Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The sense of elation and disbelief in finally reaching Dead Woman’s Pass - the view is awe-inspiring! Also enjoying the panoramic mountain views at the third camp and having time to sit and sketch them. Machu Picchu itself was incredibly beautiful and fascinating; and a sight for saw eyes after the 'Gringo killer’ steps leading up to the Sun Gate.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Raul met us at the airport and took good care of the group from the start. He introduced us to some great restaurants and gave us an interesting tour of Cusco. Raul was very helpful and attentive and was very knowledgable about Incan history and the various archaeological sites on the trail. He was also good humoured and encouraging throughout the trek. Elizabeth was a fantastic assistant guide (and very patient with those at the back!) and we all appreciated the 6.30am morning calls which came with mugs of hot coca tea.

Advice for Potential Travellers

For some reason I imagined there would be more flat paths - there were hardly any. Going uphill felt like rock climbing in parts and with 30% less oxygen , this was really hard. Going down hill took a lot of concentration and was hard work on the knees (knee supports helped me). Using the step machine at the gym may help with preparation. I was expecting it to be freezing in the evening, but it wasn’t too bad. A hat, down jacket/fleece and a mac is fine for supper time. It doesn’t get really cold until about 3 or 4 in the morning. If you have a good sleeping bag and a hat you’ll be fine. I packed 8 loo rolls which wasn’t necessary as exodus provided them in their toilet tents on the camp (you only need your own at some loos along the trail). Pack rehydration salts - you will sweat a lot! Ibuprofen, Imodium and blister plasters (particularly with all the down hill walking) were also useful. Don’t over pack your day bag on day 2 - any extra weight makes it so much harder to climb those huge steps. Brush your teeth in bottled water and bring plenty of antibacterial gel and wet wipes.

Most Inspirational Moment

I never thought i'd ever be able to do a trip like this, so reaching dead womans pass and looking over Machupicchu from the sun gate was truly amazing .Made me cry!!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Raul was informative and attentive to the needs of the group.He had a lot of respect for the local people.

Advice for Potential Travellers

.This trip is not for the faint hearted ,its tough ,you feel you have achieved something when you reach dead woman's pass on the second day of the hike and when you reach Machupicchu I personally found it a very emotional experience.Thanks to the porters and guides I got there in one piece!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

None

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing to dead woman's pass and reaching the peak was a great achievement for everyone in the group and well worth the effort.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had an amazing group leader, 2nd guide and all the porters. All of them contributed to a fantastic trip, joking and laughing with us and made sure all our needs were accommodated for

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just do it, the worst part of this trip is the flights there and back and it's still well worth it... Although maybe look at the logistics of booking your own flights to avoid having quite so much time in the air/airports.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment was reaching the summit on day 2, of Dead Woman's Pass. I had read so much about it and to finally know I could do the climb was amazing. Also the beauty of the location of our campsite on the third night took my breath away. I didn't want to leave

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just book the trip. Then get your fitness levels up. But don't hesitate, you can and will do it. It's totally achievable. Don't worry about the altitude. Follow the recommendations and you'll be fine.

Most Inspirational Moment

I can see why the first view of Machu Pichu as you come through the sun Gate is often given as the stand out moment of the 4 day Ica Trail ... and it IS pretty amazing!! HOWEVER, there are two other key moments for me: 1: Reaching the summit of Dead Women's Peak. By lunchtime of the 2nd day ( after 4 hours of tough trek ) I was beginning to doubt my resolve in reaching the peak but after a good lunch and plenty of encouragement I pushed on to reach the top. Then of course there was still the 1 3/4 hr trek down the other side to camp ! 2: The afternoon of Day 3. Such marvellous views in glorious sun which was then rounded off by coming to camp looking out across the mountain tops ( and the back of Machu Pichu, in the distance ) and the clouds below

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wilmer was excellent. He gave us plenty of information while in Cusco to prepare for the main Inca trek. He had a great manner - a good balance of informal / friendly / informative. He made sure that everything ran smoothly at each campsite and with the porters and was always able to provide detailed information on not just the Inca history ( and various sites that we came to on the trek ) but also flora and fauna. His English was very good and he was supportive of those of us not charging on at the front of the group !

Advice for Potential Travellers

Firstly. TAKE trekking poles. Not only do they ease the impact on your knees but they offer confidence when coming up and down the big stone steps of the trail ( which are far from even and could easily lead to trips or falls ) Secondly. GO FOR IT. I am only moderately fit and completing the trail was a huge sense of achievement. I did do some longer trek practise in UK and that was useful as you are walking for long periods each day. Mosquito repellent: There was me thinking this was only needed for the amazon but the little blighters are around on the Inca trail as well !

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of Dead womans Pass and looking back to where we had lunch. I kept looking down and saying I can't believe I did that.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rolando was very proud of his country and culture, very knowlegable but did labour the point on occasions. He helped the group to jell and learnt every body's name quickly. He made sure everbody was safe. His greatest asset was his ability to sum people up and give them encouragement in an individual way that worked for that person.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is graded as a 3 I have done a 2 before and this was far tougher than this it should be a 4. Tone up your legs before going.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching the porters in action, carrying loads often bigger than themselves, never complaining and always smiling was even more inspirational than stunning scenery and the truly impressive history of the trail.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We hit the Jackpot in our tour leader, Frank Farfan Aguilar. True gent, lovely guy and a wealth of knowledge.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do some cardio training before you leave! Altitude is tough, the stone steps can take their tole on the knees but all in all not over taxing.

Most Inspirational Moment

Unzipping our tent on the second morning of the trek and looking down into the stunning, cloud filled valley - an experience that made the whole trip worthwhile.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Willmer Delagdo was brilliant! His knowledge, help and patience made certain that the trip was a pleasure for everyone. He also had a wicked sense of humour!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Insect repellent and a slow, steady, uphill pace.......!

Most Inspirational Moment

Completing the four-day trek to Machu Picchu. Seeing lots of Inca sights along the trek and elsewhere. Learning more about Peruvian history and culture.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was great - kept our spirits up and motivated us to finish the trek. Also, very thoughtful about making sure we had plenty of options of things to see and do. Really appreciated his humour and happy demeanour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't underestimate the effects of altitude sickness - not one of our group escaped without some symptoms. Be prepared to camp - read the trip notes carefully. The team around us tried very hard, to make it comfortable, but you still either love it or hate it. Bringing the right equipment makes all the difference. Even if you have the best waterproof gear in the world, buy a poncho. You will be very glad you did! Don't haggle over 5 or 10 Sols when buying things - you can afford it the £1 or £2, it will make a huge difference to a Peruvian trader. Lots of water and snacks provided on the trek - don't worry about taking lots of your own snacks unless you have a particularly large appetite! Lots of food at mealtimes too, definitely no danger of going hungry. Extension to Puno is a long trip by road. Lovely to see the lake, but be prepared for the journey, which is made longer by all the sightseeing stops along the way.