The Inca Trail

This was the first time we've been on an Adventure holiday and the first time that we've ever used Exodus. Superb communication and assistance from Exodus HQ throughout, from booking to arriving home. The customer service and assistance we've received from this company is genuinely the best I've ever experienced, even when flights home went slightly awry due to bad weather! The trip itself exceeded all our expectations - by a long way! As first-time 'Adventure Travelers', we were a little apprehensive about what we might have signed up to, but the user reviews on the website and the patience of Harriet at Exodus in answering some rather inane questions quickly put these to rest. Don't just think about it, do it, you won't regret it! Yes, you could fly to Cusco and get the train up to Machu Picchu, but you won't truly appreciate this amazing place unless you've walked the trail and understand just how remote it would have been back in the day together with why the Incas thought of it a such a special place. You would also miss out on many other stunning ruins that cannot be reached any other way, incredible wildlife, the physical challenge and the chance to be humbled by the amazingly quiet, resilient and proud Quechua people, many of whom make up the porters and crew that care for you on your trip and make your dreams come true. Machu Picchu is a very special place, Cusco is charming and the Peruvian countryside stunning, but the most precious thing that my wife and I have taken away from our trip is a sense of profound respect and fondness for the Peruvian people and the Quechua in particular.

What a great trip. The scenery was really spectacular, the people so friendly, and as for Machu Piccu itself: breathtaking.

Great trip, very inspirational. I felt very well looked after. Nothing was too much trouble for our guide Fabricio!

The Inca Trail tour was the perfect organized group. We had 6 people in our group and 1 guide. It was the perfect number. Not too many, not too few. I originally picked the trip because of the itinerary; I liked that you had 2 opportunities to see Machu Picchu. That's a definite advantage. The first afternoon, when we arrived, it was cloudy and became more and more cloudy. But the 2nd day when we went back, it was a perfect blue sky day. The weather is always changing. The Trip Notes are accurate that you just have to dress in layers and be prepared to constantly remove and add layers. The hike is not easy. If anything, I might rate it a little more difficult. It's also hard to prepare for, especially if you live at sea level. The hike is a challenge for someone who exercises regularly, but our guide was very accommodating and gave us breaks as much as we needed. Still, we were always on schedule with where we needed to be. The altitude and lack of oxygen was probably the most difficult part. But it was all so worth it. And it feels great to accomplish something that you know you worked hard for.

The whole trip was truly amazing. I did both the Amazon and Lake Titicaca extensions, which logistically was complicated but it was all made easy with Exodus. The most impressive thing was that my luggage made it through a total of 5 airport connections and a 10 hour bus ride!The Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu was the best yet, hard in places (day 2 getting to dead womans pass) but so worth it. Met a brilliant group of people, only 8 of us which was the perfect size, Best Group Ever :-)

Like most of the reviews this was something I'd long dreamed of doing. So I booked it and was lucky enough that 5 of my friends also thought it'd be a good plan. We were also fortunate to have 6 other travelling companions who were an eclectic mix & excellent company throughout what was a wonderfull journey.If you're dreaming like I was, take the plunge, it's a fantastic experience.

Travelled with my partner who is a vegetarian. Exodus confirmed the airline were aware for the meals. The airline at check in at Heathrow confirmed vegetarian meals had been booked. Unfortunately nobody told the crew on the plane (Tam airlines) 12 hour flight with no food. They were apologetic and said they would report it to management. The flight from São Paulo to Lima was 5 hours. Once again no vegetarian option. The plane crew were very apologetic and said they would report it to management!!! On the return journey from Lima to Sao Paulo the same again no vegetarian option. However on the main flight back to London order was restored. The cooks on the trek were excellent and provided great and varied food for all Trekkers. The porters were very friendly and accommodating, nothing was too much trouble. There are no shower facilities until the trek is finished and the toilet is a 20 Litre drum with a toilet seat. On previous treks there has been a proper chemical toilet which hides the waste. Upon getting back to the hotel in Cusco there was no hot water in the hotel which was very disappointing after not being able to shower for Four days. They said there had been a demand by clients on the hot water!!! This is the third trek I have done with the other two being Everest and Kilimanjaro, this trek is up there with both of them in degree of difficulty and reward. I would love to do it again.

We did the 4 day Inca Trail and then the Amazon extension. Everything was very well organised and the trip was well explained. It was an amazing adventure from start to finish, and a real insight into the culture and history of Peru.

This was my first trip with Exodus and I really couldn't have asked for a better trip. Our guide Thomas was amazing, a really knowledgeable and friendly guy that brought our group of 12 together into a 'family' for the week. The actual trek, the camping, the views and the food were all great and of course all topped off by coming over the Sun Gate to see Machu Picchu for the first time!

One of the iconic trips there is (or must do or bucket list or whatever you want to calll it). Very doable for anyone in good physical condition (some pain if that's not the case but still doable!). The maximum altitude of 4,200 is no big deal and there is plenty of time for acclimatisation built in.