Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving at a col each day at just under 3000 metres after a long, hard ascent and the stunning blue sky views that awaited us.

Thoughts on Group Leader

As a result of Simon's background he was a fast paced, no-nonsense leader which, on occasions, was necessary due to the challenging/tough nature of this trek. However, a slightly slower pace to meet the total group needs might have been more appropriate as those who were at the back every day struggled to keep up and we had to keep waiting for them to catch up. Conversely, you really need to be a good and very fit mountain walker to get the best out of this trek.

Advice for Potential Travellers

On your first day off at Les Bossons, Chamonix (the warm-up day), do the ascent and descent from the campsite to the Refuge de Bellachat at altitude 2152 metres. This will give you a good feel for what the daily ascents and descents are like, whilst warming you up nicely for what is in store most days. If you make it, try the delicious omelettes at the Refuge and the views are also very stunning. For the huts and auberge take a head torch with a red light so as not to wake people up with a bright LED and also ear plugs. You only need to take a sleeping bag liner in your day pack and no flip-flops for the huts as croc shoes are provided. You will need to take a towel and soap etc as you can have a shower in the Mountain Huts at a cost of 5 Francs and they are free in the auberge. The long descents can be very arduous on your knees - definitely take and use two poles.

Most Inspirational Moment

Traversing the Cols between different countries on the trek - Plus the transportation on the cable cars both within the package and as an optional trip on 'rest days'.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lotte was superb. Very pleasant and supportive to all group members. Managed the timings seamlessly and made adjustments to the route to suit the group and make it even more enjoyable. Ably supported by Charlie.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Consider a single tent and dont expect to loose weight even allowing for the long days walking - In my opinion there is no need to take/consume extra 'energy' snacks etc

Most Inspirational Moment

Making it to the end! Whilst I never got on the support vehicle, I did walk up a few hills.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dana, our leader was fabulous, well organised and kept everyone going at a good pace. Had great local knowledge and history on the areas as well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Day 2 and 3 cycling have a few hills and I found the hardest. It's a fair amount of cycling everyday so do some training before you go!

Most Inspirational Moment

the summit reaching 5895m and watching the sunrise over the Kenyan border around 5am

Thoughts on Group Leader

Florence and his team of guides were amazing. all 9 of my group made it to the summit. Positive motivation, experience, mental attitude, care and pole pole helped us all to the summit.

Advice for Potential Travellers

a hand brush or flannel to help washing time and dust! a shewee is a big help and lots of layers.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting Machu Picchu

Thoughts on Group Leader

Diana took excellent care of everyone. She was extremely knowledgeable, was very caring and attentive and an excellent ambassador for Peru and Exodus holidays

Advice for Potential Travellers

Remember to take warm clothes if visiting Peru in winter months

Most Inspirational Moment

cycling through remote villages seeing beautiful scenery and children running from their houses to wave and cheer as we passed by- unforgettable !

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Is. She was amazingly dedicated and organised. Her English was excellent and she was extremely knowledgable giving us constant information and guidance. She also had a great sense of humour and looked after us all so well. She deserves s medal!

Most Inspirational Moment

nothing in particular it was all interesting

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was excellent very proffesional and hard working. very knowlwdgeable about all 3 countries

Advice for Potential Travellers

its not the most demanding of rides

Most Inspirational Moment

There are few key moments including the starting point; crossing over the bridge at the check point to kick off our adventure was really exciting. The third campsite with the 360 degree mountain views in the sun rise with a cup of cocoa tea was a pretty special morning and moment. Generally the inspiration came from our group of very different ages and experiences which Thomas brought together and motivated to ensure we could all reach the end goal of Machu Picchu.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Thomas was brilliant. He was enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the area, the trail and the wild life and plants. He brought our group together to make us a 'family' for the week and really made it a fun and interesting trip. We couldn't have asked for a better guide!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do it! This really was a trip of a lifetime - a huge tick off my bucket list. The views, the scenery, the history and the experience were amazing - just go for it, you won't regret it!

Most Inspirational Moment

Each country exceeded our expectations and despite their similarities in Geography, Politics and turbulent History were quite individual in character and culture. Tallinn's mix of medieval and modern was charming. Riga was lively - with winding streets and grand Art Nouveau Architecture, and Vilnius was a cosmopolitan, sophisticated, capital city - with Baroque Architecture and Parisienne style boulevards.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Yolita ( or 'Yo' ) was excellent - very patient with the individual demands of the mixed group. Her language skills and local knowledge made the transition between the three countries easy for us. ( I noticed at the 'group' meals that she took care to sit with someone different each night.) On a personal note, Yolita gave my wife and I a personal tour of Vilnius on her day off as we had missed the group tour due to personal circumstances - what a star!

Advice for Potential Travellers

We were unsure about the weather - but were lucky enough to have sunshine most of the time - except when we visited the underground missile complex - but that just added to the atmosphere. As Vegetarians we were prepared for a limited diet - but the range and availability of Veggy food surprised us - with many local dishes and unexpected combinations. ( We even found an excellent Vegan Restaurant in Riga ) ....... oh, and the local beer was great!

Most Inspirational Moment

The obvious choices would be reaching the top of Dead Womans Pass and walking through the Sungate to see your first amazing view of Machu Pichu. But waking up every morning to a hot cup of tea and opening your tent to gaze across the most beautiful unspoilt mountains will be hard to beat.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Dennis was simply brilliant. He was instantly likeable and very easy to get on with. His knowledge of Inca culture, Andean wildlife and habitats and generally all things Peruvian was encyclopedic. He led the group with great care and good humour . His advice even before we started the trek was invaluable, this ranged from what and where we should eat, to places of interest to visit. At all times we felt well looked after and in very safe hands .Dennis also displayed saintly patience listening to the frequent shouts of " Are we there yet ? ".

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get as fit as you can , use walking poles and invest in a good rucksack with a camel pack. Follow the advice on the trip notes. Bring hand sanitiser, toilet paper and baby wipes, there are surprisingly more toilets than expected on the trail, although toilet seats seem to be an optional extra. Think carefully about what you pack and keep it to a minimum. Insect repellent and anti-histamine cream came in useful. A good down sleeping bag and down jacket are essential as it gets cold at night.