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.

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14469 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Neil Thomas

Reviewed August 2015

So Many Natural Wonders to Enjoy

What a thoroughly enjoyable experience! This trip covers a lot of ground with 2-day stops at six different venues and in so doing offers the chance to learn much about the natural wonders of this remarkable country. We went from rainforest to cloud forest and back again, via the Pacific coast, and clocked up an impressive number of sightings of mammals, birds, butterflies and reptiles.

Most Inspirational Moment

Waking up to a dawn chorus of howler monkeys at Tortuguero and La Fortuna; hearing the frogs' chorus at Esquinas; finally spotting the elusive resplendent quetzal in all its finery near Savegre.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Guillermo Arietta (known to us all as Memo) is a naturalist's guru! He was so knowledgeable about every species we saw. However, his real talent was in knowing intuitively where we might see a creature of interest. He would regularly stop the bus to let us get out to photograph monkeys, sloths, snakes or macaws.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a good pair of binoculars and a camera with a high-powered zoom. So many opportunities to take great wildlife pictures come your way it's frustrating if, like me, you can't make the most of them. Fortunately, all the members of our group got on famously, so there's a bit of image-sharing going on post-holiday.

Carol Webster

Reviewed August 2015

Amazon Rainforest, Inca Trail and Lake Titicaca

This was my first trip with Exodus and my expectations of having a memorable holiday experience were well and truly exceeded. The holiday has 3 distinct phases, starting with the rainforest trip. My friend and I flew a day earlier than the main group flight so we stayed an extra night in Lima which helped to orientate us to the time difference. The standard of hotel accommodation was generally excellent once you got the hang of not putting loo paper down the toilet. The jungle experience was amazing, but don’t expect to see wildlife as close up or as abundant as in TV wildlife documentaries. The weather can be ‘unpredictable’ throughout Peru, and our days in the Jungle were cooler than usual at this time of year. The second part of the holiday was the 4 day Inca trail finishing at Machu Picchu, and the part I most loved, despite the necessary evil of the ‘toilet tent’ and thousands to steps to climb up or down. The scenery and plant life throughout the trek were truly awesome, especially on days 3 and 4 as the terrain became more tropical. The food on the trek was fantastic; delicious 3 course lunches and dinners were prepared for us each day by our chef and his assistants; indeed the food throughout the holiday was really healthy and varied – if a tad rice heavy.
The final part of the holiday was the boat trip to an island homestay on Lake Titicaca. The journey there was wonderful as the weather was amazing and we could sit at the back of the boat and enjoy the fabulous scenery. The only part of the lake trip I wasn’t as enthusiastic about was the visit to the artificial reed islands inhabited by the Uros people. I found it difficult to comprehend that people could live in such primitive conditions and had the sneaky feeling they probably sailed back to Puno at night.
The generosity and kindness of all the people we encountered in Peru was incredible. Life is very hard for many Peruvians but everyone we met seemed joyful and content. Even the babies were happy and incredibly cute. Overall a truly memorable holiday experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

At the end of the Inca trail, climbing the steps to the sun gate and then looking down on Machu Picchu. Even the best photographs don’t do justice to the majestic sight that awaited us! Truly inspirational!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tour Leader: Wilbert Ramos Code: TPJ150808. Our lovely tour leader Wilbert looked after our every request and whim from the start of the holiday to the very end, herding us onto and off bus, boat, plane and ‘limousine’ (ie bicycle transport from Puno hotel to the port!). He ensured we had water, a constant supply of snacks and bananas at all times and provided us with constant humour, an amazing love and knowledge of the Inca people and positive thinking throughout. His constant thoughtfulness and care for our well-being was astounding.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Tipping is a part of the culture. We gave our tour leader tips as and when required which removed the decision over when and how much to give. I was glad of this but at the same time you didn’t feel in control over how much extra you were spending. Bring about 1,000 dollars and prepare to spend a good amount of this on tips. Read up in advance about what meals and optional trips are not included in the holiday price. Don’t worry about altitude sickness or fitness on the Inca Trail – just have a very positive attitude! If this is difficult to attain, try walking up and down some steep hills before you travel !

Jane Durgan

Reviewed August 2015

Rockies and Wilderness Walk

We had a fabulous time. All weather’s were experienced….snow, rain, heat and smoke. Our Great American Adventure guides (Audrey and Simon) were a terrific double act with a tremendous sense of fun. The food was exceptional and rapidly geared to the groups requirements.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hiking through 12" of virgin snow across Cavell Meadows

Thoughts on Group Leader

They were a really great pair. Always cheerful and lots of fun

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack for all weathers. The nights can be VERY chilly

Niall West

Reviewed August 2015

Cycle Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama

This is a wonderful trip giving a chance to explore three different countries on a bicycle. Each day is very different giving a wide variety of experiences of what the three countries have to offer, from rolling hills to cloud forest and rainforest to coast with some fantastic hotels.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are so many wonderful moments it's difficult to choose any one in particular but here are some of my favourite moments: - The first hotel in Granada is a real charm, centrally located and very comfortable, the day on Ometepe is fantastic and the optional cycle in the morning to the springs is worth taking to cool down in. The cycle around Lake Arenal is breathtaking and the float down the river the following morning is wonderful. Bocas del Toro is a great spot and there is a free day there to take advantage of a boat trip to see the dolphins, stop off for some snorkelling and visit Red Frog Beach. Seeing the Panama Canal is also a great highlight of the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto and Andrea are fantastic, they couldn't do enough for us. They have a wealth of knowledge about all three countries and enjoy sharing it with the group. Pol, the mechanic leader is also super, always checking the bikes' safety and leading from the front. Luis, the bus driver, carefully transported us on the transfers. All in all a wonderful team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you're thinking of going on this trip, book it fast - you won't regret it!

Patricia Noble

Reviewed August 2015

South African Walking Safari Aug 2015

A fantastic trip which gave us a some highlights of South Africa. We really enjoyed the Drakensberg area and especially loved the chain ladders! Walking in the indigenous forest was a great experience. We enjoyed the 2 nights in Swaziland as the area was very scenic and the walking good. Visiting the Karongwe and Kruger was so worthwhile – we saw so many animals, birds and plants. Our day on the beach at Cape Vidal was great fun and we loved the big waves and the white sand, a real opportunity to relax at the half way point

Most Inspirational Moment

The early morning walking safari in Karongwe Private Reserve was really amazing: we had a close encounter with rhino and learnt so much about plants and animals. My highlight though was the evening driven safari, also in Karongwe, where we left the vehicle to watching a cheetah eat her kill, standing just a few feet away, we watched for 10 minutes - totally incredible! We also saw 2 porcupines and a civet in the headlights. Wow!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ende (Andy) and David were fantastic! They were both so enthusiastic and worked so hard to give us an amazing holiday experience. Ende's cooking was fantastic, every meal was tasty, well prepared and vegetarians well catered for. Both were very knowledgeable about the animals and plants we saw and we had interesting discussions about some of the local customs.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take books/Kindle to occupy yourself during the long drives. Some of the walking in the Drakensberg may worry vertigo sufferers but there was nothing technically difficult. Rehydration tablets/sachets useful on very hot walking days ( it was much hotter than we expected)

Phil Watson

Reviewed August 2015

Beautiful scenery and rewarding walks

A very pleasant week exploring the coastal walks. Emily, our guide, was very well prepared and flexed the week to suit recent feedback, weather and the needs of the group members. Due to the hot weather, several of the walks were strenuous in places, but always rewarded us with spectacular views.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through the steep sided vineyards on the way to Corneglia on our last day, with the sea sparkling below, pinching the odd grape and blackberry along the path.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Good humoured, well prepared and very tall :-)

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking boots with ankle support and then flipflops as soon as you finish the walk!

Philippa Gardom

Reviewed August 2015

Holiday of a lifetime

We had an absolutely wonderful holiday in Costa Rica with our 9 and 10 year old daughters. Stunning natural beauty, fascinating insights from our group leader, and exciting outdoor activities all contributed to our enjoyment.

Most Inspirational Moment

There was an inspirational moment almost every day...Exhilarating white water rafting through spectacular scenery; ridiculously brightly-coloured poison dart frogs; experts interpreting the night-time sounds and sights of the forest; pairs of scarlet macaws flying in front of the forest (viewed whilst floating in the Pacific); following columns of leafcutter ants to find their nest; boat trips through the rainforest to find ibis, herons and crocodiles; local food in lively restaurants.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Edward was absolutely brilliant. You could not have a better guide. His knowledge, insights and gentle humour really enhanced our trip. He enjoyed sharing his love of nature - and all things Costa Rican - with us all. His organisation was flawless, and he always told us what to expect and what to bring. He was superb with the children, patiently helping them to identify bugs, birds and reptiles. On the last night my younger daughter left a treasured soft toy in a restaurant several miles from the hotel, but a few phone calls (and a half hour drive) later Edward had retrieved it for her. Hernan, our driver, was also superb. I felt safe at all times in the minibus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Listen to your guide - you will learn a huge amount. Go on all the trips - every one was fascinating, and most were led by real experts (although avoid the zipwire trip if you are afraid of heights.) Take plenty of mosquito repellent. Check your flights carefully, and make sure the flight bookers have allowed enough time to change planes - two families had more exhausting than necessary journeys as a result of missing connections.

Carole Checksfield

Reviewed August 2015

Anon

Group was far too large with 14 peope, those people wanting to walk at a fast pace raced off ahead leaving a small number of us behind, most of the holiday was spent walking 1/2 mile behind everyone else which was anti social and frankly dangerous, if we had got into trouble or fallen nobody would have noticed. The days were too time obsessed and regimented it felt like I was on a military boot camp not a holiday. Meals out as a group were rushed and unsociable

Most Inspirational Moment

There were none, I found the whole experience depressing and unsettling, I felt ignored, disregarded by the bulk of the group and all of the time walking in foul weather on a difficult mountain so far behind everyone else, I felt unsafe

Thoughts on Group Leader

Overwhelmed by the number of people, she could not have coped looking after everyone despite her best efforts. Some people were just so bossy and domineering they just took over the whole trip. Too time obsessed, never had time to just enjoy the mountains which was the whole point of being there

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure you have a military level of fitness and consider another holiday with another company, I could not find anything to recommend this company any more and I have had many holidays with them

Mark Robertson

Reviewed August 2015

Self Guided Gastronomic Dordogne Cycling trip

A thoroughly enjoyable cycling trip with some superb food and especially at Les Glycines’s restaurant where the service and accommodation were impeccable.

Most Inspirational Moment

Making it it the top of the hill in the mid afternoon heat after climbing up from Sarlat by grinding out the miles! The cave paintings at Lascaux 2 were stunning as the originals are over 17000 years old and cycling through the virtually traffics free country roads with the dappled sunlight over the chateaux.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Being self guided meant that he didn't have a leader which meant we had planets of time to confer while interpreting the route plan from Headwater. Both Claire & Keith ( the local reps) were both friendly and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We went in August when it was hot so do take plenty of water with you and stay hydrated as this is an undulating route with plenty of short sharp hills and the occasional long one! Do also remember that shops are often closed during the afternoon until about 16.00 so buy your provisions in plenty of time

Victoria Adnitt

Reviewed August 2015

Fascinating and rewarding holiday.

A thoroughly rewarding and fascinating insight into the rich history and geography of BH. As a trekker of limited experience but average fitness I found the walks challenging but well within my limits to complete thanks to the expert guidance given. The routes planned by our excellent guide Samer showed us the vast range of climates, ecology and history of the region-within one day we went from a Mediterranean climate to a alpine and back again! Every day was packed full and every aspect well organised. A fantastic mix of rural walking, a couple of interesting city tours and even a day of rafting. I highly recommend this trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

Everyday was so different and so packed full it is hard to pick out one moment but probably reaching the summit of Maglić having beaten the looming storm!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Samer along with his colleague Dino was faultless as a guide. Their, humour, knowledge and enthusiasm for BH made the trip. Every aspect was planned in-depth from the treks to booking lunches/dinners for the group; we were made to feel very looked-after throughout the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for all weather. During August we arrived at the end of a lengthy heatwave but still experienced frequent showers-some heavy. If you get travel sick just be aware that some of the minibus travel is through bumpy and windy roads; most journeys about an hour via minibus to the start of the walk.

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