Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

So many inspirational moments it's hard to decide, for example seeing a newly-hatched baby turtle scuttling to the sea, getting up at 5 to see the Resplendent Quetzal, boat trips at Tortuguero, falling asleep at Esquinas Lodge to the sounds of the rainforest, walking in the cloudforest, being woken by Howler monkeys at dawn (on my birthday!), spotting sloths, monkeys, iguanas and birds, learning about Costa Rica ..... the list goes on.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were very pleased to discover that our leader was Johnny Villalobos as we had read about him in earlier reviews. He was absolutely brilliant, from his incredible encyclopaedic knowledge of all wildlife to his boundless enthusiasm. He was really friendly and attentive and had a great sense of humour. He made sure that we all got the most out of the holiday and spent a lot of time explaining every aspect of the country, from history and politics, to agriculture, economy, sustainable tourism and everything else. A great ambassador for Costa Rica and for Exodus. Pura Vida !

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go for it - we have no hesitation in recommending this holiday. On a practical note, be prepared for a range of temperatures ( we really did need fleeces at Savegre). Closed shoes are a must for the rainforest treks, as are waterproofs.

Most Inspirational Moment

The city tour of Fes was excellent.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great in all aspects. Professional, organised, approachable.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing Lion's rock in Sigiryia, seeing leopard in Yala, white water rafting in Kitulgala.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ruwan is a fantastic leader, super organised & efficient but in a gentle effective way. He made sure that we had great experiences.He is clearly passionate about his country & his job & he ensured that we had a memorable holiday. He also was very funny which is not easy when English is not his first language.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for rain most days in November/early December. We were lucky that it was mainly in the evenings but it was still more than we expected. Bring good insect sprays, walking shoes for the hikes & climbs & temple cover up clothes for the temples.

Most Inspirational Moment

Aitana and Puig Campana summits had extended excellent views and were great walks.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was competent, hard working, friendly and funny.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Great destination for winter sun in the mountains within easy traveling distance of the UK.

Most Inspirational Moment

It was incredible to make it to the top of dead woman's pass. It was a tough day but it was an amazing sense of achievement when we were at the top looking down. And of course the first view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate is breath taking and made it all worth while.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ollie was so knowledgeable and really made the trip special. I think the whole group learnt a lot and he bought the culture and history to life for us. He was able to answer all of our questions and he is clearly passionate about what he does. He was also patient when we were physically struggling and needed to rest a lot, and was full of good advice.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure that you acclimatise as much as possible in Cusco and also make sure that you have decent equipment as you will be relying on it for the days you are hiking. Learn a few Spanish phrases so you can at least introduce yourself to the porters, I had to rely on others in the group and the group leader.

Most Inspirational Moment

Entering the Sun Gate and seeing the City of Machu Picchu below me for the first, with the stunning mountain backdrop. The photos simply don't do justice to the real thing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Holger ('Ollie') was absolutely top rate. He was patient, kind and considerate as well as exceptionally well informed, not just about Inca, and pre-Inca, history but also about the wonderful flora and fauna that we encountered along the Trail.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for very cold nights in your tent (in December). Whilst at times beautifully warm and sunny during the day, the temperature got to 5 or 6 degrees at night so wearing a couple of layers of clothes, plus a liner inside my sleeping bag, kept me snug and warm. For the fair-skinned, wear a hat with a suitably wide brim as the sun could be quite fierce at times during the day.

Most Inspirational Moment

Ascending Jebel Aklim

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lassan -fantastic, patient, competent, always has a fall back plan- he even remembered me from a previous trip - he was a junior guide when I did Toubkal

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes Last night in Riad - lovely place but no toiletries - so bring soap and shampoo !

Most Inspirational Moment

Crossing Thorang La Pass at over 5400m was a wonderful day - long, tiring but epic. A landscape so unlike anything in Europe coupled with the physical effort of walking uphill at high altitude. We all made it thanks to our great Nepali team.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kumar was a real star. He seemed to anticipate our every need and organised his staff superbly. He looked after people when that has problems during the trip. He was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic. We were so lucky to have him. A really top class Exodus leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Layers of clothing are the answer form temperatures which varied so much. Take a pillow case - almost no weight and more hygienic than just using the pillows which may not have been cleaned for a while. Steripens are recommended and work very well. Be very careful with your hygiene - many people had a day or 2 with 'issues' but I was fine - hand gel is the key ! Be reasonably fit - you do not have to be superfit. Take antibiotics and Diamox with you in case you need them. Use suncream a lot - the sun burns you at high altitude. Take your time on the trek and enjoy the views - take a good camera. Take a buff for use on the dusty roads you sometimes have to use.

Most Inspirational Moment

Angkor Wat was wonderful. Our guide was from the area and spoke very passionately about the temples and about growing up in Cambodia.

Thoughts on Group Leader

All three were amazing. Catered to our every need and made sure we had an amazing time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be careful of the water in Cambodia!

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the safaris, elephants and leopards. The cycle ride around the villages was amazing with lovely food at a villages house. The walk in the highlands was also another highlight. Kandy and Galle were fantastic towns and would have loved to spend more time there

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ruwan was brilliant. Professional, fun and informative. Nothing was too much trouble and he went out of his way to look after the people who were poorly. I feel as if I have made a new friend and will definitely vote for him in Exodus guide of the year

Advice for Potential Travellers

Keep your purse shut at the Gem factory! Pushy salesman and over priced! Definitely visit ‘Charlie’ at the cemetery in Kandy and listen to his stories. Helga folly is worth a visit for a drink