Most Inspirational Moment
There were so many highlights on this trip, my top would have to be listening to the howler monkeys in Tortuguero, being surrounded by a troop of white-nosed coatis on my walk down from Arenal volcano and the very spiritual feel of listening to the jungle all around you whilst relaxing or swimming at Esquinas Lodge - truly magical, you really feel in touch with nature. The other impressive thing is that Costa Rica is so environmentally aware - I feel we could learn a lot from their practices. We also had a wonderful group, being a single I wondered whether it would be a case of couples and singles - but there was no such issue - we all gelled together and got on really well - sharing a lot of laughs & experiences along the way.
Thoughts on Group Leader
From reading previous feedback on this trip I had already heard of both Victor (our leader) and Luis (our driver) so when I found out we had both, even though they had never worked together before, it was like getting the dream team. Victor is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic and took great care of us for the entire trip, nothing was too much trouble and he never got fed up of answering our many questions. Both he and Luis were excellent wildlife spotters and we would have missed many things without them. Having a good guide plays a big part in the success of the trip and we couldn't have got better than Victor. He was an absolute star in my opinion.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't pack too much - travel light, the majority of the lodges you stay at have very reasonably priced laundry services - so it makes sense to make use of them. I travelled in March and was perfectly comfortable in shorts for most of the trip - you do need a long pair of trousers and long-sleeved shirt for the walks in the jungle though - and a decent pair of socks to go with the borrowed welly boots, particularly as some of them don't fit so well.
Suggestions
This was my first Exodus trip and I have to say I was a little tentative as this was so different to anything I had done before - if you're having a bit of a wobble about whether to book, please do go ahead, you'll not regret it for one moment. I had the most amazing time and the memories will stay with me forever. It will be hard to beat Costa Rica as it was so fantastic but it's now time for a reality check and to start saving for my next trip - Mmm where next I wonder!!!!