Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Well you can't walk for 4 days to Machu Picchu and not say Machu Picchu. It was such a wonderful sight to see after the Inca trail that even seeing pictures can't justify the magnificence of this site. The home stay on Lake Titicaca was a nice surprise and very memorable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cesar was a terrific tour leader, one of the best I have had the pleasure of meeting. He engaged in all social aspects and conversations, and his professionalism and devotion to his work was very well acknowledged. Cesar has the patience of a saint, even when things didn't go quite to plan, he always had a smile on his face.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for long boat rides in the Amazon and use plenty bug spray. Waterproofs are a must in this place, the weather is so variable. Carry what you need for the Inca Trail, not what you want. The limit on what the porters carry isn't as much as what you might think, after you pack a sleeping bag and thermals you don't have a lot of weight left. Most of our group was nervous in regards to the home stay at Lake Titicaca, as we weren't 100% on what to expect. This was a great experience, but learning Spanish in the first instance will really set you on your way here.

Most Inspirational Moment

everything

Thoughts on Group Leader

Simon was excellent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bear in mind there's no such thing as bad weather just bad clothes.

Most Inspirational Moment

Contouring Table Mountain. I was worried but Ilhan, our guide, gave me confidence to do it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ilhan Senturk...superb leader. As I said before, he gave lessons. We learnt so much. We enjoyed so much. We were a team helping each other when needed. He never rushed us. Lovely guy with a sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just do it. No such thing as cannot.

Most Inspirational Moment

Camping beside Salkantay, walking along the Inca Trail, seeing the Inca sites and, obviously, walking through the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant. Bobby, and the assistant guide Jose, were both excellent. Really passionate and knowledgeable about their heritage, very experienced so I felt well looked after (and safe!) at all times and were really great company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take clothes for all weathers. We had hot, cold, snow and rain - all within a matter of hours on some days. Take walking poles. I don't normally use them, but they became my most favourite thing on some of the tougher days. Get some level of fitness. It's not essential, but might make some of the harder days a bit easier. Even if it's just a case of you being used to being on your feet for 6+ hours. Pack as light as you can - it'll make organising your bag a bit easier. Take a torch - essential for after dinner. Take books. Not necessarily for the camping as I was generally far too tired to read anything, but for the flights. Having something to read in between flights was helpful. On the trek, keep eating and drinking. It really helps with the altitude and to keep your energy levels up. I took snacks which was good, but you can buy stuff in Cusco before you go.

Most Inspirational Moment

The walking on the table top mountain and the amazing scenery on the walk around the mountain and the valley - in fact too many highlights to mention. One of the most amazing holidays I've ever had.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ilhan was amazing. He was exceptionally knowledgeable on all subjects and was happy to answer any questions we put to him. A big thank you to him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You need really good walking boots for this holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching Stella point and watching the sunrise on the way up. Spectacular!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Makeke was brilliant! I really struggled on the second day but he stayed with me every step and was extremely patient and sympathetic. I wouldn't have made it without him!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Hire the sleeping mats! They are very comfortable and thicker than most inflatable roll mats. Don't overpack, you'll be surprised at how much use you will get out of one t-shirt! Portable phone/iPod chargers are great- I recommend the Anker ones. Drink lots of water and eat as much as you can as that definitely helped with the altitude. An iPod for me was a God send, especially at night time and on summit day. And finally, take lots of pictures!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking in the gorge. Stunning views and finishing the walk on a delightful beach.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cecilia is very well organized and catered for everyone's needs. She has a wealth of local knowledge and negotiated well with the local restaurants.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Relax and enjoy the island!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were a lot of great moments in the week: Alvaro our guide: what a star, the hotel food: lovely, the location and scenery: spectacular. The group of people who went on this trip were also fantastic...

Thoughts on Group Leader

If you wanted to know "anything" Alvaro had the answer, I have very rarely met a more committed individual. All this knowledge was also delivered with sincerity - a very genuine person.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go!

Most Inspirational Moment

I was most pleased by my cycling performance. I am 70 and due to have my hip replaced in September. So I was very chuffed by the strong performance I put in on all of the hills. Didn't get off and push on any of them!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Leadership of our group was equally shared by two men: Michele Zucca and Michele Queresimin. I have nominated both of them for the Leader of the Year Award because they were superb and equally deserving of that award. They worked their socks off to make sure that our holiday was successful, from start to finish. Very sociable and humorous. Made sure that we stuck to our well-planned and interesting itinerary. Kept us safe and sound, by giving timely warnings of "dangerous, busy roads ahead" , coming steep descents etc. Very much alive to our possible needs and requirements. Always offering choices and possibilities. To think of what it would have been like to do this holiday without them (self guided?) is too horrible to consider.

Most Inspirational Moment

Taking the scramble to the summit of Mancondiu on the last day, and the Cares Gorge in fantastic weather (OK we were lucky there!).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alvaro is a true star. A local, with a fantastic knowledge of the Picos mountains, and a true dedication to protecting and preserving an area he truly loves. The only guide I've met with the ability to treat each of 16 people as an individual rather than just another visitor, Combine that with a great sense of humour and what more can you wish for?

Advice for Potential Travellers

Watch the weather. It can be very variable and changes rapidly.