Reviews

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.

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98 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Darren Lyon

Reviewed August 2024

Amazing Trip in the Amazon, on the Inca Trail to Machu Pichu and Lake Titicaca.

3 nights in the Amazon were unbelievable, so much to see and do and our Amazon guide Roland was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. He made everything easy.
Hiking the Inca Trail through the scenery of the Andes mountains was awesome and our guide Ollie was also amazing at looking after us and explaining the history of pre Inca civilisations and the Incas.
Our home stay with villagers on Lake Titicaca was also a fantastic experience, watching the sunset and learning about their lifestyle on Amantani island.
Also the time spent in Lima, Cusco and Puno was also very enjoyable for more of a city feel and they are beautiful cities.

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole time in the Amazon, seeing animals in their own natural habitat was my highlight.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ollie (Holger) was amazing for the entire 15 days. He was knowledgeable, friendly, hard working. He took care of everything with minimal fuss. Even his restaurant recommendations were perfect everytime. I can’t talk highly enough about him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don’t hesitate to book this. It covers so much and it really is an unforgettable trip.

Frederick John Willington

Reviewed June 2024

Excellent adventure

I have just returned from an unforgettable trip to Peru, which included 4nights in the Amazon jungle, including seeing a great variety of animals, birds and plants; then we did the Inca trail with a tour of Machu Pichu and finally a home stay on a small island on Lake Titicaca

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many: a boat trip at dawn and sunset on the river Tambopata, or camping above the clouds on the Inca Trail with breathtaking views of the Andes, or a home stay with our host Flora on Lake Titicaca.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant! Edwind Colque was an encyclopaedia of knowledge about Peruvian history, the Incas, the flora and fawns of Peru; he was also a brilliant leader on the Inca trail, keeping us together and making sure we were OK and ensuring that we completed the trail.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If I did this trip again, I would probably hire a sleeping bag through Exodus, it would have given me more space in my suitcase to bring a few more clothes etc.

WILLIAM MOUSLEY

Reviewed May 2024

Bill and Elaine Mousley

This was an excellent trip. Although the focus was the Inca Trail and Macchu Picchu, the other parts were also memorable. Everything was very well-organised by our Tour Leader, Edwind. All the accommodation was of a good standard and the travel arrangements allowed us to do so much in the time allotted. It was stress-free from start to finish and meant we could enjoy the experience fully.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the Sun Gate at the. end of the trek and looking down on the unique view of Macchu Picchu

Thoughts on Group Leader

Edwin Colque was fantastic. Knowledgeable, caring, attentive with a great sense of humour. Nothing was too much for him. On a few occasions, his passion for the subject-matter perhaps descended into too much detail to be readily absorbed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip is highly-recommended. Take walking poles and be fit enough for a hard walk!

Jon Dudley

Reviewed May 2023

Stunning sights, learning of other cultures in Peru, plus a good physical challenge on the Inca Trail.

I’ve been on a number of similar trips but this one beats them all for packing so much into a fortnight whilst immersing us in a fascinating and beautiful country. Aided by perfect weather, like minded travel companions and a guide who relished sharing his love of his country with us, this was a heady cocktail of experiences that will live long in the memory.

Most Inspirational Moment

Almost impossible to pick just one. The jungle dawn, our first view of Machu Picchu and the warmth of our Amantani Island hosts were all highlights.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We couldn't have had a better group leader than Smithy. He kept us up to speed with our energetic calendar, whilst remaining relaxed and jovial. He engendered a great spirit within our little team, ensured we were safe and well at all times and sought expert medical attention in a mountain village when one of us was unwell. His knowledge of and love for his country was second to none. Smithy smoothed our way with local people and services whenever our limited language abilities came into play. It helped that he was well known and had friends everywhere that we travelled! Expert local guides in the rainforest, Cusco and Lake Titicaca all added to our knowledge and understanding of Peru.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the trip notes carefully before deciding if this trip is for you. Most of the time is spent at altitudes of 3000 - 4000 meters, which can be a challenge in itself. We were very fortunate with the weather on the Inca Trail, which was warm and dry during the day with great views of the Andes, though rapidly chilling off at night. Walking and camping in the rain might have been an even sterner test and you do need to be equipped for anything weatherwise. I never felt that I was rushed and our guide ensured we had ample opportunity to enjoy the spectacular scenery and the warm local hospitality. However, be prepared for constant packing and repacking (and some early starts) for the planes, boats, minibuses and train that enabled us to cover so much ground in a relatively short space of time. Other than that, Engage, Absorb and Enjoy!

Sarah Wilmot

Reviewed October 2022

What an adventure!

Great trip with so much variety across the 15 days.

Most Inspirational Moment

Completing the Inca trail & walking through the Sun gate to see Machu Pichu for the 1st time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Julio was most excellent. nothing was too much trouble, all details thought of and just a very helpful leader who clearly cared about the team as well as making sure we had the best holiday. 10 out of 10 for his efforts.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Prepare a list for the jungle in advance and have it ready in one side of your suitcase. You can hire great quality sleeping bags out there so no need to take your own. They also supply a liner with the hire. Pack thermals to sleep in for the Inca trail.

Birgitte Israelsen

Reviewed October 2022

TPJ221008

I am still surprise how the breakfast, lunch and dinner could be so sublime when we was at the Inca Trail. To make the food in a tent and more or less at the floor.

Most Inspirational Moment

That I could "The Inca Trail" which was not easy for me, because my breathing was very much the challenge. To see the nature along the trail and how it change on the way.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We have Julio Llancay as tours leader which was an fantastic leader. Always was the tings ready as bus, restaurants, the other guide etc. All VERY well planned. As a person very well balanced even when many persons want to talk to him at the same time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You can do it just walk as a turtle!

Geoff Earl

Reviewed July 2022

Inca Trail & the Amazon Rainforest (465) and lake Titicaca

Way beyond my personal expectations.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many, difficult to select one, but main event was Machu Picchu

Thoughts on Group Leader

Absolutely top notch....very knowledgeable and very enthusiastic....Raul Guerrs

Advice for Potential Travellers

Listen to any advice the guide gives you

Chris Blacker

Reviewed July 2019

Chris's comments

In general – whole trip excellent.
But, tents on Inca Trail trek did not have a complete fly-sheet. As temperatures dropped to 0*C [or very close to], the tents did not retain sufficient warmth inside. A full fly-sheet would have significantly improved the internal temperature of tents. Also, the camping grounds are such that tent pegs are difficult to ‘drive’ in – this meant insufficient pegs were used to keep tent inner from coming into contact with fly-sheet, resulting in the internal fabric of inner-tent becoming damp, and this often transferred to sleeping bags and equipment.
Avianca – Delays and down-grading – a disappointing performance by the airline. Other members of the Inca Trail Trek experienced similar issues with airline.

Most Inspirational Moment

A close call between 'summiting' Dead Woman's Pass, and the first view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Holger [Olly] on Inca Trail - first rate. Knowledgable and informative. Moises on Rainforest Extension - first rate. Again knew the subject.

Advice for Potential Travellers

All is covered in Trip Notes for both sections. But, make sure you carry sufficient Currency [Soles or US$] for Rainforest Extension [drinks, minor kit items] - prices a bit higher than general for Peru.

Katrina Borowski

Reviewed June 2019

Fantastic adventure - don’t think about it, just do it!

The Classic Inca Trail had been on my bucket list for some time, so it was brilliant to finally tackle it, combined with an excursion into the Amazon rainforest and a trip to Lake Titicaca. It was an action-packed, superbly organised 2 weeks and all 3 experiences were very different but equally enjoyable. Our group of 9 (ages ranged from 51 to 70) all completed the Trail, although it’s fair to say that fitness levels varied quite a bit. However, as our group leader said, it’s all about positivity and believing you can!

Most Inspirational Moment

Very difficult to single out one, but probably getting to the top of Dead Woman’s Pass, followed very closely by arriving as a group at the Sun Gate. Also, in the rainforest, we were incredibly fortunate to see a young male jaguar for 15-20 minutes as we travelled by boat early one morning.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Adolfo (AD) was brilliant: very personable and extremely knowledgeable and experienced. He was also exceptionally well-organised without us feeling pressured in any way. He instilled us with confidence in our capabilities and it was reassuring to learn that he was going to be with us for the whole 2 weeks. This meant that transfers, hotel check-ins, internal flights etc were seamless as AD did all the legwork and made it extremely easy for us. In addition, in his capacity as our guide on the Trail, he supervised us in a way that enabled us to walk at our own pace in small groups within our group. He also had a great knowledge of and a passion for wild flowers, particularly orchids, so our Trail experience was punctuated with much-welcomed breaks to take photos. In addition, when in Lima, Cusco and Puno, he knew exactly which restaurants to take us to for the very best and authentic experiences and never seemed to struggle to get us in, even at the last minute. AD even managed to get hold of a bottle of wine on our last night of the Trail - goodness knows from where, as we were camping at just under 4000 metres!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read all the reviews of the Trail and you will get a pretty good idea of what it’s like. Yes, it is tough, especially the second day, but it was what we expected - certainly not worse. Do spend time working on your fitness levels, especially walking uphill, as this will help you enjoy the experience more. We were fortunate to be part of a fantastic group of people who worked well together and supported each other: don’t underestimate how important it is to want to complete the Trail as a Team, as this certainly spurs you on. Travel light! Most of us just took one change of clothes on the Trail and changed into them at night to sleep in, not the least to be better prepared for the early start next day. Don’t forget spare batteries for cameras and use wet wipes for washing. The rainforest was very hot so make sure you have light clothing but you do need to cover arms and legs to protect yourself from insect bites. We were all loaned duffle bags (different from the Exodus kit bag that you’re sent for the Trail), and this was for packing stuff for the rainforest. You are not limited by weight and there’s plenty of space for the gear you need for this part of the trip. On arrival in Cusco, we all used the laundry service organised by AD as our stuff was damp and smelly! This was very speedy and very cheap! We took some Peruvian Sol but also UD dollars. We had no problem finding ATMs or changing money. Do be prepared to spend more than you planned for, as we probably all spent twice the amount on tips compared to the Exodus guidelines in the Trip Notes.

Craig Jenner

Reviewed June 2019

A wonderful experience with wonderful people

A full on ride with no lull in the proceedings, full value for money without a doubt; and it did everything it says on the tin. If you want adventure, history, and wonderous scenery then this is the trip for you. From amazing sights, sounds and smells in the jungle to the vast open expanse of the moonstone trek; which by the way has to be the most beautiful unspoilt piece of the world I’ve ever seen. I was disappointed not to be on the actual Inca trail at first, but all that soon left me when I saw where we were. The Moonstone trek should not be an add on if the Inca trail permits are full, it should be the first option in my eyes. All this along side friendly people who are genially proud to be Peruvian and some crazy taxi drivers make this a must on everyone’s bucket list

Most Inspirational Moment

The first night walk in the jungle, it had everything I'd hoped for. The sounds, smell and aura of the place was incredible. the walk started 81 paces from the front door of my lodge I could not believe I was so close to nature at its peak. The whole place was alive and everything had its own place in the order of things, the human world could learn a great deal from this rather than cutting the place down. To look one way and there was a goliath bird eating spider staring at me, and looking the other way and a wandering spider being right there was a sight to see. Howler monkeys in the tress and solder ants all working together moving leaves; wow what a place!! Catching piranha's come a close second never thought I'd do that.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had 4 leaders all of which played there part amicably. Edwind was the main guide; going out of his way to please us despite being unwell, answering a multitude of questions and caring for me when I had heat exhaustion, cheers for that. Moises was the jungle guide and he knew everything; even Tarzan couldn't catch this guy out. Jose was the guide on the Moonstone Trek; which is both amazing and a killer at the same time. He put up with me cursing and shouting during the big climbs so thankyou for that. Juan did Puno and did what he could to make the short stay good.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The altitude is Cuzco was not an issue for me at all, but other people on the trip suffered in some form, so I cant comment on the taking of altitude sickness pills, as everyone I spoke to didn't take them at all. Bu the choice is yours. Be ready for some early starts, one was at 03.00!!, but this is necessary due to the distance needed to travel, and I hope you enjoy unpacking and repacking; by the end of the trip I could do this blindfolded. Unless you are a regular hiker with the love of uphill climbs you need to train to do the trek itself, I did for 5 moths prior to the start and it still pushed me to the limit and I would have failed without preparation. Take plenty of layers clothes wise, as the temperatures vary massively from day to night (28c to -2C) in one day, and ensure your walking boots are well worn in; you do not want feet problems at 4700m trust me. Take industrial strength repellent, and don't bother with this environmentally friendly stuff on the market, it may be good for saving the planet but the bugs don't care, I got eaten alive in the jungle using this stuff. Remember "save your skin, you can save the planet when you get home"

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