when we least expected it!

Advice for Potential Travellers

We found the walking fairly challenging at times, especially as the weather was very hot.  However, it was well worth the effort.  Just don't believe Katerina or Cosmin when they say you are 'almost there', there is still a long way to go!

Most Inspirational Moment

The view from the top of the hill on the last day - and sense of achievement in getting there !  Being able to manage a couple of walks that were beyond our comfort zone.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very skilled and knowledgeable, taught us a lot about walking in difficult terrain and using walking poles.  Adjusted to poor weather in first few days and offered an alternative additional walk on rest day because one walk had to be discontinued.   He inspired confidence and was generally friendly, helpful and informative, using his language skills well with the group and local people.   If there was one minor issue, occasionally he could come across as a bit brusque.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring walking poles - we found them very useful on the steeper terrain. 

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment of the trip for me was visiting Machu Picchu, its something I've always wanted to see and it for me lived up to my expectations and beyond. Going back on the 2nd day and seeing the sunrise over Machu Picchu was awesome. The trip to Cuzco was wonderful and the trip to Colca Canyon to view the Condors soaring above you so gracefully was breathtaking

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our Group Leader Mr Fabrizzio Cornejo was excellent and a real credit to you. His knowledge and expertise made my trip to Peru unforgetable and he was very mindful of the whole group at all times

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes - listen to the group leader when he/she gives you advice, especially where preventing altitude sickness is concerned. If they say drink plenty of water, then drink plenty of water. Other than that justenjoy the whole experience of Peru - you will not be disappointed in any way