Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It’s the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you’re interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.
Simply use the selector below to search our trip reviews and start reading real feedback from real Exodus travellers who have ‘been there and done that’!
Lots of our clients also like to post handy tips and advice about their travels. It’s great to know what to expect on an Exodus adventure before you go, so make the most of their experience and you’ll make the most of yours!
Haven’t posted your review yet? Here’s how to do it…
Once you return from your Exodus adventure holiday, you will be emailed a link to add your review. Any feedback collected is posted onto our website, totally unedited.
Alternatively you can navigate to the relevant trip page and add your review via the Reviews tab.
Select a trip specific review:
46 Reviews
4.9 out of
5
Reviews
Helen Hamilton
Reviewed July 2018
High Inca
Really enjoyed the trip. I just found it hard to cope with the extreme cold. The views made up for that but it would definitely put me off going again.
Most Inspirational Moment
The Sun gate was awesome. The high passes were stunning and it was very spiritual performing our wee ritual to mother earth. I was so cold on the High Inca that it was hard to camp again for the Rainbow mountains and I did hope that I wasn't disappointed. Bobby and I loved them and it was up there with the Sun gate.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Rolando was excellent. I would highly recommend him to anyone. Willie the cook was the best I've ever had.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Lots of layers and a zinc bottle for the evenings.
Suggestions
I think that the guides or the emergency horse should have carried some snacks as it was a long day having had breakfast at 6. We then sometimes didn't get lunch until 1.30/2pm. Also it would have been good to get them to carry some water for refills. 2 litres it a lot of weight to carry.
John Arkle
Reviewed July 2018
The High Inca Trail
Excess snow made the Chiriasqa pass hazardous on the Higher Inca Trail and indeed an avalanche took out two mules at the base of Salcantay during the time we walked an alternative route. Only the muleteers could guide eleven of us us over Yomacalla and Collpa which was tricky but beautiful and chilly at night. Our guides were good fun – Johnny always smiled- Holger(Ollie) had authority and much knowledge of history and natural life generally.
The food was simply amazing, tasty, varied and magically appeared in difficult cold venues. Luckily the group was cohesive supportive and gutsy under duress. Following a horrible first day ascent up a steep muddy path the views were stunning and the trail exhilarating. I enjoyed the birding and had great views of Condors close up.
Most Inspirational Moment
Arriving at the top of 'Dead Womans Pass', then seeing Machu Pichu at the Sungate
Thoughts on Group Leader
'Ollie' was ever helpful and a great birder
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take a warm sleeping bag and puffa jacket for the evenings.
Suggestions
The overall experience was wonderful
Shahina Ahmed
Reviewed May 2018
Top of the world.
This trek was a difficult one because of the high climbs in metres. Dealing with high altitude was to take it slow and easy. I was very satisfied when completed and the views were amazing. It was not a well trodden path so it felt like we were the only people around. The guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Even though it was my first time camping the food was really good and freshly prepared. Seeing Michu Pichu was the icing on the cake.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing the Inca architecture and thinking how it was all achieved. See Machu Pichu was a dream come true. Meeting the lovely people in the group and our group dynamics that developed made the difficult situations so much easier.
Thoughts on Group Leader
He was very knowledgeable and no job was to big or small for him. He was a caring individual and a great motivator when the mood was low. Looked after us all very well. Thank you Thomas.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This is a high altitude trek and not easy with the large height gains. No matter how fit you are it is best to take it easy and slowly. No rushing as the altitude can kick you in the teeth when you think you are ok. Stick with the group and do t go rushing off even though you are fast.
Suggestions
Have.a great time. I know I did.
Julian Lewis
Reviewed October 2017
High Inca Trail with Amazon Extension
This was my second trip with Exodus, my first being to Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. The trip originally had 5 people on it, but due to last minute cancellations, presumably because of news of strike action in Peru, only 2 of us ended up travelling. Ultimately, we experienced hardly any disruption throughout the entire trip. As such, it made the trip much more bespoke.
As the trip flew directly to Cusco, at 3400m, the first couple of days were designed to assist with acclimatizing and we soon got used to the altitude. There was plenty of free time to explore the city and take it easy. We also spent the first morning on an acclimatization hike exploring Tambomachay, Puca Pukara, Qenqo and Sachsayhuaman in the hills above Cusco. This hike was very gentle and downhill. On the first day of the hike, we set off early (0630 start) for Mollepata, stopping at Tarawasi to explore more ruins. As Mollepata is below 3000m, we immediately noticed the drop in altitude and this helped ease us into the hike gently. In addition to meeting our wonderful Quechua chef, Florentino, we were accompanied along this stretch of the hike by local horsemen (and a dog who we nicknamed Condor, who would provide no end of amusement along the way), who provided support for us. We found the first few days of the hike rather quiet, as this route is frequented by far fewer hikers than the main Inca Trail. The first day was a 4 hour hike with a gradual climb up to 3500m. The second day of the hike was quite tough as we had a 17km hike going from 3500m to 4400m. This involved a 0600 start, though was mostly on the level during the morning. The afternoon was shorter though quite a bit harder as it had several steep parts, as we ascended to the camp at Inchupata. An emergency horse was on hand along this stretch. The views of Salkantay were stunning, though the camp was quite cold at night. We even saw a couple of avalanches on Salkantay. On the third day of the hike, we climbed up to Incachiriaska pass, at 4950m, and were rewarded with stunning views in all directions. This was followed by a rapid descent to the Inca Canal to our camp site. Day four of the hike was quite leisurely and short as we descended to Huayllabamba. We said goodbye to the horsemen, and had several amusing attempts to part company with Condor, then met up with the porters who would carry our kit along the main Inca Trail. We also had an opportunity for a brief cold shower; our first proper wash since the hike began. Having ascended Incachiriaska pass earlier in the hike, the ascent to Dead Women’s pass on day five of the hike was much more straightforward and we got to the top in far less time than we’d planned for. The descent down to Pacaymayo was quite steep, and we got a taste of the steps which would be a common feature of the latter part of the hike. As we’d joined the main Inca Trail, things became much busier at camp sites and on the trail. We timed our departures to avoid the early morning rushes, and soon found we had the trail mostly to ourselves. On day six of the hike, we climbed over a second pass and explored more Inca ruins at Runcurakay and Sayacmarca. We camped at Phuyupatamarca and marveled at the views of Machu Picchu mountain, far below us down the notorious Inca Steps. The next morning, we also had stunning views of the other side of Salkantay. On the last day of the hike, we descended to Winay Wayna, and then completed the trek to the sun gate and our first glimpse of Machu Picchu itself. After an hour or so snapping pictures of the classic views of the site, we took the bus down to Aguas Calientes and several much needed showers. The following day, we had a tour of Machu Picchu and then had a few hours spare to explore the site on our own. As it turned out, this was only sufficient time to visit the Inca Bridge and take more pictures close by the main site, though I certainly didn’t feel I was missing out on any opportunity to ascend Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain. We descended back to Aguas Calientes mid afternoon to get the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo. This was an enjoyable and relaxing slow train ride with great views, and included free drinks and snacks in the ticket price. The next morning we explored the ruins in Ollantaytambo and headed on through the Sacred Valley to Pisac. We arrived back in Cusco by early afternoon, where we planned excursions for the following day. The main trip on offer was to Moray Maras and the Salt mines in the Sacred valley. I opted for this trip and found it very relaxing. While other excursions included a (long) day trip to Rainbow Mountain, Exodus don’t actively endorse this due to mixed reviews, though (discrete) arrangements can be made if you want to try it.
The last morning of the main trip involved transfers to the airport, either for homeward flights or transfers to Puerto Maldonado to the jungle. As I’d opted for the Amazon extension, the jungle beckoned. The flight was short though the change in climate was huge. After transferring to the river launch, and a two hour journey up river, I arrived at Cayman Lodge. As the only traveler on this part of the trip, I had another personalized trip, and guide to myself. The pace of the jungle was quite leisurely and involved afternoon and night walks around the perimeter of the lodge, a 10km trek to Sachavacayoc Lake (an oxbow lake) in the jungle where we spent a couple of hours canoeing around looking for anacondas, an early morning river trip to Colpa Chuncho clay lick to view macaws feeding, a night safari along the river looking for caimans and quite a few hours chilling in hammocks out of the sun. Soon though, this part of the trip came to an end and I transferred back to Puerto Maldonado for my flight home.
As Peru were attempting to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, we also sampled the local excitement of the regions enthusiasm for football. This could only have been matched by a papal visit.
Most Inspirational Moment
Hard to pin down one single moment, though we had perfect weather (glorious sunshine and few clouds) every day of the trip so were rewarded with inspiring views every day. Among the highlights of the trip were seeing Salkantay from many angles, Incachiriaska pass, Dead Women's pass, the view from Phuyupatamarca down over Machu Picchu mountain, the classic views of Machu Picchu from the sun gate and gatehouse, the Sacred Valley, and travelling along the Tambopata river.
Thoughts on Group Leader
William was very knowledgeable and keen to share his knowledge and experience of the Inca Trail. As the group size was small, we had a lot of attention though it never felt intrusive.
Our chef, Florentino, the horsemen and the Quechua porters were great and always friendly. I even picked up several greetings in Quechua.
My guide in the jungle was a freelance guide, called Empe. She was very knowledgeable and made the trip very enjoyable.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Though we experienced perfect weather on our trip, which was almost unprecedented, you should plan for some rain along the way.
I'd definitely recommend doing the jungle extension if your itinerary permits as it provides an additional and alternate view of the richness of Peru's geography. I almost wish Id opted for a pre-trip extension to Lake Titicaca, though that will have to be another trip.
As the trek is at high altitude, travelers should come prepared with good sun screen and insect repellent, even on days when its not overly sunny. The Peruvian sun can be unforgiving.
Pack economically. The bag weight limit on the Inca Trail is 10kg, so you carry the excess. Unless you prepare with extensive load bearing training, you should try to keep your day pack as light as possible as the altitude and sun soon consume your energy reserves. Though on Kili I'd regularly carry at least 2 litres of water, the frequency of campsites and top ups mean that you can carry a little less water, as long as you top up whenever you get the chance.
As with any high altitude trekking, take things easy for the first few days to help acclimatize, stay hydrated and eat plenty. If you have any dietary requirements, such as low carb diets, then do review these carefully as several days of the hike are intensive and you will need as much energy as you can pack in. I found I needed extra carbs on several days though this was quickly burnt off.
Security at camps during the first few days of the trek is fine, as you're almost the only people at the remote campsites, though as you reach the main trail the campsites get busier and you'll often find other trekkers walking through your camp. While this doesn't present any problem, vigilance should be exercised in accordance with common sense.
Security in the jungle lodges was ok, though by the nature of its location you shouldn't have any major concerns.
Though English, Spanish and Quechua were the main languages spoken on the trail, French was also seemingly quite widely spoken in the jungle.
A warm sleeping bag will pay dividends especially at the higher campsites.
A good pair of binoculars will come in handy in the jungle.
On the night safaris, a good phone camera (e.g. OnePlus 5) proved better for impromptu close ups of insects than even a good bridge/SLR camera, so try both for best results.
Suggestions
Having climbed Kilimanjaro, I found this trek challenging but very achievable. While the hardest days of the trek are comparable to regular/early days on Kili, nothing is quite on the same scale as summit night, though ascending and descending the Inca steps should be approached carefully as some of the flights of steps are extensive and mishaps could be costly. There are a few stages where additional caution is advised, such as walking along narrow ledges alongside sheer drops, but the William was very clear with highlighting these stretches.
Shannah Murland
Reviewed October 2017
Machu Picchu combined with rugged peaks
This tour spends a few days in the “big” mountains and then joins in to the Inca Trail, so you get a bit of everything. You also arrive at Machu Picchu in the afternoon, so you avoid all the groups who get there for sunrise. Instead, you have some time in the afternoon and then camp down by the river (instead of leaving right away like the other tours do), and then you go back up for the majority of the next day.
Most Inspirational Moment
Camping up near the glacier on Mt. Salkantay.
Thoughts on Group Leader
She had amazing knowledge of history and culture in the region.
Helen Stockham
Reviewed August 2017
The High Inca Trail - snowy peaks and a fascinating history
Two weeks in the Andes with spectacular scenery and a rich cultural history.
Most Inspirational Moment
It is hard to pick a favourite day or sight, as there was something special on each day. Personally I love snowy mountains so seeing Salcantay was special. Camping near the base of Salcantay was very memorable – a campsite in a spectacular setting, hearing and seeing avalanches, seeing the milky way and waking up with frost inside the tent!! On these first three to four days of the trek we had the trail pretty much to ourselves, and we were the only group at this particular campsite.
I also particularly enjoyed reaching the end of the Inca Trail at the sun gate and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time. The setting, scale and craftsmanship is most impressive.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Rolando was a fabulous guide with an encyclopaedic knowledge about pretty much everything! He is very passionate about his country, its history and culture. He imparted his knowledge with great enthusiasm, had a great sense of humour and was very encouraging if anyone was struggling e.g. on a steep section of the trail. He was also very organised, including arranging our departure times each day on the trail when we joined the main Inca Trail so we had the trail mostly to ourselves, with just a few porters. This meant we avoided the crowds and only saw other groups at lunch stops and the campsites. It was also a pleasure to spend time with assistant guide Javier on the trail.
Advice for Potential Travellers
You really can and do experience four seasons in one day on this trip so be prepared for temperatures ranging from what felt like plus 30 degrees down to about minus 10 degrees Centigrade. Take a full set of thermals, including thermal socks. If you take a metal water bottle this can be filled with hot water after dinner creating a hot water bottle for the coldest nights. It's best to take a proper cover, or if not use a hiking sock!
Take a toilet roll and antibac hand gel. Not all toilets in Peru supply such items!
On the free day in Cusco on return from the trail we booked a private guide and transfer for Rainbow Mountain which was spectacular. It was also possible to arrange to trip to Moray, Moras and the nearby Incan quarry in the Sacred Valley.
Before you book the Lake Titicaca extension I would recommend checking with Exodus whether they have booked the tours to see the Uro Indians and Sillustani with a private guide. The four of us that did the extension were put with mixed tour groups for the morning and afternoon. This worked okay for the Uros Indians as the group was small and all English speaking. However for Sillustani there was one guide for two buses covering both English and Spanish speaking groups – basically the group was far too large meaning this afternoon was my least enjoyable of the full trip, the rest of which was very good.
Suggestions
The chefs, horsemen and porters were excellent. The chefs Billy and Juan impressed us all with the food they prepared on their camping stoves in the mountains. I am vegetarian and was expecting relatively simple, similar food each day – I was very surprised at how tasty the food they prepared for me was each day – it was delicious. I am still in awe at how they made a two tier sponge birthday cake, fully iced with three different flavours of piped icing on our last day of camping for one of our group!
Jo Griffiths
Reviewed August 2017
Salcantay Pass and the Inca Trail
A fabulous 2 weeks trekking in the Andes. I’ve travelled with Exodus on a number of ‘challenging’ treks, and this one ranks highly both in outstanding landscapes, historical context and enjoyment. Conditions are challenging but this is a positive; it makes achieving the goal even more rewarding!
Most Inspirational Moment
Machu Picchu was far more spectacular than I had imagined; the magnitude of Inca architecture, craftsmanship and culture was humbling.
We didn’t see a soul for the first 3 days on the Salcantay Trek; only when you join the Inca Trail are you reminded that it is a very popular tourist destination. That said, our itinerary meant that we avoided crowds by leaving later than other groups in the morning. Plenty of snack stops and a pace appropriate to the altitude also helped!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Rolando, the epitome of professionalism. A lovely man who imparted such wide and thought-provoking knowledge of the Incas, and with immense pride in his country and culture. Calm in the face of adversity and sensitive to the individual needs of group. A special mention also for Javier, our second in command. A joy to spend time with; he will make an outstanding group leader when his time comes. I especially enjoyed the encouraging and supportive relationship these two men demonstrated throughout the trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The trip notes outline very clearly just how cold it can get at night, but still my gloves were not adequate for the morning we trekked Salcantay Pass; invest in proper kit! Do your research on places to eat for the first couple of nights in Cusco; especially if you are a solo traveller as group meals didn’t happen until we reached Machu Picchu town.
Suggestions
The support teams – the horsemen, porters and chefs, are outstanding. From the morning mugs of coca tea, to the quality of the food (afternoon tea a particular favourite of mine!), their encouragement and assistance during the trek and attention to detail, just make the trip extra special. You get what you pay for, and I certainly felt that we had the highest standard of care and service on the trek.
Andrew Deeming
Reviewed July 2017
Excellent Trek to one of the 7 wonders of the modern world!
Truly an excellent 2 week holiday! 7 days spent in the Peruvian Andes- 4 days trekking around Salcantay, 3 on the Inca trail, ending at the Sun Gate and that picture postcard view of Machu Picchu. If you have entertained the idea of doing this holiday, or a shorter version of the trek, I’d just book it! You will certainly not be disappointed.
Most Inspirational Moment
Difficult to choose just one but I would have to go with reaching the Sun Gate and getting the first view of Machu Picchu. It really is an eye opener and you definitely feel you have earned it after 7 days of quite challenging trekking through the Andes.
As well as MP, the scenery in general, is truly magnificent. There are plenty of times when you'll want to stop and simply take in and admire your surroundings. If you are lucky and get clear skies during the evening, you should see the Milky Way.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Bruce was excellent! Very professional, caring and made sure he understood the capabilities of the group. He has a passion to share his knowledge about his country and it's history and gave very detailed, interesting explanations when we stopped at archeological sites. He made every member of the group feel welcome and brought us all together as a 'family' for the two weeks we were together.
A special mention needs to go to Cesar, our second guide. Knowledgeable and very likeable- along with Bruce he made sure all of our needs were catered for and that we all finished the trek in one piece.
One final mention goes to the support team- cooks, wranglers and porters. These guys are like machines! While you're struggling up and down the trail, this team carries up to 25kg of equipment per person and make sure camp and lunch spots are set up well before you arrive. Truly awesome.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Train for this trek and be prepared for the change in altitude, it really does make a difference and you'll notice it when you reach the hotel in Cusco.
As other reviewers have stated, pack for all seasons. At the highest camp (4,200m), you will be very cold and temperatures will fall below zero. The next day, you'll be in a valley and in temperatures above 20C. We were fortunate not to get any rainfall but it is still a possibility.
Take a mixture of Peruvian Sols and US dollars, for use in Cusco.
Suggestions
Book it and enjoy it!
Karen Stanley
Reviewed June 2017
Magical Machu Picchu
Amazing hiking over the Salcantay pass to the magical Machu Picchu.
Most Inspirational Moment
The anticipation of each turn the closer we got to the sun gate, and then the first view of Machu Picchu was incredible
Thoughts on Group Leader
Wilmer, our leader was very knowledgable and relaxed with the group - good fun
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take ear plugs! The frogs in camp 3 (might have been 4) are lovely but noisy, and you may get need them for the hotel in Machu Picchu town (depends what room you get)
Also allocate at least 50soles per meal (includes one drink and tips)
Food is amazing - there are great restaurants in Cusco, camp food - incredible
Highly recommend green point in Cusco - it's vegan (I'm not) but they do a very reasonable set menu (4 courses) for 15soles and food is amazing (5min walk from hotel) - highly recommend
Suggestions
Last thing - hotel in Cusco - if you lose your phone charger, check the bedside table drawers, mine was taken out of the wall and hidden away in drawer for no reason at all- eventually found after emptying all bags, and another guest over hearing complaint to reception (as same thing happened to her)
Gillian Mcfall
Reviewed September 2016
High Inca Trail
Fantastic trip … Challenging enough without killing you! It is your holiday after all!!
Most Inspirational Moment
Lying in the tent listening to the glacial avalanches on Salkantay was pretty awesome and of course getting that first sight of Machu Picchu.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Rolando was great, so passionate about his Incan heritage and very knowledgable. He loves telling the story of the many sites you visit on this trek and really brings it alive. With regards the walking and the altitude, he was always looking out for everyone in the group.
Advice for Potential Travellers
It was colder than I expected in the evenings so if debating whether or not to take the 3 or 4 season sleeping bag or the down jacket - take the warm stuff!! The early start for Machu Picchu is definitely worth it - by 9am the place is packed!
