Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The cycling was great and at times the challenges of the hilly sections appeared daunting but ended being conquered. Throughout the cycling there were many vantage points reached which afforded fantastic views of the scenery. Many opportunities also to see some wild life and colourful bird life. The weather was generally very good with only travelling through the rain forest zone being damp as expected. The local people were great too. Always appeared a happy and friendly throughout the travels.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andres Ramirez was our group leader and he proved to be an excellent ambassador for his country and company with exceptional knowledge of it’s history and it’s geography. His organisational skills sone through on a number of occasions when faced with some changes to the itinerary. On a personal note l will always be indebted to Andres when I had a bad accident on day 6 in the San Vito region. I came off the bike travelling downhill at speed. Luckily he was with me at the time and was able provide vital support in getting me to the local hospital and helping me through the difficult period of treatment there. Andres then ensured that any further medical attention I needed for the rest of the trip was arranged. He also managed in a professional and mature manner one or two difficult moments with two members of the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Please be sure that you read the trip notes before arriving in Costa Rica as it was clear some had not. Be aware that there are a number of different climates in the country wet,dry,hot, cool conditions were all experienced. Understand the staple food for Costa Rica as this will be what you will encounter for the majority of the trip. The hotels and lodges were generally of a good standard and for one night stopovers were ideal in many occasions but don’t expect 5 star accommodation. And be careful going downhill too fast as I experienced!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the quetzal, the scarlet macaws, the toucans, the monkeys,sloths, iguanas,snakes, crocodiles,caimans.......etcetcetc. So much to see everywhere we went. The fantastic Pacific beaches where you can swim...you can’t in the Caribbean where we were. The hot springs at La Fortuna The suspension bridges at Monteverde The waterways at Tortuguera Manuael Antonio Park Esquinas lodge and its surroundings The night walk

Thoughts on Group Leader

Superb. My husband fell on gravel and had to go to the doctor to have stitches. Gio and Juan were great, taking him,staying with him etc after a long day. Gio was very patient and knew how to see birds and wildlife. He took us out some evenings in the bus to great restaurants. He ensured the trip ran according to plan....it was a very professional approach. He shared information on politics, history etc....not just wildlife. We felt very well prepared for the National Museum in San Jose.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take dollars or colones...both accepted everywhere. Take a hairdryer if you like to use one...a few lodges didn’t have them Take warm walking clothes and good rainwear...we only had rain one morning but it was wet! Closed in shoes....walking trainers are necessary .Godd walking sandals are useful. You don’t need walking boots or poles. You need a good camera and binoculars although the leaders have scopes. Swimming stuff...great pools especially the natural stream pool in Esquinas. We also swam in waterfalls and hot springs. Mosquito spray.. Light towels for Manuel Antonio and the waterfall. You don’t need to stay longer to see San Jose...you have enough time to see the few sights.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sri Lanka is a calmer version of India; the cultural and historical sites are as grand but the hassle is much less. The caves at Dambulla with their frescos and statues, the climb to Sigiriya and the remains at Polonnaruwa are spectacular; Kandy is probabaly the most frantic of all the stops but interesting all the same with the visit to the Temple of the Tooth and the Botanical Gardens.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tirikiri was caring and considerate if a little slow on picking up on group members needs e.g. money exchange, appropriate footwear but overall a nice enough chap and quite willing to share his obvious love for Sri Lanka.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Two things: 1. The cycling was more of a challenge than expected; female members of the group found the universal bikes hard to manage - do not be afraid to take advantage of the support vehicle to follow the cyclists. 2. The Horton Plains experience was of mixed value. The paths were not all easy with deep ruts, serious roots and steep inclines - appropriate footwear is essential. The views at World's End were obscurred by cloud mist inspite of an early start to avoid it and the absence of any wildlife rather negated the reason for the trek. Following the trek the train journey to lower levels proved to be a really challenging experience; crushed onto a train, standing in confined spaces with open doors for 90 minutes was not fun and no chance to see the much vaunted views of the cloud forest and tea plantations rather defeated the purpose of this part of the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking in the mountains

Thoughts on Group Leader

Room for improvement form a health and safety perspective. He did address many issues eg being careful taking time conserving energy but seem to pay little attention once on the mountain leading from the front does require keeping an eye on what is happening. The guide was friendly and provided good briefings and keep us to task. The practice in using an ice axe was at a very low level. More time should have been devoted to this key area of safety on the mountain.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is difficult to choose one but the climb up to the Pla de la Font mountain hut through the woods and the descent in which we each took a turn at leading the way was very memorable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Miguel was remarkable in his versatility at selecting routes to suit the weather. He inspired us with his love of and pride in Catalonia and managed to convey a vivid picture of life in remote areas, both past and present. He has a good sense of humour and was always very sociable with the group. Nothing was too much trouble and he was very aware of his responsibility for our safety and keen for us to enjoy experiences.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of warm layers which you can remove easily and stow in a rucksack. A good level of fitness is required as some routes are both long and challenging.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many, but I particularly enjoyed the Punto Panoramico ride with views of the Argentinian Lake District and the hike up (and rapid descent) of Villarrica Volcano. We also had a very special send-off from our hosts with drinks at sundown overlooking the Llama Volcano .

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tia was amazingly competent and patient as our group leader. The trip involves some incredibly tricky logistics with crossings from Chile into Argentina (and back again), numerous ferry rides, transfers by minibus, luggage checks at customs points and the constant shepherding of 16 cyclists. Despite these challenges the whole trip ran smoothly. His skills as a paramedic were also tested on a few occasions. Together with his brother and Matteus they formed a formidable team

Advice for Potential Travellers

1. About 25% of the cycling is off-road, mostly on gravel tracks with ruts and stoney sections. It can therefore be tricky at times. Some experience of biking off road is necessary (though there was the opportunity to opt out of these sections and travel in the support vehicle). 2. Even with the fine weather that we experienced the mornings were cool and the afternoons very hot so we needed extra layers and lashings of suncream. 3. There were several opportunities for swimming on the trip so have swimming gear close to hand. 4. The lunches provided on the trip were often two and three courses- with large quantities- and it was sometimes difficult to do them justice without struggling to cycle in the afternoons! 5. Although American dollars could be used in several locations you do need some Chilean and Argentinian pesos for small purchases. Credit Card machines were fairly widespread in shops and restaurants.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sunrise at Angkor Wat . Worth the early alarm call.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ms Nga was so enthusiastic and charming. For a 25 year old to organise 16 middle aged people with such patience and a smile was truly superb. She was so proud of her country and wanted to show us as much as possible. Viet Nam should be proud of her. An ambitious young lady who I am sure will go far.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you can , go soon. We noticed along the coast from Da Nang to Hoi An that large hotel chains are buying up plots and it will get more commercialised.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Taj Mahal literally took my breath away, the Amer Fort in Jodhpur was amazing and the City Palace in Udaipur was spectacular, but there were many fascinating insights into local life too whether seeing a couple making rope along the roadside or watching bricks being made by hand.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sanjay and Manu were both excellent, highly experienced guides who worked hard to make sure that everything went smoothly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are travelling in January, it is probably going to be colder than you think. I was glad of the down jacket I had worn to the airport and even wore it for cycling a couple of times until me and the day warmed up. Personally, I felt most comfortable wearing my over the knee mountain biking shorts as village women always have their legs covered but no one had any issues when wearing shorter shorts. Two pairs of cycling under shorts were sufficient as there are enough two night stops for them to get washed, three would be better if you have them. You'll need something warm to wear on cold evenings too as we ate outside a couple of times. But I guess that won't apply to later departures.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling in Hue

Thoughts on Group Leader

Superb, never stopped smiling. Patience of a saint.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the trip notes

Most Inspirational Moment

For me it was husky dog sledding, without a doubt one of my favourite activities ever. My partner enjoyed seeing the northern lights twice and having an endless number of photography opportunities, albeit very cold ones!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Elina was great, our favourite exodus guide so far. She was so friendly and approachable with a really good humour. The only down side is your guide is not with you every day as you go off to do different activities.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As with other reviews, you don't need to take many of your own clothes. We washed our quick dry base layers in the sink every other day. Be prepared to pay a lot for the optional activities, of which there were many more available than those listed in the trip notes.