The Inca Trail & Salkantay Trek

Traveler Reviews

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  Anthony4.0•October 2013
  A challenging adventure. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? As we performed a ritual thanking the...
  A challenging adventure. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? As we performed a ritual thanking the mountains for a safe arrival at Chiriasqa pass at 5000m a condor appeared and flew just above us. Seeing Machu Picchu for the first time upon arrival at the Sun Gate. Being so close to Salcantay. What did you think of your group leader? Maritza was a very competent leader capable of dealing with everything presented to her. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take at least two large packs of wet wipes, a spare battery for your camera, a good three season sleeping bag and Merino tee shirts and thermals. If you can squeeze it in then also take a pillow. I also recommend getting two or three dry bags from a camping shop to keep your clothes in when packing your duffle bag. Go at your own pace but don't stop for too long to catch your breath as you'll get cold. Is there anything else you would like to add? A good diversity on this trip. The first half of the trek was totally deserted and extreme compared with the masses encountered on the Inca trail on the second half of the Trek. Yet both parts were thoroughly enjoyable for different reasons. The camping areas were in spectacular locations.Show more
  Traveled in September 2013
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  Terence5.0•October 2012
  I spent much of my two weeks in Peru slapping myself to make sure I was awake and that it wasn
  Traveled in September 2012
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  Nicholas5.0•November 2010
  This was a brilliantly organised trek, let by an inspired guide. The route to join the Classic Inca Trail, although...
  This was a brilliantly organised trek, let by an inspired guide. The route to join the Classic Inca Trail, although very challenging, was wonderful, we only saw a couple of other fellow trekkers. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Can't decide between:Camping just below Chiriasqa with 360 degree views - magnificent.Viewing Machu Picchu from Sun Gate for first time.  We thought we had got used to the Inca ruins but this was something else and so emotional.Seeing condors in the distance on the side of a mountain. What did you think of your group leader? Fantastic. Carlos (Carlitos Lechuga) was a constant source of amazement with his knowledge of not just the Inca way of life and their history but also goegraphy, fauna and flora.  He has become one of our friends, such a genuinely lovely man.  We were so pleased to meet his wife and two sons as well.  Carlos gauged our fitness suberbly and he knew within five minutes our arrival at the various stops. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? You don't need as many clothes as you think and pack those you do take in clear plastic bags.Do as advised by your guide and resist alcohol and large late meals for the first few days.  None of us had problems with the altitude following these rules.Do plenty of walking beforehand and try everything out before taking it.  This is especially important with boots which should be well worn in.Take a good camera. Is there anything else you would like to add? This was my first experience camping since leaving school, don't ask how many years ago!  I loved it.  This is my second Exodus trip (my wife's fourth) and it most certainly will not be the last.  We were looked after so well but not overbearingly so.  All in all, a terrific holiday.Show more
  Traveled in October 2010
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  Lesley5.0•November 2010
  This trip more than met my expectations. Macchu Pichu was my reason for wanting to do this trip but it delivered so...
  This trip more than met my expectations. Macchu Pichu was my reason for wanting to do this trip but it delivered so much more! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? After 7 days of trekking, coming through the Sun Gate and seeing Macchu Pichu in the distance was simply overwhelming. Along the way there were many fantastic moments and we were lucky enough to have the High Trails part of the trip in splendid isolation apart from our lovely porters and one solitary Australian student and his guide who we kept bumping into!  What did you think of your group leader? Carlos was just wonderful - fun, entertaining and knowledgeable with a real desire to share his country with us.  He clearly wanted us all to enjoy every experience and made sure that all arrangements went like clock-work and nothing was left to chance!  Having done a number of these types of trips now, Carlos is the best guide we have had and if we are to go back to Peru, we would definitely look for a trip where he was the guide. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Make time to visit the Rainbow Centre on your way back to Cusco - it is an amazing place, filled with laughter and love and deserves as much support as we can give.Take plenty of strong insect repellant.  Whilst we weren't attacked too many times, in Aguas Calientes bugs were definitely biting and 3 weeks after returning, I still have the lumps and bumps to prove it!  Is there anything else you would like to add? If you want something more challenging than the Classic Inca Trail - do this trip!  It combined so many wonderful elements - with some relaxation time in Cusco, so many amazing Inca sites, some challenging walking, fantastic views, great food, wonderful guide and porters/horsemen who put us all to shame with their boundless energy and enthusiasm!Show more
  Traveled in October 2010
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  Marion5.0•July 2009
  My inspiration for doing this trip was to visit Machu Picchu but the trip turned out to be about so much more than...
  My inspiration for doing this trip was to visit Machu Picchu but the trip turned out to be about so much more than just that. Visiting Peru and camping in the Andes was an unforgettable experience and not just a holiday. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? There were several inspirational moments - reaching the top of the Inca Chirisaqa pass; the location of our campsite at Phuyupatamarca with the promise of our first glimpse of Machu Picchu the following day and the climb up Wayna Picchu for a stunning view over Machu Picchu probably rate as the most inspirational points. What did you think of your group leader? Carlos was great. He made every effort to ensure our trip was as well organised as possible. The camp staff were amazing too and did an excellent job, particularly in preparing our meals in very primitive surroundings.  Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The trip notes warn it may be cold overnight when camping, perhaps below freezing - and it was! Be prepared for that.  Is there anything else you would like to add? This is a great trip with an excellent itinerary. I'd particularly recommend doing the High Inca Trail for the chance to experience being somewhere relatively remote (apart from our group and a few locals we saw only one person in 3 days in the early part of the trek) before joining up with the classic Inca Tail on day 4 of the trek. Without exception, every restaurant we visited was excellent, far better than I might have expected.Show more
  Traveled in June 2009
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  Robyn5.0•August 2008
  I learnt a lot and had a great time. The guides Rene (on the Inca Trail ) and Victor ( in the Amazon rainforest ),...
  I learnt a lot and had a great time. The guides Rene (on the Inca Trail ) and Victor ( in the Amazon rainforest ), were very knowledgeable and I learnt a great deal from them. It was my first trip to South America. It was very different to what I had expected, but it was very good. The camping was well organised. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Actually two very inspirational moments. Seeing Winya Wayna (no idea if it is spelt correctly ), which is an Inca site we went to the day before we reached Machu Pichu. It is absolutely beautiful and we were the only group there, which allowed us to really appreciate it. Seeing a boa constricter up very close in the rainforest. It is an utterly beautiful animal, and I felt priveliged to be able to see it in its natural habitat. What did you think of your group leader? I thought both leaders were very good. Rene (High inca trail) was very knowledgeable about the Inca ruins and the terrain, and I learnt a great deal.  He also set a good pace when we were hiking. He was very concerned about the welfare of the members of the group. Victor ( in the rainforest extension ) was extremely knowledgeable about the plants and animals. I was not aware that the jungle contained so many useful plants. He was also very good at spotting animals and pointing them out to us. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? If at all possible do the Rainforest extension. It is truly amazing. Is there anything else you would like to add? The camp we stayed in during the Rainforest extension was absolutely gorgeous. I got very attached to the hammock on the porch.The restaurant at the hotel we stayed in in Ollaytaytambo was not good. Since we were all tired we decided not to go out, which was a mistake. The waiter tried his best, but the kitchen sent the wrong orders, some of our group got their starters after their mains, and the food was cold.  Considering there was only our group and a family of 3, this shouldn't have been too difficult.  The cooking whilst we were in tents on the High Inca trail was superb. Our whole group was astounded as to what the cook provided. I especially liked the pancakes.Show more
  Traveled in July 2008
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  Stephen5.0•July 2008
  A superb but strenuous trip, with more variety than you'd expect and great support throughout. What was the most...
  A superb but strenuous trip, with more variety than you'd expect and great support throughout. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Too numerous to mention.The holiday felt like it was divided into parts-a few days in colonial and backstreet Cusco, the isolation and mountain beauty of the High Inca Trail, the more crowded (but not too much) Classic Inca Trail with the flora and fauna along the way, the exploration of Macchu Picchu, the more relaxed time exploring Ollantaytambo & Pisac, and the last couple of days based back in Cusco with the optional rafting trip made this a varied and worthwhile holiday. All our expectations were fulfilled and in many cases, exceeded. A great itinerary, well worth every penny. What did you think of your group leader? Rene was a great guide. Knowledgable and enthusiastic, he ensured we went away from Peru with a good knowledge of Inca history and architecture, and plenty of good memories. From getting the trekkers going in the morning to providing support on the often hard trail, he and his team of assistant guide, (Wilson and his flowers of the Andes book) cooks (Julian & Senon-Gordon Ramsay eat your heart out-these guys can provide mountains of pancakes out of thin air), porters and wranglers made sure all we had to do was get up in the morning and walk. The local Exodus affiliate company were also helpful, organised and made sure everything ran like clockwork, which is more than I can say for KLM, who flew us to Peru. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Do the optional rafting trip-it's a great laugh. Take your credit card for the bargain alpaca products in Cusco. Prepare to be shocked when you see guinea pig on a plate! Plenty of biting bugs, so pack the DEET! Lima is beautiful, if a little run down, and the museum is very interesting. The city tour adequately fills the time between the flights from Cusco and home.KLM mislaid 2 out of 4 travellers bags along the way from Heathrow to Lima, so take at least a change of underwear and T shirt in your hand luggage. The local team are on the ball though, and got the lost bags to us in Cusco within 2 days. Also, if you fly KLM, and are a vegetarian, contact Exodus or KLM direct and make sure your meal is booked well before the flight, as no dietary options are available in flight. 12 hours is a long time without a meal. Is there anything else you would like to add? Do it and enjoy it.Show more
  Traveled in June 2008
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  Selena5.0•November 2007
  Is there anything else you would like to add? really noisey hotel in Cuzco was frustrating to be in Do you have...
  Is there anything else you would like to add? really noisey hotel in Cuzco was frustrating to be in Do you have any advice for potential travellers? make sure you're fit enough to do it - there would be nothing more humiliating than being stuck on a mule... What did you think of your group leader? absolutely superb - he totally made the holiday what it was.  if you do any form of performance pay - then this man should be way up at the top of the scale.  he was delightful company, knew how to relate to all the personality types in the group, really was excited, was extremely knowledgeable - superb. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? our leader was superb... picking out the nature, the views... really turned it into a 'adventure' getting to the top and just feeling a massive sense of achievement. the really fantastic group of people - all very supportive of one another.Show more
  Traveled in October 2007
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  Stuart4.0•October 2007
  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The climb up to the sun gate then down into Machu Picchu...
  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The climb up to the sun gate then down into Machu Picchu was a breath catcher and made you feel very humble to be there.A great shared experience and a wonderful memory. What did you think of your group leader? Absolutely fantastic ! wealth of local knowledge, pride in his heritage ,and always made sure our every requirement was met.  Do you have any advice for potential travellers? If trekking ,prepare in advance. Do not assume the trips are easily achievable. Remember to make provision for tipping !Drink loads of fluid if you are at altitude and wear a hat in your sleeping bag at night ( seems to prevent headaches ) Is there anything else you would like to add? Having been with other trekking company's and been able to compare I have to say that Exodus are the most professional and will certainly receive return custom from me in the future, in fact already looking at trips for next year.Show more
  Traveled in September 2007
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  Michael5.0•October 2013
  Wonderful trek, highly recommended. Although the Inca Trail itself is well worth doing it's relatively busy, so to...
  Wonderful trek, highly recommended. Although the Inca Trail itself is well worth doing it's relatively busy, so to have four days trekking in the high mountains before that with hardly another tourist in sight added so much to the experience. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Reaching the end of the Inca Trail and seeing Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate is great, but camping next to Salkantay glacier and walking alongside the mountain up to the Inca Chiriasqa pass was even better. What did you think of your group leader? Arturo was great fun and very knowledgable; apart from running the trek he was well able to talk us round the various Inca sites without a guide. Staff were excellent, and the standard of meals on trek was amazingly high. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? We were pretty lucky with the weather and most days were sunny and mild, but camping at 4000 metres is cold. Really cold. Who'd have thought it?Show more
  Traveled in September 2013