Culture Holidays in Costa Rica

I absolutely loved every minute of that trip. I went in April and we got to see many different dramatic landscapes and amazing wildlife. Every evening we had clear details on what would happen the next day, departure and driving times, number of stops, and what to wear. Some drives looked long on paper but the landscapes were always interesting to watch and we never knew when wildlife would be visible.
The itinerary is well designed as we discovered landscapes and alternated days with short drives and multiple hikes and days with longer drives but plenty of stops on the way. Some mornings started relatively early but that is necessary to see wildlife and walk in the desert before it gets too hot.
The lodging ranged from absolutely fabulous (Damara Mopane Lodge and Otjiwa Safari Lodge for example) to painting peeling off the wall in Etosha National Park. Regardless, all were clean and quiet and being so close to the waterhole in Etosha was well worth the slightly less luxurious room.
The bus we used is especially well designed to travel on dirt roads and to see immense landscapes and wildlife. The provided extra cushions were welcome on bumpy roads and all seats had seatbelts. Once we got into Etosha, we opened the roof and (shoes off) would stand on seats to have a 360 degrees view. The front and side windows also open. That means everyone could see the wildlife from different angles with obstructing the view of others in the group.
I had high expectations when I booked that trip and I came home with all those expectations exceeded.

Christine Beeton Discover Namibia – Lodges

Don’t let the 3 stars put you off — this is an amazing trip and I wish I could rate it 5 stars. Peru is stunning, and this itinerary covers a lot of the country, which means it’s intense: early starts and long bus days. As the trip progresses, the landscapes get more impressive — Colca Canyon is jaw-dropping (condor-spotting and the llamas were highlights). Hotels were decent and food ranged from good to excellent, with plenty of great meals, wine, and pisco sours. Overall, a great overview of Peru’s culture, nature and history — hard not to fall in love with the country and its people.

We were a great group of 12, but because of that small number we were given a small, uncomfortable bus. Luggage barely fit, the suspension was terrible, and it was wholly inadequate for long journeys (one day of 13 hours!) on bumpy roads at altitude. Our guide Giscard tried to get an upgrade, and I contacted the London Exodus office, but the Peru office wouldn’t budge — so for over half the trip, our enjoyment was hindered by the transport. We did get an upgrade in week two, the night we had to flee Cusco at 10pm due to a strike — but that bus broke down (overheated radiator), leaving us without heating while it snowed outside. The last few days we finally got a great bus, and it made a huge difference for Colca Canyon. This is something for Exodus to reflect on.

Unlike some other reviewers, I didn’t enjoy the homestay (nor did the 2 travelers staying in the same home). There was little communication with the family — we only met the mother and son — and they were keen to sell us their wares from the moment we arrived, even asking to swap my much-needed fleece for a woollen hat. The next morning we were all asked to “dress up” in “traditional” clothing, which felt at odds with the spirit of these trips — more like forced cultural appropriation. Others may have felt differently.

Overall, I’m so pleased I did this trip and would recommend it strongly!

Yves Hoekman Essential Peru

An excellent introduction to a fast-changing country. A varied itinerary took us through the beautiful Albanian scenery and included visits to mosques, churches and houses of interest as well as archaeological sites.

Peter and Liz Rooke Highlights of Albania