Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

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152 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Neil Baker

Reviewed April 2017

Touring Peru

Never a dull day, so much to see. Even on the chill out days we took on the optional tours just to maximize the experience. It’s a great place and the areas are so diverse from the coast, desert, mountains to the cloud forest.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were lots of them but the build up was all about summiting with Macchu Picchu, initially disappointing, too many people, too many clouds totally obscuring the view and it rained. That was the morning in the afternoon the crowds cleared out, the skies also cleared so we had sunshine and Macchu Picchu to ourselves, well almost, it certainly felt like that.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Aleks was a great guide, he kept everything on track, what more do you need from a guide?

Advice for Potential Travellers

Before taking Essential Peru on please consider the following: - It is no holiday, early starts, different location every night and loads of places to visit really mean there is little rest time. - It's a very big country which means many miles to cover which clearly means you will spend a lot of hours on the bus - Much of the trip is at altitudes most of us do not regularly experience, you maybe fit and will no doubt acclimatize but nonetheless any exertion will be hard work, so bear that in mind. - When the sun comes out it is fierce so make sure you have plenty of lotion. - The ATMs generally work but we found a lot of them to have a S400 limit which only equates to £100. You can change up Sterling but US dollars are the preferred currency.

Theresa D D

Reviewed April 2017

This tour covers a lot of ground! Extreme learning opportunity

This tour covers so much ground in 2 weeks. I think the greatest takeaway I have from this trip is the huge diversity of geography of Peru. From desert to highlands and mountains to jungle (which we didn’t see on this tour). No one can go on this tour and say that they didn’t see a lot of Peru. This tour is exactly as it is described and does cover a lot of ground. Personally, I did find the long bus rides more than I bargained for. However the scenery was spectacular and one wouldn’t see all of this diversity any other way. I did find myself wishing that there was more opportunity for physical activity – but this was not part of the description of the tour. All in all, I personally would have traded off some of the days of travelling for hiking some of the trails around Peru.

Most Inspirational Moment

The homestay on Amantani island was particularly inspiring. While these people have so much less than we have in our material lives, their lives seemed to be very rich. The stay made me appreciate more what I have in my own life. I really enjoyed the different foods that we were able to enjoy as we travelled around Peru -- from the simple to the more exotic. Eating and cooking is an important reason that I enjoy travelling.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alex was a great leader. His interest and passion for Peru was evident daily in his talks about many different subjects and it was infectious. He was good at managing a diverse group of people -- from those of us taking the tours to all the help he received along the way. He genuinely seemed to enjoy his job -- even the dumb questions that we asked on a regular basis.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for long days on the bus in order to cover a lot of ground with very early starts in the mornings. The payoff is spectacular scenery that one wouldn't see by simply taking internal flights around Peru

Alan Ashman

Reviewed November 2016

Essential Peru

What a fantastic trip. It is a little difficult to refer to it as a ‘holiday’ because it is so full on. But what an amazing place Peru is. The only downside is is that it is so far away, I think I could happily do it all again.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is difficult to pick out just one. Machu Pichu, obviously and the many other Inca sites we visited. Condors at Colca Canyon stand out; we lost count but certainly about a dozen when we felt we might be lucky if we saw even one. Cusco was a lovely place and, while I know you have to warn travelers about the dangers tourists attract, we didn't feel threatened anywhere.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sebastian Echegaray was simply great. There was nothing he would not do for us and acted as a Llama herd, gathering us together when we strayed. He took us to some wonderful restaurants we probably wouldn't have found on our own and seemed to have encyclopaedic knowledge of his country and all its facets. Ho found us great local guides, made arrangements for those of us who wanted to do optional tours, got taxis for us, in fact the holiday could nt have been the same without him!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Not really. We went at the start of the 'rainy season' and saw two heavy showers in two weeks. Having said that it is difficult to plan your clothing requirements but that applies to a lot of places. The only real advice - just enjoy Peru!

Juliusz Chroscicki

Reviewed October 2016

Fantastic trip

Almost every day was a highlight . Yes, there were long days and long bus rides but they absolutely worth it to get up at 4 am to see the scenery outside the window of the moving bus

Most Inspirational Moment

Machu Picchu is an obvious choice, the place is overwhelming. But also Nasca lines, Amantani Island or condors gliding over Colca Canyon...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Raul was a charming bundle of energy, always smiling always in good humour. Very effective in dealing with every day tasks as well as with emergencies, big and small. Would recommend great food, markets, places to see. He was a big part in the success of the trip

Advice for Potential Travellers

Remember to use bug repellent in Aguas Calientes /Machu Picchu

Denise Martins

Reviewed October 2016

Peruvian Adventure

A wonderfully varied trip through Southern Peru, I saw and did so much in the two weeks.
The itinerary gives you many new experiences, I enjoyed them all and feel really lucky to have visited such a great country.

This was my first time travelling solo and I was a bit anxious, that disappeared as soon as I met the group and I started having a great time straight away.

Peru was on my list of travel destinations because of Machu Picchu, I really had no idea how much more it has to offer and it is now one of my best trips.

Most Inspirational Moment

I adored Machu Picchu and my walk up to the Sun Gate, loved it so much that I chose to go back up the next morning to experience it one more time. I took photos from every possible angle, it is a wonderful place. The homestay on Lake Titicaca was very special, it was so lovely to be welcomed so warmly into someone's home and they can't do enough for you. Then the visit to the floating islands is so unique and fascinating. The boat trip to the Ballestas Islands is good, lots of wildlife and we had a surprise bonus of two whales making an appearance. I chose to do the optional desert dune buggy and that is so much fun and a really good way to laugh with others in the group so early on in the trip. It felt very special being at the Colca Canyon seeing the condors gliding, you have to be a little patient but when they appear it is just lovely. The flight over the Nazca lines is very good, you can't really see them any other way so for me this optional activity was a must. I did feel a bit queasy and was pleased I had taken an anti-sickness tablet beforehand.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Daniel was an amazing group leader, I couldn't have asked for better. A complete professional, who is very knowledgeable about his country and really listens and looks after you the whole time. He has a great work ethic but is really good fun too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you want to withdraw cash look for a BCP, this was the only bank I found that didn't charge my credit card at the ATM. If you take Peruvian soles with you try to only get small denominations with 50 soles as the largest, a lot of places do not have much change but if you do have notes of 100 try to use them in restaurants. If you want to use US dollars they must be good as new or they will not be accepted. I took Jungle Formula as my insect repellent, it worked as I was only bitten on the areas I didn't spray. I didn't expect to be bitten through my clothes but the insects bit through my jeans a few times. Keep hold of your 1 sole coins you will need them for toilet stops. Keep well hydrated, I felt fine at high altitude with only blocked ears and a faster heart rate but never unwell. Bring a very good moisturiser, especially hand cream as my skin became very dry as Peru is a very dry country.

Karen Lim

Reviewed October 2016

Amazing Peru!

This is not a relaxing holiday – as mentioned by everybody else, there are lots of early starts and you will be very tired at the end of each day. But the experience of Peru is unforgettable. I was never bored, even during the long bus trips as the scenery is breathtaking.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many - Machu Picchu, the condors of Colca Canyon, the Nazca lines, the Ballestras islands, the homestay.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Carlos was super - organised, calm, confident, knowledgeable, fun, with excellent English. A thoroughly likeable and trustworthy fellow.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take anti-motion sickness tablets during the flight over the Nazca lines and the long winding roads at high altitude. Bring more dollars than you think you need in small denominations and make sure that the bills are pristine. Listen to your guide's advice on how to cope with the altitude. Bring a refillable water bottle.

Jo Golding

Reviewed October 2016

Essential Peru

Don’t be put off by the early starts and long journeys this is a fantastic trip! You will visit amazing places and meet some equally amazing people. A brilliant experience all round

Most Inspirational Moment

So many to choose from but I guess Machu Picchu and watching condors soar over Colca Canyon are right up there! But the Ballestas Islands and the homestay at Lake Titicaca take some beating!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Carlos our group leader was fantastic....... knowledgeable, fun and concerned for the environment. I was ill onedY and he got me the correct treatment and showed real concern for my plight.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Would recommend taking an anti-sickness tablet before flying over the Nazca lines. If there is the tiniest of tears in dollar bank notes they will not change them. Powerade is the most palatable electrolyte drink!!

Chris Denham

Reviewed August 2016

Peruvian Magic

This was our fourth Exodus trip and possibly the best yet. Peru is an absolutely wonderful country to visit with some of the friendliest people we have come across. I ran out of superlatives to describe the views on the third day!

Most Inspirational Moment

Very difficult to say as there were so many. Certainly Machu Picchu lived up to everything I had heard about it and more. My favourite part was the home stay on Amantani Island. The family there were so lovely and we were made to feel at home straight away. Colca Canyon was perhaps the biggest surprise. I had not expected to see Condors at such close range. These are truly beautiful birds with a wing span of around 3.2 m. The only problem was catching them on camera. We have a large number of pictures of empty sky!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sebastian was an absolute marvel. He seemed to know exactly when to provide commentary and information and when to leave us to our own thoughts. His planning and attention to detail meant that we were always where we needed to be and always knew exactly what we needed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Prepare for long drives. We took an IPAD and a few films although we did not get to see any of these until right near the end as the views we so amazing. Also, take plenty of layers if you are going in their winter as it gets very cold at night. Take a few gifts for the family on Amantani Island. These can be simple things like toys or crayons for the children or a memento of your own country. One of our group took a small solar panel for charging a mobile which I thought was a brilliant idea. Anything you give must be to the mother so that she can decide what to do with it.

Wendy Pountain

Reviewed July 2016

Wonderful trip, beautiful country, great company!

Great trip, small group (just 3 of us) so was almost a private tour and Diana our guide was brilliant. It is a busy trip but well-paced and you need to keep moving to see this country in a such short time. I feel like we saw the usual highlights but also managed to experience some of the local culture too. First time I had been at this altitude but Diana looked after us well.

Most Inspirational Moment

Machu Picchu and Colca canyon (complete with condors), the Nazca lines and the Amantani homestay are the obvious ones but the dune buggies and sand surfing were such fun, as was the train ride up to Aguas Calientes a nice change from the bus. It was also good having a "base" in Cusco before and after Machu Picchu to get some serious shopping done in the markets!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Diana was fabulous, the 4 of us had a great time together and she was very attentive and practical, looking after me when I was feeling the effects of the altitude and the windy roads up into the mountains. She shared her Peru with us and helped us source some cheaper tours in Cusco using her contacts. Great guide!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Everyone has their own tips and I always follow others' advice so apologies if some of these are already mentioned by others: - It's usually possible to make a sandwich lunch at breakfast time - we saved a fortune! - Dune buggy/sand surfing, fab activity but don't take a good camera as everything will get sandy, and ladies remove earrings (I lost one of mine en route down a dune!) - Nazca flight was worthwhile but v small planes and less stable than helicopter (which they can't use due to the sand disturbance) - Use BCP atms (in the lobby of the BCP banks) as they don't charge you for use unlike other machines housed in shops - Get $ out of atms and change as you need the soles, lots and lots of places evereywhere for money exchange. - Exchange money at Cusco as rates at Machu Picchu worse - Ask your guide about cheaper options for joining group tours at Cusco to save money if you can't afford private ones. - Cusco market is fab - in Chivay "setmenu-and-show" sounded naff but was quite fun and good value.

Heather Fyson

Reviewed June 2016

Essential Peru with Guide Sebastian Echegaray

This holiday was absolutely brilliant: the Ballestas Islands, sand buggying in the desert, beautiful & spectacular Machu Pichu and the Sacred Valley, the blue waters of Lake Titicaca and homestay on Amantani Island were all simply amazing. Our group leader, Sebastian Echegaray was great, and the other local guides and the drivers of the coaches – who joined us at different stages of the holiday- were also very informative, very friendly people. Add to that a sprinkling of alpacas, llamas, vicunias, dolphins…..we had an amazing time!

Most Inspirational Moment

I was particularly impressed by Machu Pichu. The guide here, Wagner, was excellent. He told us a lot about the history of the Incas and how Machu Pichu came to exist. His witty manner of explaining and talking about things made it a really pleasurable visit to this truly amazing site. Another highlight of the trip for me was the homestay on Amantani Island on Lake Titicaca. The lake itself is absolutely beautiful. We arrived by boat and were met by the families who were putting us up. We saw the sun set - and rise - over the lake and enjoyed the warm hospitality of the families we stayed with. They were so friendly and welcoming! Thank you Marisol !

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sebastian Echegaray was great. He was friendly, calm and competent throughout the entire holiday. You felt that everything was in hand; you were able to concentrate on simply enjoying going to the different places, knowing that all the logistics of luggage, travel etc. were taken care of. I liked his unassuming, quietly competent manner. Before the holiday I had felt a bit wary of maybe encountering a bossy guide with us all following behind the upheld umbrella! But it wasn't like that at all. It felt more like going on holiday with a friend who was organizing everything for you! He was great at telling us all about Peru - its history, society and varying countryside - and was humorous at the same time. He took us to some great restaurants in the evenings and the daily briefings about what was going to be happening the next day were nice, informative get-togethers at the end of the day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be aware that there are quite a few early starts! But it's worth it as you get to see so much of Peru in a relatively short time.

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