Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Standing on the peak of Macondiu and slowly taking in the astounding 360 degree panorama of the Picos ranges.Taking a well earned lunch break on a high sunny meadow and hearing nothing but the sound of cow bells.Taking off my hot sweaty boots and feeling the lovely refreshing icy cold water on my feet as we picked our way across a faster than usual flowing river.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Victor - an absolute gem. Fantastic local knowledge personalised through his family connections.  Excellent communication skills. Sensitive to the needs and varied abilities of the group.  Hot on health and safety without belabouring it.  I had complete confidence in him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for some challenging but rewarding walking.  Check the dates on the trip notes as some weeks are upgraded from 'moderate' to 'challenging'.  I didn't and got a bit more than I bargained for, but I'm told that even the 'moderate' rated weeks are still quite tough if you're not at your fittest and/or used to long, often steep uphill walks.  The clue's in the name, really "Peaks and Gorges"!

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably finally ticking whale watching off my list unfortunately the wind off the coast prevented the planned cage diving and trip to Robben Island. The final coast route into Cape Town caps of the trip longest day but it flies by 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent leader and driver always part of the group as well as doing the organisation, cooking and demonstrating patience with some of the groups "characters".

Advice for Potential Travellers

Local bikes were fine although they need some maintenance through the trip, bring a gel saddle and padded shorts to protect those piles

Most Inspirational Moment

Not sure there was one, but just the variation in scenary from the mountains, the coastal walks and views and the quaint mountain villages. A night in a tradtional Majorcan farmhouse was definately memorable. The fresh orange juice and the picnics again things to rmemeber and recommend.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The leader was amazing. Very passionate and knowledgeable about all things Majorca. It was the first trip I had been on where the leader had been a local and their knowledge and love of the area was certainly something that set him apart from the others.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes check what grade the walking is and assess your abilities. I enjoyed the holiday and the people on the trip but most of them were surprised that it was a C grade walk and were not really prepared for the level of fitmess etc needed.

Most Inspirational Moment

Where do we start? Machu Picchu – awe-inspiring, magical, stunning scenery – difficult to think of just one superlative – it was all we expected … but delivered much more. An incredible mountain-top setting especially the views from Intipunku – well worth the climb.The Andean landscapes, condors overhead, guanaco and vicuna on the hillsides, snaking roads through green valleys and over snow-capped mountain passes past glaciated lakes, filled with amazing pink flamingo and set in the desolate altiplano.Lake Titicaca – Homestay on Amantani Island - well worth the climb to see the sunset from Pacha Mama. Arequipa - a real jewel - the White City with the bustling Plaza de Armas, the quiet of the Santa Catalina Convent and the serenity of the Museo Santuarios Andinos and its display of the Ice Maiden .

Thoughts on Group Leader

“A Star” – he was knowledgeable and above all passionate about his country, its cultures and people. He was a leader and guide who always demonstrated his professionalism and went ‘beyond the call of duty’ on many occasions, always striving to ensure we had the best experiences.  The holiday was all that we expected but Rene made it a trip of a lifetime with his enthusiasm and tips to make the most of our free time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip packs a lot into 2 weeks so be prepared for some long days in the bus – but enjoy the fantastic scenery along the way - we were lucky and saw guanaco and condors en route Nazca to Cusco. There are early starts – but Machu Picchu at sunrise and the condors rising on the thermals do make it worthwhile. You may have difficulty with the altitude – it can result in headaches and a shortness of breath. It doesn’t affect everyone and do drink lots of water – it really works.

Most Inspirational Moment

Of course reaching Base Camp and Kala Patthar was a great feeling however it  was wonderful to see the sheer delight and amazement on the faces of the Porters as the first pot of water on their new solar cooker that we had just assembled at the porters lodge in Tangbouche started to boil.They were so appreciative that they served us with the boiled potatoes and tea that they had just cooked.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was very attentive and supportive and assisted in anyway he could-I don't believe I would have made it without him!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Early December is a great time to go and make sure you are reasonably fit!

Most Inspirational Moment

My most inspirational moment was reaching the top of Kala Pattar on my own soaking up the view leading up the Western Cwm to the summit of Everest. I made it just before sun-up and had the great mountain to myself (EBC had closed for business so noone was summiting either), shortly before the rest of the group brought a violoent catabatic wind with them which nearly tore us all from the ridge. Very exciting!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Superb. That'll do.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I will just add a few tips – they may seem obvious but easily forgotten. - You are trekking at altitude – it’s going to be cold. - You are trekking at altitude – its going to be exhausting. - You are trekking every day, that’s right, EVERY DAY. Get used to the idea. - You are trekking in a very poor country – the toilet facilities are likely not to be up to your high standards. Also if you are very fit and used to carrying your own gear on your own, you may well find the pace frustrating, constantly walking in single file annoying and the fact that porter is carrying your stuff difficult to stomach. It can feel that, rather than trekking to the Himalayas, you are being taken there. But just remember it is often the very fit who succumb to AMS because they attack the climb too fast. Be grateful for being held back. Bistari, bistari my friend. With these caveats in mind, it is still a once in a lifetime experience and so very well worth it.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Himalayas at high altitude are spectacular and will never be forgotten, I returned with Prayer Flags which are now flying high in France where I live most of the year.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Pasang was the leader and is a lovely guy - happy smilling and considerate to all and he got the whole party to Base Camp.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure you have basic level of fitness and warm clothes.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching the sunset over the mountains from the gite.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Friendly and knowledgable

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't hesitate - just book it!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing how Cubans make the best of what they have, and try have a good time regardless of hardships.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was absolutely brilliant, talked for hours about life in Cuba, really bringing the country a lot closer, and helping to understand the situation. Good local tips too!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't expect good food and hotels. Very, very basic, and toilets are the worst I have ever seen. Carry around toilet paper everywhere you go...

Thoughts on Group Leader

The leader was competent and enthusiastic.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Exodus doesn't include meals with this trip; you need to budget around £350 for food and drink. There was also a charge for tips, levied at the end of the trek and amounting to around £50. Equipping yourself with the gear in the recommended kit list can be time consuming and expensive.