Name: Ecuador Tour
Brand: Enable Holidays
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Excellent Family Trip, it did exceed expectations: outstanding nature and exciting adventure alternate and often combine together to make this holiday unforgettable. Caymans, sloths, toucans, crocodiles, rainbow and mangrove boas, capuchin monkeys, owler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, green iguanas, hummingbirds, blue and white herons, white ibis, blue-jeans poison dart frogs, brown pelicans, tanagers of all descriptions, scarlet macaws, snake-birds, huge rhinoceros beetles, silky anteaters, orb-weaver spiders, palm pit vipers, river turtles, green kingfishers, ctenosaurs, cat-eyed snakes, coatis, kinkajous, bats, blue crabs, all sorts of butterflies, lizards, stick-insects and raccoons are some of the animals we have seen in their own environments, which range from adventurous jungles to idillic beaches. The Sarapiqui River Rafting has been unanimously agreed to be the best of the action activities, but the zip-lining in Monteverde was not that far away! It is a perfect holiday for a family with young teens between 12 ad 15 years old.
The highlights of the tour are The Tortoguero Canals, the Hanging Bridges in Monteverde, the rafting in the Sarapiqui river and the optional Mangrove Boat Tour in Manuel Antonio, while the Hot Spring in a fine Hotel in La Fortuna, the Coffee Tour and Manuel Antonio’s beautiful tropical beaches add to the variety of this holiday.

Our group leader, Edward, was very friendly and professional, he flawlessly arranged all the extra activities. We all wisely followed his suggestions on the choice of restaurants, and I have to say that some of them were excellent. Also a mention for our driver, you could not get a better one than Campbell!

I was surprised how few mosquitos we encountered, I believe the fact we chose to go to Costa Rica at the beginning of the dry season, which starts at the end of December, was an advantageous factor. So if you worry about mosquitos, choose a tour during the dry season. Use DEET or Incognito Insect repellent, wear long sleeves and long trousers and you will be fine. The sun is much more powerful than in the Mediterranean, therefore caution and moderation are needed on the tropical beaches of Manuel Antonio, not just suncream!

If you are serious about nature, you must book the Mangrove Boat Tour at the Damas Estuary near Manuel Antonio, it is a fantastic optional tour. You may even do it kayaking!

Exodus Travels

Costa Rica Adventure Family Holiday

This trip was sold as a multi activity trip which was very misleading. While you did a variety of activities they lasted on average 1.5hrs and two activities are described as hikes when in actual fact we were shared the flat trail with a coach load of OAPs complete with their walking sticks and another was only 2.6km. The majority of the trip was spent sitting around in restaurants waiting for something to happen. If you want an active trip, to see wildlife and get a feel for a country I highly recommend you do not pick this trip. It was very disappointing
NA

ROW Adventures

Adventures within Reach

Guidecuador

Aspiring Adventures

Culture Trip

Adventure Unbound

Enable Holidays

Overall the trip was fantastic and surpassed our expectations. During the 
acclimatization, we explored  Cusco and found it a wonderful and vibrant 
place, full of culture and life. The hike was amazing! Each day presented 
breathtaking scenery, from glacial mountains and lakes and fertile forest 
valleys. The food was way above what we expected. As a group we sat down to 3 
courses each mealtime. With vegetarian and gluten options being prepared by 
the chefs at each meal. There was never any complaints about the food. We 
could not have asked for a better group to travel with, they certainly helped 
make the trip as good as it was.
There are many highlights for us during the trip. Including; the dominating 
views of Salcantay. The climb up to and the views from Chiriasqua Pass. 
Likewise with Dead Women's Pass, the views at the top were breathtaking and 
worth the effort. After passing over Runcuray Pass the walk through the Cloud 
Forrest was invigorating and magical, as was the final campsite at 
Phuyupatamarca. But the most inspiration moment was arriving at the Sun Gate 
above Machu Picchu. The culmination of completing the hike &amp; the views down 
onto Machu Picchu was an emotional moment.


Our group leader for the trip was Julio Llancay, who we became more of a 
friend than a guide during the trip. His knowledge of the Inca history and 
sites was fantastic. He had an excellent handle of the English language and a 
great sense of humour. We would rate Julio as the best guide we have had on 
all our trips. I also have to mention our assistant guide during the walk, 
Jhonny, who helped make the trip memorable.  He has such a lovely demeanour 
about him, so happy.


My advice would be to ensure that you are prepared. Exodus grades this trip 
as Challenging, do not take this lightly. Combined with the effects of 
altitude and rate of ascent over the first couple of days. The trip notes are 
accurate but should read and considered.


Exodus encourages eco-friendly travel, which was raised by Julio during the 
trip. This included the reduction of plastics such as straws etc. However,  
our hotel in Cusco, Kollher, supplied polystyrene cups and plastic spoons for 
tea and coffee, which did not support Exodus's position.

The Salkantay Trek

My husband and I had a great time on this trip with a great group of people, 
including Tour guides, and support crew.  Despite the high altitude 
conditions on the first four days everything went smoothly and  according to 
plan.  Superb professionallism and  organisational skills by our guide Julio 
and Johnny made the trip achievable for all age groups (30's to early 60's) 
in the very supportive "family" environment.    We would recommend this trip 
to other adventurous people who want a bit more than the other less 
physically and mentally challenging Inca trail to Machu Picchu.
The food was great and special diets catered. The porters, both horsemen and 
foot porters were  cheerful and friendly despite carrying heavy loads.
Inspiration for me came through stretching my mental and physical abilities 
to a higher level. Not giving up but be able to accept help when I was 
feeling unwell.


Julio as a great leader which showed in the cohesiveness and supportive 
nature of the group.  Johnny provided the necessary backup and lead by 
example.


Ensure your physical training programme is started well in advance (at least 
8 weeks) for this trip as it will make it more enjoyable and able to view the 
stunning scenery and wildlife.   Be mentally prepared for a challenging but 
enjoyable time.


Fabulous trip well worth doing it.

This holiday really is a trip of a lifetime! It's the perfect mixture of 
outdoor adventure and history/culture. The trekking days are not mostly very 
long but the altitude, extreme weather changes, camping facilities (e.g. one 
toilet tent to share between the group at camp) and steep ups and downs 
(especially on steps) makes it quite challenging. The views - especially - on 
the Inca Trail section are amongst the finest I have ever seen and Machu 
Picchu is truly breathtaking. I also very much enjoyed exploring the history 
and culture of Cuzco and the Sacred Valley. Just book it!
There were so many - it's hard to choose! Obviously seeing Machu Picchu 
(though it's always packed with tourists), however, I do think the real 
highlight is the Inca Trail itself. The scenery and terrain is breathtaking! 
The Salkantay section of our trek was different - but equally amazing - and I 
loved how we hardly saw any other person for 3-4 days and the sheer wildness 
of the campsites. I'll never forget seeing the Milky Way and endless amounts 
of stars on a night.


Both group leaders - William and Johnny - were highly capable, funny, 
sociable, supportive and very knowledgeable about Peru and its history and 
cultures. It was a real pleasure getting to know them.


Yes! Read  - and believe - the packing list in the trip notes. As soon as the 
sun goes down (almost the very instant) it becomes very cold and nights can 
fall below freezing. So DEFINITELY take thermals and a  big down jacket. 
These are a MUST! Take lots of layers and a good set of hat and gloves which 
you can then wear after finishing walking and early on a morning (as well as 
to sleep in if you're like me.) We couldn't believe how cold it became and 
often I would be sleeping in several layers as well as socks, hat and 
sleeping bag liner + 4 season sleeping bag + hot water bottle and I was still 
cold. During the day it quickly heats up in the sun so layers are best as 
well as a high factor sun cream and DEET spray for all the mosquitos (they're 
everywhere!)

I would advise people to take Diamox (the pill to aid with acclimatisation) 
as the Salkantay section goes very high (Cuzco itself is very high and most 
people feel some symptoms on arrival.) I didn't take any Diamox but got very 
bad AMS on the first two days of the trek (e.g. migraine, nausea, dizziness) 
and was given some by the group leader. Just get it and take it as soon as 
you land in Cuzco to aid acclimatisation. Some people didn't get AMS but I 
wouldn't take the risk.

Travel light! There's a 10kg weight limit on the Inca Trail so just take the 
essentials in the packing list otherwise you'll have to get rid of items on 
day 4 and send them back with the horsemen (our sent items got lost - even 
more reason to pack light!) You can wear the same t-shirt/socks etc for 
several days in a row and as you won't be getting showered anyway, you 
really, really won't mind. Just don't get rid of any layers  - it becomes 
super, super cold!


This is an incredible holiday! Peru is a beautiful country with beautiful 
people and the richness of the landscapes, history and culture, and the 
camping experience itself will stay with you forever. The Salkantay section 
of the trek (first 4 days) adds a completely different dimension and added 
toughness to the holiday so that by the time you reach Machu Picchu, you 
really feel as if you've earned it. Get booked up!

Excess snow made the Chiriasqa pass hazardous on the Higher Inca Trail and 
indeed an avalanche took out two mules at the base of Salcantay during the 
time we walked an alternative route. Only the muleteers could guide eleven of 
us us over Yomacalla and Collpa which was tricky but beautiful and chilly at 
night. Our guides were good fun - Johnny always smiled- Holger(Ollie) had 
authority and much knowledge of history and natural life generally.
The food was simply amazing, tasty, varied and magically appeared in 
difficult cold venues. Luckily the group was cohesive supportive and gutsy 
under duress. Following a horrible first day ascent up a steep muddy path the 
views were stunning and the trail exhilarating. I enjoyed the birding and had 
great views of Condors close up.
Arriving at the top of 'Dead Womans Pass', then seeing Machu Pichu at the 
Sungate


'Ollie' was ever helpful and a great birder


Take a warm sleeping bag and puffa jacket for the evenings.


The overall experience was wonderful

A trip of a lifetime, the goal is Machu Picchu but soon you realise the trip 
itself, the journey that gets you there and everything you experience with it 
is what matters.
Being able to get to know a part of this beautiful country, its history, the 
places, the food, the mountains, the people… it was a dream come true.
Contemplate the sun set on the last day of camping, realising you are 
arriving to Machu Picchu (and back to civilisation) the following day and 
that the trip itself is coming to an end. It has a mixture of sadness and 
excitement difficult to explain.


Holger (leader) and Johnny (assistant) were the perfect team with Holger on 
the paternal side and Johnny on the cheerful side. They both made sure we 
were drinking enough water, putting sun protection/mosquito repellent and 
coordinating the different hiking speeds of the group. Holger provided every 
evening a short briefing on what to expect the following day (i.e. terrain, 
hours hiking, conditions…) which was very helpful. They even taught the 
group how to play a cards game which was THE entertainment of every evening 
while on trek.

Holger’s knowledge of the Inca culture and its history was just 
outstanding, also delivering tips on flora and fauna as we hiked along, a 
real treat for birdwatchers!

Personally, getting to know both of them was a treat and was sad to say 
goodbye to both of them.


1)    Expect the unexpected. The trip started with a few bumps for us (flight 
cancelled from Heathrow arriving one day after to Cusco, the Salkantay being 
closed for snow and hiking on a extremely muddy path under the rain on the 
first day of the hike despite being the dry season) but it ended up being so 
magnificent (and sunny!) afterwards that I barely recall those bad moments :)

If for whatever reason the Salkantay trek is closed due to snow (which is 
what happened to us) don’t despair, the alternative route provided up to 
camp #3 is beautiful and totally isolated (we were the only people on the 
mountains until we reached the start of the Inca Trail. The days might be 
shorter hiking-wise but you get the chance to explore the mountains around if 
you want once you arrive to camp and we even got as high as 4,600m with some 
snowy paths on our way to camp #3.

2)    FOOD. This was without a doubt one of my top highlights of the trip. 
While on trek, Rolando (chef) and Alejo (assistant) delivered outstanding 
meals which were not only delicious and nutritious but beautifully presented. 
You get cooked meals at breakfast, lunch and dinner, which are prepared in a 
portable kitchen in the middle of nowhere, appreciate what’s being 
presented to you, don't be fussy and enjoy!

Snacks are offered in the morning to take with you (fresh fruit or 
cereal/chocolate bars) which in my opinion are sufficient for the whole day 
but you might want to consider bringing some extra snacks if you like to 
munch regularly or prefer your usual snacks.

Boiled water to refill your bottles is provided in the morning before setting 
off and at lunch break (also in the evenings if you need) so you should be 
fine with a couple of 1lt bottles in your daypack.

While in Cusco, there are good restaurants not far from the hotel - try the 
local food, you won’t be disappointed (we tried the alpaca, the aji de 
gallina, lomo saltado… everything delicious!).

A little advice also while on trek, be considerate with your fellow hikers 
and if you are planning to have a few cups of tea/coffee/hot chocolate at 
every sitting you might want to consider bringing your own. Supplies are 
limited while on the trek and these are only replenished once when the 
porters join us on the Inca Trail so once they are gone, that’s it, no 
more.

3)    HIGH ALTITUDE. This is a tricky one as each person is different so 
follow the advice given upon arriving to Cusco and drink lots of water. In my 
case, since it was my first time at high altitude (over 3,000m) I decided to 
take Diamox and I was perfectly fine for the two weeks of the trip (the only 
side effect I had was the slight tingling in my fingers/toes but to be honest 
I barely noticed). As far as I’m aware none of my fellow hikers took 
medication and just a couple suffered a very mild degree of AMS once we got 
over 4,000m with just another case where the person was feeling quite unwell.

4)   CLOTHING. Layer up! Thermals and a warm beanie (while on the mountains) 
and t-shirts (while on the trail) + fleeces/softshell jacket and down jacket 
(mainly for the evenings). I did the trip in June, which is apparently the 
coldest month, and the first three nights of camping were pretty cold but 
nothing that you cannot cope if you are a regular hiker. Just layer up and 
you should be fine.

When it comes to how many set of clothes you should take with you, I found 
that a change of trousers/mid-layers every three days is OK, however I did 
change thermals/t-shirt every day but being technical ones these tend to 
weight nothing plus you can send stuff back to Cusco when the horseman leave 
(after camp #3) so I managed to (just) keep the weight of the duffle bag on 
the 10kg mark.

Also, I would recommend to have a clean set of clothes for when you reach 
Machu Picchu as you will want to put on clean clothes once you have a shower 
after 6 days of camping! :)

5) HYGIENE. Wet wipes! Baby wipes, toilet wipes, antibacterial wipes... You 
have the chance to take a shower on camp #4 once you reach the Inca Trail as 
there are communal showers nearby but bear on mind it’s cold water. I 
managed to wash my hair there using the bowl of warm water given to wash with 
after the hike for the final rinse and it was perfect.

6) OTHER. Take either a solar charger or a power bank that can last several 
charges with you to charge your mobile/camera as you don’t get electricity 
until you reach Machu Picchu (7 days later).

Also there is no network signal while on trek right until camp #6 (the camp 
before arriving to Machu Picchu) so if you have family/friends that tend to 
worry if they don’t hear from you regularly tell them not to expect your 
call until you reach Machu Picchu or else they will worry sick (like mine did 
lol). The guides have a satellite phone in case of emergency so if anything 
happens they will be contacted.


Well, if after this long review you are still reading, here is my last 
advice:

If going to Machu Picchu is in your “bucket list” and you are a keen 
hiker, then this is the best way to do it - the three days in the Peruvian 
Andes prior to joining the Inca Trail and the trail itself are the perfect 
way to experience this so don’t hesitate and book it!

Really enjoyed the trip. I just found it hard to cope with the extreme cold. 
The views made up for that but it would definitely put me off going again.
The Sun gate was awesome. The high passes were stunning and it was very 
spiritual performing our wee ritual to mother earth.  I was so cold on the 
High Inca that it was hard to camp again for the Rainbow mountains and I did 
hope that I wasn't disappointed. Bobby and I loved them and it was up there 
with the Sun gate.


Rolando was excellent. I would highly recommend him to anyone. Willie the 
cook was the best I've ever had.


Lots of layers and a zinc bottle for the evenings.


I think that the guides or the emergency horse should have carried some 
snacks as it was a long day having had breakfast at 6. We then sometimes 
didn't get lunch until 1.30/2pm. Also it would have been good to get them to 
carry some water for refills. 2 litres it a lot of weight to carry.

South America Budget Rafting Tours & Packages Tour & Trip Reviews

The Perfect Family Holiday

costa Rica multi activity trip