Internationale groepsreis Inca Trail & the Amazon Rainforest

INCA TRAIL & THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

Well organised trip of  a lifetime.  It was 3 holidays rolled into one. The rainforest, Inca Trail and Lake Titcaca, - all so different but in the one country. Amazing. If you are thinking about doing it, go ahead and do it before it is too late.  Life is too short.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Watching the macaws circling and recircling ready to swoop down on the rock face. Making it up Dead Woman's Pass on the Inca Trail, an achievement in itself! The wonder of Machu Picchu when you go through the Sun Gate - it is amazing.   The village at Lake Titicaca - so tranquil.

What did you think of your group leader?

Very informative and helped me a lot when I had problems with breathing due to the high altitude. Flaminia was always calm, and nothing was too much trouble for her.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take your walking poles. Drink plenty of water. Take spare batteries for your head torch - this is essential for when you make the trips to the toilet tent in the middle of the night. Take loads of insect repellent. Take a mixture of Peruvian Sols and US dollars as on the whole US dollars were only required for tips to the guides, porters etc.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Forget about going to the "Hot Springs" at Aguas Calientes, they are dreadful.

INCA TRAIL & THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

This was my 10th trip with Exodus and once again they didn't let me down.  There is a lot of travelling, but when you take the size of Peru into account, this is the only way you are going to get to see so much.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The trip falls into three parts: the Rainforest, The Inca Trail and Lake Titicaca, so all three had their own inspirations.  The Rainforest - the diversity of animals and birds; The Inca Trail - achieving Dead Woman's Pass and reaching the Sun Gate; and the tranquillity of the Lake.

What did you think of your group leader?

You don't get to meet the leader, on our trip this was Marcial, until you get to the airport in Puerto Maldonado.  The guide who met us at the airport in Lima didn't have much to say and didn't know his way round Lima, having to ask his way to sights on several occasions.  The guide in the Rainforest, Leol, was fantastic and so knowledgeable.  How he managed to spot the animals and insects in the dark and when there was only a fleeting glance during the day was unbelievable.  Marcial came into his own once we left the rainforest.  His knowledge of the culture of Peru was vast, he knew the best places to eat as he was local to Cusco.  Because we were a small group we only needed a mini bus, rather than a coach so we were up and ready each day on time and therefore he didn't need to chase anyone up.  His advice was accurate and he answered any questions we had.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Money - make sure you take enough US dollars.  The trip notes are pretty accurate, but that is just to get by.  If you are a spender then take more.  Change about $75 per person in the airport - the exchange rate is much better in Cusco - that will get you by for getting round Lima, the airports, water etc.  When you get to Cusco change quite a bit as you will need Sols for all your shopping and eating out, only some restaurants take card.  Tips for the porters can be in dollars, but you will need Sols for some of the additional trips rather than dollars. Luggage - pack as light as you can for the Inca trail - remember the porters can only 7kg of what you will need and some of that includes your sleeping bag and thermarest.  Make sure your sleeping bag is warm enough - work on the comfort rating rather than the temperature rating. A two season bag is not warm enough!  You will need more tops in the rainforest than you think as you will need to change at least 3 times during the day, where as on the Inca Trail you probably don't need as much as you think! And if you do, remember you have to carry it! Poles - if you are used to walking with poles, take them as they help with the ups and downs.  If you are used to walking without them, then you probably don't need them - you can always find a sturdy stick en route. Water bottles - take bottles that can be filled with boiling water as these can be used as hot water bottles at night while camping. See if you can get the earlier flight back from Puno to Lima as we had to hang around for 5 hours after getting back from Lake Titicaca before the 9.00pm flight to Lima and couldn't see any reason for this.  It means you don't get to the hotel until nearly midnight!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Enjoy the culture - each town has its own square and cathedral - from the poor to the rich, enjoy the wildlife including macaws, sloths, condors, caimans, monkeys, parrots, snakes, spiders, etc, etc, and enjoy the ruins, as I am sure that's why you will book the trip in the first place. Try the alpaca - very tasty, guinea pig - not much meat and a lot of little bones.  If you like tea, make sure you have the coca leaves, but if where you work perform random drug tests, make sure you tell them you've had some, because it stays in your system for a week after you get back.  If you are not sure about antimalaria tablets - we took them - check your insurance, because if you do get bitten and get malaria your insurance may not pay out! Be prepared for the travelling, but just do it as it is out of this world!

INCA TRAIL & THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

This was one of the best experiences of my life from the moment i entered the jungle until i left Lima on return journey home. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I'd always wanted to visit the jungle since i was a small boy watching Tarzan on TV, so this was a big highlight for me. The fact i managed to get a picture of a Harpy Eagle was also a highlight, as our guide claimed these are very difficult to see. Walking through the Sun Gate & seeing Machu Pichu was an incredible moment after trekking for 4 days up & down the Andes (opening my Champagne which i carried for 4 days was very refreshing).

What did you think of your group leader?

I thought our group leader was very knowledgable about a lot of subjects, especially his history of Peru & other cultures. i feel that he could have interacted with the group a bit more than he did.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be prepared for the humidity in the jungle. the heat wasn't a problem at all for me, but humidity was 85-95%. cold showers went down a treat after a few hours trekking ( no hot water). i feel that the website/brochure was a bit misleading regarding Inca Trail, when it claimed that moderate walkers would manage this quite easily. This is a lot harder than i imagined & i run 4-5 times a week, but it was worth every calorie & bead of sweat lost when you see Machu Pichu.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This is my second trip with Exodus as i went on the Gorillas & Masai Mara tour last year. i never thought twice about booking another trip with Exodus as they know what they're doing & guides/porters certainly look after you.. Can't wait until next years Land of the Tiger Trip. Anyone thinking about booking a trip, stop thinking & get your deposit paid. you'll never regret it.

INCA TRAIL & THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

Well organised and jam packed with sights and great experiences. Although I succumbed to the dreaded altitude sickness on the trek, the guides were great and with their help I managed to get to machu picchu, and all the sweat and tears was worth it.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Sunrise at machu picchu, and being able to sketch there.

What did you think of your group leader?

Great - assistant guide Ricardo was amazing when I wasn't feeling great on the trek and as being one of a few solo travellers on this trip I was always looked after.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do take anti-altitude sickness pills with you! And buy sweets for the trekking!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Would be great if in the itinerary you guys would mention that we have the chance to get our washing done as I overpacked thinking I would not get a chance to wash anything!

INCA TRAIL & THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

 Wow, an amazing and varied holiday with plenty of transfers and locations steeped in the culture and history of Peru. You certainly will not get bored on this trip. Be prepared for the climate change from a temperate Lima, a tropical Amazon rain forest to the high altitude of the lovely Cuzco, Inca trail, Altiplano and Lake Titicaca. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The views were amazing but arriving at the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time was definitely one of those moments you will never forget. We were luck to have glorious sunshine when we arrived, just to make the moment just that more magical.  

What did you think of your group leader?

We had a main group leader that joined us when we arrived at the rainforest and stayed with us until our return flight to Lima. Flaminia was an excellent leader, resolving problems, getting us from A to B and very knowledgeable on the Inca trail and the trip down to Lake Titicaca. In addition, we had guides in Lima, the Amazon and Lake Titicaca with all the specific knowledge of the area.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be prepared for lots of travel, transfers and staying in different locations. The trip notes don’t prepare you for the endless packing and repacking, including at airports! We were fortunate that we could get some laundry done at the hotel on the 2 occasions we were in Cuzco, definitely a must if you can, after the rainforest and Inca Trail. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The Inca Trail itself isn’t difficult but the effects of altitude on your body do make it a challenge and you will need to be reasonably fit to enjoy it. If you can, try and compartmentalise your case for the different parts of the trip to save repacking. You really don’t need and can’t take much to the Amazon, and everything gets dirty on the Inca Trail so don’t bother with lots of changes of cloths. Be prepared for the Peruvian stomach bug, with plenty of tablets. Most of us got it to some degree at one stage of the trip or another and even on the return to the UK! Finally don't expect the Ritz other than the hotels the rest of the accommodation and camping is basic, very basic. I don't think I found one toilet that had a loo seat, not alone any running water. Despite all that it was definately an amazing and wonderous holiday, go for it.

INCA TRAIL & THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

The trip was a little drawn out. I thought we spent a day too long in the Amazon rainforest as there wasnt really anything to do & seemed to be going on a long walk for the sake on doing something. I also thought the Inca trail walking cold have upped the pace a bit & been a day less. We also spent a day travelling for 10 hours & then flew back so why couldnt we have just flown there & saved time as did make a few stops but of little interest which again felt like stopping for the sake of it. The day before we flew home we didnt get back to the hotel until late because had a flight back at night so again was spent filling in a day with not much, we could have got an earlier flight & hada really good last night with the group.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Everyone on the trip was very good fun & got on well. Arriving at Machu Pichu was great too.

What did you think of your group leader?

She didnt really know how to deal when this wasnt quite as expected

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

INCA TRAIL & THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

Despite having been on many trips before, this still stood out as a truly extraordinary adventure with the best guide and support team we have travelled with. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The mixture of Rainforest, Mountain and Lake / homestay was unique in our experience so far. The scenery in Peru is every bit as amazing as we had hoped.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our leader, Juan Diaz is the best leader we have encountered in many adventures. Caring and extremely knowledgeable, bearing an uncanny likeness to Indiana Jones and well suported by his assistant and team, he made the trip for us.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't underestimate the effects of altitude and the steepness of parts of the ascent. Machu Picchu is very crowded indeed but well worth the visit.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The food during the trek was the best we have encountered so far.

MACHU PICCHU & THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

it was an amazing adventure one i will never forget, i still dont think i had time to take everything in which is why in a couple of years i will be coming back on the same trek.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

walking through the sun gate and arriving at the top of the mountain over looking machu piccchu it was magical especially after the walk to get there.

What did you think of your group leader?

flaminia was very knowledgeable about all areas that needed covering.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

definatly goooooooo its amazing.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

would like to thank everyone on the team for making it the experience it was....... THANK YOU SO MUCH xxx 

INCA TRAIL & THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

A very good trip giving a taste of the huge variety of landscapes in Peru. The itinerary was quite hard work but well worth the effort

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

With out a doubt coming through the Sun Gate to see Machu Picchu spread out below you. Treking along the Inca Trail through the vast mountains and spectacular scenery. One is sometimes afraid that when you eventually see such a "wonder of this world" that it will not live up to expectations - there's no danger of that !

What did you think of your group leader?

The Group Leader certainly added to our Peru experience. She was knowledgable and well organised. It would be fair to say she was better on a one to one basis than when addressing the group as a whole.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Although there is no in country payment for this holiday, travellers should be aware that there are considerable costs - in particular tips for local guides and porters. Also the Optional Excursions / Guided Tours are not cheap. The Trip notes do mention them so take note ! Remember the Inca Trail and Lake Titicaca are at altitude and you will have come from considerably lower down at the Rainforest Reserve. Drink plenty of fluids and slow down!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

INCA TRAIL & THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

Had a wonderful holiday with my daughter and her friend.Enjoyed the trek to Maccu Picchu.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Arriving at the Sun Gate at the end of the Inca Trek and looking down to Maccu Picchu.

What did you think of your group leader?

Juan Cardenas was excellent.  He had an encyclopaedic knowledge of all aspects of the history and wildlife of Peru and this ensured we had a wonderful time.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't buy bottles of drink at Lima Duty Free.  Our bottles were confiscated when we were in transit at Madrid airport.  Camping on the trek can be very cold.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

INCA TRAIL & THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

It was a fantastic holiday, the guides were excellent, and the holiday was organized  very well.It was just a excellent experience from start to finish. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I thought the trek was going to be the best but it was the whole experience, not one thing.

What did you think of your group leader?

I have nothing but praise for him, he did a first class job.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Get 97% det in the mosquito repellent.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

It was fantastic. This is my third trip with Exodus this year, and properly the best and most enjoyable.

Raymond hall

Amazing trip which packs in so much in two weeks it's hard to believe. From the brilliant amazon to the truly stunning inca trail.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Quite a few, playing football in the amazon was good and watching the sunset on the island in lake Titicaca were great, but the third day of the inca trail walking through the mountains was something else.

What did you think of your group leader?

Wilfredo was a brilliant fella who never found anything to much trouble, knowledgeable and always approachable. Even taking the time on his free day in Cusco to show us around.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This is a once in life time trip, just go (also wet wipes come in handy camping for four days )

Is there anything else you would like to add?

One of the people on the trip worked for exodus and had done fifteen trips with exodus and she said this was the best trip she had done, so that says a lot.

INCA TRAIL & THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

I had high expectations for this trip and they were all exceeded! I felt like we saw the real Peru and a lot of what it has to offer. The main thing I was looking forward to was trekking the Inca Trail but I enjoyed my time in the Amazon so much I didn't want to leave. The homestay on Lake Titicaca was a fantastic way to finish our time in Peru.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There are so many to choose from but I would have to say finishing the Inca trail and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time was a really special moment and something I will never forget. I remember thinking that the sungate looked like heaven trekking up to it with the sunlight streaming through, knowing this last 'up' section was the final challenge. Stepping through the sungate and seeing Machu Picchu was the best reward for a challenging 4 day trek.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our leader Juan was fantastic! His archaeological knowledge was very impressive and you could tell it was something that he was passionate about. Nothing was too much trouble for him and he made sure everything ran smoothly over the two weeks, he really looked after us as a group. It was a pleasure to get to know him and travel Peru with him, a country he is extremely proud to be from.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Torch, insect repellent and sun cream! You should be prepared for no electricity in your room at the jungle lodge in the amazon, just candles (which in my opinion added to the charm of the lodge) and obviously on the Inca trail you will need a torch. Insect repellent is a must for the amazon but there are also biting bugs on the trail so don’t throw it away after the jungle.The weather (depending on where you're going) varies from place to place, very hot on the trek in the day (sun cream and sunhat is definitely needed) and cold at night and in Cuzco. Walking poles are great, even one will do to help you down the steep sections and if you don’t want to carry these in your luggage you can buy them In Cusco or at the start of trek.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Only that it was a fantastic trip and something you shouldn't hesitate to do! Although the trek was tougher than I expected I loved every minute and was constantly amazed by the changing scenery. This trip shows a lot of what Peru has to offer and although it's quite a busy itinerary there is nothing I would want to miss out!

INCA TRAIL & THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

An amazing trip! Well worth the money. Some experiences that I will never forget!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The most inspirational moment of the trip was reaching the top of Dead Woman's Pass. After climbing for 1200m reaching the top was fantastic! We were all elated. A definite highlight. Another moment was first seeing Macchu Picchu when we reached the sungate, be warned there are some very steep steps before you reach that point. Luckily, our guide was there to carry our trekking poles as we scrambled up. Lake Titikaca is amazing, staying at the homestay was not something that I was looking forward to but was one of the most amazing parts of the trip, especially dressing up in Peruvian attire!

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader, Juan was brilliant. He organised us and made sure we were in the right place at the right time. He had lots of knowledge to share with us on the Inca Trail and was able to answer any questions that we had. I became ill during my trip and Juan was able to sort out all medical help that I needed which meant I could carry out with the trip.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Use trekking poles on the Inca Trail, there are lots of steps going down and they were very helpful. Make sure you have spare rubber tips though as this is the regulation of using the trail. Ensure you have a good pair of walking boots and socks so that you don't get blisters. Be prepared to tip all local guides as well, we had separate guides in the rainforest, an additional guide up in the Inca Trail and a guide for Lake Titikaca which we have to tip separately to our main guide.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This trip was one the hardest things I have ever done and really takes you away from your creature comforts. But it is amazing and completely worth all the hard work. Met some brilliant people and had some fantastic experiences. Definitely a trip of a lifetime :).

INCA TRAIL & THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

An inspirational & exceptional trip with precision organisation, guided by a true professional.A fantastic mix of trekking, culture and history, beautiful scenery with a new image around every corner, new experiences and all this with great company. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Without a doubt it was reaching the Sungate on day four of the Inca Trail to obtain the first view of Machu Picchu. A close second was the sunset on Amantani island on Lake Titicaca. 

What did you think of your group leader?

Juan was a wealth of information who assisted everyone in the group with their individual needs and never seemed to tire of answering questions and accommodating group members.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Bring along good insect repellent, carry toilet tissue paper at all times and make sure you have a good camera with long battery life!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Don't have too many expectations and go with an open mind to new experiences and meeting new people.

Inca Trail and Amazon Rainforest

I was prepared for the altitude and had no problems after the first twelve hours in Cusco, but my wife suffered severe altitude sickness and gastritis, though she was able to complete all the activities and enjoyed part of the holiday. The rating of 'moderate' for this holiday is a generalisation that hides more than it reveals: the second day of the Inca Trail is very challenging indeed.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Seeing the extraordinary colours of the mosses and orchids of the rainforest on the Macchu Picchu trail, and the amazing geography of Macchu Picchu itself. Also the Corpus Christi processions on the afternoon of our full day in Cusco, which we knew nothing about in advance.

What did you think of your group leader?

Fabrizzio, our group leader, was absolutely excellent in the way he dealt with my wife's sickness, making sure she saw a specialist in Cusco after having an intravenous injection at a government health centre on the way. This enabled her to recover and enjoy the last couple of days of the holiday. Generally he was a very caring person and very good at his job.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Chewing coca leaves and drinking the tea does really help with altitude acclimatisation, but you need to be strong and fit from the start. My wife's gastritis was, according to the doctor we saw, caused by the medicine she was taking. Having no gall-bladder, she needed to take Lansoprozole in order to tolerate the obligatory anti-malarials and the ibuprofen she took for muscular problems.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A day and a half in Cusco may not be enough for altitude acclimatisation. Our guide book recommends longer. Anyway, the time in Lima, both coming and going, is not enough to take advantage of, and it would have been better to have gone straight to Cusco, a beautiful town with museums and churches we did not have time to visit.

Ink Trail and Amazon rainforest

A brilliant holiday. All the better for being three different aspects of Peru i.e.: the Amazon rainforest, the Inka trail and Lake Titicaca. The trail was something we have wanted to do for a long time and despite the altitude we both made it. The scenery was awesome. Loved Cusco and could have done with more time here as there is so much to see and learn about. Thank you Exodus for once again giving us a fulfilling holiday.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Getting to the top of Dead Woman's pass. One tough climb without the altitude!

What did you think of your group leader?

Very good particularly on the Inka trail where he was encouraging us all the way. Did not let us go too fast. When problems occurred he took them in his stride without any fuss or flap and kept the rest of the group informed. Taught us a lot about Peru in the past and present.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The Inka trail is tough mainly because of the altitude but also because of the terrain so you need to be fit to do this although altitude is a strange element and can bring down the fittest of people.. However we are 71 yrs and 68 yrs and both managed without any lasting effects!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Amazon Rainforest & Inca trail

Trip of a lifetime. Loved every minute of the trip. Food fantastic, action packed agenda and Inca Trail was manageable as it was undertaken at a pleasant pace. Beautiful country.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Camping above the clouds! Enjoying every moment of The Inca trail. In fact, not wanting the walk to end!

What did you think of your group leader?

Holyer is a credit to Exodus. He really looked after us and was good company too.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be prepared for the heat and humidity of jungle and then the cold of up at 4200m. Busy agenda!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Amazing holiday . Inca trail and amazon rain forest

This is the most fantastic holiday. Full of different experiences and amazing scenery. Something I will never forget !

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Lots of inspiration moments as it was such a vaired trip but probably reaching the sungate at Michu Pichu is up there amoung many.

What did you think of your group leader?

Fantastic. Very knowledgable, organised, hard working but also really good fun and good company .

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

You will enjoy it more if you are quite fit. Some in my group struggled with the trekking . If you can speak spanish it will help .. Take insect repellent for the forest !

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Cant wait to book next tripwith exodus !

Inca Trail and Amazon Rainforest

I have wanted to visit Machu Picchu for a very long time and when I began to research my dream holiday, this package ticked all the right boxes. It was everything I had wanted and more. The itinerary is well thought out and makes the most out of the 17 day trip.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The crowning glory was arriving at the Sun Gate to see Machu Picchu for the first time, having trekked for 4 days. It was a very special moment. However, the entire trip was excellent.

What did you think of your group leader?

Wilmer Delgado is an excellent guide. He is both knowledgeable and passionate about his country. He was an excellent host to our group, always attentive and caring. He joined in socially with a great sense of humour.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The Inca Trail is strenuous, especially day 2, but it is as much a mental challenge as physical. It isn't a race so take your time.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

From the moment of first contact, everyone at Exodus has been helpful and knowledgeable. We have now met several people who have had a few Exodus holidays and the consensus is very positive. We're now planning Vietnam and Cambodia!