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.

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126 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Susan Ward

Reviewed November 2015

Central America - So Much to Discover!

If you are considering this trip, do not hesitate! It is a wonderful introduction to three very diverse countries. If you like variety, this is the trip for you — each of the countries is distinct, but there are few similarities from one stop to the other.

As well, there is a lot of variety in the activities beyond cycling, including: visits to a coffee plantation and a family-run chocolate making spot … river rafting … zip-lining above and through the cloud and rain forest … Panama Canal visitors center … animal rescue / rehabilitation facility just to name a few. So, it is not only about cycling, but obviously that is the focus and the means of moving from one destination to the next.

The cycling is demanding–yes … but not so much that the average person cannot feel comfortable on this trip and there are always options if the hill climbing is too much. The benefits of being close to nature and to people are something that can only be experienced on a bike. You won’t feel exhausted – but you will have a pleasant “GOOD TIRED” feeling each night. Every morning I was enthusiastic to get back on the bike for what we had to discover that day.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were a few inspirational moments: seeing volcanos (outstanding landscape) - visiting a small school and connecting with the children - one stage (Chocolata Road to San Juan del Sur) where we felt so close to the local people - the birds and animals - the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Apart from the natural beauty and memorable opportunities to connect with people on this trip, what made it so tremendous were our team: Roberto (Tour Leader) - Paul (Assistant) and Luis (Driver) - they looked after each of us and were 100% dedicated to making this trip a terrific experience. Our safety and our enjoyment was their goal!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for all kinds of weather - hot and sunny and at times rainy. This means you need enough "kit" or you'll be doing lots of washing at night and hoping things are dry by morning. Well padded gloves are really necessary - along with sun glasses (obviously) and clear glasses (for overcast / rainy days). We had small bike bags that fit on our handle bars and were GREAT for a camera, sun screen, extra water bottle, etc.

Anonymous

Reviewed November 2015

Cycle Nicaragua, Costa Rica & Panama

Excellent trip in all respects. Very well run by Guillermo and his team, standard of accomodation and food was very good, and the cycling was great! A wonderful way to experience parts of Central America with lots packed into two weeks, both in terms of cycling and other activities (boat trips, swimming, optional zip-lining, scuba diving etc).

Most Inspirational Moment

I especially enjoyed cycling through the villages in Nicaragua and the cycling stages in Panama after Bocas del Toro. The day off at Bocas del Toro was a perfect time to break off the cycling stages with a day on an empty, white sandy beach (lots of other activity options there as well).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Guillermo and his team did an excellent job all the way, making sure everything ran smoothly and that our bikes were in good conditions every day, and looking after us very well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't underestimate the heat and humidity - it's really really hot and humid (October)! Very helpful that sports drinks (powder) was provided throughout the trip by the accompanying bus.

Anne Hillman

Reviewed November 2015

anne hillman

Quite different from mainstream cycling holidays. A brilliant mix of cycling as well being part of the massive variety of vibrant cultures, physical environments and unique wildlife that you experience as you travel through 3 very different countries.

Most Inspirational Moment

Night in the Mystica resort watching the sunset over Arenal Volcano, followed by the fabulous ride the following day around the lake.. The boat ride to Isla Colon and cycling through Veraguas province in Panama.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Memo and his team were outstanding. Professional, observant, knowledgeable and so enthusiastic .. great company..a team that made you smile.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be ready for very hot and humid weather, that was sometimes more challenging than the cycling ..lots of sunblock, and insect repellent . Take some white arm protectors. Embrace being woken up very early by the howler monkeys..what a wonderful sound to wake up to.

Katherine Yallop

Reviewed October 2015

Central America cycling- fabulous

A really wonderful trip- beautiful scenery, varied cycling, plenty of interesting wildlife, friendly leaders, and a real experience of the local cultures. Very hot and humid- so only go if you can cope with the climate!

Most Inspirational Moment

The perfect day: cycle from hotel to boat, boat trip back to mainland Nicaragua, further cycling with stops to give presents to some local kids, arriving at the ocean for a refreshing dip with a cold drink on the beach thrown in, finishing with a beautiful sunset at the beach and s delicious dinner. Amazing day!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto, our leader, was fantastic. He could not have done more for us. Friendly, knowledgable, looked after us very well, Spanish and cultural lessons thrown in, and by the end of the trip a real friend.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for hot and humid weather. Take some little presents for local kids. Enjoy!

Kevin Griffin

Reviewed September 2015

MUC

A fantastic induction to 3 central American countries…. covering pacific and caribbean coasts, spending most of the time surrounded by fantastic scenery. I think we had a very authentic experience… in terms of the best sites, seeing where indigenous people lived, and plenty of opportunity for wildlife spotting along the way. The cycling was a good challenge but not overly taxing. It was well paced and the days were very well structured to give a great balance of cycling, sight-seeing, meal times and R&R.

Most Inspirational Moment

Day 4 in Nicaragaua: Woke up on a Volcanic Island with great views of Volcanoes :) , biked to a fresh water spring for a cool, refreshing dip, took a ferry back to the mainland to begin cycling through incredible Nicaraguan country-side, visited a local school and met some great kids, ending up on the Pacific coast at a fantastic hotel with access to 2 beautiful beaches..one of which where we enjoyed a well deserved beer after the afternoon bike ride, and the other served as a backdrop to a cocktail hour while watching a pacific sunset. Incredible!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto was fantastic. Worked incredibly hard for 2 weeks to ensure everyone was well taken care of. Nothing was too much trouble. He gave us his insights and perspective on all aspects of the countries we were visiting. Always organized, thoughtful and with a great smile. Very ably supported by Paul (who could be a tour de france competitor :)), Luis (fantastic driver) and Andrea (up and coming tour guide.. with a passion for her country). Pura Vida!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack light. Expect some rain if you travel in the rainy season..although there were big differences in conditions between caribbean and pacific coasts. But always pretty warm and humid.

Niall West

Reviewed August 2015

Cycle Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama

This is a wonderful trip giving a chance to explore three different countries on a bicycle. Each day is very different giving a wide variety of experiences of what the three countries have to offer, from rolling hills to cloud forest and rainforest to coast with some fantastic hotels.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are so many wonderful moments it's difficult to choose any one in particular but here are some of my favourite moments: - The first hotel in Granada is a real charm, centrally located and very comfortable, the day on Ometepe is fantastic and the optional cycle in the morning to the springs is worth taking to cool down in. The cycle around Lake Arenal is breathtaking and the float down the river the following morning is wonderful. Bocas del Toro is a great spot and there is a free day there to take advantage of a boat trip to see the dolphins, stop off for some snorkelling and visit Red Frog Beach. Seeing the Panama Canal is also a great highlight of the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto and Andrea are fantastic, they couldn't do enough for us. They have a wealth of knowledge about all three countries and enjoy sharing it with the group. Pol, the mechanic leader is also super, always checking the bikes' safety and leading from the front. Luis, the bus driver, carefully transported us on the transfers. All in all a wonderful team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you're thinking of going on this trip, book it fast - you won't regret it!

James Carder

Reviewed August 2015

Cycling Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama

an excellent holiday with fantastic and ever changing scenery and cycling. a good amount of wildlife and other activities to enjoy along the way.

Most Inspirational Moment

there were plenty, possibly the visit to Ometepe Island, maybe cycling around lake Arenal or snorkelling around Bocas Del Toro. Then again it could have been swimming in the Caribbean, pacific and Atlantic Oceans or maybe just walking along the beach at the whilst staying at the Las Lajas hotel.

Thoughts on Group Leader

first class

Karen Sandler

Reviewed June 2015

Good trip. Too much time on the bus. Some poor hotels.

This was a well-organised trip that attempts to do oo much. The net result is a trip spent on a bus, with some cycling. Some of the hotels were good and some were frankly dire. The unfortunate thing is you don’t really get to see anything, as you often arrive near dark and set off early. Shame, it could have been so much better. Exodus is rapidly going downhill, and this is far from being just my opinion.

Most Inspirational Moment

Some of the scenery, such as Ometepe Island was simply spectacular. The Pacific Ocean is wonderful to swim in.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto was simply great. Nothing was too much trouble and everything was well organised. I must not forget our fabulous driver, Ronald and our mechanic Dionysius.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I am not sure I would do a trip like this with Exodus again. There are better trips to be had. Hint though, if you do travel on this trip, anti-malarial tablets are not necessary. You also do not need a yellow fever jab.

Reply from Exodus

We would like to thank Karen for her feedback, although we sincerely regret that she was disappointed with aspects of the itinerary. We are aware that this trip has a busy itinerary in order to visit the highlights of Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama in a relatively short space of time, so there are some large distances covered and consequently some long journeys. We are sorry that Karen was underwhelmed with some of the hotels she stayed at; we have been in contact with Karen on an individual basis and her comments have been discussed with the relevant hotel managements, which we hope will help to avoid similar client disappointment going forward.

Adam Roberts – Product Manager for Cycling in Central America

Tony Longaretti

Reviewed March 2015

A Steamy Fortnight

Wasn’t sure what to expect other than heat, although I must admit at times even the humidity surprised me (travelled in February). Normally I go to sleep in the small hours but each day was so busy with varied activities that I was happy to turn in after dinner.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Panama Canal is a splendid culmination of two weeks of challenging cycling (hills, wind and heat), but the day spent dolphin watching (an optional excursion), the trip to the edge of the volcano and then the caldera, the river rafting and wildlife spotting, and the most delicious pineapples and bananas are also up there. With only one exception (in Arenal) the hotels were chosen with care and thought regarding character.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Guillermo and his team were always ready to answer questions or meet our needs.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Sunscreen and other protection from the rays. It rained throughout our day through the rainforest: many dressed up although I dressed down and accepted I was going to get soaked. Our bikes even had water bottles and speedos which are not normally provided. My reading material remained unread at the end of the trip, there was lots to do.

Alan Sorensen

Reviewed March 2015

Cycle Nicaragua, Costa Rica & Panama - Love it!

Awesome journey with a combination of physical challenge; great scenery; unique wildlife; amazing food; and beautiful people. I did not know much about the region prior to the trip and had my eyes opened on a regular basis – such a wonderful part of the world, and a great way to experience it! Get on your bikes people!

Most Inspirational Moment

Loved cycling in the pouring rain. To be riding and tilt my head and capture the rain in my mouth was just awesome - particularly after living in Dubai for the past 18 months. Arenal Lake also was wonderful and the accommodation there was the best hotel I have experienced.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Outstanding. Janiell had the perfect combination of energy, sense-of-humour, and leadership. Her interest in looking after each traveler and their own likes/wants was obvious for all to see and Janiell is a credit to the company. The finest tour leader I have experienced.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You don't need to be super-fit to enjoy this trip, but knowing how to get a bike up a hill and how to work the gears definitely is an advantage. Take a light raincoat for the cycling, and keep a dry pair of clothes in your day pack, because when it rains on this trip it rains hard.

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