Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The tranquility at the Esquinas Rainforest Lodge comes top of the list, with only a couple of other guests staying there it provided time to relax an absorb your surroundings and the gardens and track provided many wildlife sightings and photo opportunities. A great start to the trip was at Tortuguero with boat rides into the lagoon and canals to see plenty of birds and also many sightings in and around the gardens and cabins. The beaches of Manuel Antonio were lovely, although very busy on the weekend and sadly most wildlife was seen hanging around the people (raccoons, monkeys and lizards) and not on the quiet forest trails.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andreas was an excellent leader, with a passion for of his country, and a huge amount of knowledge on the wildlife and birds, making every outing interesting and informative. He was very patient with our group of 16 and he and our driver, Orlando were friendly and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip is classed as leisurely but I would point out that many of the hikes in the rainforests were quite strenuous (and sometimes muddy) with steps up and down making a walking pole invaluable.The day in the Monteverde rainforest was exhilarating, with a morning walk, followed by the Hanging Bridges (optional) and followed by the zipwires (14 of them & optional!) a brilliant day but with quite long stretches of walking and more steps to get you to the various platforms we were all exhausted by the end of the day!

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to decide! Tortuguera cruising along the canals,spotting so many things. Monteverde Cloud Forest Lodge - arriving in the afternoon sunshine and the agoutis and Coatamundies just foraging around you in the gardens, then going down to then birdwatching lounge with panoramic views - Mot-mots and humming birds galore! Esquinas Lodge - heavenly! Savegre - more humming birds and the Resplendent Questrel!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Antonio was superb - nothing was too much trouble and he dedicated himself totally to the group

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take notice of the trip notes- long and short trousers/ good walking shoes Be aware of long journeys on very bumpy roads - but with 'comfort'/coffee stops

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the Resplendent Quetzal - in the hotel grounds at 6am. Seeing all four monkey species and both sloth.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Antionio had bountiful knowledge, openness and honesty, an appropriate sense of humour, the ability to maximise out experience with the sightings but equally he demonstrated that he cared for us - his guests.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Remember when you are up at altitude don't expect your body to work as well. Be prepared for a sleepless nights as you listen to the sounds of the forest - monkey's across our roof, frogs croaking and the sound of rain. All very soothing.

Most Inspirational Moment

Costa Rica has a strong conservation policy and protected areas make up almost 27% of the country. We traveled around much of the country and were priveleged to see so many animals, birds and plants living in unspoilt areas of outstanding natural beauty. I went zipwiring and as we were waiting to be collected at the end someone dropped his helmet into some shrubs. He went to retrieve it but one of the young guys who was in charge shouted to him not to as he would tread on the plants. I won't forget that. Costa Rica has a young generation educated to look after what is so precious. That is hope for the future.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He is an experienced and knowledgeable tour leader who assessed the group and got it just right. He knows a great deal about the bird and plant life. We also learned a lot about life in Costa Rica but he had the skill to not be talking all the time so I could take it all in.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Learn a little Spanish as it adds to the holiday experience to say a few words, although English is widely spoken or understood. Have some money handy each day for small tips which are much appreciated. Staff are hard working and friendly.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking in the rain on the canopy walk while looking down on the luxuriant vegetation. Watching the antics of the wide range of humming birds was of course, a lasting experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very pleasant character; well informed on all aspects of the trip with a sound knowledge of the country's flora & fauna and always ready and willing to help. Of our 15 trips with Exodus he was among the best of the leaders, all of which have been very good.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You have to be interested in natural history to take maximum benefit from the trip and thus be ready for quite a bit of walking which, even at age of 82/84, we really enjoyed.

Most Inspirational Moment

Highlight of the trip? There wasn’t any single highlight. Everything we saw was a highlight. The colours are amongst the things you notice immediately on arriving in Costa Rica: the bright plumage of even the common birds, the array of brilliantly coloured flowers, the blood-red Pacific sunset, the vivid green jungle foliage reflected in the Tortuguero waterways. Another thing you notice is that wildlife is everywhere, even in the unlikeliest of places: a herd of coati around the minibus, a two-toed sloth and baby snoozing high up in the tree in an otherwise undistinguished restaurant car park; a three-toed sloth, in the same car park, laboriously descending his tree to do his toilet; a green parakeet on a suburban street in La Fortuna; crocodiles basking by the river under the motorway bridge.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Necessarily, there is a lot of time in the minibus so it was good to have 14 convivial fellow explorers. Our driver patiently negotiated the often difficult tracks that stood between us and the next discovery. As for our guide ….. . Johnny Villa-Lobos (no relation!) was a fund of information and expertise which he combined with good humour and bad jokes. He knew everything about everything Costa Rican; nothing floored him – he was equally knowledgeable about birds, flora and fauna, wildlife, history, the goal-scoring record of Mr Campbell. He knew it all. He was indispensable. Pura vida.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are lots of early starts to make the most of every day: we are near the equator, so it gets dark around 7pm. The gallo pinto (rice and beans) breakfast, washed down with some Costa Rican caffeine, is an ideal launch pad for the rigours ahead. On the bus we get some history: ticos take pride in the fact that they abolished the army 60 years ago (they all became teachers, policemen or doctors apparently). Every village, you will be told, boasts a church, a school and a football field.

Most Inspirational Moment

Tortuguera national park on the carribean coast.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of birds animals and plants, which made all the differnce if your knowledge was very limited, like mine. Great organisational skills, and superb interpersonal skills made the trip very enjoyable for everyone.

Most Inspirational Moment

Staying at Esquinas rainforest lodge - listening to the sounds of the jungle , cooling off and swimming in the river fed pool amongst the verdant vegetaion.and eating in the beautiful traditionally built lodge.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gio was very professional in every way.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A long journey but worth it for the tranquility. Came home totally relaxed.

Most Inspirational Moment

Without doubt, to visit a country which is so wholeheartedly committed to conservation, environmental responsibility and sustainability. Experiencing the rich wildlife, from sloth to golden orb spider and from quetzal to iguana, there was a surprise around every corner. Staying at the beautiful Esquinas Rainforest Lodge and being looked after by the people from the village of La Gamba. Meeting the delightful children at La Trinidad School followed by a delicious lunch prepared by a local lady Aurora, who was so welcoming and friendly to us all.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were lucky enough to enjoy the expertise and professionalism of Gio (Giovanni). His passion was wildlife, in particular birds, and you couldn't help but be swept along by it. I would describe Gio as quite shy, patient, kind hearted and genuine. He was very concerned for our safety and was also helpful and attentive. I was particulary impressed by Gio's support and enthusiasm for the local community, such as the school we visited and the local lady who we had lunch with.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take an extra pair of closed walking shoes as they are essential. There are extra optional trips such as the Mangrove tour at the Bay of Golfito so save some dollars! Consider travel sickness pills if you are likely to suffer. Our guide suggested some excellent restaurants to eat when food was not included. It is well worth taking his advice. If flying United Airlines eat at the airports as food is a bit scarce when in flight!

Most Inspirational Moment

Staying at the Esquinas Lodge and learning so much about the ecological methods used there.  Swimming in the river fed pool was fantastic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jonny was the best group leader you could ever imagine.  He was knowledgable, caring, considerate of everyone's needs and amusing with it.  No dry facts were thrown at us.  He imparted his wealth of experience and knowledge in such a way it made you care about this wonderful country and it's people.  I learnt so much.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't overpack.  Our driver, Orlando, was wonderful but I felt sorry for him having to lift my case at every stop.  There is a very quick laundry after 5 days and the hotels can generally have your washing returned the next day.