Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing around 150 different bird species.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour was led by a knowledgeable and inspiring tour leader, Andres. He went out of his way to be helpful and provided additional opportunities to enhance our tour by visiting private gardens which were attractive to birds, and also by providing 4WD transport at the second Savegre lodge to save us what would have been a strenuous uphill walk , so that we could enjoy and spend more time on the descent through the cloud forest. He also gave up a couple of hours of his time to go through in detail the 170 or so species of birds we had seen on the tour. I don't think we would have spotted half of the birds we saw without his keen eyes and ears! He were well informed about each step of our tour and our guide was also very clear about options. Andres has great people skills as well and was responsive to the needs of different people in the group, including the organisation of an impromptu birthday celebration for one of our group members.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Good binoculars and a decent camera are a must.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many magical moments. Quetzel hunting with dozens of other crazy people at 5 30 am. We had almost given up hope when Glenda made the first sighting and we all captured the flash of green tail.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was called Glenda and she was a marvel, transmitting her love of Costa Rica to all of us through her constant stream of information. As we travelled we learnt about the history, culture and wildlife of this wonderful place. We were amazed at her ability to spot the smallest bird or animal hidden in the undergrowth. Nothing was too much trouble for her and she was brilliantly organised. We felt we were in very capable hands with Glenda and our driver Carlos.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for a variety of weather conditions. A warm jumper and trousers were needed in two mountain locations whilst thin clothes were needed in low lying areas. Be prepared to get up early to see wildlife!

Most Inspirational Moment

Searching the forests for the elusive quetzal at 5am and finally getting sight of this impressive bird.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Glenda Araya is the best tour leader I have had on an Exodus holiday. Her great enthusiasm for her country, it's people and wildlife was infectious. She has an extensive knowledge of the areas visited and the wildlife to be found there. Nothing was too much trouble, she was attentive to the needs of individuals within the group and has a very easy and friendly manner.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of warm clothing for the mountain regions, it's very cold first thing in the morning. Perhaps something that could be emphasised a little stronger in the trip notes.

Most Inspirational Moment

There was not one moment. It was the whole trip. Everyday I said wow on more than one occasion. So much biodiversity. It was like visiting different Countries. I enjoyed the house visit as well as her cooking! I enjoyed the drives and looking at all the difference scenery.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Best group leader I have ever come across. To give perspective, I have travelled 55 countries and experienced many tours. I really do mean she was the best. Her level of care and energy was felt by all. She was superb and so hard working. She really wanted us to see and experience as much wildlife. Always looking to spot something for us and her excitement when she did was infectious. She created a great energy for the group and made the experience all positive. She asked about our comfort in the lodges and considered us at all levels. Very caring. I enjoyed her company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you struggle with pain on bumpy roads, this is something to consider. I found the cloud forest very cold, particularly at night, so more than just a jumper was needed for me.

Most Inspirational Moment

The waterways in Tortuguero and the magnificent cloud forest.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader, Alex Castro, was great. He spoke excellent English and knew all the birds and animals. he had an excellent telescope to help us see the birds. Alex worked really hard to make sure we were all well looked after.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Come prepared for both hot and cold weather.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many inspirational moments it's hard to decide, for example seeing a newly-hatched baby turtle scuttling to the sea, getting up at 5 to see the Resplendent Quetzal, boat trips at Tortuguero, falling asleep at Esquinas Lodge to the sounds of the rainforest, walking in the cloudforest, being woken by Howler monkeys at dawn (on my birthday!), spotting sloths, monkeys, iguanas and birds, learning about Costa Rica ..... the list goes on.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were very pleased to discover that our leader was Johnny Villalobos as we had read about him in earlier reviews. He was absolutely brilliant, from his incredible encyclopaedic knowledge of all wildlife to his boundless enthusiasm. He was really friendly and attentive and had a great sense of humour. He made sure that we all got the most out of the holiday and spent a lot of time explaining every aspect of the country, from history and politics, to agriculture, economy, sustainable tourism and everything else. A great ambassador for Costa Rica and for Exodus. Pura Vida !

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go for it - we have no hesitation in recommending this holiday. On a practical note, be prepared for a range of temperatures ( we really did need fleeces at Savegre). Closed shoes are a must for the rainforest treks, as are waterproofs.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing all the wildlife - from the turtles hatching at Tortuguero, the monkeys, agoutis, coaties, raccoons, sloths, iguanas, humming birds in other places and very special for me was seeing the scarlet macaws in a little fishing village on the Pacific coast. We saw a wide variety of other birds everywhere - it was amazing! Those members of our group that got up for the 5.00am Quetzal were rewarded with a sighting of 2 birds.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Exceptional! He knew all the places to go to see wildlife - places you would never think of on your own.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Temperatures vary so just make sure you have some warm clothes for Monteverde and Savegre. We went from about 35C to about 15C in 4 hours!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing baby turtles pouring out of their nest

Thoughts on Group Leader

Amazing - incredibly knowledgeable about all the wildlife we saw - gave us guidance on how and what to look for - and generally went above and beyond. Very willing to share his knowledge and also told us how Costa Rica as a Country works which gave us a real sense of the whole Country and not just the bits tourists get to see.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just enjoy the experiences - even the rain - as it is part of this amazing Country.

Most Inspirational Moment

Esquinas Lodge was definitely my favourite place to stay. So remote and so beautiful. The sounds of the rainforest especially at dawn. Close second was Tortuguero. The gardens there teem with birds and the boat trips took us right into the waterways where we saw howler monkeys, spider monkeys, capuchins, caimans,turtles and so many birds. Turning off the engine of the boat and sitting in silence to hear the rainforest breathe was unforgettable. Seeing my first sloth was special. As was the quetzal trip at dawn. Three resplendent quetzals in no hurry to fly away!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very special. Nothing was too much trouble. Katia really did go the extra mile to make everything run smoothly and her knowledge was awesome. She had the perfect balance of interpersonal skills and professional know how. I learnt so much about the social and natural history of Costa Rica and we had such fun too!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If in the UK, do take the direct flight from London Gatwick to San Jose. It took all the strain out of the travelling and avoided the stresses of stopover in the USA, the harsh treatment by the US immigration system, and risk of missing onward flights!

Most Inspirational Moment

Wildlife and the different ecosystems. Plus the visit to local lady and her farm.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Amazing, Katie is inspirational and freely shared so much with us, on many subjects. Also brilliantly organised, always checking on our welfare and organised extra activities as well. She is fabulous.