Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Central Highlands gets a big thumbs up, as did the area around Fortuna , simply stunning. You keep thinking that you Wow that is outstanding reaction tank will fill up but it simply doesn’t. Tortuguero both coastal and up the river should not be missed , the same applies to the Manuel Antonio National Park, and after you reached the top of Death Mountain sipping a Coffee and watching Humingbirds fly around is a bit magical. To many good moments to single out , go and make your own!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto, simply the best ever, a shining star in the Exodus World. Roberto knows his stuff intimately, proud of his country, he exudes warmth, charm, humour, and nothing no problems attitude. He will push you as hard as you want to go but equally as chilled to let you find your own pace - its not a race it’s your holiday. Frustratingly he’s also a pretty able cyclist, as is Paul who works alongside Roberto and kept our bikes in top condition, and your man at the wheel Is Luis - super safe and a little legend with his knife and soft fruits at breaks. Great team all around - I hope you get all three!

Advice for Potential Travellers

It’s hot and humid . Clothes struggle to dry out after washing so bear this in mind and pack with this in mind. Sun Screen is unbelievable expensive in Costa so make sure you take enough, insects not such a problem but pack something preventative. Bikes are Scott Mountain Bikes and well maintained and in good condition - bring your saddle if you want but we didn’t find the standard saddle a problem. They are super low geared and will get you up anything you are likely to encounter hill wise , terrain is what they term “undulating “ but there are a few long accents and potentially fast descents if you choose to give your bike it’s head . That said our group which was fab got around intact and had no issues.

Most Inspirational Moment

It's difficult to pick one because there were so many outstanding experiences. Swimming in the Pacific and Caribbean on one holiday is pretty amazing. Cycling in the Highlands away from much of the traffic on smooth roller-coaster roads was a different experience entirely from cycling in Britain. For me though the most inspirational aspect was the abundant and colourful birdlife in the gardens surrounding the Highland hotels and lodges and in the national parks; I came back with scores of memorable photographs.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto is simply outstanding: inclusive, encouraging, challenging, firm, well-organised, flexible, safe, and both passionate and knowledgeable about his country and what it has to offer the rest of the world. After a few days there was a tremendous team spirit in the group (one of the best I have experienced) and in no small measure this was due to Roberto's personal qualities and his fantastic sense of humour and fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As there are several transfers between cycling sessions, it's a good idea to have a small bag you can keep on the bus so you can refresh sun cream, change out of cycling shoes for food stops etc. The Pacific part of the ride is incredibly hot: make sure you have more sun cream than you would expect to need, and use it. Don't take dollars: use the local currency, as the informal exchange rate in shops and restaurants for dollars is poor and you get change in local currency anyway.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling in the central highlands. There are climbs however everyone could go at their own pace. Stunning views, especially on the descents! There was plenty of time to take lots of photos. Tortuguero National Park was a fabulous experience, loads of bird life, monkeys and iguanas. Loved swimming in both the Pacific and Caribbean Oceans. The variety of scenery that we cycled through and the amount of the country that we covered in 2 weeks was amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Outstanding. Roberto is an inspirational leader, with a great sense of humour and exceptional organisational skills. Everything ran like clockwork! He made everyone welcome and nothing was too much trouble. His passion for and knowledge of his country is fantastic.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Have a day rucksack or suitable bag for putting a change of clothes, sun tan cream etc in (and sandals if you wear cleats) so that you can keep this handy on the bus to change into for transfers if you want. One of the hotels half way round does laundry if you want.

Most Inspirational Moment

That hill

Thoughts on Group Leader

The best. 10 out of 10

Advice for Potential Travellers

No need to have massive breakfasts. The snacks come throughout the day

Most Inspirational Moment

The views heading up to the highest town on the island, the happiness of the children and people we encountered on the way, the sense of achievement at the end of every day!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Suresh has been leading this trip for many years and as a result has fine tuned so many of the experiences - knowing where best to stop to enjoy a view or where refreshing tea / fruit or ice cream might be required. His relationship with all the local people and owners & staff of places where we stopped shone through and made everything we did feel happy and safe, as well as a treat.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The point of the trip is to cycle and there are some big days….I was pleased to have my own saddle!

Most Inspirational Moment

For us there were many, staying at the biological station and visiting the national park of Tortugera, the wildlife was fabulous.if you're a bird enthusiast then your in for a treat!!!I saw more than 20 different exotic species up close, hummingbird,toucans and parrots galore. Sloths, iguanas, monkeys...to name a few All the guides that took us around were knowledgeable about the habitat.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto is a very professional,kind, respectful gentleman with an abundance of local knowledge. He's considerate to all the different levels of fitness in the group and nothing was to difficult a problem to solve. He's also has a fantastic sense of humour 😃

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of sun screen as it's hot🥵and it costs a lot of money to buy here.Also bring insect repellent,none of us were bite free You can drink the local water which is a bonus...and it tastes nice. Nobody suffered any upset stomachs.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me, I would say that three activities were my favourites. Firstly, the dogsledding was really memorable gliding along through the snow behind seven huskies. Secondly, the chance to try some ice climbing was a treat even if I'm not likely to repeat it at 70 and thirdly, racing ice karts was really good fun with the competitive spirit kicking in big time. I'm sure that my wife would add spending a night in the Quinzee we built in -20C to that list.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Elina, Martti and the team were really first rate with their tuition and helpfulness as I've said. They were all really sociable, informative about flora and fauna and Finnish history and customs all of which go to make the holiday enjoyable. All of the organisation was first class and all the excursions and externally provided activities went like clockwork.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Not particularly save that when the trip notes say that all kit will be provided it will be and good quality it is too.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved watching the leopards mating ritual - whole half hour in open grassland. The bit when they were play flirting with each other and she lay down and wrapped her tail gently around his head and he just purred and smiled. Loved that.

Thoughts on Group Leader

both excellent plus the driver and bus sanitiser and temp man

Advice for Potential Travellers

dont need leech socks - the rainforest hotel supply them. You dont need to get much cash from the airport in Columbo - £180 per person will be enough. There are atms towards the end.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were really fortunate to have a tour guide who explained very clearly the itinerary for tour on the first morning. The tour & excursions are full-on with lots of sites to visit and information to absorb. Sayed is an excellent tour guide and should be voted as the best tour leader for Exodus for his professionalism. Many thank Q’s to Sayed who made our journey a wonderfully interesting experience, full of knowledge & fun times from dawn to dusk.