The Inca Trail

Traveler Reviews

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  Russell4.5•May 2019
  this tour was excellent and we could not fault any part of the tour. The tour guide, his assistant where terrific...
  this tour was excellent and we could not fault any part of the tour. The tour guide, his assistant where terrific (along with all the support staff as well). They were all so responsive and attentive to all the groups needs both during, pre and post tour, working tirelessly to ensure we all got the best experience possible from the tour. We would unreservedly recommend this tour for anyone wishing to participate. Participants however do need to realise that the tour requires a minimum level of fitness so as not to be a burden to the others in their group as the trek is quite physical. Fortunately this was not a problem with our group.Show more
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  Traveled in April 2019
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  Charlene4.5•August 2018
  The level of patience and motivation Marcia showed everyone during the tour was amazing. The horsemen and the chef...
  The level of patience and motivation Marcia showed everyone during the tour was amazing. The horsemen and the chef and spud chef prepared unbelievable meals throughout.Show more
  Traveled in July 2018
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  Claire5.0•November 2013
  An excellently run trip with lots of time to acclimatise. Be under no illusions day 2 climbing up the steps to the...
  An excellently run trip with lots of time to acclimatise. Be under no illusions day 2 climbing up the steps to the top of Dead Womans pass is a killer, but so worth it when you get a glimpse of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? There are so many.  the group waiting for me to finally get to the top of Dead Womans pass before us all taking the final step together.  The first glimps of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate.  Sitting quietly imagining what it would have been like all that time.  Camping on what felt like the top of the world. What did you think of your group leader? He was great, very knowledgeable and helpful Do you have any advice for potential travellers?   Take walking poles, they are invaluable and can be picked up fairly inexpensively.  A saviour for tired legs and really helpful for all the down hill walking. Is there anything else you would like to add? Without a doubt, the hardest but best experiences of my life. Show more
  Traveled in October 2013
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  Joanne5.0•October 2013
  When you look at the fantastic views that can take your breath away , then you walk round a corner and there is one...
  When you look at the fantastic views that can take your breath away , then you walk round a corner and there is one even better ;) time after time corner after corner . What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Meeting the Sherpas , getting to know them by their smiles , they are warm hearted exceptional people with a super human strength and stamina . What did you think of your group leader? Our group leader , Holger or Olly as we came to know him by. Is a very kind and understanding person, that understood each individual Trekkers needs , he has a methodical walking pace to suit all abilities. Thank you for all your help Olly . Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Best buy was a Poncho, buy one there then pass on to a Sherpa Is there anything else you would like to add? Olly even sorted out a birthday cake to be made for me on the trail, this was a "UNFORGETTABLE "moment for me , thank you for making this happen.Show more
  Traveled in September 2013
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  Elizabeth5.0•October 2013
  Quite simply the best holiday I
  Traveled in September 2013
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  Jennifer4.0•January 2012
  I was really nervous about doing this and thought about backing out so many times. I'm so glad I went through with...
  I was really nervous about doing this and thought about backing out so many times. I'm so glad I went through with it! It was truly amazing and the sense of achievement was immense! Don't get me wrong, I found it hard but it is an experience I will always cherish! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Getting up to 'Dead Womans Pass' is hard work but getting to the top and seeing the view of the valley, it was worth it. Obviously getting to the Sungate and seeing the clouds clear and reveal the icing on the cake brought a tear to my eye, not only was it beautiful but, I did it! The rainbows, ruins and snow capped mountains were also magical.    What did you think of your group leader? Disnarda, was a great guide. Her and Orlando made sure that as a group we were fine and despite feeling like the weakest link in the group they did not make me feel as though I was holding anyone back. Be warned, they may be vertically challenged but they move like the wind along that trail with endless energy and enthusiasm. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Make sure you have a good mechanism for keeping your kit dry, we weren't in the wet season but it rained and hard. Don't worry about taking too many snacks, you get given stuff daily. Toilet roll is always a good one. Take a good sleeping bag and pack some thermals, high altitude camping can get cold. Metal water bottles are good as they can act as hot water bottles when it is really cold but 'plats' are good whilst trekking. If you don't like things flying in your face get a face mosi net (I was so jealous of those that had the common sense to take them). Trip to the hot baths on the last day, I'd skip it if I were you, the 'hike' to get up there, in my opinion, is not worth it, better off sharing the cost of a hotel room and getting a good hot shower that way. Day pack rules for Machu Picchu seemed a bit 'changeable'. I had a 35 ltr pack but we told that the limit for day packs for the following 1 day entry would be 20ltrs. Luckily we were allowed in with our packs but I think it is one of those 'fickle' policies and walking poles are not allowed during your day at Machu Picchu.Final day, before train ride back to Cusco, get something to eat, you will be on the train for several hours, they serve drinks but that is about it. Is there anything else you would like to add? My natural habitat is the city. I like the outdoors but camping has never been my thing, despite being very organised and practical. Doing the Inca Trail is a very personal thing and you need a lot of determination. I did quite a bit of training for this but the altitude is something else, you just can't plan for (and I did not do the 'High Alt' trek). To that end, all I can say is, get as fit as you can and keep at it. You will not be left behind and you will not feel as if you are letting anyone down. I did it with a friend who was a god send. We were lucky we had a good group who wouldn't leave anyone behind but ultimately it is the guides who help you succeed. Be nice to them, they deserve it, especially when you see how some of the other guides (non Exodus) are treated along the way. Above all else take the time to take in what is around you, it is an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life!!! I did it and didn't break a nail, I'm sure you can!!!!Show more
  Traveled in December 2011
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  Diana5.0•January 2012
  Inspirational trip - I loved everything from the scenery, archeology, weather, walking, guide and my fellow...
  Inspirational trip - I loved everything from the scenery, archeology, weather, walking, guide and my fellow travellers. Also did the Rainforest Extension - definitely recommended. Still buzzing a week later. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? So many fantastic moments - sunrises and sunsets on the campsites, incredible views of the mountains, and of course Macchu Pichu. Getting up Dead Womens Pass despite being desperately ill and collapsing with altitude sickness and dehydration 3/4 of the way up. What did you think of your group leader? Juan was probably the best Exodus guide I've encountered (and I've done quite a few trips with Exodus, all with wonderful guides). His knowledge and enthusiasm were unsurpassed, and he looked after the group very well, despite a very wide range of physical abilities. When I was severely ill with altitude sickness and later dehydration, he looked after me brilliantly, but without compromising the rest of the group, and with superb tact, even coming to check on me several times in the night and sitting up with me in the middle of the night when I was not feeling well. Nothing was too much trouble for him and he was friendly and sociable with the group without being too forward. The assistant guide, Wilson, was quiet and shy but extremely competent and with a great sense of humour. He'll make an excellent main guide when he becomes a little more confident. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Most of it's been said in the reviews, but do also check the Arrivals Gate forum on here, because there's lots of good advice there that I missed before I went. Unless you're very young and healthy, take trekking poles, they really help with all the steps even if you don't particularly have knee problems. Don't do this trip if you do have knee problems though, you will really struggle (one of our group had real problems) and it then slows the rest of the group down.Also take your own down sleeping bag, it weighs so much less and the weight limit is quite restrictive otherwise. Advice varies but your sleeping bag is not going to get wet (the tents are very waterproof) and there's no other reason why you wouldn't want to use down. I took a 3 season sleeping bag with a silk liner. On cold nights they fill your water bottle with hot water to put in your bag - excellent idea, and worth (as I did) taking a metal bottle just for that purpose, even if you drink out of a Camelbak during the day. I used a Thermarest and my own down sleeping bag, total weight 1 1/2 kilos. Some people were already up to 4-5 kilos with just those two things.You don't need many clothes, just a couple of tops, a couple of pairs of trousers, some decent thermals and a few changes of underwear. After our first day in Cusco was absolutely freezing, I couldn't believe I would ever be in shorts, but the weather changes dramatically from hour to hour and also in different locations. Do take trousers that zip off into shorts, much more practical. Also do take good wicking base layers (not cotton tshirts), you won't regret it. Also plenty of layers that you can put on, especially at night. In the day I wore mainly tshirt and shorts, plus at times a light fleece and a fleece jacket and poncho (and long trousers), in the evenings I wore 2 thermal base layer tops, a fleece jumper and a light down jacket, and thermal leggings under light trousers, and was only just warm enough. If you wear shorts during the day, use mosquito repellent even if you don't see any mosquitoes...I never saw any but they found my ankles all right! I was nervous about the "toilet tent" but it was not nearly as bad as some reviews have indicated - actually far nicer than the public loos and they never smelt at all!Invest a few soles in a plastic poncho (sold everywhere) to go over or wear instead of a rainjacket - it can get very wet and they are very effective at keeping the worst of the rain off, especially for your backpack too (use a waterproof backpack cover too). You really don't want to get everything wet on the trek as it'll never dry out. Most important thing of all: even if the weather is not hot, drink lots of water and take rehydration tablets too. They say 2 litres a day - I'd recommend 3-4 litres. Don't underestimate how much the altitude will dehydrate you - I thought I was drinking a lot and still suffered severe dehydration, to the extent that I collapsed a couple of times and started to lose consciousness. Is there anything else you would like to add? Do the Rainforest Extension trip too (I think there's now a proper combined trip with the Inca Trail). But be aware, there are lots of creepy crawlies, snakes, piranhas and so on, so if you're afraid of these, the trip is not for you! Even more important to take good technical wicking base layers - you need long sleeves but it is extremely hot and humid so you will sweat buckets. Take a good book as there isn't much to do in the evenings and during the free time. Binoculars are really essential if you want to see wildlife (and there is plenty to see) and invest in lots of plastic ziplock bags for anything you don't want to get wet, and take a bin bags to line the kitbag they give you, as it's not waterproof. My only criticism of the guides in the Rainforest is that they were informative, but nowhere near the league of Exodus guides. They were a little distant and didn't give the impression of looking after you, just of instructing you. For example, our guide didn't ask about any medical problems, carried no first aid kit on a full day's walk in the jungle, and wasn't even interested when I fell and dislocated my shoulder, not even asking me how I was on the following days. Not a problem as I am pretty self-sufficient, but not what I was expecting, having been used to the caring friendly and organised nature of the Exodus guides.Show more
  Traveled in December 2011
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  David3.0•December 2011
  An excellent trek but very tough, especially on day2 ( Dead Womans Pass). Be prepared for bad weather! What was the...
  An excellent trek but very tough, especially on day2 ( Dead Womans Pass). Be prepared for bad weather! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Arriving at the Sun Gate - Intipunko and looking down at Machu Picchu What did you think of your group leader? Excellent. Very helpful and inspirational with first rate knowledge of all matters IncaHowever no provisions for emergencies. With only two guides available when one had to return to base because of someone falling ill there was very little provision for a back marker, and for long periods because of my slow pace i was on my own! More porters need to be trained to take over as guide no2 in the event of this happening.  Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Grading not as advertised in trip notes. This is an extremely tough and challenging trek and should be rated severe - NOT moderate! and should not be undertaken lightly. Requires a high level of personal fitness and stamina. That said it is an extremely rewarding trek. Is there anything else you would like to add? Would like to see Exodus bring trip notes up to date ref:Airport transfers £20 NOT £10Lima City tours £60 NOT £30Show more
  Traveled in November 2011
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  Anthony4.0•November 2011
  First time travelling with Exodus....certainly will not be the last! What was the most inspirational moment of your...
  First time travelling with Exodus....certainly will not be the last! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Being woken up at 4.45am one morning in the cold with a cup of tea from the porters.  We were above the clouds and got up to watch the sunrise over snow capped mountains with a blanket of cloud below us.  Dont see that every day! What did you think of your group leader? Could not have asked for a better guide.  Juan Manuel Diaz was lively, funny and chock full of information both local and about Inca civilization. There was nothing we asked he did not have an answer for. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? This was the first time I have been camping.  Personally did not get on with a 'mummy' sleeping bag, friends insist on them but I found it claustrophobic and cramped.  Other than that had a whale of a time. Is there anything else you would like to add? Thoroughly enjoyed the trek, had a great group with 9 other trekkers, 2 of them were friends that travelled with me but by the end of it we were all friends anyway.  The sight of Maccu Picchu when we walked through the sungate was astounding, after a 4 day trek we had made it!!  Also we were very lucky with the weather, I think we had only about 2 hours of rain in total.Show more
  Traveled in October 2011
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  Paul4.0•November 2011
  Sometimes it's not the destination, but the journey. So many views, so many memories. Take lots of pictures, because...
  Sometimes it's not the destination, but the journey. So many views, so many memories. Take lots of pictures, because when you look back on them, you'll smile. It makes me want to try out the other Treks now! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Reaching the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu.  It's a lot bigger than the photos suggest and you realise the enormity of effort that was required to build the place.The Cloud Forest... the Inca Tunnel... Dead Woman's Pass... Waking up at 3.6km high and (as we were the only campers) having Phuyapatamarca to ourselves!  The list goes on... What did you think of your group leader? Fabrizzio was friendly, informative and sooo laid back that he put everyone at their ease.  Ricardo was really helpful and had an infectious enthusiasm for the flora and fauna that seemed to rub off on the group. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Bring playing cards or a book, as there's nothing to do after dinner!  We ended up going to bed at 9pm, as there's not a lot to do on the mountain in the dark.Bring plenty of waterproof bags to seal in dirty laundry when you pack them in the duffle bag.Walking poles are optional, but I brought some for the first time and I think they helped me immensely.  I'd certainly be a lot more tired had I not used them.Take spare camera batteries (I took 3),  You'll regret it when it comes to the moment when you want to take pictures... and you can't! You won't get a chance to recharge batteries until the 4th night of the Trek.If you're thinking of buying a sleeping bag for the trip and are not sure when you'd next use it, I'd recommend hiring one from Exodus (currently £25, including liner).  I never felt cold in them and didn't have to worry about packing them for the rest of the trip.Don't go mad and buy souvenirs on the first day.  You'll probably find them cheaper elsewhere, or wait until you come back to Cusco and buy them on the last day.Take a swimming costume if you want to go to the 'hot springs' in Aguas Calientes on the last night. Is there anything else you would like to add? The food on the Trail was fantastic, given the circumstances.  Top marks to the cook for his inventiveness!The porters on the trip are like supermen.  How they do it is mind-boggling.  They earn every penny of their pay (and tips)!Once you get to the Sun Gate, you sadly realise that the trek is nearly over.  Once you're actually in Machu Picchu, you realise you're mixing with tourists who took the train/coach to the place and the special moment feels lost and very commercial!  Top marks to Exodus for scheduling the dawn approach.The train journey from Aguas Calientes back to Cusco has to be taken to be believed.  It was such fun.  Try sipping your drink without spilling it!We also did the Lake Titicaca and Amazon Rainforest trip:I found the Lake Titicaca experience a bit of a disappointment, as you're only on the lake for one morning of the entire trip and of the 2 floating islands we visited that morning, the 2nd was just a market (and nothing else).  The whole 'floating island' experience felt very commercial and somewhat fake.The Amazon Rainforest trip though is thoroughly recommended!  The Night excursions were brilliant and the trek into the forest a great experience.Show more
  Traveled in October 2011