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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14440 Reviews
4.7 out of
5
Reviews
Emma Cowen
Reviewed August 2018
Picturesque places, lush landscape and beautiful bears.
A great way to spend the week, walking in the countryside, seeing many sites with fantastic architecture and cute bears doing their thing in the wild.
Most Inspirational Moment
Watching the bears in the wild from our bear hide and seeing how they play, eat and look out for each other. Also the visit to sanctuary was interesting, but sad to hear how those bears had been treat in their earlier years before being rescued from their previous owners.
I also enjoyed the long walk along the canyon and the visit to Dracula's castle.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Thomas was very knowledgeable, helpful and friendly and always had an answer for every question asked. He also made sure every one's needs were catered for. He also knows the area very well. His assistant Sebi was also helpful and friendly and knows the area well too.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Make sure you have a good pair of walking boots, plenty of water and waterproof gear.
Sarah Lambert
Reviewed August 2018
An amazing adventure!
Wow – we packed so much in – three holidays in one; the Amazon, Inca Trail and Lake Titicaca including incredible wildlife, landscapes, culture and history. The itinerary was full on but we were expertly guided by Smithy who looked after our group so well. The icing on the cake was the group we were with – what a wonderful bunch of people we shared this amazing adventure with!
The kit list is a good guide and a battery for charging your electronics is a must.
Most Inspirational Moment
It is hard to pick one - for me reaching the top of Dead Woman's Pass - it was quite a climb and of course getting to the Sun Gate and our first glimpse of Machu Picchu.
Another 'moment' would be stopping in a lay-by en route to Puno and being invited to dance with the locals as they celebrated opening up a new roadside market - a breathless encounter at 4335m!
So many beautiful sunrises and sunsets in beautiful landscapes.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader, Smithy, was outstanding and he is one of the reasons our trip was so amazing. He was attentive, knowledgeable, caring and nothing was too much trouble, all with a wonderful sense of humour. He instilled confidence in us all and we all felt reassured that 'Smithy would sort it' when things did not go to plan!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Read the trip notes and then be prepared to enjoy the adventure.
Angela Hague
Reviewed August 2018
Mountains, woodland, meadows
I was surprised how green “Green Spain” is. On landing I thought it looked more like Austria, and this resemblance persisted. It had been rainy before we went and the woodland paths were quite muddy. There are brown cows with cow bells (very docile) and a lot of goats (very friendly).
Our week was hot and humid so on the last day we set off at 8am instead of the normal 9am.
The area is very peaceful, but there are few way-marked trails so it was useful to have a guide.
On the free day we chose to go to the coast. The beach at Poo (yes it is called Poo) is stunning – lovely soft golden sand and restaurants overlooking the beach. We were less impressed with Llanes – it is OK and the icecreams from the van the group are picked up at are superb (and huge! – save room for one) but given how nice the beach at Poo is we would probably spend more time there if it is a nice day.
The hotel has a nice garden to sit out in with stunning views of the mountains (sometimes hidden in mist, sometimes clear against blue sky). The hotel staff are very organised. The bar is a nice place to hang out after walks or before dinner.
The food is very tasty. There is a small appetiser, a soup, a main and a pudding. Our only thought to improve this would be more vegetables with some of the main courses (e.g. the pork is the best ever – it is so tender – but it was served up with just one carrot along with Dauphinoise potatoes). Cutting out the appetisers would save a lot of work serving and washing up for what is a small thing. The beef curry bomb was very popular with the group – highly recommended! The prawn curry was a bit too fancy with a couple of whole prawns and my husband would have preferred a proper big bowl of prawn curry and rice rather than have to mess about dissecting his dinner. The hake with little clams on the last day was excellent. Every meal was very tasty and well cooked.
Most Inspirational Moment
The peaks and views have to be the highlight for me, and being above the clouds is always lovely.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Nacho was kind and gentle, and I enjoyed his sense of humour. He was very patient and made sure everyone had a good time. He was a good coach when it came to learning some basic scrambling on the last day, and all the tougher bits were optional.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Pack insect repellent and Anthisan, or similar. Some of our group got bitten by horseflies because of the humidity. You might want to take an umbrella to use as a sunshade - our guide Nacho used one most days.
Nacho recommended "Aquarius" - a rehydration drink I had not heard of before. it is very refreshing.
David Thomson
Reviewed August 2018
From the mountains to the sea - a thouroughly enjoyable trip
This was our first time doing any sort of cycling holiday and I chose Exodus based on the reviews of other people and it didn’t disappoint.
Most Inspirational Moment
The scenery was amazing, from the Mountains and Lakes in the north, down to the canals of Venice.
Also it was great to see the camaraderie grow within the group, from total strangers at the beginning of the trip to good friends at the end.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our leader, Martino, was excellent. He has a huge knowledge of the region and always gave us an extra little tour around any of our destinations. He also offered the chance to do some extra miles with a couple of early morning rides before breakfast. They were certainly worth doing as you saw things that were not on the normal itinerary.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This trip was rated as moderate and I would agree with this. Just be prepared for some days to be both moderately easy and moderately hard in places.
Pauline Patterson
Reviewed August 2018
Stunning snow topped Andes
Peru is a wonderful country with its varied landscapes and diverse cultures. Nothing can quite prepare you for the stunning vistas in the Andes and the once in a lifetime experience of the Inca trail, culminating at the Sun Gate and that first view of Machu Picchu. All this led by our outstanding guide Bobby and shared with a lovely group of people. A BIG thank you.
Most Inspirational Moment
Undoubtedly that first view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate after 4 strenuous but amazing days on the Inca trail. It was quite an emotional experience.
Thoughts on Group Leader
What a legend Bobby is! THE most fantastic guide, who shared his passion and knowledge of his country and immersed us into its heart and cultures throughout the trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
1. Read the trip notes carefully
2. Get yourself physically fit for the trek which I personally believe is higher than the moderate level 3 graded by Exodus.
3. Altitude will have an affect!
4. There are long drives but the scenery is always extraordinary and do help you acclimatise to the altitude.
5. Days were pleasantly warm but the nights very cold particularly on the trek and in Cusco, so layers are essential..
6. It is worth taking the optional extra flight over the Nazca lines to fully appreciate the extent of the carvings.
Celia Akers
Reviewed August 2018
Coastal secrets of Costa Rica
I had booked this trip to celebrate “big birthdays” for both me and my daughter, so my expectations were high and this fantastic holiday exceeded my expectations. Walking in the rainforest and cloudforest and sailing in the mangrove swamps was magical and thanks to the sharp eyes of our guide we saw at very close range howler and capuchin monkeys, two and three fingered sloths, poison dart frogs, blue jean frogs, transparent frogs, crocodiles, caiman, lizards, basilisks, snakes (the yellow eyelash viper was stunningly beautiful seen through our guide’s telescope), green turtles, humpback whales, dolphins, hummingbirds, anteater, racoons, coatis, scarlet macaws, parakeets, heron, egrets and lots more. It was a safari! We experienced the diversity of the ecology and cultures of Costa Rica while avoiding the touristy areas. The eco-lodges varied from good to excellent and all had air conditioning to ensure a good night’s sleep. The food was excellent and special diets were well catered for. We were warmly welcomed wherever we went. There was quite a lot of travelling in our air conditioned minibus but the journey was made more interesting by the guide’s stories about the local area and frequent stops to sample local fruit at the side of the road , eating in family run restaurants where you could watch the birdlife at the same time, or stopping to see archaeological remains such as the stonospheres. If you want to experience the great outdoors in the tropics and fall exhausted but happy into a comfy bed at the end of every day, this is the holiday for you.
Most Inspirational Moment
There was something inspirational every day so it's impossible to name just one. Sailing alongside a family of humpback whales was awe-inspiring. Hearing the calls of howler monkeys in the early hours of the morning. Seeing and hearing scarlet macaws while walking to get breakfast. Watching monkeys watching us. Sitting in the hotel garden in the cloudforest and being dive-bombed by hummingbirds. The exhilarating sail to Drake Bay across the waves where the mangrove swamps meet the pacific. Snorkelling off Cano island and seeing so many colourful fish, turtles and a white-tipped shark.
Thoughts on Group Leader
If Johnny Villalobos had not already won the Exodus guide of the year, I would be nominating him! His knowledge of nature, wildlife, history and his country was exemplary and he imparted his knowledge in an interesting and entertaining way. He clearly loves his job. Johnny was sensitive to the group's needs, was very flexible in accommodating people's requests, and never lost an opportunity to give us an impromptu experience of real Costa Rica. He was highly respectful of wildlife and ecological issues. Johnny went the extra mile for us and regularly put on extra walks or experiences on his own initiative that were not listed in the trip notes. He was also quietly observant of individual's needs : when I was dehydrated and a bit seasick he arrived at my door with a jug of coconut water after finding the fresh coconuts in the lodge garden himself. A thoroughly decent and modest man. Thank you Johnny for a fantastic holiday that was fun and mind-broadening.
Advice for Potential Travellers
A waterproof poncho is probably more comfortable in the (hot) rain than the waterproof breathable jacket I wear in the UK. Dry bags to line your day rucksack and for cameras are useful. Drink LOADS more water than you think you need as its very easy to get dehydrated. Take earplugs if you don't want to be woken by howler monkeys in the early hours of the morning (or just enjoy the experience). Expect to have wildlife in the lodges and remember we're in their habitat not vice-versa. Don't keep food in your room unless you want a close encounter with ants! There's no need to take food supplies for a vegan or wheat free diet as the lodges always have options. Don't buy chocolate souveniers to bring home at the start of the holiday as it will be heat damaged after 2 weeks! The best mozzie protection is to cover up and just spray the exposed bits with Deet 50%; even then, be prepared to get a few bites sometimes. Be wary of traffic in San Hose...it does not stop for pedestrians! Take the opportunity to see the National Museum, the Jade Museum and the market.
Karen Maynard
Reviewed August 2018
Wonderful adventure
This was our first Exodus trip and we were so impressed. The trip is action packed and Vietnam has so much to offer. There was a reasonable level of activity (walking and cycling and a kayaking trip), combined with a chance to immerse yourself in the culture of the country and meet the local villagers. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to maximise their time in Vietnam and get a really good feel for the country.
Most Inspirational Moment
We went on a boat overnight on Halong Bay to see the stunning and famous limestone rocks. The sunrise the next morning was breathtaking.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader, Thoa, was fantastic. Nothing was too much trouble and he is a credit to Exodus. He looked after us very well, accomodated everyone's requirements and showed us the best sights and great places to eat and drink with the locals. All the travel arrangements were organised seamlessly and we felt rather spoilt. He encouraged us all to try new experiences and was great company.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This trip is very busy - a new location nearly every day and lots of travelling. This worked really well for our group as there is so much to discover in Vietnam but don't choose it if you want a restful trip.
The cycling and walking is manageable if you are active and great if you like variety but probably rather tame if you do walk or cycle regularly as a hobby.
Susan Darnton
Reviewed August 2018
One of the best African experiences!
I am an experienced Exodus/Africa client as I love both the continent and the Exodus tours I have completed there. This present tour was outstanding in the scope, the experiences and the group: all influenced by our excellent leader Rowan. The itinerary encompasses game drives and walking drives which were very productive. We saw all the usual big 5 but had some special experiences- a leopard up a tree in full camera view with its fresh impala breakfast, wild dogs [our guides said we were VERY lucky] and a rare as hen’s teeth caracal in the light of day begging from a parking attendant. WOW!
The combination of two countries in one tour encompasses some amazing scenery, including the majestic Victoria Falls. Wild camping on the extraordinary Okovango Delta is a once in a lifetime experience. Our group shared interests and enthusiasms and we became addicted to the Millionaire Quiz app to which our leader introduced. Who thought we could be so competitive in such a jolly way!
Most Inspirational Moment
The three amazing and very special animal sightings: leopard with kill, wild dogs and caracal. Last experience probably never to be repeated in a lifetime and special to me as my Abyssinian breed cat is descended ultimately from the African caracal.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Hi is ace!!!!!!!
His organisational skills and enthusiastic love of Africa shine through.
A really god shopper and cook too over very many meals. An Exodus tour marches on its tummy we know and we marched well and on time.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do not hesitate if you love the African experience: this is a very special tour.
Joanna Wilson
Reviewed August 2018
A tropical paradise.
Overall we had such an amazing trip. Our tour guide was fantastic and one of a kind. He really knew his stuff and went the extra mile above and beyond for the group. We always maintained respect for Nature and conservation, further more learning the importance of why Costa’s Rica is so special. Costa Rica was teaming with wildlife, we spotted 9 sloths including a close up chance encounter of a wild two toed sloth, A surge of 30 Coati and their young on the edge of the rainforest coastal walk at Coravado. Swimming with green turtles and white tipped reef sharks, seeing a young humpback whale calf up close with mum….an experience to see the well renowned Quetzal…Macaws, Anteaters, Howler Monkey families at the door step of our lodge facing the Pacific Ocean not to mention the many countless bird species, insects and reptiles we encountered along the way. If your looking for paradise, Costa Rica has it all and more.
Most Inspirational Moment
Being surrounded by Hummingbirds close up at our stay lodge in the middle of the cloud forest was pretty sensational.
Quite difficult to narrow it down to one, the snorkelling experience was also a high experience as we had never done anything like that before. It opens your eyes up to a completely different world.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Johnny (Villalobos) was amazing. He really leaps out at you as a extremely proficient and interesting tour leader, not your run of the mill tour guides. I wasn’t surprised to learn he had won an award for his work. There’s something very honest about Johnny and you can see how extremely passionate he is about conservation, wildlife and his country. Also dedicated twitcher!
I think if I were to re-visit Costa Rica again, I’d like Johnny to be there on the tour front.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go in with an open mind. The hotels are well placed for the locations and more than comfortable. The Drakes bay lodge, Cloud forest hotel are mind blowingly beautiful.
Be prepared you may not see all the wildlife viewing that’s on your hit list but the wildlife you do see is amazing , we saw so much amazing wildlife more than any other wildlife trip I’ve been on, no we didn’t see a Jaguar or any cat family member but we pretty much saw everything else including the odd rare species.
The beauty of the rugged coastal rainforests is amazing, be prepared with full rain water proof clothing, and make sure it is water proof. Water shoes are a god send, the advice another previous visitor highlighted to wear came in super handy when we boarded the speed boat.
Also if you have a nice fancy camera, make sure you have rainproof protection for it. I brought a water proof camera with me for snorkelling and the local tour guides were extremely kind enough to dive down and take photos of underwater wildlife , which we are aiming to share with the rest of the group.
The cloud forest is quite a change from the warmer climates of Costa Rica, make sure you are prepared with a good reliable warm hoodie. Our tour guide even had gloves and a hat on for the 5am Quetzal walk. Also make sure you have good waterproof walking boots as you do walk a fair way on special set occasions.
Kathryn and Peter Murray
Reviewed August 2018
Experiencing this ‘pearl of the Indian Ocean’
In 15 days we enjoyed many varied experiences that enabled us to gain new insights into this exciting, challenging place.
Our accomodation was mostly very luxurious, the food tasty if somewhat predictable in hotels; eating food prepared and served by locals in villages was enjoyable as was playing some traditional village games. Cycling in the countryside and taking to the water gave us a different perspective again.
July was a great time to travel and we saw very little rain ; the temperatures on the west coast were high but the hill country pleasantly cooler – no need for jumpers or coats at all.
Although we missed seeing a leopard at Yala N.P. elephants, warthogs, water buffalo, spotted deer, monkeys, crocodiles and many different birds made up for that. We even saw a mongoose.
Most Inspirational Moment
Elephants coming right up to our hotel’s electric fence was a highlight. Walking on Horton’s Plains was special as was exploring the ancient sites of Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya and watching festivals and ceremonies.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We had an excellent guide who gave us relevant detail about the country’s cultural, political, socio-economic and geographical situation. We felt we learned much about this fascinating country.
However, the amount of plastic waste littering the country was a cause for concern.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go with an open mind but don’t expect to be able to do much walking in smaller towns or on beaches near Colombo, which are polluted and not always accessible. Tuk Tuks are the easiest form of transport. Check whether you need to worry about dengue fever when you travel. We didn’t in July so could have had more short sleeves and shorts.
