Internationale groepsreis Inca Trail, Titicaca & Nazca

INCA TRAIL, TITICACA & NAZCA

Nervous of going on the trip alone I was immediately made to feel welcome by other trip members and the leader.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The most exciting part for me was the experience of the Inca Trail.  Lots of things I would rather not have done ie chemical toilets, camping on hard ground but all this was put in the shade by the experience of climbing above the clouds.  The scenery was fantastic.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader was very professional and caring.  I was ill in Puno but he very quietly showed his concern and arranged for me to sit at the front of the coach.  He was very knowledgable about all aspects of Peru and the archaeaology of the sites.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Listen to the advice of the Tour Leader and I am sure you will learn a lot and enjoy the experience of the trip as fully as possible.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Go with an open mind and experience everything you can.

INCA TRAIL, TITICACA & NAZCA

A totally wicked full-to-the brim holiday.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The whole group making it to the top of Dead Women's Pass, and all the way to the Sun Gate. The view from the Sun Gate down to Macchu Picchu was surreal - but well worth all the effort! Seeing how everyday people in Peru live gave me much more insight than a "normal" holiday would have done.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader Carlos was absolutely brilliant! He looked after us perfectly, giving us enough freedom when we needed some space, but always being there if we needed any advice or help. He also tailored our trip to perfection, and was able to "read" the wishes of the group. A very good asset for Exodus to have!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't worry too much about the altitude. The aclimatisation days (and advice to stay off alcohol!) work a treat, even if some of the walking has to be done at a slower rate than you may be used to...

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I had an incredible holiday - perfect in the amount of activity and "off" time. The camping on the Inca Trail was good fun, and the food delicious - how can two men achieve that with just a double ring calor gas stove? The complimentary activities (for me, the Trail was the main draw) were interesting and fun, meaning, unfortunately,  the time flew by. A great holiday that I thoroughly recommend!

INCA TRAIL, TITICACA & NAZCA

Amazing experience, loved every minute of it :-)

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The inca trek and all making it past dead women's pass was definitely the highlight - we worked together as a really supportive team with the encouragement and humour of our wonderful tour guide Maritza to keep us going! The scenery was absolutely stunning, and it was cleverly organised so we rarely came across other tourists until the last day. Food in camp was amazing - restaurant standard (albeit on steel plates!) and the group really bonded over entertaining evenings in the dining tent. Flying over the Nazca Lines was also an experience not to be missed, probably the only way to appreciate the vastness of the lines and the scale of it all.

What did you think of your group leader?

Maritza was amazing - I've done a few tours now with different companies, and she was by far the best leader I've ever had. Really knowledgeable and passionate about her culture, but very sociable and humorous too and somehow kept our motley group in order! Really lovely lady generally - a little Peruvian star!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be prepared for feeling the altitude when you fly up to Lake Titicaca - but don't panic, it does subside. Take some warm clothes for the evening in the inca trek (and lots of spare clothes so you have clean things when you get back!). Walking poles were invaluable for me - and I think everyone in the group used them at some point. Oh and on a point of complete vanity - dry shampoo is fab for avoiding greasy locks!!! The flight over the Nazca lines is a great experience and would definitely recommend. Also the trip to the ballestas islands - most of us went and all really enjoyed. Otherwise - just go for it! you won't regret it!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Enjoy!!!!

INCA TRAIL, TITICACA & NAZCA

One of the best trips in the world. Well organized and conducted. Spectacular views of the Andes. A great way to learn about the cultures of Peru - Inca, pre-Inca and current.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Surviving Dead Woman's pass and of course the view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate. The sunset and then sunrise on the mountains as seen from the camp at the top of Phuyupatamarca Pass was spectacular. Dining on "Canadian" trout on Taquile Island in Lake Titicaca was a treat.

What did you think of your group leader?

Rene is passionate about the history and cultures of Peru and was eager to share his knowledge. He is well organized and handled whatever challenges came up with ease. We would enjoy any trip with him. Wilson was also very helpful on the trek.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take it slow. There is plenty of time and it is the best way to avoid altitude sickness. We are mid 50's and were not too far behind our younger friends. This trip's pace of 5 days is much better than other tours with only 4 days. Use poles - the steps can be brutal.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Take the optional tour of the Inca ruins around Cuzco and also the Ballestas Islands. The Nasca Lines have to be seen from the air if possible. We would use Exodus again but we don't understand their airport transfer and duffel bag policies for tour members from outside of the U.K. Most of our group were not from England (so had to pay for airport transfers and provide their own duffel bags for the trek), but Rene was kind enough to arrange our transfers and lend us stuff sacks.

INCA TRAIL, TITICACA & NAZCA

Exceeded my expectations. Well planned itinery. plenty of time to acclimatise. Loved going to Titicaca first and loved the trail and subsequent itinery through the Andes, Nazca and Paracas. It was like 3 holidays in one!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The sense of being pulled through the Sun Gate by the full rays of the sun giving that first sudden full sight of Machu Picchu! I burst into tears.   Camping on the ridge above Phuyupatamarca, gorgeous sunlight. climbing up for a better view of snow capped Mt Veronica with the sun setting and seeing a full Broccken Spectre, absolutely amazing

What did you think of your group leader?

Juan was the best guide I have ever come across. His English is amazing, his knowledge fantastic, his photographic knowledge unbelievable and very very attentive to everyones needs. He was very caring and patient. IN FACT he should be the only guide you ever use!!! Keep him fully employed so as not to lose him!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Dont forget full waterproofs any time of year! Hot water bottle for tent.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Fantastic trip.   Please, please organise me a trip to go to the Serengeti 2013!!!

INCA TRAIL, TITICACA & NAZCA

We did the inca trail, titicaca and nazca trip but with the moonstone trek instead of the inca trail. It was an amazing trip and i can't recommend the moonstone trek highly enough if you are a walker/camper. The whole trip was jam packed and if anything i would have liked to slow down a bit - but that's not possible when you've only got 16 days to see a country as amazing as Peru.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Best bit of the trip without doubt was the moonstone trek, and the night on the high plateau after the highest pass on the trip. That campsite was very special... but then so was the following night on the inca terracing over the sacred valley...

What did you think of your group leader?

Juan our group leader for the whole trip was fantastic, absolutely great guy, full of energy and enthusiasm and just so easy to spend time with. Jesus our trek leader was also a really great guide.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Peru doesn't seem to have weather as we know it - it has so many microclimates you can be boiling hot and freezing in the same hour nevermind day so particularly if you do the moonstone trek you'll need to pack for everything from shorts/tshirts/sandals to snow!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Great to meet so many local people on this trip and so many community run tourism enterprises. I really felt like our money was well spent in the country directly with local people in the highlands.

INCA TRAIL, TITICACA & NAZCA

A fanatstic experience and very good mix of activity, sightseeing and history/culture.  Highly recommended. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Making it to the Dead Woman's pass. When I looked at the terrain profile after the first day on the Inca trail, I thought I'm never going to make it. But, it turns out that it looked way more difficult than it was. Another highlight was going swimming in Paracas and watching the sunset while being in the water. Simply stunning.

What did you think of your group leader?

Holger was great. He was not only very helpful, he also has very good historical knowledge that adds value to the overall Inca experience on this trip.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Walking poles, walking poles, walking poles. I normally don't use them, on the Inca trail I wish I had. Knee protectors also come in handy.  When you go to the Ballestas Islands, make sure you're 'water-proof'. We got completely soaked - but it was worth it.    

Is there anything else you would like to add?

INCA TRAIL, TITICACA & NAZCA

My holiday was unfortunately hampered by being ill and spending a night in a local clinic. Although what I would say is that Exodus were superb. I had reps getting me back from Inca trail and also reps coming to see if I was ok in the Clinic. Also they organised me getting to Machu Picchu by train.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Seeing Machu Picchu as I never thought I would get to see it. It was an amazing experience. Especially as when we got there it was all misty but as the day went on the sun got out and the views were amazing and got some great pics. If you do not do the Inca trail go up to the Sungate, takes about 45 mins to and hour to walk but is well worth. The views are amazing. Also what was great was the people who were on the tour. Got on really well in the solo group and although I only got to camp one night I really enjoyed.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader Houylca (sorry if I spelt it wrong) was amazing. He was very good at explaining things and was great at organising it so I could get back from the group as well as organising people to take me off the Inca trail when I was ill. A great guy and was really interesting to talk to. Also the resturants he took us to were really good, especially the fish restaurant on the coast.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

I would not bother taking a sleeping bag I would hire one. Leaves more room for souverniers! Also pack light for the Inca trail. Also I do not think you need to take 2 water bottles. Water is provided on tour and plastic water bottles are fine. I would just take the one water bottle. I would defo take an Ipod as the travelling from Cuzco to Lima takes a long time and if you can not read on a bus an ipod is essential. Also it is worth getting Sols as although it says take dollars, everywhere takes Sols. So I have would have a mix of both.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Take a couple of batteries for the Inca trail as when I meet up with the group many people were on the last batteries when you got to Machu Picchu. So would advise taking a couple of spare batteries depending on what camera you have. Tip well the porters and your guides. Also if you are flying through the US make sure you get both boarding passes as a lot of missed our flights to Lima as cock ups between Contiential and United!!

Inca trail

Wonderful trip, really. I had planned to walk the trail for a few years but was worried about my level of fitness. It was fine however. Others in the group struggled more but even those with no experience of walking at all managed to complete the trail and were well supported by our tour guide.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Hard to say, it was just amazing. The last night of camping on the trail was in a high camp over looking ruins and with the most amazing views and changing skies.... Reaching the top of dead widows pass felt like such an achievement and the view was stunning. I might have shed the odd tear but don't tell anyone......

What did you think of your group leader?

Great guy. I think its a very difficult trip to arrange given the different levels of fitness of people on it however he was supportive and fun to have around.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The trail itself was quite cold so make sure you take layers. You are, of course, limited in what can be taken on the trail itself so make sure you have light weight cold weather clothes. Walking poles are absolutely essential as coming down from Dead Widows pass is murder on the knees! Take a blow up cushion too as they weren't provided with the sleeping bags. If you have your own inflatable sleeping mat, consider taking it along. The ones provided were not very reliable and its very cold if they deflate on you overnight.....

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Can't quite believe how good the food was on the trail. The chef and his staff are miracle workers..... Take the flight over the Nascar lines, you really can't see them otherwise and you will likely only go once....

INCA TRAIL, TITICACA & NAZCA

The best trip ever!  Magnificent trek, despite heavy rain on day 2 ... the travails just added to the sense of achievement on reaching the Sun Gate.  Food on trek unbelievably good - better than we eat at home - and loads of it.  Superb guides at all stages, and the trail porters were magnificent - camp set up for us before we arrived, tea and hot water for washing delivered to our tents - like having a personal butler!  The encouragement of the guides was truly humbling, and if any of us flagged they were there to give support. We also saw a lot of Peru, and had lots of new experiences, including dune buggies at Ica and sand-boarding for the more adventurous. This is a fun-packed trip of a lifetime - we loved every minute of it ...

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

talking to Fabrizzio, Hernan and Lizbett, our wonderful trail guides, about their pride in their Inca heritage ... wonderful first evening meal on trek - asparagus soup, stuffed trout fillets, with rice and al dente mixed vegetables, followed by bananas flambeed in brandy with hot chocolate sauce - worth going for the food alone!

What did you think of your group leader?

Fabrizzio was experienced, knowledgeable, hard-working, encouraging - all you could expect from a guide and so much more!  I had a chest infection and initially doubted my ability to complete the trek but he was hugely supportive and encouraging, and inspired me with the confidence to do it comfortably.  He was also very good at ensuring group cohesion while giving everyone the chance to do their own thing - never once did we feel regimented to do anything. 

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't hesitate to book ... it's a great trek, and lots more besides.  Take swimming gear for Aguas Calientes and the hotel in Nazca ...

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Inca Trail, Titicaca & Nazca (plus Amazon extension)

This was a wonderfully varied trip, taking in the many different cultures, scenery and cuisine that define Peru. From the coastal regions, up into the Andes and down into the Amazon jungle. There are some long bus trips, but the scenery more than makes up for it. The sense of achievement at completing the Inca Trial, as well as the many, quiet, Inca sites along the route made the trip worthwhile. We added the 5 day Amazon trip to the end of the holiday and are glad we did. Although basic, the lodge was well appointed, with wildlife literally on the doorstep (resident tarantula under picnic table, two-toed sloth passing overhead and fireflies everywhere!).

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reaching the Sun Gate and getting the first glimpse of Machu Picchu, after 4 tough days of walking. Spending the day on Lake Titicaca, meeting the local Uros people on the reed islands, and the visit to Taquile Island on their national holiday was also a highlight. Seeing 3 condors on the road to Abancay. Coming face to face with an 8m long anaconda (luckily fast asleep!).

What did you think of your group leader?

Outstanding. Frank Farfan is one of the best guides we have ever traveled with. Right from the outset he encouraged us to operate as a 'family' and support each other. In the face of many challenges (dealing with road closures and stranded bus due to a national strike, losing the second guide on the Inca Trail due to 2 members of the group having to turn back, bus breakdown and security challenges at airports) he always remained positive and took charge of situations where he was able to. He never lost his sense of humour and was an integral part of our 'family' group. His love of his country and his wide knowledge of the cultures and flora & fauna of Peru really contributed to making this a truly memorable holiday for us.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take double the amount of money you think you might need and take this mostly in Nuevo Sols (some US Dollars are useful for optional trips e.g. flight over Nazca Lines). ATMs were available in the bigger places (Cusco, Puno etc.) and the exchange rate far better than changing US Dollars in a Casa di Cambio. Beware of the black midges at Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes! They are hard to spot until they have bitten you (leaving a small blood blister) and also appear immune to Deet!!! Get cream on/take antihistamines as soon as possible to prevent the worst of the itching!!!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The porters on the Inca Trail were truly amazing. They carried everything on the trail, from tents to tea-bags, and always with a smile on their faces. The chef on our trip (Santos) made some delicious meals, with a different soup at each meal. Do not underestimate the effect of altitude sickness. The second day of the Inca Trail in particular is tough; take the climb at a slow pace and support each other.

INCA TRAIL, TITICACA & NAZCA

My holiday was unfortunately hampered by being ill and spending a night in a local clinic. Although what I would say is that Exodus were superb. I had reps getting me back from Inca trail and also reps coming to see if I was ok in the Clinic. Also they organised me getting to Machu Picchu by train.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Seeing Machu Picchu as I never thought I would get to see it. It was an amazing experience. Especially as when we got there it was all misty but as the day went on the sun got out and the views were amazing and got some great pics. If you do not do the Inca trail go up to the Sungate, takes about 45 mins to and hour to walk but is well worth. The views are amazing. Also what was great was the people who were on the tour. Got on really well in the solo group and although I only got to camp one night I really enjoyed.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader Houylca (sorry if I spelt it wrong) was amazing. He was very good at explaining things and was great at organising it so I could get back from the group as well as organising people to take me off the Inca trail when I was ill. A great guy and was really interesting to talk to. Also the resturants he took us to were really good, especially the fish restaurant on the coast.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

I would not bother taking a sleeping bag I would hire one. Leaves more room for souverniers! Also pack light for the Inca trail. Also I do not think you need to take 2 water bottles. Water is provided on tour and plastic water bottles are fine. I would just take the one water bottle. I would defo take an Ipod as the travelling from Cuzco to Lima takes a long time and if you can not read on a bus an ipod is essential. Also it is worth getting Sols as although it says take dollars, everywhere takes Sols. So I have would have a mix of both.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Take a couple of batteries for the Inca trail as when I meet up with the group many people were on the last batteries when you got to Machu Picchu. So would advise taking a couple of spare batteries depending on what camera you have. Tip well the porters and your guides. Also if you are flying through the US make sure you get both boarding passes as a lot of missed our flights to Lima as cock ups between Contiential and United!!

INCA TRAIL, TITICACA & NAZCA

A fanatstic experience and very good mix of activity, sightseeing and history/culture.  Highly recommended. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Making it to the Dead Woman's pass. When I looked at the terrain profile after the first day on the Inca trail, I thought I'm never going to make it. But, it turns out that it looked way more difficult than it was. Another highlight was going swimming in Paracas and watching the sunset while being in the water. Simply stunning.

What did you think of your group leader?

Holger was great. He was not only very helpful, he also has very good historical knowledge that adds value to the overall Inca experience on this trip.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Walking poles, walking poles, walking poles. I normally don't use them, on the Inca trail I wish I had. Knee protectors also come in handy.  When you go to the Ballestas Islands, make sure you're 'water-proof'. We got completely soaked - but it was worth it.    

Is there anything else you would like to add?

INCA TRAIL, TITICACA & NAZCA

We did the inca trail, titicaca and nazca trip but with the moonstone trek instead of the inca trail. It was an amazing trip and i can't recommend the moonstone trek highly enough if you are a walker/camper. The whole trip was jam packed and if anything i would have liked to slow down a bit - but that's not possible when you've only got 16 days to see a country as amazing as Peru.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Best bit of the trip without doubt was the moonstone trek, and the night on the high plateau after the highest pass on the trip. That campsite was very special... but then so was the following night on the inca terracing over the sacred valley...

What did you think of your group leader?

Juan our group leader for the whole trip was fantastic, absolutely great guy, full of energy and enthusiasm and just so easy to spend time with. Jesus our trek leader was also a really great guide.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Peru doesn't seem to have weather as we know it - it has so many microclimates you can be boiling hot and freezing in the same hour nevermind day so particularly if you do the moonstone trek you'll need to pack for everything from shorts/tshirts/sandals to snow!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Great to meet so many local people on this trip and so many community run tourism enterprises. I really felt like our money was well spent in the country directly with local people in the highlands.

INCA TRAIL, TITICACA & NAZCA

Exceeded my expectations. Well planned itinery. plenty of time to acclimatise. Loved going to Titicaca first and loved the trail and subsequent itinery through the Andes, Nazca and Paracas. It was like 3 holidays in one!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The sense of being pulled through the Sun Gate by the full rays of the sun giving that first sudden full sight of Machu Picchu! I burst into tears.   Camping on the ridge above Phuyupatamarca, gorgeous sunlight. climbing up for a better view of snow capped Mt Veronica with the sun setting and seeing a full Broccken Spectre, absolutely amazing

What did you think of your group leader?

Juan was the best guide I have ever come across. His English is amazing, his knowledge fantastic, his photographic knowledge unbelievable and very very attentive to everyones needs. He was very caring and patient. IN FACT he should be the only guide you ever use!!! Keep him fully employed so as not to lose him!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Dont forget full waterproofs any time of year! Hot water bottle for tent.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Fantastic trip.   Please, please organise me a trip to go to the Serengeti 2013!!!

INCA TRAIL, TITICACA & NAZCA

An absolutely fabntastic holiday, well planned and our guide just made this so enjoyable. I've never been on a holiday where I got to see so much - I enjoyed every minute of it and would recommend it to anyone who wishes to go and explore Peru.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The most inspirational moment for myself was walking through the sun gates at the end of the Inca Trail and the first moment I saw Machu Picchu. Its been a life long dream to see it and after four days of hiking along the trail, it was so worth it to see it for real. It definitely did not disappoint and I've never smiled so much in all my life - a truely fantastic moment.

What did you think of your group leader?

The group leader was superb - he really made the trip. He was so caring and was constantly asking if we was ok or needed anything. he was really passionate about the history of Peru and gave us so much information and made it a really enjoyable trip.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The altitude is probably the biggest thing to overcome. Drink lots of water and cocoa tea and remember to take it easy for the first 1-2 days. There's no rush to see everything and you will appreciate aclimatising first down the line.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This was a once in a lifetime trip for me and I have lots of very good memories as well as photos to remember it by.

INCA TRAIL, TITICACA & NAZCA

I had been wanting to do the Inca Trail for many years and this trip didn't disappoint. The trip was really well organised and we got to see a lot of this amazing country in quite a short space of time. The group were the loveliest people you could hope to meet and our guide was very friendly, professional and we all became very fond of him! The scenery on Peru was amazing and I had agreat holiday.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Walking through the Sun Gate and geting that first view of Machu Picchu was a fantastic moment. But in fact, every day on the trail was fun and had great scenery. I also loved the (optional) dune-buggying/ sand surfing just outside Nazca. It was so much fun!

What did you think of your group leader?

Our leader, Fabrizio, was brilliant. He was very knowledgeable and friendly. On the first day, I suffered from quite bad altitude sickness. He was very reassuring and kept an eye on me to make sure I was OK. I'm very grateful for how he looked after me. I was fine the next day and I didn't really have any problems with altitude the rest of the holiday.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Personally, I wish I'd left my sleeping bag at home and hired one when I got there. It would have left more room in my pack. The sleeping bags that were hired out were absolutely fine and our leader sorted out the hiring of them. There is plenty of driving on this trip so it's good to have plenty of good songs on your ipod and don't forget the charger!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I really enjoyed my trip and I'm planning on doing another trip with Exodus to South America soon. That speaks volumes I think!

INCA TRAIL, TITICACA & NAZCA

This was my 1st Exodus trip and I would definatly go on another.  The trip was really well organised and I loved every minute of it.  There is a lot of travelling, but it's worth it and the treck was an amazing experience. An expensive holiday, with some expensive extras, but the prices on the tickets justify the price Exodus charges.  The only negative was probems with the connections onthe way home.  For anyone wanting to do the Inca Trail the extras on this trip are really worth the extra time.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The trail was the reason I booked it and I wasn't let down by it.  Amazing views

What did you think of your group leader?

Really good.  Very knowledgable, could answer all questions and very patient

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do it

Is there anything else you would like to add?

INCA TRAIL, TITICACA & NAZCA

Way to go Exodus! effortless, stressfree travelling! (apart from the Inca Trail that is)  I cannot believe we saw so much of the country (and learnt so much as well), anti plano, mountains, desert, coast, off shore islands and rainforest. An absolutely perfect holiday! Our guides were brilliant, we were met at airports and taken back to them as well.  Nothing was too much trouble.  Will definately travel Exodus again.  Many Thanks

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The Inca Trail which was the reason for going. What an experience and fortunately the weather was good. however second would be learning about the anti plano and Lake Titicaca and meeting some of the local Imara Indians.  So many memories i could go on forever.

What did you think of your group leader?

Carlos was excellent and very attentive. We were a little nervous i think at first and he sensed this and kept us entertained.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Use Exodus, read the trip notes and enjoy!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

just a very big thank you for a holiday of a lifetime!

INCA TRAIL, TITICACA & NAZCA

The best trip ever!  Magnificent trek, despite heavy rain on day 2 ... the travails just added to the sense of achievement on reaching the Sun Gate.  Food on trek unbelievably good - better than we eat at home - and loads of it.  Superb guides at all stages, and the trail porters were magnificent - camp set up for us before we arrived, tea and hot water for washing delivered to our tents - like having a personal butler!  The encouragement of the guides was truly humbling, and if any of us flagged they were there to give support. We also saw a lot of Peru, and had lots of new experiences, including dune buggies at Ica and sand-boarding for the more adventurous. This is a fun-packed trip of a lifetime - we loved every minute of it ...

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

talking to Fabrizzio, Hernan and Lizbett, our wonderful trail guides, about their pride in their Inca heritage ... wonderful first evening meal on trek - asparagus soup, stuffed trout fillets, with rice and al dente mixed vegetables, followed by bananas flambeed in brandy with hot chocolate sauce - worth going for the food alone!

What did you think of your group leader?

Fabrizzio was experienced, knowledgeable, hard-working, encouraging - all you could expect from a guide and so much more!  I had a chest infection and initially doubted my ability to complete the trek but he was hugely supportive and encouraging, and inspired me with the confidence to do it comfortably.  He was also very good at ensuring group cohesion while giving everyone the chance to do their own thing - never once did we feel regimented to do anything. 

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't hesitate to book ... it's a great trek, and lots more besides.  Take swimming gear for Aguas Calientes and the hotel in Nazca ...

Is there anything else you would like to add?