Most Inspirational Moment
There wasn’t one single outstanding moment for me. The highlights were all of the wildlife viewings.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Pedro was a great leader, full of fun and there to help out in any way.
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It’s the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you’re interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.
Simply use the selector below to search our trip reviews and start reading real feedback from real Exodus travellers who have ‘been there and done that’!
Lots of our clients also like to post handy tips and advice about their travels. It’s great to know what to expect on an Exodus adventure before you go, so make the most of their experience and you’ll make the most of yours!
Haven’t posted your review yet? Here’s how to do it…
Once you return from your Exodus adventure holiday, you will be emailed a link to add your review. Any feedback collected is posted onto our website, totally unedited.
Alternatively you can navigate to the relevant trip page and add your review via the Reviews tab.
Select a trip specific review:
Reviews
Lots of wildlife and great places
Enjoyed the trip very much. All of the destinations in the itinerary were interesting and beautiful. The only downside is the amount of travelling needed to get from place to place. It would be good if one or two journeys could have been made by air instead of road.
Great trip
A really full trip. Travelling to areas remote and beautiful with plenty of scenery and wildlife.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing primary rain forest and the way conservation and tourism have been harnessed as resources.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader was enthusiastic and knowledgeble. Excellent guide.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Enjoy.
Suggestions
Would loved to have had an extra few days.
Excellent 2nd Trip after Discovery Tour
This was our 2nd Exodus Costa Rica Trip – first was Discovery and only duplication was Tortuguero which is just a fabulous experience (access only by fast river boat) and great wildlife. There are no cars! Cahuita was a complete joy, v good hotel location and v nice Caribbean feel & great bars to eat at with ocean sounds. Savegre is a bird paradise and stunning facility and food. Drake Bay is a “must” for all – great experiences, location, staff and food.
Most Inspirational Moment
Drake Bay snorkelling - very safe, 15 of us with 3 guides - my first time and it was easy and safe. Turtles and thousands of reef fish in cristal clear water.
Thoughts on Group Leader
First class. Truthfully so and we have been on many group tours.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This trip is a must! Take beach shoes or the equivalent.
Suggestions
We will return to Costa Rica and there is simply no need to consider using someone other than Exodus. Their choice of hotels, itinerary and tour leads is perfect.
Pretty accurate title, though we had 3 days in the interior
We had a terrific fortnight. I would have given 5 stars but for the hotel in Cahuita and for the choice of that location. We saw a great many birds and animals, did some wonderful walks and boat trips and experienced some of the lesser known parts of Costa Rica which were well worth experiencing. A small group – only 6 of us – but we got on excellently and it was a lovely atmosphere.
I think I would have reduced the amount of road travel slightly. The drive to and from Cahuita was long and I don’t think any of us felt it was really worth it, although we did good sloth spotting there and the walk in the National Park was lovely. We couldn’t go in the sea as it was too rough (both there and in Tortuguero) which was a big disappointment, as it meant we only swam and snorkelled on the Pacific side at Drake’s Bay, and for me, the snorkelling was one of the main draws.
Most Inspirational Moment
The snorkelling trip at Drake's Bay, though I loved all the boat travel, and the trips to and around Tortuguero were brilliant The birdlife at Savegre was astounding, and finally getting to see the quetzal after 2 days of searching, was hugely exciting.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Allan was a delight. He was thorough, caring, attentive and good fun. He was very knowledgeable about both the flora and fauna, and also very happy to explain to us about Costa Rican life, social affairs and customs. His English is excellent. Alejandro, the driver, was also lovely.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I found some of the hotels to be a bit basic- so for example, some had very low levels of light, making it hard to read at night. One (Cahuita) didn't have shampoo and several didn't have a hairdryer. Most didn't have air-con, but just fans. I think the others on the trip were less bothered by this than I was, but they had all done holidays with you before and were more used to the level of comfort being offered. Wifi was usually only really viable in the main reception, or bar areas. However, I think Costa Rica is a wonderful destination, with great scenic variety (and temperature). I'm not sure that the trip notes (which I've now lost) underline the need for warm clothing in the Savegre area. We all found it very chilly. Raingear also essential- despite it being the dry season.
Suggestions
The day spent at La Marta was perhaps the least successful- although we all enjoyed the hotel that night
Brilliant wildlife trip
Tremendous trip for wildlife. Great photographic opportunities every day – very varied.
Most Inspirational Moment
Humpbacks repeatedly breeching next to our boat
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent
Advice for Potential Travellers
Get up early to enjoy sunrise and the early morning birdlife. And have a camera with good low light capabilities
Two weeks of wildlife bliss
This was our second trip to Costa Rica (we travelled with Exodus 3 years ago and loved it) and it didn’t disappoint. If you love the natural world this trip is for you. The entire holiday is spent immersed in the diversity of nature visiting some of Costa Rica’s amazing locations From tiny leaf cutter ants to majestic whales this trip offers it all. Each stop on the itinerary offers its own unique view of the natural world with a abundance of wildlife in stunning surroundings.
Most Inspirational Moment
The whole trip was memorable it would be hard to narrow it down. We saw numerous wild sloths (actually moving - very unusual) the magnificent show of the humming birds, snakes and lizards. The moment which took my breath away were the close encounters with humpback mothers and their calves and two sleepy tapir who were totally relaxed in our presence.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Pedro had an obvious love of his country and its wildlife and was enthusiastic about even the tiniest animal. He loved his hikes through the rain-forest and gave up his free day to lead walks through Saverge's cloud forest.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If Exodus don't change their itinerary consider paying extra for a tour to Sirena rather than San Pedrillio while staying on the Osa Penninsula. The wildlife in Sirena is more abundant and varied. Although the trip notes recommend taking dollars, take as many colones as you can as some places don't give the best exchange rate when paying in dollars. Don't forget a good poncho and dry bags, it will rain!
Costa Rica
The enthusiasm for wildlife of our guide Alex castro really made the trip special
Most Inspirational Moment
Probably snorkeling whales, turtles and humming birds
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent see previous comment
Advice for Potential Travellers
You have to have an interest in flora and fauna
What an adventure
What an amazing trip! Walking through jungle, swimming beside a waterfall, snorkelling in clear blue waters, boat rides along canals and through mangroves. Incredible wildlife everywhere, huge crabs, monkeys, sloths, turtles, whales, dolphins, caimen, crocodiles, frogs, snakes ,hummingbirds, butterflies. …i could go on and on..The trip was full on. Early starts, that are not really a problem because of jet lag and extra walks included by our guide Alex who ensured that we all made the very best of our time in Costa Rica. We saw so much on our excursions but also lots just in the areas around our accommodation.
We were a group of 14 , plus guide Alex, ranging in age from 19 to 70. It was very special being in a group of like minded people who were all there to get the most out of the trip, see a lot of wildlife and have lots of fun at the same time.
Most Inspirational Moment
We joined an optional evening tour in Tortugero to a beach where we watched a turtle laying it's eggs in the sand and then burying them. This image will stay with me forever. It was truly an honour to have witnessed this.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Alex, our group leader, really helped to make the whole trip special. His knowledge of birds and animals was incredible. His enthusiasm for any "find" made by any member of the group was infectious. Many species he must have seen so many times but his enthusiasm was real. He made a point of finding out what each member of the party wanted to see most of all and then made it his duty to make that sighting a possibility. On the last evening he even found a red eyed green tree frog that we had not seen until that time and came running to our rooms to call us over to ensure that we didn't miss it.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Make sure that you have winter walking boots. A pair of walking sandals that can go in water are useful for some trails and then for beach boat landings ( water shoes otherwise for landings). A pair of lightweight flip flops dry quickly for use around the lodges. Clothes/shoes do not dry very easily in Costa Rica...having items inside the lodge when the fan was on was more efficient than leaving items outside as the air is so moist. You MUST have a poncho. Insect repellent needed for all days and evenings so take plenty. Antihistamine cream is also very useful even if you have used deet. Much cheaper and more readily available in UK ,Use high factor suncream when snorkelling AND remember to apply more before going in for a second swim. Take a good camera if you have one and good binoculars. Many birds, bats , snakes etc can be at a distance, through foliage. We didn't have good binoculars but seeing things through Alex' was a whole different experience to seeing without. In the cloud forest the evenings were cool and the nights cold. I slept with 2 duvets and a blanket. I wished I had taken something warmer to sleep in. There is a free laundry service at Drake Bay. Enjoy!
Coastal secrets of Costa Rica
I had booked this trip to celebrate “big birthdays” for both me and my daughter, so my expectations were high and this fantastic holiday exceeded my expectations. Walking in the rainforest and cloudforest and sailing in the mangrove swamps was magical and thanks to the sharp eyes of our guide we saw at very close range howler and capuchin monkeys, two and three fingered sloths, poison dart frogs, blue jean frogs, transparent frogs, crocodiles, caiman, lizards, basilisks, snakes (the yellow eyelash viper was stunningly beautiful seen through our guide’s telescope), green turtles, humpback whales, dolphins, hummingbirds, anteater, racoons, coatis, scarlet macaws, parakeets, heron, egrets and lots more. It was a safari! We experienced the diversity of the ecology and cultures of Costa Rica while avoiding the touristy areas. The eco-lodges varied from good to excellent and all had air conditioning to ensure a good night’s sleep. The food was excellent and special diets were well catered for. We were warmly welcomed wherever we went. There was quite a lot of travelling in our air conditioned minibus but the journey was made more interesting by the guide’s stories about the local area and frequent stops to sample local fruit at the side of the road , eating in family run restaurants where you could watch the birdlife at the same time, or stopping to see archaeological remains such as the stonospheres. If you want to experience the great outdoors in the tropics and fall exhausted but happy into a comfy bed at the end of every day, this is the holiday for you.
Most Inspirational Moment
There was something inspirational every day so it's impossible to name just one. Sailing alongside a family of humpback whales was awe-inspiring. Hearing the calls of howler monkeys in the early hours of the morning. Seeing and hearing scarlet macaws while walking to get breakfast. Watching monkeys watching us. Sitting in the hotel garden in the cloudforest and being dive-bombed by hummingbirds. The exhilarating sail to Drake Bay across the waves where the mangrove swamps meet the pacific. Snorkelling off Cano island and seeing so many colourful fish, turtles and a white-tipped shark.
Thoughts on Group Leader
If Johnny Villalobos had not already won the Exodus guide of the year, I would be nominating him! His knowledge of nature, wildlife, history and his country was exemplary and he imparted his knowledge in an interesting and entertaining way. He clearly loves his job. Johnny was sensitive to the group's needs, was very flexible in accommodating people's requests, and never lost an opportunity to give us an impromptu experience of real Costa Rica. He was highly respectful of wildlife and ecological issues. Johnny went the extra mile for us and regularly put on extra walks or experiences on his own initiative that were not listed in the trip notes. He was also quietly observant of individual's needs : when I was dehydrated and a bit seasick he arrived at my door with a jug of coconut water after finding the fresh coconuts in the lodge garden himself. A thoroughly decent and modest man. Thank you Johnny for a fantastic holiday that was fun and mind-broadening.
Advice for Potential Travellers
A waterproof poncho is probably more comfortable in the (hot) rain than the waterproof breathable jacket I wear in the UK. Dry bags to line your day rucksack and for cameras are useful. Drink LOADS more water than you think you need as its very easy to get dehydrated. Take earplugs if you don't want to be woken by howler monkeys in the early hours of the morning (or just enjoy the experience). Expect to have wildlife in the lodges and remember we're in their habitat not vice-versa. Don't keep food in your room unless you want a close encounter with ants! There's no need to take food supplies for a vegan or wheat free diet as the lodges always have options. Don't buy chocolate souveniers to bring home at the start of the holiday as it will be heat damaged after 2 weeks! The best mozzie protection is to cover up and just spray the exposed bits with Deet 50%; even then, be prepared to get a few bites sometimes. Be wary of traffic in San Hose...it does not stop for pedestrians! Take the opportunity to see the National Museum, the Jade Museum and the market.
Suggestions
We had the same driver (Didier) all the time. He was a good, calm, safe driver at all times even when stuck in the madness of San Hose rush hour madness or when driving close to a precipice in the cloudforest. I am a poor passenger and I felt safe at all times.
A tropical paradise.
Overall we had such an amazing trip. Our tour guide was fantastic and one of a kind. He really knew his stuff and went the extra mile above and beyond for the group. We always maintained respect for Nature and conservation, further more learning the importance of why Costa’s Rica is so special. Costa Rica was teaming with wildlife, we spotted 9 sloths including a close up chance encounter of a wild two toed sloth, A surge of 30 Coati and their young on the edge of the rainforest coastal walk at Coravado. Swimming with green turtles and white tipped reef sharks, seeing a young humpback whale calf up close with mum….an experience to see the well renowned Quetzal…Macaws, Anteaters, Howler Monkey families at the door step of our lodge facing the Pacific Ocean not to mention the many countless bird species, insects and reptiles we encountered along the way. If your looking for paradise, Costa Rica has it all and more.
Most Inspirational Moment
Being surrounded by Hummingbirds close up at our stay lodge in the middle of the cloud forest was pretty sensational. Quite difficult to narrow it down to one, the snorkelling experience was also a high experience as we had never done anything like that before. It opens your eyes up to a completely different world.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Johnny (Villalobos) was amazing. He really leaps out at you as a extremely proficient and interesting tour leader, not your run of the mill tour guides. I wasn’t surprised to learn he had won an award for his work. There’s something very honest about Johnny and you can see how extremely passionate he is about conservation, wildlife and his country. Also dedicated twitcher! I think if I were to re-visit Costa Rica again, I’d like Johnny to be there on the tour front.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go in with an open mind. The hotels are well placed for the locations and more than comfortable. The Drakes bay lodge, Cloud forest hotel are mind blowingly beautiful. Be prepared you may not see all the wildlife viewing that’s on your hit list but the wildlife you do see is amazing , we saw so much amazing wildlife more than any other wildlife trip I’ve been on, no we didn’t see a Jaguar or any cat family member but we pretty much saw everything else including the odd rare species. The beauty of the rugged coastal rainforests is amazing, be prepared with full rain water proof clothing, and make sure it is water proof. Water shoes are a god send, the advice another previous visitor highlighted to wear came in super handy when we boarded the speed boat. Also if you have a nice fancy camera, make sure you have rainproof protection for it. I brought a water proof camera with me for snorkelling and the local tour guides were extremely kind enough to dive down and take photos of underwater wildlife , which we are aiming to share with the rest of the group. The cloud forest is quite a change from the warmer climates of Costa Rica, make sure you are prepared with a good reliable warm hoodie. Our tour guide even had gloves and a hat on for the 5am Quetzal walk. Also make sure you have good waterproof walking boots as you do walk a fair way on special set occasions.
Suggestions
I’d love to go back on this particular trip, hopefully with the same tour guide! This is my first experience with Exodus and from meeting well travelled faithful Exodus travellers on this trip, I’ve found that Exodus is pretty much the company to go with, it’s not touristy and is respectful to areas they visit. I’ll definately be travelling with Exodus further in the future.