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Turtle, Ecuador

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!

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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.

Reviews

A fantastic trip!

I just had a fabulous week at Chalet Chalupa! The hosts, Adrian & Helena, were amazing. They were very friendly and always made sure that we’re happy. They always prepared delicious meals and cakes with wide variety (local, Mediterranean, healthy and oriental) and we all enjoyed it together with the group of great people. The room was specious and comfortable, the common areas were also always clean and had warm atmosphere. The car ride by them was also really fun and informative about the trip/area. Our guide, Shaun, was very knowledgeable and flexible based on the weather etc. This was my first hiking experience and he absolutely made it special. Everyday there were full of amazing views and walks!

A brilliant week

We had a great week at Chalet Chocolat. Tomas and Sol were great hosts catering to a variety of dietary needs with minimal fuss. I enjoyed some meals more than others but that is to be expected. I loved the honesty bar and the social occasion that dinner became. The weather Gods were not smiling on us so we only had 3 days where I would say we had good weather however this was not to the detriment of our hiking experience but come prepared for 4 seasons in a day, even in the height of summer.

Most Inspirational Moment

Finally getting to see Mont Blanc towards the end of the week. We were joking that perhaps it didn’t actually exist!! Our trip coincided with UTMB and as an ultra trail fan I was in my element. It was good that the rest of the group also became avid supporters which culminated in us all cheering the runners on at the 2 mile point of the main race outside the local pub. Just brilliant!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rob was an exceptional leader and despite varying abilities kept the whole group together all week something I found out was less likely than I thought it would be. He tweaked routes according to the conditions although I never felt we were missing out. Some of his times and distances were a bit on the conservative side and became a running joke which was taken in good humour by everyone.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take enough clothes for all weathers. There are no washing facilities at the chalet so bear that in mind.

Suggestions

To begin with I found breakfast and making our packed lunch up for the day a bit rushed but this improved throughout the week as the group gelled and we all got into the ebb and flow of things. I also felt that the trip to Courmayeur was unnecessary given the conditions on that day and the fact we waited 2hrs to come back through the Mont Blanc tunnel. I didn’t think it was a good use of our hosts time who were the van drivers for the day and that we were adding to the congestion becoming part of the problem rather than the solution.

Mount Blanc Highlights supported hiking

Overall a good trip, we stayed at Chalet Chalupa a short free bus ride from busy Chaminoux. Our Chalet hosts Adrian and Helena were exceptional and made us all feel at home. They cooked all meals, provided transport and kept the place clean. They went above and beyon to get me ice for my beverages, had home baked “End of hike treats” and created a family atmosphere among strangers. My favorite dessert was the cheesecake! This Chalet has a hot tub too! Our guide Jen was awesome as well, she took us on a bus ride to understand the system, let us know the bus would be crowded, pointed out good places to shop for deals and best food places. She also explained the cable car pricing for our free day. Every night she had a brief of the next day hike and what to expect.

Most Inspirational Moment

The kindness of all the people on the trip, Adrian, Helena and Jen. You see I fell at the end of our fist day, after the hike on a dirt road to town. I broke my leg in 2 places and was helicoptered to the ER. It was free by the way. Jen kept calm and called for the evacuation, she elevated my foot and kept me comfortable. She watched for signs of shock and covered me with a blanket. I had little pain and never went into shock. Jen stayed with my husband on the way to the ER and still completed her duties to the rest of the guest once she washed the helicopter roto dirt out of everyplace you can have dirt! I spent one night in the Chalet wating for a hospital bed, Adrian got a plastic chair and bag for my cast so I could shower with the aid of my husband. The room had a walk in shower ADA accessible! They provided ice pack for my elevated leg as I napped in bed and fed me lunch. They were caring and creative in accomodating me that night. I can't say enough about the support from Exodus travel in our time of need. My husband was able to complete 3 of the 5 hikes and everyone was gracious in keeping him engaged as I had surgery in France. It went well and by the way was exceptional, they have world class orthopedic trauma surgeons on staff. After all it is an area of extreme sports. Buy that trip insurance it is well worth it!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jen is amazaing, she is caring, warm and paces hikes well. Our first day it was hot so she took us on a route that had shade a good bit of the up. She routed us past an ice creme place so we could stop and have a reward. Plenty of time for photo's. She made sure we all took a photo of a sign with her cell number and set up a chat if we wished to participate . She is a gem.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Buy trip insurance. Don't pack too much. Be open to different cultures and foods. Shop early for the best selection and rooms. Rooms were allocated by who signed up first, so ours was reasonable. Get in shape before you go, hike some elevation gain and hydrate well at least a week before and then on the trail. I'm a well traveled, experienced hike leader with WFA training and still I fell on a dirt road. I had hiking poles and was in great shape, accidents happen. Exodus treated us well and their staff supported us in every way. Go and enjoy the Mountains, pack rain gear, you never know.

Suggestions

I would plan a trip with this group again. Remember you are staying in a town and the up side is no packing everything on your back, you return to a shower, your own bed, snacks and a meal. My hubby did a hut to hut with our daughter a few years ago and this was much better! You have an experienced guide and world class chalet.

Amazing trip

What an amazing trip. Starting with the chalet and our amazing hosts – the accommodation was beautiful and comfortable, and nothing was too much trouble for Helena and Adrian. Every meal was special, healthy and delicious. For me and the other vegan on the trip, they went to a huge amount of effort, and even provided vegan cheeses for breakfast and prepared vegan cakes and other treats for the end of each hiking day. One of my souvenirs from the trip is one of Helena’s vegan cake recipes. So if you are vegan and wondering about this trip: it is definitely vegan friendly! Our three course dinners were always delicious and inventive. It was such a pleasure to cap off an extraordinary day on the alps with their hospitality and delicious food. And speaking of the hikes: the pictures in the hike preview are extraordinary, but are not misleading. The views on the hikes were really stunning. Our mountain guide, Hris, was fantastic. He was personable, knowledgeable, and did a great job leading a group of mixed abilities and interests.

A wonderful first time in Europe

My stay at Chalet Chalupa was absolutely wonderful. The rooms were spacious, well-lit, and comfortable. The common areas were always clean and ready to use, and they even provided fresh fruit and tea every day. Helena and Adrien were simply the best hosts. They were attentive, always with a smile on their faces, and they surprised me with delicious special meals tailored to my dietary needs – they even had a different type of bread for me due to my health issues. It was the first time my diet didn’t pose a problem, and I could truly savor the delicious food. Adrien was friendly and provided us with a lot of information for our free day, enjoying helping us with the map and offering extra insights during our car ride. He genuinely has a wealth of knowledge about the area and enjoys sharing it. Helena, on the other hand, is a naturally pleasant person. She is sweet, cheerful, detail-oriented, and very intelligent. Our conversations were truly inspiring, and her cakes were simply delightful. In general the food overall was a pleasant surprise. Eugenia, our guide, is a strong, knowledgeable woman who expertly handled our large group.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were plenty of enjoyable moments. The views of Mont Blanc were breathtaking. Being able to finish the route alongside the group, despite our vastly different ages, was quite heartwarming. The conversations with Helena gave me the strength to keep up with the hikes and to believe in my abilities.

Thoughts on Group Leader

She's a sharp woman, with plenty of physical prowess, and she's got the knack for keeping the group united.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Enjoy the hikes fearlessly, pack some warm clothes in your suitcase (the weather can be quite unpredictable), and make sure to spend some time with the hosts to learn about them and their amazing bike journey.

What a week!

We had a fabulous week in Chalet Chocolat, Chamonix. Tommy and Sol were friendly and welcoming Chalet hosts, the Chalet was well designed for our use and very comfortable. The walks were truly memorable – made so by our knowledgeable and encouraging guide Rob.It was an added bonus to be there for the UTMB – the Ultra Trailrunning Mont Blanc week. Rob made sure that we could watch the best bits and Chamonix was a real party place to be there then.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to judge - it was all good.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very impressed with his knowledge and ability to lead a group with quite a variety of walking speeds. Very encouraging when it was needed and always there if you had a wobbly moment.

Fantastic Trip & Team

The week at Chalet Chalupa was amazing! The hosts, Adrian & Helena welcomed us with bright smiles! The hikes were beautiful, even if the weather didn’t cooperate. The chalet was clean, and felt very comfortable. Augustin, our guide, was informative and took the whole group’s abilities into account. Things were well organized & went smoothly. The food was fantastic! All the meals were abundant and able to recharge all the calories we lost! Adrian, Helena & Augustin really went the extra mile to ensure we were happy. I enjoyed Chalet Chalupa & the Mont Blanc Highlights.

Most Inspirational Moment

I really enjoyed the top of the mountain views. The views, regardless of the weather were just breathtaking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was very knowledgeable, able to manage a large group and could infuse a sense of fun with a professionalism & safety.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring & pack layers of clothes & plan for unpredictable weather.

Suggestions

I would love a cookbook of the food we had.

A Fabulous Trip!

Five amazing and beautiful hikes! A fabulous guide and a lovely host and hostess!

Most Inspirational Moment

We’ve hiked before, but this was hiking on a whole other level. The tips and tricks that allowed us to reach each summit was inspirational and the nature and beauty around us was picture perfect.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Maria was inspirational and kind. He encouraged us, helped keep us safe and provided us with tips along the way. He was an excellent guide with a love of nature.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The hikes can be challenging. The best attitude is a positive, “can do” attitude.

Suggestions

Helena and Adrian were our hosts at Chalet Chalupa and they really made the Chalet feel like home. Dinners were a treat and we had the most lovely roast chicken, empanada, cheese platters, curry chicken, tartiflette, zucchini soup and cheesecake. We had an amazing group and such a fun week!

Exhilarating and Invigorating

Comfortable, attractive, beautifully located accommodation, perfectly suited to its intended purpose.
This was complemented in particular by the hosts Adrian and Elena, who went out of their way to welcome us. Courteous, friendly, attentive and professional in their roles, plus excellent in their choice of food provision, particularly dinner to come back to after the strenuous walks which amassed an appetite!
Maria the tour guide really added to the pleasure of the walks, with his manner, friendliness, enthusiasm and planning of routes.
A good friend of mine joined me on this trip, his first with Exodus. Used to beach holidays with his kids, this holiday, the hosts and the scenery exceeded his expectations. He’ll be an Exodus regular yearly now.
I’ll repeat this trip periodically due to the ongoing beauty of the Mont Blanc surroundings. Between these trips, I look forward to visiting other locations with Exodus.

Fabulous scenery

Loved this walking trip. We are active walkers but this was our first guided trip and it was fantastic. Fred our leader was great – the right combination of knowledgable, friendly and enthusiastic. The walks are all enjoyable but sufficiently different in terms of scenery and style. There was an issue with the MB tunnel which caused us to do an alternate walk – but the group was flexible and we enjoyed the alternative. The weather in August was quite variable from fairly cool and damp to hot and humid – so you potentially will need all your high mountain gear options. The group, as usual, was a great mix of people and we enjoyed everyone’s company along the trails. Chalet Chocolat is comfortable and the food provided by Sole and Thomas was delicious and varied.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the summit of Aiguilettes des Houches and the 360 degree mountain views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fred our leader was great - the right combination of knowledgable, friendly and enthusiastic.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The weather in August was quite variable from fairly cool and damp to hot and humid - so you potentially will need all your high mountain gear options.