Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

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55 Reviews

4.8 out of 5

Reviewed April 2013

ANDES TO AMAZON

Ecuador is an amazing country, wonderful scenery, wonderful people, a new adventure round every corner not yet swamped by tourism.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many wonderful experiences, climbing to 5,000m and reaching the snowline at Chimborazo, sleeping in jungle huts with just a candle for lighting and listening to the sounds of the jungle at night, being cleansed by the local Shaman by firelight, the blow pipe competition, being drenched beside a huge waterfall and taking a cable car ride accross a gorge which was more like an open top cage on a zip wire, all the hikes around the mountains and the wonderful achitecture of Quito and Cuenca, the modern promanade along the river at Guayaquil, the Inca ruins at Ingapirca and the Devils Nose train.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were lucky enough to have Fabian as our guide and Maurisimo as our driver. Fabian was the best guide we have ever had. He was fun, helpful and nothing was too much trouble for him. His organisational skills were exceptional. We all had lots of laughs, lots of adventures and the whole group bonded, not one person was ever left out which was due to Fabian, definitely the best group experience we have had.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walks are more challenging than described in the trip notes. If you use a walking pole take it with you and also take proper hiking boots as the terrain could be rocky, steep or muddy at times but all achievable by anyone with average fitness. We had not done any walking for a few months before the holiday but managed all the walks. Take the advice of the guide with regard to altitude and it will not be a problem. Every one of our group made it to 5,000m at Chimborazo.

Suggestions

The holiday was very busy but we would not have missed any of it. Although there was quite a bit of travelling by bus, it was always interesting as we passed through different landscapes all the time. The trip incorporated so many different experiences, my only complaint was that it was over too quickly!!!

Reviewed January 2013

ANDES TO AMAZON

A great holiday with such variety – should appeal to both those who enjoy the natural world and culture vultures.

Most Inspirational Moment

It's the most beautiful country we have ever visited and it is not without variety, even within the highland areas. We loved the climb to 5000m up Chimborazo. As a contrast the Amazonian jungle was informative, thrilling and fun. The colonial cities of Quito and Cuenca are beautiful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic guide. Really well informed. Never reluctant to answer any questions. Patient, relaxed, fun and with a great sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You need a case that you can easily carry over your shoulder for the jungle - you can't use a suitcase with wheels. Alternatively take an additional bag sufficient for stuff for 2 nights not forgetting that you will get very sweaty in the high humidity. You will wear wellingtons (provided) in the jungle so make sure you have the right socks. A head torch is essential and a lighter would be useful as you need to light candles (no electricity in the rooms) and the matches were always damp.Be aware that you will spend as much time travelling as you will on actitivities but this is necessary to see as much and to do as much as there is on this wonderful holiday.

Suggestions

The lodge is described as rustic which might make some people think that it is rather basic. Actually in the circumstances it is fantastic - very clean, great beds, lots of space in the rooms and no end of hot water. All the other hotels are great and Exodus has really tried to use characterful places wherever possible. A few of the rooms are small but that is because they are in lovely converted mansions rather than purpose built hotels.

Reviewed November 2012

ANDES TO AMAZON

If you are into mountain scenery and the natural environment then this is a truly wonderful trip made even more precious by the rich diversity of local dress and customs and the high standard of local accomodation available. Drives can be long but the scenery is so breathtaking that even long drives can be a pleasure. This is the best trip of its type that I have ever made. Thoroughly recommend.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many: that initial sight of the mountains surrounding Quito after a long flight in, the drive up to and the walk in the paramo of the El Angel Nature Reserve, staying at Pantavi hostel surrounded by the art work of Camilo Andrade, watching the clouds cleat to reveal Tungurahua volcano and , later in the trip, Chimborazo, driving through the moonlike landscape created by past eruptions of Tungurahua, watching the rapid dance like flight of the hummingbirds in the reserve as they feed, the first sight of a frigate bird inflating its chest to be like a bright red ballooon.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Pablo Montalvo was our group leader. He was simply fantastic, the best. He was extremely knowledgeable but fun with a really amiable personality. He managed us as a group with a light touch, gave us plenty of free time to explore on our own, introduced us to fun options like cable rides over lakes and river tubing. He was also sensitive to variation in fitness levels on walks etc and to awkward dietary requirements. He was just a great guy with a good sense of humour who undoubtedly made a major contribution to the trip being so enjoyable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for torrential rain if it comes, particularly in relation to protecting camera gear. We had capes which were great. Head torches are really useful for walks in Amazon at night. Otavalo really does have the greatest choice of crafts though the hotel in Riobamba had a craft area near the restaurant with some lovely weaving. Basically if you see something you like, buy it as its a bit unpredictable if you will get another chance later. If you are into local weaving (as I am) there is a great book you can get from the Book Depository called "Costume and Identity in Highland Ecuador. Edited by Ann Pollard Rowe. (works at Textile Design Museum in Washington and expert in this area).

Suggestions

I found the Museum at Banos (inside the Church) really interesting though apparently other travellers did not like because of its collection of old stuffed animals and birds. These are rather the worse for wear but despite that I found the different species that were displayed (several from the Galapagos) interesting and there is also a collection of old historical artefacts from various ethnic groups. In Cuenca at the Banco Central Museum, there is a really interesting ethnographic exhibition about the Shuar culture and their tradition of 'tzangas' or shrunken heads. A few are exhibited. Fascinating. Apparently there are also some heads in Guayaqui. The museum in Cuenca is itself situated on an archaelogical site and has other exhibits -coinage, paintings- though the ethonographic section is the only bit with English translations.. You need a passport as proof of identity for entry.

Reviewed November 2012

ANDES TO AMAZON

This trip exceeded all my expectations. Ecuador is a fascinating unspoilt country still relativaly free of mass tourism.The tour manager was an expert in his field and full of enthusiasm for his own country.Absolutely brilliant!

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking around Volcanoe tops and trekking up the sides.Travelling high up and then down into the Amazon rain forest.Fantastic hotels

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent...his knowledge of his country gave us all an insight I doubt other tours could have offered...Veryhumorous and helpful.I think he enjoyed the trip as much as us!Bursting with enthusiasm

Advice for Potential Travellers

Treat yourself to this beatifully unspoilt country before its too late.The diversity of this country is amazing...an absolute joy!

Suggestions

I was apprehensive when I booked this tour. Notknowing if I,d be dissapointed.However I was amazingly relieved...it was wonderful!..Everybody was really happy..and this feeling flowed through the coach.A Beautiful country that re-afftrms your belief in the Joy of Life.

Reviewed October 2012

ANDES TO AMAZON

A WELL THOUGHT OUT ITINERARY TAKING IN MANY OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF ECUADOR, INCUDING SOME OF THE MOST DRAMATIC SCENERY I HAVE EVER SEEN IN SUCH A SMALL COUNTRY. WEL.L LED BY OUR GUIDE

Most Inspirational Moment

THE HIGH ALTITUDE WALKS IN THE 3500 TO 4000M RANGEHACIENDA ACCOMMODATION OF THE HIGHEST STANDARD

Thoughts on Group Leader

PABLO WAS EXCELLENT. SOCIABLE, WELL INFORMED, ENTHUSIASTIC, PATIENT AND WITH A GREAT SENSE OF HUMOUR.

Advice for Potential Travellers

TAKE LAYERS OF CLOTHING FOR VARIATIONS IN CLIMATE AND CONDITIONS, CAMERA AND BINOCULARS.

Suggestions

JUST A GREAT TRIP.

Reviewed August 2012

ANDES TO AMAZON

Awesome.

Most Inspirational Moment

The jungle.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Knowledgeable, imformative and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do this trip.

Suggestions

I loved every bit of it but it's too short.

Reviewed June 2012

ANDES TO AMAZON

This trip exceeded expectations. We consistently enjoyed a huge variety of wonderful flowers and other plants, extremes of weather (snow, humidity and hot sun), local customs, culture and history which were only beaten by the wonderful and diverse landscape.

Most Inspirational Moment

Spoilt for choice, the walk around Cuicocha Crater Lake. You could do a 30 minute walk as indicated on the itinerary but would strongly advise you take the longer version; lying in bed at night following our night walk listening to the noises of the Amazon Rainforest; gate crashing a party in Banos and dancing with the locals to a girl band dressed in not much and gold boots; train ride along a visibly stunning valley; Cuenca, much the nicest and prettiest town where some of us requisitioned a restaurant and pretended to salsa our way through the afternoon and evening; Cajas National Park, quite beautiful and silent; boat trip on the Pacific Coast where the colony of frigate birds was a delightful surprise and you really do get to see bottle nosed dolphins; the swim in the Pacific.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabulous. Eddie Ona showed endless patience, consistent cheerfulness and enthusiasm which infiltrated the group. A font of information and an aptitude for herding his ‘stray sheep’ back on track with artless diplomacy, Eddie sculptured out a fantastic trip which has set the bar high for other adventures.

Advice for Potential Travellers

When in Quito take taxis back from any restaurants and listen to what the guide tells you. It is not the nicest of cities but given due care and attention can be enjoyed.

Suggestions

Don't forget to put insect repellant on during the day.The itinerary does not truly reflect the activities of this trip and needs to reflect the options available.

Reviewed June 2012

ANDES TO AMAZON

Great holiday, more hiking than the trip notes so it was even better than I antcipated. the variation in landscape is incredible.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to 4800m on chimbarzo and having a picnic!

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was fantastic and enthusiastic, no matter how many times he has made the trip previsously, he was still taking photos and enjoying himself (or he looked like he did!) . I learned lots about the history, flora and fauna of the place.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is more walking/hiking than the trip notes suggest. Take a torch for the amazon. Taking plenty of long sleeve tops, easy to burn at the top of a mountain! Also, DEET up, the bitey things were a problem particular in the first stage of the trip.

Suggestions

Additional things note in the trip notes were a trip up Chimborazo which was great. We also had a visit to a garden full of humming birds which was beautiful. Also at the end of the trip you will see more frigate birds than you can count on a visit to a bird watching island in the mangrove swamps, likely to see dolphins too.

Reviewed April 2012

ANDES TO AMAZON

This trip has it all, mountains and vulcanoes, hot springs, water falls, walks in the jungle and cloud forest, seeing indigenous markets and craft, experiencing life in the Amazon jungle, exploring the mangroves and shores of the Pacific, very good food (particularly fish and seafood, and freshly squeezed tropical fruit juices as much as you like), and meeting a colourful variety of animals and people.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many inspirational moments: Bathing in outdoor hot springs, by moon light, surrounded by beautiful mountains...seeing the paradisical gardens and works of art at the Hacienda Pantavi...finding out about a revised view of the world at the equator...seeing international volunteers caring for injured animals of the jungle, till they can be set free again...how sugar cane is harvested and processed into various products...seeing the Cultural Revitalisation Project promoting art, self-esteem and work in an area of former slaves....seeing the face of a shoe-shine child or man receiving a doggy bag...waking up to the sight of a snow-capped vulcano and a humming bird outside your window...the mangroves of the El Morro ecosystem along the Pacific, with dolphins and thousands of frigate birds.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader, Fabian Lemesme, was absolutely inspirational. He had a fun personality, was a good leader, very knowledgeable, was kind and passionate about human rights, the plight of indigenous people, women and suffering animals (e.g. actively campaigning against bull fighting). He was very artistic, introducing us to many craft and art centres, well-chosen restaurants, and beautiful haciendas and hotels.

Advice for Potential Travellers

1. To bring hiking boots or wellingtons with a good grip, to bring a rain poncho (to protect your camera when you want to take pictures in the rain). 2. The risk of mosquito bites or malaria is minimal. 3. Bring enough dollars or debit cards - despite warnings, there are still people who think they can exchange pounds in rural areas. There can be high fees for credit card transactions.

Suggestions

Highly recommendable trip! Can't wait to explore other areas of Ecuador!

Reviewed January 2012

ANDES TO AMAZON

Quite honestly, the trip was all I was hoping for – and more. Great scenery, friendly people, glimpses of amazing wildlife, weird and wonderful plants, interesting towns, opportunities to do things I’d always wanted to do (and some I’d never thought about doing before). This trip expanded my horizons.

Most Inspirational Moment

I have to pick two - one easy, one tough. Easy: watching birds and monkeys as I drifted down a river in the Amazon Basin. Tough: looking out from behind an amazing waterfall after forcing myself to scramble, crawl and even climb through a low, narrow wet tunnel that most of our group declined!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabian was a real character, roguish, passionate and knowledgeable about his country (and armed with books to fil in the gaps in his knowledge of plants and wildlife), friendly, laidback, caring and reliable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for all weathers and large meals, be flexible and don't go with pre-conceived ideas. And don't ignore your group leader when he tells you that at high latitudes the sun can burn you even through heavy cloud on a cold day

Suggestions

This was my first Exodus holiday and I couldn't believe what excellent value it was. Not everything panned out as I was expecting. But, taking my cue from my sister (who, at 76 was the oldest member of the group), I simply went with the flow and made the most of every opportunity offered.

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