Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

This is a question which I find impossible to answer since an Exodus tour is comprised of many unforgettable experiences. The varied wildlife of Costa Rica is the reason for the visit and we were very lucky to see the spectacular Resplendant Quetzal. This bird is rare and an early morning expedition proved to be successful. Comments from other guides indicated how lucky we had been when they said that it was the best display of the year and others had spent over two hours at the same location the previous day and seen nothing. From the restaurant in Monteverde we had superb views of the Motmot and visits from the Capuchin monkeys. In Savegre the manager has several bird feeders in his garden and you are actively encouraged to just go there and sit quietly and you will see a range of birds from woodpeckers to humming birds.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hector Castillos was an excellent leader with an encyclopedic knowledge of the natural history of his Country. He was always keen to lead additional walks and his one aim was that the Group should not lose an opportunity to experience all the Natural History that Costa Rica could provide

Advice for Potential Travellers

Spend as little time as possible in the Capital San Jose as except for the National Theatre there is little to see in this somewhat run down City. If you are not interested in Natural History do not book this tour. I have an interest obviously but at the end of two weeks I felt that I had seen enough birds to satisfy me for some time to come. I linked the tour with Discover Colombia and I can recommend this if the dates are compatible. The tours are very different, Discover Colombia being Cultural and Historical whereas Discover Costa Rica is natural history based resulting in a four week holiday of contrasts.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment... probably arriving on top of the slightly foggy Mont Tre Calli -as someone who had never done any hiking, it was a bit challenging, but worth it. Or, towards the end of the week, looking out over the peaceful hilltops and villages and across the blue-turquoise sea in the sunshine.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Severio was fun, but serious and had lots of interesting stories. He was keen to make sure we saw as much of the area as we could despite the weather. He was clear on arrangements (firm with timings etc) but was also friendly and approachable and got to know the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do take walking poles, as the trip notes advise. I was one of the younger people in my group and didn't have a knee injury, but still found the one pole that I borrowed useful for getting up Mont Tre Calli - it would have been vital to use the poles if the weather had been hotter!

Most Inspirational Moment

I just loved cycling in a completely unfamiliar environment but I was blown away by how friendly the Indian people were. So much waving and friendly chatting it was such a welcoming country. As the number one self appointed tea room reviewer in the whole of Norfolk I also loved going to the roadside tea shops in search of a great cup of tea, although I didn't really find one.

Thoughts on Group Leader

As we arrived at Chennai airport we were not sure what to expect but we were warmly welcomed by Shaker, our tour leader, and from that point until we flew home we didn't have to worry about a thing as all our needs were taken care. I don't think we could have been looked after any better by Shaker and his team and I was really impressed with their friendliness and organisation. I couldn't speak highly enough of them.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It was very hot when we went so we probably overpacked 'warm' clothes. Also the trip notes advised not to wear lycra and keep shoulders covered although in practice there was no such restriction and most of the party were in lycra shorts and cycle tops. As the support bus is never far away you can keep you cycling stuff (suncream, money, snacks etc) on the bus so just need a pocket for your phone or camera when riding. Don't be afraid to try the different foods on offer. Most of the road surfaces were as good or better than in Norfolk with the exception of one day when it was more of a hard track along the river but nothing to worry about.

Most Inspirational Moment

The overnight on the boat in the Kerala backwaters was as delightful as I hoped and definitely a highlight. The crew were lovely and gave us a great experience. All the food on the trip was delicious. I like my curries spicey but not hot and that is what I got. The restaurants always ask how you liked your curry and gave you what you wanted. We had quite a lot of buffet meals which were good value and provided lots of choice. The rickshaw ride through Madurai was great fun. Really everything was inspirational !

Thoughts on Group Leader

Manoj was totally committed to giving us the best possible experience he could. He joined us for all meals and ensured that the service we received in restaurants and hotels was efficient and met our needs. He looked after us very well and was very caring. All our group remained happy and healthy with only minor ailments, but I am sure that if the need had arisen he would have made sure prompt and good treatment were provided.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do as much as you can and take advantage of all the optional trips. Take some clothes with you that you are happy to leave behind. I am sure the chambers maids appreciate this as part of their tip! This will also make room in your case for presents. Kovalam is a shoper's paradise! Lots of small craft shops, many family run, all with their own different traditional designs. I also bought a beautiful Kashmir rug in Madurai which I have shipped home. The 4hr trek through the tea plantation is tougher than the tour notes suggest, lots of steep inclines and descents. Our group's age range was early 50s to early 70s and we all did it, thanks to Manoj support and encouragement. Its well worth doing it, but I was very glad I took a stick to provide extra stability.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me the Atacama had so many aspects to it - from the full moon rising at sunset next to the snowy peak of the Lincancabur volcano set ablaze with colours of the setting sun, to the extraordinary sight of the steamy Tatio geysers in the freezing cold of sunrise, followed by a dip in the thermal springs to complete the experience The silent beauty of the salt lagoons - stunning!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gaynor was outstanding - really organised but very calm. Her knowledge and passion for her country seemed limitless so I think we all came away with a greater appreciation of life in Chile. Gaynor was warm and compassionate, always with a smile - and had a laugh I shall never forget! Her timing was good so we managed to fit in a couple of extra walks. She really enhanced the enjoyment of the trip and was always willing to answer our many questions. A lovely person.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Would recommend taking a direct flight to Santiago Buy Pesos for your trip in the UK - don't bother with USD they are a nuisance to change and the rate is not good. Zodiac trip can be paid in local currency or on credit card Take waterproof walking shoes and poles if you like them for inclines like the Osorno Volcano walk. trainers are not adequate. Patagonia can be very wet and slippery under foot I took a travel kettle as I like to make hot drinks in the room - no hotel offers kettle in room.

Most Inspirational Moment

RESCUING A SLOTH ON THE WAY TO LA FORTUNA!

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the boat trip at Cano Negro; the boat was open at the front and you could stand and view both sides of the river for the local wildlife. We all had fun trying to spot the elusive sloths,but great time had by all.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He had an incredible knowledge of all the flowers and wild life, and could spot creatures from a great distance; very impressive.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a weather proof jacket,walking boots or shoes, mosquito repellent and buckle up!

Most Inspirational Moment

Coming from a snow bound country, the colour and sounds of Costa Rica were an ongoing delight.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Antonio, our local Costa Rican guide was excellent - his knowledge of the inhabitants and the vegetation of the many forests we visited was very extensive. He unfailingly answered our many questions, and if he didn't know the whole answer he researched it and gave us the relevant information later. He often stopped the bus along the way so we might experience a roadside market, take a photo or view cocoa trees up close etc.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Anyone who is tall will find the pitch of the seats in the small bus rather short. There are only 2 places in the bus where tall people can comfortably fit their long legs! Everyone on our tour thoughtfully respected this and left the seat by the side door for my husband who at over 2 metres has long legs.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking around versuvius and having a packed lunch in ravello

Thoughts on Group Leader

Enthusiastic particularly about the environment and traditions

Advice for Potential Travellers

Heed the fitness training notes and take walking poles if knees an issue

Most Inspirational Moment

For me it was mixing with different cultures and seeing at first hand how people can string a life together with minimal resources and facilities.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto was quite exceptional, with amazing organisational skills; he was on the go all the time, dealing with our cycling needs, giving advice, and permanently planning ahead whether it was pre-warning hotels of our arrival, ordering our meals in advance or paying for activities to be re-imbursed later. And delightful with it..... Fantastic.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We were a little anxious about the challenging nature of the trip, but we all managed OK. I would certainly recommend some pre-hol training; some of us hadn't done any and perhaps wished they had - rather like a skiing holiday! We'd also strongly recommend gel saddle-savers unless you bring your own saddle. Also, we were a little anxious about mosquitoes and malaria; in fact there was minimal mossy activity and we didn't take anti-malarials. However, insect repellent was occasionally necessary. Roberto was really helpful on this one, as with everything else!