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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14375 Reviews
4.7 out of
5
Reviews
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!
Darrell Stocks
Reviewed November 2019
Good 'ole Exodus!
An interesting blend of Vietnam from north to south including an o/n sleeper train. The success and enjoyment of these trips is usually down to the blend of fellow travellers and team leader and this one was no different. The weather,early season, was mixed with a little more rain and cloud than hoped for but did not detract from the enjoyment but a little more sunshine would have enhanced the countryside. A read of the brochure and trip notes will give a very accurate picture of the breadth and variety of the trip. The daily riding distances are mainly governed by the fitness of the participants and their ability to cover the miles in a reasonable time and for the first time in my experience of 7 trips we were delayed by some participants who frankly were not cycling fit and I wonder if they had read and understood the pre – trip advice!
Most Inspirational Moment
What I like about Exodus is that they come up with a blend of tourism and cycling that is inspirational itself. The Viet Cong tunnels from the war and the brief visit to the 'museum' were highly informative as was the knowledge of the tour leader which was outstanding. The visit to Halong Bay was outdtanding too - I'd seen films and photos of the huge 'Rocks' in the Bay but to cruise among them was vividly fascinating - although I could have passed on visiting one of the islands with a tiny overcrowded beach on a Sunday afternoon!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader was excellent. An educated, well informed local person. He constantly referred to us all 'as my family' and I think most of us bought into his philosophy. As I noted earlier we had 2 'difficult' participants who were not up to cycling the distance within the required timings but understandingly felt that they had a right to complete the same distance as everone else. A conundrum that requires careful management that took a while to resolve. Presumably Exodus has a policy to address this but it was somewhat absent early on.
Advice for Potential Travellers
A really fascinating, interesting and at times challenging trip - BOOK it!
David Barnewell
Reviewed November 2019
Outstanding trip, wonderful experiences every day
Great organisation, team, guides and Leader; Chai, we experienced people, food, culture and daily life in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Saw most wonderful temples in Angkor, deeply moving visits to the Killing Fields and the Vietnam War Remnants museum and the great buzz of SiemReap, Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh cities
Most Inspirational Moment
Hard to pick a single event. Every day brought something new and different. The Temples of Angkor are simply stunning
Thoughts on Group Leader
Chai was outstanding. He did a great job showing us new and different aspects to daily life in all three countries. His team of drivers, cyclists, mechanics and local guides were superb.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Research what you will see and visit in advance so you get the very best out of the trip. Bring comfortable cycling clothing, but not too much, laundry is easy. Make sure you bike size is correct and confined ahead of travelling. Get some miles done on the bike before travel so you’re fit enough to enjoy the scenery and not struggling
Gill Morriss
Reviewed November 2019
Excellent trip with great variety
We loved our holiday to Ecuador because of the very varied itinerary, the stunning scenery, a very friendly group and because Eddy was a capable and enthusiastic tour leader. In addition, the quality of the food and accommodation exceeded our expectations. Our favourite place was the Chimborazo National Park with the walk down from base camp being exceptional for the tundra like scenery and the fabulous view of the snow-capped high peaks of the Andes. In addition, the Amazon Rain Forest was brilliant for the boat journey to the lodge, the fascinating night walk, the animal rescue centre, visit to a local family and the wonderful wellies which were a necessity! People were friendly everywhere, the hotels wonderful, with some providing whirlpool baths and food was great with good variety. Nowhere seemed too busy and we didn’t see too many tourists. Eddy, our tour leader, worked hard throughout, conveying his enthusiasm for the country which, combined with his warmth, made him one of the best guides we’ve had. All in all, a fabulous trip that I would recommend to anyone.
Most Inspirational Moment
Chimborazo national park.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Read the trip notes carefully.
Gill Morriss
Reviewed November 2019
Excellent trip with great variety
We loved our holiday to Ecuador because of the very varied itinerary, the stunning scenery, a very friendly group and because Eddy was a capable and enthusiastic tour leader. In addition, the quality of the food and accommodation exceeded our expectations. Our favourite place was the Chimborazo National Park with the walk down from base camp being exceptional for the tundra like scenery and the fabulous view of the snow-capped high peaks of the Andes. In addition, the Amazon Rain Forest was brilliant for the boat journey to the lodge, the fascinating night walk, the animal rescue centre, visit to a local family and the wonderful wellies which were a necessity! People were friendly everywhere, the hotels wonderful, with some providing whirlpool baths and food was great with good variety. Nowhere seemed too busy and we didn’t see too many tourists. Eddy, our tour leader, worked hard throughout, conveying his enthusiasm for the country which, combined with his warmth, made him one of the best guides we’ve had. All in all, a fabulous trip that I would recommend to anyone.
Most Inspirational Moment
Chimborazo national park.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Read the trip notes carefully.
Gill Morriss
Reviewed November 2019
Excellent trip with great variety
We loved our holiday to Ecuador because of the very varied itinerary, the stunning scenery, a very friendly group and because Eddy was a capable and enthusiastic tour leader. In addition, the quality of the food and accommodation exceeded our expectations. Our favourite place was the Chimborazo National Park with the walk down from base camp being exceptional for the tundra like scenery and the fabulous view of the snow-capped high peaks of the Andes. In addition, the Amazon Rain Forest was brilliant for the boat journey to the lodge, the fascinating night walk, the animal rescue centre, visit to a local family and the wonderful wellies which were a necessity! People were friendly everywhere, the hotels wonderful, with some providing whirlpool baths and food was great with good variety. Nowhere seemed too busy and we didn’t see too many tourists. Eddy, our tour leader, worked hard throughout, conveying his enthusiasm for the country which, combined with his warmth, made him one of the best guides we’ve had. All in all, a fabulous trip that I would recommend to anyone.
Most Inspirational Moment
Chimborazo national park.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Read the trip notes carefully.
Andrew Beaven
Reviewed November 2019
Moonstone Trek and more
Wonderful trip — cleverly varied itinerary with a mix of challenging trekking, history & local life.
Most Inspirational Moment
Trek up to the pass at Accoccassa (4625m). and the view of Mt Veronica.
Advice for Potential Travellers
1. Don’t be put off by the altitude — it is extreme (see Accoccassa (4625m), followed by an evening in a camp also above 4000m, but we (a very mixed group) managed it.
2. If you can, get an extra day in Cusco to acclimatise. Well worth it, both to get used to the altitude and also to have more time to look around — depending on flights, you might not get long in Cusco on the way home.
One day _less_ in Cusco on the way in could well leave you struggling with the altitude. We were stuck in Bogota after our flight was cancelled due to local electrical storms (well looked after by Avianca, once they made up their mind to cancel the flight); a day at 2640m does not prepare you for 3000-4000m.
3. The Museum of Pre-Columbian Art – MAP Cusco (https://mapcusco.pe/en/) is well worth a visit (and is open on Sundays).
4. Ollantaytambo is a wonderful place to visit and walk around (not only because it is the first “civilisation” after the 4 days trekking...although the first shower was very welcome). Obviously, there’s no guarantee of Top Gear filming in the main square (don’t know when the episode airs, but the cars were very loud!), or the local schools rehearsing for a festival, but the town and temples are fascinating.
5. The international departure lounge at Cusco airport has just one (very) small cafe. Stay in the domestic lounge (up the escalator to the left of the entrance to International) for food, bar & shops, if you can.
Barbara Preneta
Reviewed November 2019
Fantastic Trip!
This was a fantastic trip with great contrasts, from busy Marrakech with souks, palace, mosques to the quiet village up in the High Atlas Mountains. Our guide, Hamid, could not have been better!
Most Inspirational Moment
I loved the mountain village, the quiet, the hammam, having mint tea in the home of our guide's family. Having a hot cooked lunch up in the mountains was special.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our leader, Hamid was great. He was knowledgeable, considerate, funny, and always aware of what was happening with various members of our group. He shared so much about the Moroccan culture, answering and encouraging questions from the walkers. We came away with so much more than experiencing a few walks in the mountains.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared with layers for all kinds of weather. It was cold in the riad at night, but plenty of warm blankets were provided. Don't skip the hammam! I hadn't planned to do this, but was so glad that I did.
Julie D
Reviewed November 2019
Discover Costa Rica
Fantastic insight into this beautiful and fascinating country. Brilliant guide.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing the baby turtles hurtling towards the incoming tide at Tortuguero
Thoughts on Group Leader
Brilliant guide - very friendly and very knowledgeable about everything from the plants and wildlife to the history of the country
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring an umbrella !
Rosie H
Reviewed November 2019
Brilliant Safari
Botswana & Zimbabwe Lodge Safari is a brilliant holiday.
Exodus have put together a great itinerary. The game walks and drives in Okavango Delta, Chobe, Matopo & Hwange National Parks are well organised and we saw loads of animals including 4 of the big 5. The variety of lodges and the delta camping were all comfortable.
We had an excellent holiday and would definitely recommend it.
Most Inspirational Moment
The early morning game walks in Okavango.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Rowan is efficient and Sifiso is a good driver. Both were great at spotting wildlife for us.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Get some small notes if you can. We took US dollars & changed into BWP in Botswana. We spent approx. $700 (USD) pp total, of which approx. 1300 pula pp cash in Botswana. (includes delta flight & Zambezi cruise but not Vic Falls flight). We put the Maun flights & Zimbabwe supermarket shopping on plastic.
Plug sockets were mostly South Africa round pin.
It was very hot in October, but dry so mosquitoes were less of a problem.
