Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

It's hard to pick one highlight, as the entire trip was a highlight for me. Every day offered something special, from the cycling to the scenery and the overall experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I was extremely happy with our bike leader. He was knowledgeable, well organised and always approachable and encouraging. He managed the group well, gave clear guidance, and were very supportive, which really added to the enjoyment of the trip. Extremely supportive him and the full team when I was not well.

Most Inspirational Moment

What stays with me most are the human moments: sharing a meal in a welcoming hill‑community near Sapa, listening to stories that deepened our connection to the land and its people, and laughing with new friends who quickly felt like family. It wasn’t just a trip it was a collection of memories I’ll carry for life, stitched together by AOS’s thoughtful design and spirit of discovery.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader Thuong was truly exceptional! She was thoughtful, passionate, and inspired us every step of the way with tenacity and deep knowledge of Vietnam.

Advice for Potential Travellers

For those planning this adventure, prepare for all weather conditions, pack insect repellent and sturdy walking shoes, and keep your luggage light since most hotels offer laundry services. If you are planing to do some shopping, keep some space in your luggage! A small sleeping bag can add extra warmth and comfort on the overnight train and homestay.

Most Inspirational Moment

If high places, sweeping views, dramatic cliffs and rock formations, sun, sky, sea, forest, wild flowers and a general absence of people rock your boat, the trip will be full of inspiring moments.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Also inspiring. Extremely knowledgable about his region, and generous in sharing a vast and varied range of information on all sorts of (interesting) topics, which further enriched the walks. Funny, engaging, astute; he was fundamentally kind-hearted but without being particularly indulgent. He kept an eye on us, but didn't coddle us. We were expected to take responsibility for ourselves (and for keeping up) on the walks. And It was stated at the outset that there could/would be limited tolerance for dawdlers! In an ideal world, and given the glorious October weather, I'd probably have enjoyed the walks (even more than I already did) at a slightly more relaxed pace, the better to absorb the magnificent surroundings en route and probably take more photos; but I was still able to do both things - just maybe a little more hurriedly than I am used to. I imagine that the pace/timetable was however in part dictated by the amount José had still to achieve following our daily return from the walk, including the next day's shopping and picnic preparation. He was a one-man tour-de-force organisationally: incredibly hardworking/dedicated to the cause. He provided excellently for us at lunchtime daily (making genuinely the most tasty and satisfying sandwiches that I've ever been fed on a walking holiday!) as well as transporting us safely and punctually by minibus, organising, leading, educating and entertaining us throughout the trip. And only occasionally appeared a bit weary.. 😉

Advice for Potential Travellers

Hone your fitness to enjoy the walks to the full. Be prepared for long, steep ascents and descents. Make sure you're prepared for cold mountaintops even in good weather (in October, anyway). Be prepared for a superb week of walking and scenery. Make sure you download either maps.me or the app José recommends before you do the first self-guided walk: it will ensure you find the correct route. The local village of Guadalest is very attractive and the castle well worth paying to enter/explore. The midweek day-trip to the coast is also very worthwhile and both towns are well worth exploring. The little history museum in the first coastal town is worth a visit.

Most Inspirational Moment

If high places, sweeping views, dramatic cliffs and rock formations, sun, sky, sea, forest, wild flowers and a general absence of people rock your boat, the trip will be full of inspiring moments.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Also inspiring. Extremely knowledgable about his region, and generous in sharing a vast and varied range of information on all sorts of (interesting) topics, which further enriched the walks. Funny, engaging, astute; he was fundamentally kind-hearted but without being particularly indulgent. He kept an eye on us, but didn't coddle us. We were expected to take responsibility for ourselves (and for keeping up) on the walks. And It was stated at the outset that there could/would be limited tolerance for dawdlers! In an ideal world, and given the glorious October weather, I'd probably have enjoyed the walks (even more than I already did) at a slightly more relaxed pace, the better to absorb the magnificent surroundings en route and probably take more photos; but I was still able to do both things - just maybe a little more hurriedly than I am used to. I imagine that the pace/timetable was however in part dictated by the amount José had still to achieve following our daily return from the walk, including the next day's shopping and picnic preparation. He was a one-man tour-de-force organisationally: incredibly hardworking/dedicated to the cause. He provided excellently for us at lunchtime daily (making genuinely the most tasty and satisfying sandwiches that I've ever been fed on a walking holiday!) as well as transporting us safely and punctually by minibus, organising, leading, educating and entertaining us throughout the trip. And only occasionally appeared a bit weary.. 😉

Advice for Potential Travellers

Hone your fitness to enjoy the walks to the full. Be prepared for long, steep ascents and descents. Make sure you're prepared for cold mountaintops even in good weather (in October, anyway). Be prepared for a superb week of walking and scenery. Make sure you download either maps.me or the app José recommends before you do the first self-guided walk: it will ensure you find the correct route. The local village of Guadalest is very attractive and the castle well worth paying to enter/explore. The midweek day-trip to the coast is also very worthwhile and both towns are well worth exploring. The little history museum in the first coastal town is worth a visit.

Most Inspirational Moment

The first homestay. The suggestions offered by our tour guide ( bike trip and cooking class) on our off time. The knowledge of our guide. And the amazing food and people of Vietnam

Thoughts on Group Leader

Quang was extremely knowledgeable and organized. He had in-depth knowledge and many good stories of every area we visited. Every time we got in the bus he told us what we would be doing. What we would see, etc. Timelines of travel time, etc were always given and accurate. He always was making sure it was arranged for us all to have our three meals a day . He did many different things to maximize our time on our stops, such as ordering food in advance. He also went out of his way to guide us and select options for any off time we had, which included making reservations and arranging transport as necessary. He showed a great amount of pride in his country and his family that was so nice to see. We could go on and on about how fantastic he was. Leave it to say that this was our first Exodus trip and we cannot imagine ever having a guide as wonderful as Quang was.

Most Inspirational Moment

Spotting a mother slot with her baby high in the trees and watching them move slowly through the canopy, completely at home in their natural environment. With our leader explaining its behaviour and conservation, it was a quiet, magical moment that perfectly captured the beauty of Costa Rica’s wildlife and the importance of protecting it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent! Humble, caring, attentive, a brilliant story teller and most importantly, he is passionate! Randall was brilliant.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack for all weather, embrace early starts and bring a sense of curiosity. A good pair of walking shoes, lightweight layers and binoculars will really enhance the experience. Most importantly, slow down and take it all in — some of the best moments come from standing quietly and letting Costa Rica’s wildlife reveal itself.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking Sigiriya Rock - an amazing view from the top and sense of achievement for the group! The times spent with local families were also highlights - fantastic lunch under a banyan tree and hearing more about their local business, and playing traditional games on a families farm, our group had so much fun this day and shared loads of laughs.

Thoughts on Group Leader

As an Exodus staff member who's travelled a lot with Exodus over the past 8 years, Roshan is a true reflection of the fantastic guides we pride ourselves in at Exodus. He's been leading this tour for 20+ years and his knowledge, expertise and professionalism is stand-out. We were unlucky to be on this tour when Cyclone Ditwah hit, and Roshan was absolutely fantastic looking after us as a group, arranging excellent "Plan B's" where needed, while also managing a really sad and devastating situation happening in his country. He brought calmness and good humour every day and is a brilliant ambassador for Exodus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go with the flow and just enjoy it - November is rainy, but expect that, and be open to plans changing and trusting the guides judgement to still make every day brilliant. All optional activities need to be paid for in cash, so take some local currency or exchange it on arrival, as the first ATM is a few days away on the tour, and not everywhere accepts card payments (some lunch stops). Be prepared for hotel buffets - the accommodation is great, but often further away from towns. The food was often a wide variety and always tasty. Take good mosquito repellent from home, and plenty of it - you can't buy DEET there! The bus can get chilly with air conditioning - suggest leaving a jumper/extra layer on the bus for this - especially for the longer journeys

Most Inspirational Moment

The valley of the kings, and in particular the SETI tomb which was an extra but was well worth the money as it was virtually empy whilst all the other tombs were heaving with tourists.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andrew was fantastic and a font of knowledge about the Egyptian culture and history of the area. He was always keen to impart his knowledge and he made the whole experience superb.

Most Inspirational Moment

Home stay was fabulous, Cat Ba island and the boat trip and kayaking in an area where virtually no-one else was there. We also saw the Golden Langurs, what a treat!

Thoughts on Group Leader

She was amazing, so professional, helpful and good at interpreting the group and what we wanted, both individually and collectively. Once she got to know us she was even better! Super good.

Most Inspirational Moment

Day 1 was super memorable - we crossed suspension bridges, passing rivers and waterfalls, over rice paddies and hiked up and down many steps through villages. What an intro to what was ahead! One of the most inspiring days for me was Day 7 - starting from Upper Pisang, our Teahouse view was of Annapurna II! We made our way to Ngawal. This day definitely gave us a taste of a continuous climb up as we were just days before the high pass, the views were stunning and it just got better and better as the day unfolded. You look back thinking, I can't believe we came from all the way down *there*.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sukman was exceptionally caring, kind, and patient throughout the trek. He led from the back, ensuring that everyone in the group was well taken care of. Our safety was his top priority. Sukman’s knowledge of the mountains and local life & culture was very inspiring. We would 100% travel with him again in the future!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be mindful of what you pack, and keep your KITBAG weight within the 10kilo limit. You travel with local human porters, who work incredibly hard -something many people don’t fully appreciate. Overpacking can be quite selfish. If you forget something, don’t worry—you’ll still find supplies along the route - For example, in Chame and Manang. We were able to pick up our YakTrax right before Yak Kharka. High altitude is no joke, so having a comfort item can make a big difference. Just remember, keep your load within the weight limits.