Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Impossible to say, there are too many, but our first glimpse of Machu Picchu, indescribable in its beauty, size and location surrounded by stunning mountains and deep valleys would be one. Isla Genovesa, with its frigate birds, boobies, short-eared owls and huge density of birds and other wildlife would be another, together with. swimming in various locations with turtles, sea lions and stunning fish. including three hammerhead sharks (optional!). Mention must also be made of the waved albatross on Espanola courting, sitting on nests or flying along the cliffs, amazing..

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had three, in Peru, Quito and the Galapagos. All did an excellent job. Wilmer was warm, welcoming, enthusiatic and helpful as well as patient. Gloria in Quito again welcomed us warmly, was very knowledgable on the excellent tour and terrific in helping when one of our party injured themselves. Similarly David in the Galapagos gave us a terrific tour. He is both very knowledgable and passionate about the islands and their unique wildlife. He ran efficiently to time without ever rushing us and worked well with the captain and crew of the Cahalote. When snorkelling, with the help of the Panga drivers, he guided us well and ensured our safety. Because we were with David for a week on the boat he wins the prize but we cannot find fault in any of our guides.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't be surpised by the altitude in Cusco. Just take things slowly. If you don't do the one day Inca trail walk and the weather is O.K., go up to Macchu Picchu that afternoon. Expensive but well worth it. It is quieter in the afternoon and it then gives you two sessions to enjoy this astonishing place at your own pace. The morning tour is excellent but only covers a small area. If you snorkel in a swimming costume (i.e. not wet suit) be sure to wear a tee shirt - I didn't the first day, big mistake! Mastercard works at ATM's almost always, debit and visa cards often don't, especially in the Galapagos. Preferably make sure you have plenty of dlooars for tips, drinks and small souvenirs, cards etc. before you leave Quito or even better, Peru.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching a kettle of vultures (just looked up the collective noun!) circling around a hilltop while we stopped for our lunch. Or reaching a lovely little village hotel at the end of a walk just after a cloudburst where we dried off in the sunshine and sampled the local cider. Or sitting gazing out of the hotel restaurant window at the stunning mountain views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alvaro really is one of the best. Knew everyone's name by the first morning and took care to get them right ("Caroline or Carolyn?"). Really knowledgeable about his country and its history and clearly as enthusiastic about the area and the walking as we were. Unfailingly cheerful and helpful and a wonderful grasp of English and its idioms.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for all extremes of weather especially heat. Do the optional walk along the coast to Llanes on the free day if offered, and take a swimming cossie for a dip in the sea on the way.

Most Inspirational Moment

The boat trip to the blue lagoon and empty beach was delightful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alessandro was a fantastic guide. His passion for that part of Italy clearly showed in his knowledge and love for the area. He was a thoughtful, kind leader where nothing was too much trouble.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take more money than you think you might need as drinks more costly. There are very few flat parts to this cycle holiday. I do not feel the trip notes accurately reflected the hill.

Most Inspirational Moment

- The northern Estonian coast - Riding along the beach

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent! And excellent again!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go with an open mind. Don't expect fine hotels - they are OK, comfortable and well situated. If you want 5 star this is not for you.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving at the beautiful shady camp after the first day's climb.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabulous. I felt safe with him. I really enjoyed hearing him talk about Morocco and his family and he took us for tea at his house which was a real privilege.

Most Inspirational Moment

Viewing Machu Pichu from the Sun Gate. Swimming with turtles off Floriana. Getting so close to the wildlife on Genovesa. The peace and serenity of a canoe ride at Napo, with only the tropical noises to listen to.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack light! Reasonable toiletries provided in all hotels. There is very limited space in the Cachalote cabins (even less so for two single people sharing) so a small squashy bag is much better than a suitcase, Eco-friendly soap and shampoo are provided on board as are towels for use on the beach as well as on board. Take two items of footwear only for Galapagos - a pair of hiking boots for walks on the islands and a pair of sandals for beach or wet landings as we went either barefoot or wore socks on board. Take strong insect repellant for Napo if you are prone to bites (not really needed in the Galapagos though Espanola Island has a lot of very annoying flies which take no notice of any repellants!). Take Magicool and a loose hat if you are going to Napo - we had no rain during the day but it was very humid and hot. Wellingtons are provided by the lodge and they like you to wear these on all land trips, not your own hiking boots (which we took but didn't use so wasted space in the bag!). A pair of light sandals or trainers are ideal for wearing around the lodge or any of the trips where you stay in the canoe.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of the climb and looking at the beautiful landscapes!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lovely chap!enthusiastic and informative.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Italy more expensive than expected for meals and alcohol .

Most Inspirational Moment

Unfortunately due to injury I couldn't follow the planned walks but had an alternative trip and was able to still appreciate the breathtaking beauty of the area

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alvaro was amazing. He took time to find alternative things to do. He has an excellent attitude as well as being very funny!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Not really just be prepared to have fun and get wet!

Most Inspirational Moment

I really enjoyed the Levada do Piscaredo walk on Day 7 - it was the longest walk that we did but fairly easy walking (no hills), following a waterway dating back to the 13th century. Pretty wildflowers dotted the route and every now and then the views of the river below would come into sight.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nuno was great, a keen walker and outdoor enthusiast, he knew the routes inside out and was great company, introducing the group to local restaurants.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try the Vinho Verde (green wine) - this was my favourite!

Most Inspirational Moment

So many, almost impossible to say. One would have to be the very fist site of Machu Picchu, quite extraordinary, awe inspiring and no photo can do it justice. Despite this Galapagos was the highlight and the most inspirational moments probably the number and proximity of the birds on Genevosa, the Waved Albatrosses on Espanola and snorkelling with giant turtles, sea lions and the stunning fish.