Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The day on the Inca Trail and reaching the Sun Gate to see Machu Picchu below us bathed in sunlight. My wife and I had been booked to do the whole Inca Trail in 2020 (and covid put paid to that) but this one day experience was brilliant and gave us great mountain views, a super Inca site in the middle of nowhere (Winay Wayna) and viewing MP at the end of the afternoon when most tourists had departed. A fabulous day! We concluded that this experience was probably better for us than doing the whole trail. We personally had no problem with the altitude although for a couple of us the trail was hard and needed to be taken slowly - but we all got the big buzz and celebration at the Sun Gate!

Thoughts on Group Leader

William was super (see previous review) but had to travel home for an emergency and was replaced by Raul - another very experienced and expert guide. Raul was excellent - great knowledge, sociability and problem-solving. He always went the extra mile for us. For example he made a real difference to the end of our own trip when we were flying on to Bolivia in middle of the night. Both these guides were first class. They took good care of those who experienced altitude effects. Thank you William and Raul. We also had three additional top class local guides in Arequipa/Colca, Lake Titicaca and the rainforest. We were well looked after through the whole trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We went in July so it was winter in Peru. Although it was hot during the day, it got pretty cold at night so we did need our layers - but the plus point was that we had no rain during the trip and plenty of blue skies. Make sure you drink a lot of water/soft drinks/ coca tea in Colca and take it easy. To help with jet lag, we flew into Lima early and had an enjoyable day visiting the old city centre and the excellent Larco Museum.

Most Inspirational Moment

The boat trip to the floating islands on Lake Titicaca was incredible. We visited these people who lived such a simple life on these man-made reed islands with reed huts, fishing and hunting and ensuring their necessities. They held on to their traditions while embracing the modernity of trading on the mainland for other needs such as solar power and other foodstuff as well as ensuring their children had a good education. It was absolutely beautiful learning about their history and seeing how they live.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I can't say enough good things about William without sounding like I'm gushing. We are grateful to have had William as our group leader. He was attentive and kind. He went out of his way to ensure our trip was perfect. My husband and I were having a difficult time with the altitude and we couldn't do the one-day Inca trail hike. It would have been a nightmare. But he waited for us to make the call, and I am positive he would have supported us in whatever decision we made. I imagine had we gone, he would have patiently helped us every step of the way. But we did decide to not do it and William made sure we were well-cared for while he and our tour mate went on the hike. Not only that, but the next day during our trek to Machu Picchu, he went out of his way to make sure we had a special experience and view of the ruins. William also went above and beyond to add experiences that weren't on the itinerary -- stops for delicacies during our road trips, additional stops that he though were important like the salt pools and the circle terraces. He wasn't just going through the motions. Peru is his country and he wanted us to experience it as much as possible.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't overpack. Trust me, you won't need everything on the packing list.

Most Inspirational Moment

Machu Picchu, of course. But meeting a native community and having a native style lunch was a wonderful afternoon. The floating islands and meeting the native people who lived there. The rain Forrest was incredible. The boat ride on Lake titcacca was enjoyable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

William was fantastic, went above and beyond. The trip was in advance of my wife’s birthday and William made sure local bands serenaded her at a couple of meals and twice hotels had special desserts awaiting us. We felt such a great bond with our fellow traveler, William and our guest guides.

Most Inspirational Moment

"The main highlight for me was Machu Picchu! I loved the 1 day Inca trail upto the site, I found it challenging but worth while. The floating reed islands of lake titikaka was so fascinating, I really enjoyed that day so much! The couple of nights at Inkaterra lodge in the rainforest was fantastic (I would have loved to spend another day there)."

Thoughts on Group Leader

My guide William was absolutely fantastic, he made the trip so much more than I expected. His attention to detail was 10/10 and really wanted us to have the best experience possible. He was friendly, knowledgeable and very professional. Always giving us information and insight about everything he possibly could, he really is an asset to Exodus travel and a great ambassador for Peru.

Most Inspirational Moment

Has to be Machu Picchu! That first sighting as you reach the Sun Gate on the Inca Trail really does take your breath away, an image to live long in the memory.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader Paul Garrido did an amazing job of organising, guiding, informing and assisting. He was with us from arrival at Lima airport to departing for home. Nothing was too much trouble and he made it clear he was contactable 24 hours a day. His lively personality really made it feel as though he was one of the group, and I genuinely believe he was a significant factor in the trip being so memorable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't underestimate the potential issues related to being at altitude. You may experience some mild effects - I woke up in the mornings with a headache, but this could be alleviated with a couple of paracetamol. Embrace the culture. Dine on alpaca and guinea pig (unless you're vegetarian) even if you don't order it a second time. Drink at least one Pisco sour.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many there was no downsides to the trip

Thoughts on Group Leader

Make this man in charge of all your trips he is the best guide I have ever had

Most Inspirational Moment

One day Inca trail to macchu picchu.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent group leader , very knowledgeable , went above and beyond to ensure we experienced Peru at its best , was always there to answer questions , reassure explain.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book it , trip of a life time

Most Inspirational Moment

I enjoyed exploring every city with the local guides providing a wealth of local color

Thoughts on Group Leader

"Uvaldo was phenomenal. He was concerned about our well being and health and demonstrated knowledge in how to avoid altitude sickness. He has encyclopedic knowledge of Inca and pre-Inca history. He was a master logistician to arrange each day's schedule and manage every detail from getting us through the servicios hygenicos most quickly to ensuring we got through all the airport lines to board our planes most efficiently. We laughed together and genuinely enjoyed his company. He encouraged us on the Inca Trail and kept us moving along steadily. I would recommend Uvaldo unconditionally to any visitor to Peru."