Peru Explorer

48 Reviews

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  Anonymous
  Written on October 23, 2013

  4.0 - Good

  I read reviews before we went saying that this isn't a holiday, more a travel experience.  I agree!  There are lots of early starts and long days but in order to complete the packed itinerary it is necessary.  Its a bit of a whirlwind but in many ways it is that that makes this trip so good.  A country of real contrasts and lovely people. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Inspirational 'moment' isn't perhaps the right phrase but 'experience' is.  There were a lot to pick from but for us the top experience was undoubtedly doing the Moonstone trail.   Getting into the wilds of the Andes was fantastic as was the real sense of satisfaction of reaching the top point of the trek - having puffed and gasped our way there!  The magnificent solitude of camp 2, in a bowl, surrounded my mountains and the snow covered face of Mt Veronica catching the early morning sun was quite magical as was looking down into a cloud filled Sacred Valley with the sun just catching the tops at the start of the last day.    Watching the Condors soar along the Colca Canyon also takes some beating. Visiting the Uros on the floating islands of Lake Titicaca and being the only Europeans in a local market outside Puno were also pretty special and you can't help but be impressed by the scale and skill of the Inca settlements and engineering projects. Add to that the complete contrast of the jungle and there are a real collection of 'top times'. What did you think of your group leader?Bobby was our group leader for most of the trip (but because we opted for the Moonstone trail we had a second leader/guide for that element).  Bobby was a real enthusiast about his country; clearly a man of great passion, pride and knowlwdge about its history and culture and someone with a tremendous sense of humour.  He seemed to have boundless energy and he worked very hard to keep the programme zipping along. During the Moonstone trek we were in hands of Elias.  I was hugely impressed by his knowledge, care,  consideration and enthusiasm.  At times we found the altitude on the trek a bit of a challenge but Elias had simple and effective solutions and was genuinely pleased for us when we achieved our goals.  Not only a knowlegable and highly effective guide but a real entertainer too with an inexhaustable collection of jokes, magic tricks and card games.  Can't speak highly enough of him.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Check all the details before you go - and if trekking make sure your kitbag arrives.  Be prepared for early starts and long days.  If you do the Moonstone trail its worth considering a down jacket as it does get cold at night at the higher altitudes (camp 2 is at 4,300m).  Be prepared to 'go with the flow' and make the most of whatever happens.  Don't be put off by Lima - cloudy and drab, almost everywhere else is a lot brighter! Is there anything else you would like to add?Peru is a fantastic place to visit and so make the most of it.  The itinerary works well. Gradually increasing in altitude is a really good idea but it doesn't stop a lot of people feeling the effects of altitude (mainly headaches).  One of the real surprises was the quality of the food whilst treking - it was amazingly good, especially when everything has to be carried and the cook (complete with whites and a chefs hat!) has to work in a very cramped space with limited equipment - some of the meals we had would not have been out of place in a restaurant. The one regret is that we didn't get to see much of Machu Pichu because the weather blocked out a lot of it (low cloud and lashing rain) - but then its all part of the experience and is a good reality check.  
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  Anonymous
  Written on October 8, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  An amazing trip which just kept giving, from sea level to the mountains, it was all unforgettable!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?It's hard to pick just one inspirational moment but my personal highlights were:Seeing penguins in the wildThe Inca Trail... and arriving at the Sun Gate in the Sun - after two days of rain and hail (don't forget to pack a plastic poncho, it could become your new bestfriend!)The Amazon - wow, wow and thrice wow!What did you think of your group leader?Carlos couldn't have done enough for us, even arranging and leading tours on the free days in Cuzco for the people who didn't do the trail. His knowledge was vast and he had a good sense of humour - which I think is a must when dealing with any group of people - Thank you Carlos for a fabulous holiday!Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Take enough memory cards for your camera - I blew through 1500 photos in the three weeks very easily and I didn't even think I was taking many pics!Definately take a plastic poncho for the Inca TrailWhen they said it could be cold in the Amazon, it really can (still a little in shock at the 3:45am wake up call but it was well worth it!)The food in Peru is amazing! Far better than I was ever expecting - and despite eating like a horse (and making the most of every help yourself buffet) I still came back lighter - result!Apply mozzie repellant in Arrequipe - didn't get bitten anywhere else but was chewed there.Walking poles are a must for the Inca Trail. I'd never used them before and they were an absolute god send for hauling yourself up the big steps and acting as brakes on the 'smaller' onesTake more than one jumper! I foolishly didn't and it can get quite cold at night and the air con on the bus can be a bit of a mixed blessingApply suntan lotion even when its a grey day (found this out the hard way, doh!)You can get sols (currency) in the UK - which I did and the exchange rate was pretty good. Try to keep the notes as small and 'clean'/untorn as possible though as they don't like them otherwise.If you don't have a loo on the bus, which we didn't, you could spend a couple of £ a day on the toilets and they generally cost 1 sol (25p) a pee (and you often needed your own loo roll and soap) so try to get change when you canYou will have an amazing time, go on, book it, you know you want to really!Is there anything else you would like to add?There's a lot more time spent on the bus than I had appreciated from the trip notes, but then it is a big country and there is a lot to see. Despite feeling a little bus bound at times I would thoroughly recommend doing this trip.  With the extra time there than on the other Peru holidays we were able to spend longer getting used to the altitude and I think this helped me immensely on the trek.If you're humming and ahhing over the cost, just bite the bullet as I didn't regret a single penny and didn't spend excessive when I got there (think I took and spent the equivalent of $500). Have a great time!
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  Anonymous
  Written on October 1, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  Absolutely fantastic trip, well organised, great diversity of experience, good travelling companions and an excellent guide!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?It has got to be the Inca civilisation and the magic of Machu Picchu! However we were unexpectedly charmed by some simple pleasures.....seeing the penguins on Ballestas Islands...watching a catch of anchovies being landed...having a moonlight swim at the hotel in Nasca....staying in the hobbit accommodation at Chivay...relaxing in the hot springs....bartering for goods in the market near Puno....the friendliness of the people of the floating islands on Lake Titicaca....the "wild west" frontier town that is Aguas Calientes....dawn on Tambopata River....and the stars at night....!What did you think of your group leader?Having Carlitos Lechuga (Carlos) as our group leader really made the trip, he is extremely knowledgeable and experienced. He put a lot of work into ensuring that everything ran smoothly and was always well organised. He was kind and thoughtful particularly with those in the group who were unwell at various points during the trip. He has a great sense of humour too!Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Be prepared for early mornings..... it's worth it.Is there anything else you would like to add?Just go, it's fantastic! One or two very minor negatives - after a very long day travelling the first night in Lima at the Empajadore Hotel was a disappointment as the bedrooms are sorely in need of refurbishment. Also disappointing after a long drive and mounting expectation is the reality of what you see of the Nasca Lines from the viewing tower.
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  Anonymous
  Written on July 17, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  we were really looking forward to this trip and it lived up to expectatations. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?doing the 4 day INCA TRAIL visiting the rainforest, wish we could have had more time in amazon, as this was amazing lodge and set up great. the inca trail brilliant, what an adventure brilliant group.visiting floating islands.realy educational .both fully loved experience.What did you think of your group leader?(bobby) was amazing, must be one of the best you have.really educated on all matters.the group were all over fiftys myself sixty four. was brilliant with me on INCA TRAIL. one of group not well from early on (bobby) sorted out. could not have wish for a better group leader.the man is a god sent for this trip.(bobby) UBALDO QUISPE brilliant man. .Do you have any advice for potential travellers?don't go taking loads of gear (cloths) don't need loads and easy to get launderd. get as fit as possible before doing treak .listen to your leader as they have done this many times and know different situations.weIs there anything else you would like to add?best holiday for years cant wait for next
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  Anonymous
  Written on June 12, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  This 3 week trip is sensational from start to finish especially if Wilbert Ramos is your guide.  Desert, the Andes and Inca Trail, Lake Titicaca and Amazon rainforest, the Peruvian people, many ecosystems in which the flora and fauna vary considerably, tremendous food even on trek...what's not to love....including the fabulous group of people who were Wilbert's "family" as we travelled.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?It's virtually impossible to select one particular moment - there are so many...Lake Titicaca's Uros Islands and people who welcomed us into their homes with open arms; Islas Ballestas for the birdlife; the changing scenery from the coast and desert up into the Andes and then into the Amazon basin; learning the difference between vicuna, alpaca, llama and guanaco; Cusco; the beautiful knitwear and jewellery - I defy anyone to resist temptation!, and the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.  All the Inca sites we visited were fascinating, and our guide was able to tell us so much about this period in Peru's history. For me all of these are the defining moments but especially the Inca Trail - reaching the top of Dead Woman's Pass, walking through the most beautiful forests on both the Pacific and Amazon watersheds, almost running up that last flight of Inca Steps to the  Sun Temple and seeing Machu Picchu and Huanya Picchu below. What did you think of your group leader?Wilbert Ramos is an experienced, mature guide to whom you warm instantly. He clearly loves his country and is passioante about what he does, wanting so much for you to enjoy every possible experience/aspect of your trip.  There aren't enough superlatives to describe Wilbert - he's an equal first in quality of guide I've met in many years of travelling. He's caring of his clients and staff driving buses, other guides, staff in hotels and when trekking, knowledgable, goes to extremes to help, nothing is too much trouble and he's tremendous fun to be with.  Marks out of 10?  20 at least.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?If you want to travel in the southern half of Peru then this trip is a superb way in which to see the diversity of the  country, meet the people, try out different areas food and to trek - but you don't have to trek, you can spend more time in Cusco. If you want to trek the Inca Trail AND visit the other areas included in this trip then you do need to book early so Exodus can get your permit.  Go for it, it's worth every penny.Is there anything else you would like to add?What's left to say? I'd go again tomorrow but am currently packing for another trip!! I'm already looking forward to my next trip to South America - whenever and wherever that will be.
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  Anonymous
  Written on June 11, 2013

  4.0 - Good

  This was a trip that made you feel you had experienced Peru not just had a holiday, this was due to the variety of the places visited and the excellent guides.  The trip was non stop and you need to be prepared for the fact that you have early starts and a lot of travelling and not a lot of down time but how else could you see so much in three weeks? I would do it again tomorrow.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Machu Picchu obviously is what most people and myself went to Peru for and it did not disappoint, the achievement you feel when you trek, reach the Sun Gate and look down towards Machu Picchu cannot be described but also the Peruvian people who made us feel so welcome and their smiles were contagious, it is such a colourful country beautiful.What did you think of your group leader?Wilbert looked after us all and made sure that we were getting what we expected from the trip and more, he shared his wealth of knowledge, his love for his country, people and beliefs and he was very careing and considerate. We all felt so sad to say goodbye to "Papa Wilbert" as we called him and he will forever be thought of with affection by us all I am sure.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Travellers Cheques are difficult to change and I would not take them if I return, also when you change US dollars to Sol ask for small notes at the bank as these are needed and large notes cannot always be changed outside of the cities. We flew from Heathrow to Madrid so to have a few Euros to get a drink or snack if needed is a good idea. Toilet roll is a must as not all toilets have paper and plenty of wet wipes or hand sanitiser. Make plenty of notes on the little things the guides tell you about or things you do, you can read up on other things in the guide book but as you see and hear so much you may forget things, notes can be read when you get home and relax to help you remember the little things that made the trip extra special.An extra day in Lima at the end would have been a good option as we travelled straight from the rainforest which meant you had an extra flight and travelling time on an already long journey also a nice hot shower before travelling would have been good. Is there anything else you would like to add?Enjoy every moment and don't waste a minute, you can rest when you get home!
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  Anonymous
  Written on March 7, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  The Peru adventure was a trip of a life time, to see a large portion of Peru, from the Pacific coast, the Andes, to the Amazon Basin, Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Its hard to choose, the Peruvian people are diverse and wonderful, the scenery magnificent, the archeological sites are a great tribute to a very advanced, complex society that existed many years ago, over a huge area.The food was splendid, the accomodation good. The porters on the Inca Trail were amazing. The local guidesat the various locations were exellent.What did you think of your group leader?Rene Calancha was am amazing guide!  His vast experience, knowledge and ability to relate to people adde so much to our enjoyment of our Peruvian Experience. He knew how to handle any difficulties that came up. He was essential in gettig me through the Inca Trail after a difficult second day through the high pass.I will never forget him for that.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?I would suggest  a smaller amount of  US$, take more Nuevo sols in the smallest denominations you can.We found it easy to use Interac to get cash in sols, which were more happily received. Most of the hotels had  internet acess.Is there anything else you would like to add?I would do this trip again in a heartbeat, but I would insist on Rene Calancha as my guide.He was superb,a great asset to Exodus in Peru. Don't lose him!
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  Anonymous
  Written on January 4, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  This was one of the best holidays I have enjoyed. The leader, Rene Calancha, was brilliant, the variety of sights and experiences marvellous, the company great. I wholeheartedly recommend it.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Too many to choose one: all the many archaeological sites we visited (Machu Picchu just one!);  the museums, notably the Museo de Arte Precolumbino in Cusco; the trip to the Islas Ballestas, and the many birds and herds of camelids we stopped to look at on the plains - and the sea otter I spotted frolicking in the Pacific, and the six foot long tree boa our guide caught in the rainforest.... And the Moonstone Trek, on my own, with Jesus (the guide), the excellent cook (that Andean barbecue!), two horse men, four horses, and a foal... and the night sky in the Andes. Too much.What did you think of your group leader?The immaculate Rene! What a star. Just so kind and thoughtful on top of being so organised and knowledgeable (thanks for all the birdwatching Rene!) We all miss him.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Not necessary to bring dollars really - cash machines were available in the main towns and I found out (too late) that you can order Peruvian currency here in UK! (Exchanging dollars at Lima airport not recommended - poor rate).Take your own sleeping bag and liner but don't bother bringing your Exodus kitbag as the ones supplied free to others for trek seemed ok.The Moonstone Trek is well worth doing, if you are fit, not necessarily 'more challenging' than Inca Trail (bit more altitude but no steps!) with interesting alternative sites (one with mummy included!) It also included more time to explore Ollantaytambo, which was worthwhile.Read Cloud Road, by John Harrison. Do explore Cusco well - the Museo de Arte Precolumbino is the most beautiful of archaeological museums and should be high on your list.Is there anything else you would like to add?Do it. This is a superb introduction to the country and even the longest road journeys were absolutely fascinating. As I suspected Machu Picchu turned out to be just one of many astonishing sights in a country with an amazing variety of archaeological remains, of scenery, of wildlife -and of people and languages (oh, and of hats!)
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  Anonymous
  Written on January 2, 2013

  3.0 - Average

  This trip had great potential and we enjoyed those parts we were able to particiapate in except that we were forced to curtail the holiday on medical advice because my wife suffered severe altitude sickness at Chivay. We hence missed the trek to Machu Pichu and other high altitude parts of the tour and had to return to sea level until we were able to rejoin the group in the Amazon jungle.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Take medication for altitude early. Do not linger at high passes.
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  Anonymous
  Written on December 4, 2012

  5.0 - Excellent

  A fantastic route through some brilliant sites. Well looked after by Rene the guide and the various local guides and porters / chefs on the trek. Small group size (7) really helped. Strongly recommend the route and ExodusWhat was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Walking into Macchu Picchu. After four days of enjoyable, if at times draining, walking along the Inca Trail, you really appreciated the effort that went into building not just Macchu Picchu but all the sites along the route.What did you think of your group leader?Rene was absolutely fantastic. He was informative, entertaining and also exceptionally helpful when things went wrong - e.g. people getting ill.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?The Inca Trail is probably a little harder than the brochures let on. Do some training for it, and factor in that the constant climbing and the altitude are going to multiply the effort. You walk about 10km a day, but due to the altitude and climb it feels more like 20km. Pack good waterproofs as well, and has been said elsewhere, layers of clothing. Pack light. Laundry services are cheap and available in places like Arequipa, Puno and Cusco. Don't get it done at the hotels though, just walk intot he street and find a place for less than half the price. Money, money, money.... aside from taxis in Lima and one or two other places in Lima which like USD, everyone takes the local currency Nuevo Soles. Its easy to change USD into Soles in all major towns, and you get a good rate, but I would suggest ignoring the advice from Exodus and bring just a few USD to cover Lima and guide tipping, and bring everything else in Soles.Lima is not the most exciting place on earth. Don't add an extra day on the end to look round.  Is there anything else you would like to add?It was brilliant!