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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123 Reviews
4.7 out of
5
Reviews
Oren Blindell
Reviewed November 2023
An abundance of adventure
I had a great trip, despite unfortunately not being able to visit Panama due to the ongoing protests. We had 5 days in Nicaragua and 10 day in Costa Rica, every day was different and the wildlife was out of this world. The first week was very busy, cycling a lot with many hills, the second week was a lot more relaxed but still with cycling and activities. We went on 2 crocodile safaris which were great fun as well as some free time in La Fortuna, which came at a great time after a hard weeks cycling. Our Leader, Guilermo (Memo) was great, he had a wicked sense of humour as well as being a great cyclist, i unfortunately wasn’t as fast but enjoyed it all the same!
Most Inspirational Moment
Getting to the top of a big hill and then being able to come down the otherside to the sun set, we got to the hotel by Lake Nicaragua in time for a sunset that set the sky alight, in that moment you really felt like you were on another planet.
Thoughts on Group Leader
He was lovely, very funny and was able to interact with all group members, he had a personal touch and got on well with the drivers and mechanics, it was a great atmosphere.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Most places you go take card payments, so you don't need as much cash as you think!
Finn Shanklin
Reviewed November 2023
Awesome trip, awesome guide
What experiences! What fun! What a guide! Roberto’s immense knowledge, experience and efficiency ensured we had a superb trip including our emergency evacuation by speedboat at 4am from rioting Panama. Roberto’s ability to rejig the trip, rearranging routes, accommodation and excursions was noteworthy. We were exhorted to ride, but never too hard, fed and watered well at every opportunity, educated comprehensively about farming, history, culture, politics and geography but never too much. We went bananas over pineapples and didn’t pine for chocolate! The well maintained bikes were good in CR and okish in N. The drivers worked very hard in the background, admirably navigating and usually avoiding any speedbumps. We had an excellent cohesive group who were good friends at the end of the trip.
Most Inspirational Moment
Masaya Volcano I loved Playa Marsella and could happily live there as a beach bum!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Roberto was our father figure. I have immense respect for his abilities and character. I would strongly recommend future travellers to travel with him.
Advice for Potential Travellers
We had only 30 minutes of rain, but very quickly got cold and sodden. We descended by bike from Poás volcano (our extra trip having escaped Panama)and warm windproof gloves would have been good. I found a travel sink plug was good so I could wet shave. ? A can of insecticide to spray in bedroom - I got badly bitten one night. Watch out for sea urchin spines on the reef if you go snorkelling off Bocas del Toro - compeed worked well on the inextractable ones! You need dollars for each countries bill settlement, but almost everything else can be paid by card. (Pay in local currency not dollars)
Sinead Cocchiglia
Reviewed November 2023
The "undulating" hills of Central America
Absolutely loved it! From the trip itself to the friends we made on it and the Exodus teams on the ground in each country, this was an adventure of a lifetime and no better way to dip your toes into Central America than by bike. The trip was executed daily with an efficiency of a Swiss clock by our guide Roberto. The bikes were comfy and looked after meticulously by the team. Cycling is the main event here and the heart of the trip was the breath taking views of volcanos, wildlife and rainforest.
Most Inspirational Moment
There are many moments that will stay with me forever. From the molten magma of the Masaya vocano, cycling through Omepede and jumping into the much needed fresh springs to cool off, to the adventurous Arenal rainforest. However, aside from the beautiful nature and wildlife, what exceeded my expectations was meeting the locals who shared their livelyhood. I learnt so much about fruit, cocoa and coffee, farming, exporting and exploitation. I truelly had an educational and fun experience. Memories I will take with me forever.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group lead was Roberto and we couldn't have asked for a better person to explore Central America with. His passion, love and respect for all people shines though. What was booked as a mere vacation turned into a shared group ever lasting experience. Due to unforeseeable political issues we were faced with disappointment of not being able to complete the cycle in Panama. However Roberto re-routed us at the drop of a hat, kept our spirits high and made sure we went home with incredible memories. His experience in looking after a group and familiarity with the mountains is unsurpassed. My fondist and funniest memory will be Roberto's description of the "undulating hills"- :) come prepared for some hot steep climbs!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Its going to be HOT, so bring light airy clothes that dry quickly, a cap and something warmer for the mountains. Consider taking most of your cash with you for the trip, as at times it can prove difficult to find an ATM which dispenses USD.
Suggestions
A special thank you to the entire team on the ground. Alvero and Mario our mechanics and Don Jose and Marcel our drivers. They were all great fun, our bikes were excellent, kept clean and in tip top condition. The bus was always clean and tidy. Don Jose's smiley face was a treat at every bike rest when we were hot and sweaty from the blistering Nicaraguan sun. Pure vide X
Peter Chandley
Reviewed October 2023
Trip of a lifetime
.I went with my son for the trip of a lifetime and this lived up to expectations. Everyday we saw something new and amazing, from molten Magma in a Volcano, swimming in lake Nicaragua, hot or cold springs, the Caribbean or Pacific, seeing Sloths and Crocodiles . Incredible. The guides Roberto and Memo and the support teams were excellent, passionate about the environment and incredibly knowledgeable, well organised and looked after everyone.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were so many. Seeing molten magma in the masaya volcano with my son a graduate geographer). Swimming in cold springs and lake Nicaragua. Going to a remote school and meeting the school children. Cycling through the rainforest in the rain. Seeing sloths and crocodiles. The friendliness if the mystic hotel. The warmth of the guides and support crew.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We had two Roberto. Nicaragua Excellent leader , great communicator well organised and funny. Shared knowledge of the countries. Brilliant. Memo. Costa Rica and Panama. Very warm and friendly, at the same time very organised and thoughtful. Really good knowledge of the environment and nature. Very good at finding and highlighting points of interest and went out of his way to show us things and maximize the experience. The support crews both of them were exceptional too
Advice for Potential Travellers
Important things to take. Bug spray and sun cream. The rides are quite physically challenging as it is hot and hilly. Don't get local currency take US dollars and use cards. Don't forget a sunhat as I did.
Mike Butler
Reviewed August 2023
You must do this trip !
This was a superb trip. The combination of great cycling, scenery, wildlife was very memorable. All the hotels were good quality and good locations. Food was superb throughout the trip, a bit too good as my waistline will attest! Wildlife did not disappoint, seeing monkeys, birds, crocodiles, dolphins etc, along the way – the only thing I missed was a toucan – heard them, but did not manage to catch a photo – might have to go back!.
Cycling was a bit hot some days – grateful for the warm rain sometimes! Stunning views in the mountains and forests. A couple of harder days with significant “undulations”, but patience and encouragement from the team got us there.
The group we were with was great, a lot of laughter during the rides, and good company in the evenings where we had dinner together most nights.
The Exodus team were fab – everything perfectly organised and always ready when anyone needed help. Whole trip ran like clockwork.
Most Inspirational Moment
There are many to choose from, from the view at the first lunch stop in Costa Rica (stunning mountain top restaurant), to seeing magma in the volcano in Nicaragua. Probably a strong lasting memory will be the ride down from the continental divide in Panama. 400ft decent and a long run out to the pacific.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Roberto is a star. He had us organised all of the time. Has a great sense of humour, was good at reading people and engaging well with them.
Advice for Potential Travellers
You wont regret doing this trip. Yes it is hot and hilly, just pace yourself, use factor 50 and drinks lots of water. Always felt safe in the places we visited. No-one on our trip had any issues with the food, great quality and variety everywhere.
Louise Weller
Reviewed August 2023
Excellent holiday
Fantastic holiday taking in 3 countries, the pacific and Caribbean coasts and some great cycling
Most Inspirational Moment
The rainforest which I have wired 35 years to visit since I was inspired to see it by my geography teacher. Also the lava volcano, Ometepe island and everything!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Roberto was fantastic. Had to come up with. Couple of plan !’s due to weather and vehicle issues that were out of his control and ensured that we all had an excellent time, knew where we should be and when, was very clear on itineraries and was very approachable. He was genuinely delighted for us to be visiting these mixing countries
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take binoculars, you might not want to cycle with them but keep them handy in the van. Take time to stop and look for wildlife and not race through the cycling. And just do this holiday it is amazing
Suggestions
Everyday was a Highlight. We went in the wet season and also due to El Niño we had a lot of storms but it was so warm you never felt cold but take enough changes of clothes as hard to get the wet ones dry overnight. Laundry can be done a week in. Worth researching in advance what you want to do with your free time in La Fortuna and Boca. We faffed around a lot trying to decide so nearly missed out on doing anything at all. Boca has NO beach near the main town or hotel you have to get a boat, taxi or bus to go anywhere. Trip notes rather Mis leading about Boca. We ended up doing a boat trip which was fantastic, the area is extremely interesting and we saw dolphins, sloths, a paradise island and starfish. To be aware Panamanian standards for interacting with wildlife are not good, they go too near dolphins, etc. I enjoyed the boat trip but felt uneasy.
Peter Cornthwaite
Reviewed November 2022
What a real adventure!
My wife and I were booked to go on this trip 3 years ago but had to cancel at the last moment so we were thrilled to be able to manage to go on the trip this November and we were not disappointed! The trip was a perfect balance between some challenging cycling and necessary bus transfers to enable the transit of 3 countries in 14 days. Travelling through stunning open scenery and rainforests seeing how the population lived in reality and the abundant wildlife was a great experience and an education.
Most Inspirational Moment
Finally finishing our cycling near Panama City and seeing the Panama Canal in all its engineering glory!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Roberto Aguilar was the perfect group leader with his organisational skills and versatility in rearranging plans when necessary to get the best out of the time available. Nothing was too much trouble for him in looking after our needs and his knowledge of the geo-politics, geography, history and the flora and fauna was extensive. Added to that he was very sympathetic and kind. Hats off to a great tour guide!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Get fit, read up as much about the 3 countries beforehand and take a travel sink plug as most hotels don't have a sink plug!
Suggestions
A trip not for the faint hearted but book now for a fantastic holiday!
Carol Birch
Reviewed November 2022
Cycling Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama
An excellent trip with a good range of people on it and something in there for everyone. It was interesting, had sufficient cycling, good food, a good team and we all enjoyed it and had fun.
Most Inspirational Moment
Hard to say. Nicaragua was much better than expected, really friendly and helpful people, lots of music and laughter and very colourful. Costa Rica had great variety of landscapes and was more prosperous and Panama also surprised us with its really attractive scenery, both inland and coastal, and Panama City was a definite highlight. But the best moment was coming from Caribbean towards the Pacific and cresting the continental divide so you could look back to the Caribbean and ahead to the Pacific. Probably not everyone's choice but I am a Geographer!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent, informative, well organised, very social and socially aware. Really good e-communicator and very amusing.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for some rough bits of road especially if there has been heavy rain which can leave large puddles on dirt roads and remove bridges and fords. This is no issue for keen mountain bikers but not so easy for road bikers.
Suggestions
One of the most enjoyable trips I have taken even though I am a road cyclist and find heavier mountain bikes hard work. Got up all the hills okay though.
chris bowden
Reviewed April 2020
Excellent experience and great guide
Fantastic trip for my partner and myself. So much so we decided to announce our engagement at the end of the trip! The guide: Roberto was superb…He was relaxed, good fun and very informative providing us with lots of cultural, historical and animal kingdom facts. He really was the best guide we have ever had on a Exodus trip and he made the trip for us. We also had a great group of 15 people and we all got on really well. Overall an excellent experience and one we will remember forever…
Most Inspirational Moment
Arriving at the Pacific coast beach for a swim and a hot sweaty day's cycle...
Thoughts on Group Leader
Superb..10/10
Louise Goodwin
Reviewed November 2019
Amazing Adventure!
If you are in two minds about booking this trip, book!
The cycling was not easy at times due to a combination of hills, non paved roads, distance and heat. However, this added to the challenge, adventure and achievement and our expectations were well managed by our fantastic Costa Rican guide/leader, Jackie.
The journey through three countries provided some amazing rides. Personal highlights were those ending with swims in the Pacific and Caribbean oceans where we would literally cycle on to the beach and jump in for a swim! There were also rides through cloud forests to rain forests, to and from volcanoes, through local villages and through banana plantations spotting monkeys, toucans, sloths and other wildlife along the way!
Along the trip we also enjoyed a couple of optional non cycling days and exciting pit stops. I loved our tour round a chocolate farm, canopy walk through a rain forest, zip lining, red frog island trip and walk through a butterfly nature reserve. The non cycling activities allowed us to experience more of the three amazing countries we visited.
Nature and wildlife feature highly on the trip but the start and end in Granada and Panama City provided a great contrast and are beautiful places to spend a few days. The amazing feat of the Panama Canal was also fitting end to the trip.
The trip was exceptionally organised from start to finish. There were no issues and I cannot think of any areas of improvement. Travel is with a group leader, mechanic and driver who were all fantastic and fundamental to the success of the trip.
Our Costa Rican guide Jackie is a real gem! She provided interesting and informative information about the history, culture and environment of the places we visited and an infectious sense of fun and positivity. She provided excellent briefings about the cycling before each ride, she had a genuine love of Central America and she was a joy to be around. She was also a very good cyclist.
The hotels and restaurants selected by Exodus were well chosen and some were so good they were highlights of the trip.
I will remember this trip and the lifelong friendships I have formed for years to come. Thank you Jackie and the Exodus team and book if you are considering this trip! I will be coming back for more!
Most Inspirational Moment
Sharing the challenge of cycling and beautiful sights of three contrasting countries with an amazing group of people.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Fundamental to why the trip was so good and a great asset to Exodus.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Book! A bit of pre- training on hills might be sensible although the rides get progressively more challenging meaning you do improve as the trip goes on! Cycling gear is not essential but I would recommend padded shorts, breathable tops, gloves, arm covers (to keep off the sun) and a light weight rain jacket. I washed my clothes at a laundry half way through the trip which Jackie pointed out. This was quick and cheap and did a good job. Also, if you have the option of going to extra activities, definitely do them as they were all worthwhile. Even the extra imax cinema show at the Panama Canal was good!
Suggestions
Jackie and all of her team were key to the success of the trip. The mechanics were quick, knowledgable and nothing was too much effort for them. The drivers were safe and on continual hunt for wildlife to show us along the way. Jackie was exceptional and shadowed by Andrea who I’m sure will also be a great future leader too!
This was my first exodus, cycling and group trip and I would highly recommend it as a solo female traveller in my 30s. The group was a good mix of backgrounds, ages, solo/non solo travellers, sexes and nationalities and was a fantastic way of sharing adventures with common minded people.
