Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many inspirational moments but the mushing was probably the most inspirational.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Martti was fantastic. Very knowledgeable. Very patient. Looked after everyone’s needs.

Advice for Potential Travellers

In previous reviews a lot has been said about the gear provided. It is perfectly adequate but you may wish to bring some of your own stuff e.g. a good down jacket, some snow shoes for getting around the base camp and maybe a ski jacket and trousers if you are intending to spend a day (downhill)skiing in Ruka.

Most Inspirational Moment

Our stay at Esquinas Rainforest Lodge was truly memorable and such an experience being immersed in the rainforest. Wildlife and the sound of nature was around every corner. You can just sit on the veranda of your cabin and soak it all up.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Erick was such a knowledgeable leader. His ability to spot and identify birds hidden out of sight from mere mortals was incredible. His experience and input made the trip so special and without his guidance and insight, we would have missed so much.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Even though we went in the "less rainy" season, it still rained. At some locations, it was cold, especially in the evenings. As advised, we took a poncho to keep the rain off, but in fact you need something a little more robust and perhaps warmer! That said, other locations were steaming hot, so you need a bit of everything really! Also, even though this trip is classified as a level 1 (leisurely), don't be fooled into thinking this will all be on flat ground. Some trips were quite strenuous and when combined with high altitude, it did make for some challenging walks. But the wildlife made it all so worthwhile.

Most Inspirational Moment

Staying at the Hotel Del Paine, with a wonderful view of Torres del Paine, was totally cool.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Felipe was fantastic. He had to do a lot of improvising, and did it well. Some things haven't totally reopened since covid. On our day trip to Valparaiso, he had trouble finding a lunch spot opened on Tuesdays, but had a friend with a newly opened restaurant, which was great! Felipe is obviously a very experienced guide. He said it was his first trip since the one he was leading when everything shutdown in March 2020.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We had a bad experience with the glacier boat trip at Grey Lake. We had to pay in advance, but then the weather was too bad, and the trip was cancelled. At first, they said they wouldn't refund our money, but then relented. However, we had to push to get the local Chilean agency, Turavion, to actually follow through on the refunds. The 6 people who used credit cards got their refund, but those of us who used debit cards did not. Turavion couldn't figure out how to refund us, which I found surprising. At any rate, 2 months later, I'm still out almost $500. I've disputed it with my bank, and they are working on it. So at the very least, my advice is to pay with a credit card.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me, the most inspirational moment of the trip was the 5km snow shoe hike in the Rissintunturi National Park. Trekking through the spruce forest and seeing the strange formations formed by the snow build up was out of this world and offered me a magical snow walking experience. A close second was the visit to the Husky farm and stroking the friendly dogs and doing the dog sledding on a 10km mushing adventure.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Anton was our group leader. His skills were exceptional and he was very knowledgeable about anything nature wise. He also spoke good English, was very patient and had a brilliant sense of humour. Martii and the rest of base camp staff were always accommodating and friendly.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being able to experience the country, flora and fauna with such a well informed and passionate guide.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Pablo was excellent. His English was fluent. His knowledge of topics relevant to 'Discover Costa Rica' and of managing small tour groups were brilliant. He was professional and friendly and unfailingly pleasant and polite to all, including one couple who were always ready to complain and want different rooms etc. (There is always one!). My only criticism is that maybe he could have tried more to ensure that those of us who wanted to see the wild-life and take poor holiday photos had more opportunity to get the long lenses out of the way. Having said that I think they would just have been rude and made things unpleasant. He went the extra mile when I left my iPad in one hotel. I was successfully reunited with it before the end of the trip thanks to his actions. He was also excellent at managing the situation when some of our group tested positive for Covid. I would also like to comment on the superb driving skills of Jose who was our driver for most of the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do read about the sort of place you are going to and that it is a 'Group' trip. You are going to rural Cost Rica, not Eastbourne. You are staying 2 nights in each venue with several hours driving in-between venues. Rural roads in Costa Rica are hilly, windy and not always paved. If you are a long lens enthusiast please remember that everyone has paid the same for the same opportunities to view wild life and some people wan the opportunity to do that without long lenses always pushing to the front and staying there.

Most Inspirational Moment

Schotia Safari - optional extra is a must do. Mountain waterfall swim

Thoughts on Group Leader

Petro was the best guide I have experienced on an Exodus holiday, which is saying a lot! She dealt with the inevitable challenges (flat tyre!) professionally and without fuss.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Sign up for this trip and go for the optional Schotia Safari

Most Inspirational Moment

The time in Marrakesh, mainly because Morocco was warm and sunny then! It was interesting to see the souks and craft market and watch the skills of the craftsmen as they made the goods they sold – skills that are lost in our country. The glow after the Hammam The many insights into Berber life that our group leader provided. The walk back from the riad in warm sun where we passed sheep and goats being herded and were able to see the gorgeous countryside. The generosity of the riad staff in making sure that we were as comfortable as possible.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abdullah was great and provided a lot of local information making our trip more interesting. He warned us in our group welcome of the forecasted snow, thus preparing us for any unexpected situations. He took care to ensure that our mountain walks were designed to take into account the conditions and the group’s capabilities. However what made him outstanding was his calmness and his ability to sort out the issues regarding our leaving the High Atlas Mountains. We did not know until we were back in Marrakesh that the roads into the area had been blocked. Communication was difficult. Abdullah spent a lot of time on his satellite phone with limited connectivity sorting out transport etc, for our journey back, making sure that only reliable companies were used. It was a different route back to Marrakesh - in the dark along a hairpin pass with snow and rock falls part blocking the road - as the main pass was closed to us, and the driver is to be congratulated on getting us back safely. Abdullah made sure that we were well looked after at all times.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Whatever the conditions – Enjoy the trip. Morocco is a lovely country and this is an interesting and contrasting holiday. Winter can be chilly, even in normal times, and I would recommend taking several thin layers in case. I took a hot water bottle and was the envy of my fellow travellers.

Most Inspirational Moment

Bonding with the group was my highlight. They were a great collection of well-travelled, intelligent and avid cyclists from whom I learned a lot and had fantastic conversations. Much of biking was quite similar (not in a bad way) and so there are no major standouts but I enjoyed it all.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abde and Hassan were excellent. Intelligent, attentive, caring and inspiring in their fitness. They know their stuff!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are new to mountain biking, as I was, it ain't a stroll in the park but with a bit of caution as the better part of valour (and a willingness to fall!) you'll be OK.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Tortugeuro boat trip, cloud forest walks and everything about the Osa Peninsula. We also enjoyed the coffee farm tour much more than we expected.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alehandro Rodrigues has excellent knowledge and good communication skills. He was extremely enthusiastic and had a great sense of humour. He was helpful in dealing with individual problems and needs.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is ESSENTIAL to bring $US in small denominations as hardly anywhere will accept a large note. 'Bring a warm sweater for the cloud forest in the packing list is the understatement of the century. You need really warm clothes for the early morning bird watching, including a woolly hat and gloves. You also need warm clothing for the hotel in the evenings. The temperature variation between day and night is huge.

Most Inspirational Moment

On our first full day in the high mountains, we saw a female snow leopard with her two cubs, which were about 18 months old. The terrain they were crossing was insanely steep and yet the cubs started to play fight - what a privilege to see a window into their world. The golden eagles were numerous too, and some kind enough to do low level flybys.

Thoughts on Group Leader

In one word - inspiring, but equally I could say passionate, fun, friendly, knowledgeable, professional, experienced, calm, helpful, kind, compassionate, interesting, engaging, interactive, inclusive Val’s ‘bedtime stories’ were truly inspiring - what an amazing woman reaching the summit of an 8000+ meter peak without oxygen and being within a whisker of the summit of Everest, yet knowing when to call time to save lives. Val’s knowledge of the region is encyclopaedic so if history and culture lights you up, you’ll enjoy hours of chat

Advice for Potential Travellers

Three bits of advice: 1) This trip takes you to the realm of the snow leopard. We saw 6 snow leopards and 2 wolves across 4 days, at a distance of between 500 and 1200 meters. Do not expect a zoo or petting farm, but do bring good binoculars or powerful camera lenses (1000mm equivalent or more). The spotters have superb scopes and will happily take smartphone pictures down the eye piece - they are good at this..! 2) The wildlife is truly wild. Depending on where sightings are made may mean short or long / challenging treks at altitude (3800 to 4500 meters) are needed. This is very different to African safaris where spotting is easy and close… so bring realism and adventure into your expectations 3) Camping for 5 nights at 3900 meters in temperatures of down to -25oC is hard unless you have the right kit - such as merino thermals, multiple layers, down jacket and expedition sleeping bag (which can be hired). I often wore 7 layers in the evening and early morning.