Internationale groepsreis The Salkantay Trek

High Inca Trail

A very scenic walk to join the traditional Inca Trail, perfect for those wanting a more remote and less touristy approach.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Crossing the near 5,000 metre high Incachiriasca Pass in perfect weather, with superb views of nearby Salkantay piercing the blue sky.

What did you think of your group leader?

I have enjoyed seven other long treks, mostly in the Himalaya in Bhutan, Nepal and India. Tomas was the most professional, knowledgable and enthusiastic guide I have walked with.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do this trek asap but take some diamox with you in case you have any problems with the altitude. That applies equally to any trek out of Cusco.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

June, July and August are perfect months to trek in Peru as the atmosphere is usually clear, cool and dry.

High in the Andes - truly unforgettable

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.

Once in a lifetime trip

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

For me it was crossing the 5000 metre pass. It was hard work due to the altitude, but knowing how high up you are is something else.

What did you think of your group leader?

He was very good. His English was superb and he was also our guide so was very knowlegable on all things Inca.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Research your travel times. I was caught out with nearly 18hrs of travel and going through numerous airports. Make sure you can occupy the time.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This was my first Exodus holiday and i thoroughly enjoyed it. All the travel arrangements went smoothly and met a lot of new people and had a really good time. I will be booking again with Exodus.

High Inca Trail

As a group of friends who have years of experience of long distance walks and challenges we chose Exodus to guide us on the High Inca Trail. I thoroughly enjoyed this trip and rate it on a par with the incredible experience of climbing Kilimanjaro. The trek was brilliantly organised by our Exodus team leader who met us at the airport, escorted us to our hotel and then showed us Cusco by night. Her knowledge and experience were excellent providing us a marvelous insight into the Inca culture and the Spanish effect on it. The High Inca trek was a testing walk but for a reasonbly fit person (I am 60 years young), it was quiet attainable. An acclimatisation walk put us in the mood to experience the ever changing and beautiful countryside and views, we visited Inca ruins of all shapes and sizes. We saw Condors soaring gracefully through blue skys on the trek and nothing can prepare you for what you feel as you walk through the sun gate. We subsequently visited a host of villages and Inca ruins, we ate at the home of a very welcoming local family on one occasion and also had time to explore on our own.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The trek was marvelous with varied terrain and taking on the affects of altitude. The history of this beautiful country is mesmerizing.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader was superb. She thoroughly briefed us on what to expect, guided us through every stage keeping us safe at all times. Her knowledge of Peru and the Inca people was massive. She inspired the horsemen, and porters who obviously had great respect for her. She was immediately our friend and leader fulfilling all her promises of a trip of a life time.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Good boots, warm clothing for the very cold nights, lots of insect repellent and sun block and a sense of fun and discovery.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Absolutely brilliant trip! DO It!!

Great Trip

This trek has everything from fantastic views through to some hard climbs and strenuous days. However, if you can do Everest base camp and Kilimanjaro you can certainly cope with this trek although you have to respect the altitude just as with the other trips. There is a good blend of other activities (particularly Cusco) with the trek, the high point (literally) of which is getting to the top of Dead Woman's Pass and arriving at the Sun Gate

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Along with some great views and the Inca ruins, including Machu Picchu, we had breakfast on top of a mountain at sunrise. The guides, porters and horsemen are inspiring in a different way because of their hard work and fantastic support for the trekkers - they were second to none.

What did you think of your group leader?

Willfredo was an excellent guide. He had great knowledge, could tell Inca "stories" and looked after us very well. He had some difficult decisions to take (snow blocking the pass, fire on the track, road closures etc.) but always came to the right conclusion in the interests of the group. He was very personable and everyone in the group liked him very much. Bruce was an excellent assistant on the trekking part of the trip, also demonstrating good knowledge and guiding skills.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Read the trip notes so you are clear about what is going to happen and don't ignore the altitude warnings. I take Diamox and it has worked for me on 3 separate trips but the effects of altitude are random so don't treat it lightly. As the notes suggest take dollars and change to Sol as you go - you can get dollars and sol from the local cashpoints at banks. If you are not a natural camper be prepared for some cold nights (proper sleeping bags etc. are essential), but it is worth a degree of discomfort to experience this part of the world.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This is a great trip - you will enjoy Cusco as much as the trek and, as with all trips like this, if you are not sure just book it! Provided that you can walk reasonable distances (up to 10 miles with no altitude) and are reasonably fit you should be able to enjoy this trip - there were several people in their 50s and 60s and everyone coped fine.

High Inca Trail

A stand out experience, expertly guided, full of adventure amongst stunning scenery. Great food, camaraderie and fun.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Being at the mercy of the Andean mountain weather, we experienced some unexpected twists and turns to the originally planned trip. I was inspired by the calm and seamless way our guide, Wilfredo steered us through these adversities and how the group came together in support of each other when needed. The scenery was awesome and the bird life, including seeing a Condor were memories I will treasure.

What did you think of your group leader?

Wilfredo has excellent knowledge of the history and culture of the Andean people, he was professional, calm and well organised, whilst being fun, personable and totally committed to our care and enjoyment. I feel he gained 16 new friends who admire and respect him.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Hot in the day... VERY cold at night, train well beforehand, particularly on steep hills.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I have found Exodus in the UK to be far less responsive to customers than their support staff in the country you are travelling in. If like me you don't live in the South East and would like a local transfer to Madrid, where all flights to Peru from Europe fly from; then make sure you stay on top of the UK staff to sort this out for you. I didn't and am unsure if my 7 hour round trip at great expense to Gatwick was an unnecessary addition to the journey. They said they will look into it but I still haven't received a response. I also felt information to prepare me for the trip was patchy and ad-hoc. Once you are in country of travel treatment is brilliant.

High Inca Trail - Salcantay

This was an amazing trip that was everything I hoped it would be and more. The scenery was amazing, the guides and porters were fabulous and someone organised perfect weather. Every detail was perfectly organised, and any hiccups were quickly smoothed. From pre-trip support from exodus, through to the day to day experience of the trek I can't say enough good things.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Talking to our guide, Wilbert Ramos, about his experiences and relationship with his country and, of course, coming through the Sun Gate at Manchu Picchu. There were inspirational moments every day, but these two stand out.

What did you think of your group leader?

Wilbert was fantastic. He brought Peru and Incas alive through his passion for people, his knowledge of his country and its history and his genuine desire to ensure that everyone on the trek, from tourists to porters were looked after and had a good experience. I've been on a number of treks and his skills as a mountain leader and guide were some of the best I've ever seen.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Make sure you build up a good level of fitness before you go - you don't need to be able to run a marathon, but the fitter you are the more you'll enjoy it. Be open minded and mindful. Take the time just to sit out and enjoy where you are and what you are doing.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thanks for a fabulous trip. My first experience with Exodus and I was impressed that the company is perhaps one of the few that really delivers on its ethical promises, especially in the way it treats its staff. Well done, and I will be booking again.

The High inca trail

The seven day trek rather than the 4 day trek to Macchu Picchu was definitely the right choice.;The first three days we hardly saw anyone, gave a real sense of adventure, almost as if you were on an expedition

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Camp below Salcantay, seeing the moon set and sun rise over the Andes. Sense of achievement in reaching Macchu Picchu Witnessing, from a safe distance , avalanche on Salcantay. We were at top of pass (5000m) on day three when tis occurred

What did you think of your group leader?

our leader bobby was very knowledgeable and experienced, showed a real passion for his country and Inca history. he also had a good sense of humour

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Make sure you have a 4 season sleeping bag or hire one,. camp at Salcantay can be very cold

Is there anything else you would like to add?

No

An amazing trip.

I cannot recommend this trip highly enough. The walking was challenging but thoroughly enjoyable. The views and culture were both beautiful and interesting and the organisation of the whole thing was exceptional.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Camping beside Salkantay, walking along the Inca Trail, seeing the Inca sites and, obviously, walking through the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time.

What did you think of your group leader?

Brilliant. Bobby, and the assistant guide Jose, were both excellent. Really passionate and knowledgeable about their heritage, very experienced so I felt well looked after (and safe!) at all times and were really great company.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take clothes for all weathers. We had hot, cold, snow and rain - all within a matter of hours on some days. Take walking poles. I don't normally use them, but they became my most favourite thing on some of the tougher days. Get some level of fitness. It's not essential, but might make some of the harder days a bit easier. Even if it's just a case of you being used to being on your feet for 6+ hours. Pack as light as you can - it'll make organising your bag a bit easier. Take a torch - essential for after dinner. Take books. Not necessarily for the camping as I was generally far too tired to read anything, but for the flights. Having something to read in between flights was helpful. On the trek, keep eating and drinking. It really helps with the altitude and to keep your energy levels up. I took snacks which was good, but you can buy stuff in Cusco before you go.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Book this trip. It's tougher than the Inca Trail but the effort was well worth it. You really feel like you've earned your views of Machu Picchu. I've done a few trips with Exodus now, and I think this may be the best one. The walking is tough but achievable, the views are amazing, the country is beautiful and people are lovely. OH! And the food was incredible.

high inca trail

Salcantay part of the trip was spectacula, with many plants flowering, The Inca Trail was also amazing and beautiful, with the incredible Inca sites interpruted extremely well by our guide Bobby. Cuzco is a great city.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Learning about the Inca history

What did you think of your group leader?

Bobby, our guide was informative, interactive ,passionate about his country, Peru and the history of the Incas. I think small flora & fauna books would be very much appreciated & would enhance the experience.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The accomadation in Cuzco was terrible. It was a building site and dirty where there was always dirt being trampled into the rooms. On arrival at the hotel the rooms were like a fridge they were so cold.We were told not to use the heaters for some bizarre reason,but to put extra clothing on. In the bathrooms the water was icy cold. The owner came to look at the situation during the 2nd visit and said there was another room available if the water wasn't hot the next morning. Our bathroom didnt have any hot water & nor did the other bathroom. We were departing for the beginning of the trek at 4am..for 6 nights camping. But there was no hot water to have our last shower. I was charged US$30 for renting walking poles,which I thought was unreasonably high cost. New poles cost that. The amount of food was not enough food for some people. They were eating leftovers from other peoples plates as they were hungry. I suggest serving food in bowls so that people can help themselves.

the feeling I felt when I went over the pass was overwhelming... and the team spirit throughout was

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.

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.

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...

Is there anything else you would like to add?

really noisey hotel in Cuzco was frustrating to be in

The High Inca Trail

A brilliant trip all round with something for everyone. Incredible views, varied trekking and plenty to learn along the way. You will fall in love with Peru on this trip, I know I have and can't wait to go back. Another awesome Exodus adventure :)

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reaching the pass at 5000m and looking across at Mount Salcantay was incredible and worth the slog to the top. Another highlight for me was reaching Macchu Picchu via the sun gate at about 4pm, it really felt like we had earned that view after 7 days walking and it was fantastic to arrive at that time of day when it was far quieter.

What did you think of your group leader?

Tomas was absolutely fantastic. His knowledge, enthusiasm and sense of fun made the trip.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't underestimate how much the temperature can vary on a daily basis. Pack layers and bug spray, plenty of bug spray!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The food served at every meal by the chef Luciano and sous chef Toribio was beyond belief, they put the average UK restaurant to shame being able to produce such delicious meals from a tent!

high inca trail

A trip to Peru in october 2015 , a couple of days sightseeing to acclamatise to the altitude, followed by 6 days hiking in the Andes, following the high Inca trail, we had fantastic weather, no rain , excellent company and brilliant support staff, guides , horsemen and porters and the Chef made fantastic food, and a chance to see the iconic Inca ruins macchupicchu made for a superb holiday.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The six days hiking getting to Machupicchu was fantastic, the high mountain views and varying landscape was incredible, the numerous Inca ruins were a treasure to see, varying wildlife , birds and flowers added to the adventure and the thought of finally seeing an anceint Inca stronghold was enough inspiration for all to complete the trek.

What did you think of your group leader?

Wilfredo was an excellent guide, very knowledgable in all things Inca, good understanding of individual hikers needs, all ways willing to help and resolve issues and knew the mountains well providing excellent camp sites with fantastic views

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Go with an open mind , expect the unexpected, the weather and temperatures can vary in the mountains so go prepared. check the packing list but only take essentials due to weight restrictions

Is there anything else you would like to add?

this was a trip i was considering for several years and now back home am glad i now have lots of fantastic memories and stories to tell, a definate must do trip and exodus proved once again to be an excellent tour operator.

High Inca Trail

An unforgettable experience. Great guide (Tomas LLancay) who managed everything without fuss and provided an education into Inca History en route. 6 nights of camping is not my favourite but this is perfectly acceptable with great food that kept my calorie intake up. Excellent acclimitisation at start so we all started well. We were all strangely discombob. when we met the masses of tourists at Machu Picchu.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reaching the top of the 3/4 passes.

What did you think of your group leader?

Outstanding

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

JFDI. (I was just turning 65 so don't be put off)

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Where next?

High Inca trail as must do trip

High Inca trail was brilliant. Fantastic trekking, amazing trails and beautiful scenery. If things couldn't get any better, to top it off we had a really fantastic leader in Tomas Llancay and also a brilliant second leader in Sebastian. I would highly recommend the high Inca trail as you get to see a small part of Peru that not many other do and we had the trails mostly to our selves.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The most inspirational part of my trip was camping at the bottom of Salcantay and then the following morning trekking up the Inca Chiriasqa pass. Though to be fair the whole trip was brilliant.

What did you think of your group leader?

Tomas Llancay was one of the best leaders that I have had so far on all the trips I have done. We always knew what we were doing and had great advise on what we could do on our free days. Huge knowledge on Inca sites, flora and fauna. Its was also lovely to see the encouragement he gave to Sebastian (our second leader) which allowed Sebastain to talk to us about some off the site we visited on the trail, which Sebastian did very well. He also want out of his way to help my partner find a perfect location for him to propose to me, with out me finding out.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Make sure you have a lovely warm sleeping bag as I was very greatful I had mine as it can get very cold on some of the camp sites.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Go book the High Inca trail if you like trekking and culture.

High Inca Trail

Epic in every sense of the word! We Trekked and camped in the most remote and awesome places, faced hot sun, sub zero nights, snow, wind, mist and rain! We star gazed, swam in a glacial lake, saw stunning sunsets and got up early to see the sunrise on Salcantay mountain. The many Inca sites and Machu Picchu were even better than we could have imagined!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Getting up to see the sunrise on Salcantay Mountain, the first glimpse of Machu Picchu at the sun gate, and returning very early the next day seeing it shrouded in mist only to see it clear to give magnificent views.

What did you think of your group leader?

Bobby was a great leader. He had great knowledge on both Peruvian culture and Inca history. On the last day in the Sacred Valley he went out of his way to arrange extra sight seeing visits.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't under estimate the huge variation of temperatures during the day! In the sun it can be really warm but in the evenings and night it gets extremely cold! You need a down jacket and warm sleeping bag and lots of extra layers.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This was a fantastic trek. The camp food was excellent, the trekking on the Salcantay Trail was wonderfully remote and we hardly saw anyone, the Inca Trail was not too busy and Exodus uses quieter camp sites. Cusco is a fascinating city and this trip spends a couple of days before and after the trek in Cusco for acclimatision and relaxing!

The High Inca Trail

The High Inca Trail was more challenging than expected albeit very rewarding. Trip starts at high altitude and within a few days, there are a couple of long climbs that would not be a problem if it were not for the altitude. That said, I believe it was extremely beneficial doing The High Inca Trail (as opposed to just the Inca Trail) (which includes the Salkantay pass) as this most definitely prepares you for the part of the walk on the Inca Trail which climbs to 4,125 making this walk more enjoyable.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Stunning scenery and culture and experience overall in Peru! I thoroughly enjoyed the town of Cusco as well - very impressed! Amazing to actually visit Matchu Pitchu which I have wanted to do for years!

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be prepared for the high altitude which is upon you quickly due to Cusco sitting at 3,400. The 10kg weight limit when you start that actual Inca Trail is extremely strict so be prepared. Take light clothes and lots of layers. It does get very cold camping. I was very grateful for my down jacket in the evening.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The variety and quality of food prepared on the trek whilst camping was fantastic especially catering for those with dietary requirements.

High Inca Trail

Fantastic trip ... Challenging enough without killing you! It is your holiday after all!!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Lying in the tent listening to the glacial avalanches on Salkantay was pretty awesome and of course getting that first sight of Machu Picchu.

What did you think of your group leader?

Rolando was great, so passionate about his Incan heritage and very knowledgable. He loves telling the story of the many sites you visit on this trek and really brings it alive. With regards the walking and the altitude, he was always looking out for everyone in the group.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

It was colder than I expected in the evenings so if debating whether or not to take the 3 or 4 season sleeping bag or the down jacket - take the warm stuff!! The early start for Machu Picchu is definitely worth it - by 9am the place is packed!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Michael

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THE HIGH INCA TRAIL

I spent much of my two weeks in Peru slapping myself to make sure I was awake and that it wasn’t all just a dream. High in the Andes I loved the absolutely breathtaking scenery, the incredible ruins of the ancient Inca settlements, the sincere warmth and friendliness of the Peruvian people, the diversity of the food, the beautiful old Spanish colonial buildings in Cusco, the kick of the Pisco in the loveliest little bars in the world, the depth of the history and religion, the vibrant music, the colours of the people in traditional dress and the absolutely breathtaking scenery again because it deserves an extra mention. This was a fantastic trip that I just couldn’t fault at all.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Possibly one of the most inspirational moments of my life, let alone the trip, was reaching the top of the Chiriasqa Pass at 4,950 metres above sea level. In the thin air it was hard work getting there but I felt that every gasp for breath and every aching muscle had been worthwhile as I stood there and looked behind me at the ice capped Mount Salacantay and its icy blue glacial lakes and ahead of me at the vast wilderness of Sisay Pampa as snow flurries contrasted against bright blue sky and dark clouds. With no sign of human life in sight this was probably the most remote and isolated place I had ever been.  I had always wanted to walk the Inca Trail but the Salcantay extension made the experience all the more remarkable. Seeing hardly a soul for days, star gazing at the clearest night skies imaginable, having a bath in the icy waters of the Rio Cusichaca and emerging from my tent each morning to look up at snow covered peaks and down at cloud filled valleys are moments I will remember and treasure for the rest of my days.

What did you think of your group leader?

Bobby was an absolute star. He’d already done the Inca Trail something like four hundred times before and consequently knew every mountain, every mountain path, every block of stone at the Inca sites, every exotic species of plant, every llama that we met along the way, every native bird and insect, every star in the sky, every statistic about South American football and the best way to cook a guinea pig. He always had a smile on his face, he had an infectious laugh, he punctuated his speeches with jokes and he liked a beer.  My favourite moments with him though were when we were all seated round the table after dinner on the nights of the trek. High in the cold, cold Andes and miles from civilisation he would tell us his tales of days gone by, his personal experiences and the history and superstitions of his country. His round Peruvian face looking stern in his concentration, illuminated only by a camping gas lamp, was an absolute picture. And then he would laugh.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you immerse yourself in the culture of the Andes, eat everything you’re given, breath in that beautiful fresh mountain air, stare at the stars, talk to the people and take in everything that you see you will have a wonderful trip and you will hardly notice the gruelling physical exertion.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I was pleased that I chose the High Inca Trail because there were very few coach transfers and even they were fairly short with frequent stops at places of interest. Other trips to Peru involve other remarkable features which I haven’t yet seen but they are often a long coach ride or a flight away. On this trip I felt as though I didn’t waste a single moment transferring from one place to another.  Also, when you get to the ‘classic’ bit of the Inca trail that everybody does, although still very remote and beautiful, it seems a lot busier as you come across other groups. The campsites on these stages are busier and noisier. For this reason the Mollepato and Salcantay extension was by far the best part of the trek.  No matter what you do though, it’s all fabulous.