Reviews

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

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320 Reviews

4.8 out of 5

Reviewed August 2011

DISCOVER COSTA RICA

This was a fantastic trip, made not only by the country, wildlife and weather (we were very lucky) but also by the other members of the group, the guide (Antonio) and the driver (Luis Diego). Each location visited during the two weeks spent in this country offered something new to discover and enjoy. If you are into wildlife or just like fairly easy walks in great surroundings this is a trip you should consider.

Most Inspirational Moment

The main highlight for me was just observing the amazing variety of wildlife. I think our group were very lucky in what we saw but even if you see only half of the creatures we came across you are in for a treat. During the course of the 2 weeks we saw over 100 different types of bird (including the elusive Questzal), crocodiles, caimans, 3 different types of turtle, 3 different types of monkey, an armadillo, a few cheeky racoons, a couple of whales, a snake or two, an otter, 2 different type of sloths just hanging around in trees and quite a lot more including a praying mantis that just decided to pop into the bar for a drink one evening.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Anotino was very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of the country. He had a great sense of humor an spent a lot of time with every member of the group answering queries, identifying the birds and generally helping out with anything the group needed. He was also excellent at spotting the wildlife hidding in trees, (even when we were going past it at 30 miles an hour in the bus driven expertly and safely by Luis Deigo), so we missed none of the wildlife that came within eyesight.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My main advice is to have fun. Take plenty of deet with you. Take a good camera with something to keep it dry and don't let any rain you might get spoil your enjoyment.Always keep you eyes peeled for movement in the tress or undergrowth. You never know what might be lurking just waiting for you to discover it.In addition to the included activites members of our group opted to see the turtles laying their eggs on the beach, went through the jungle canopy on 13 zip wires and did a canopy walk. All of which added to the overall expierence.

Suggestions

Overall one of the best holidays I have been on and surpassed all my expectations. Thank you Exodus, Antonio and Luis Deigo. After this I am sure you will find me writing a review of another one of your trips very soon.

Reviewed August 2011

DISCOVER COSTA RICA

Amazing! It was made so by an excellent guide, Antonio, a terrific group of travellers who got on really well, a quality driver, Luis Diago and luck with the weather and sightings.

Most Inspirational Moment

Where to start!Seeing wildlife in their natural environment is what this trip is all about and we certainly did that. The armadillo was pretty special, as were the scarlet macaws, the pelican formation and humming birds. Some of the butterflies were amazing even if only glimpsed as they bounced around the viewfinder.The sounds of the forest - brilliant!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Antonio is terrific. 'I will say' he is friendly and puts you at your ease. He ensures you are ready for the next day with the right footwear and anything else you need to bring.His knowledge of the wildlife is amazing, from the recognition of every bird, whether male/female or juvenile, to the calls and where to find them. His knowledge of the other species was also good, including plants.Antonio was also very sociable, sitting with different people at lunch and dinner, approachable at all times and has a good sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are susceptable to mosquito bites take a mosquito net and use it. Plenty of deet and mosi-proof clothing will also help, even when you least expect it. Otherwise, read the other reviews as they are good.Protect you camera equipment from moisture, although I'm sure others in the group will have the pictures for sharing.

Suggestions

Thank you Exodus for an awesome experience!

Reviewed May 2011

DISCOVER COSTA RICA

The holiday was an amazing experience from start to finish. The guide was excellent and the trip was exactly as described – perhaps even undersold. The guide provided lots of tours/hikes which were additional to the ininerary and very enjoyable. We saw an extremely wide variety of animals and birds in their natural environments. The group we were travelling with was great and we had a good time together.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching the beautiful monkeys, reptiles and birds - particularly when a troupe of spider monkeys was using trees to cross a canal and one of the monkeys made herself into a bridge for her baby to cross the gap between the trees. The eyelash viper and the armadillo were among my other favourite sitings.Zip wiring through and above the rain forest in Monteverde - amazing - thanks to the encouragement of Gillian, one of our group.The Rainforest Lodge near Golfito was just like a little piece of paradise, literally in the middle of a rain forest. With tropical flowers, baby birds nesting, bats roosting, kingfishers and tucans flying around, strange sounding tiny frogs....

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Jeffrey Munoz Garcia was wonderful. He was so passionate and knowledgable about Costa Rica's flora, fauna, history and geology that we couldn't fail to be utterly spellbound. He was full of humour and energy, which was infectious. He really made the holiday and worked really well with our lovely driver, Mario.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you love wildlife, you will love this holiday. Costa Rica is so diverse that there is something for everyone. Hotels ranged from basic to absolutely luxurious. Be prepared for some long and often bumpy coach journeys, in the knowledge that where you will end up will be more than worth the travelling. Cameras, good binoculars, a torch and lots of light, comfortable walking clothes are a must.

Suggestions

This was our second time in Costa Rica but it will definitely not be our last. We just loved it.

Reviewed May 2011

DISCOVER COSTA RICA

Wildlife capital of the world! Amazing animal sightings, superb scenery and the variety of ecosystems covered in 2 weeks makes this an outstanding trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many great moments, it's tough to pick just one. The rainforest night walk at Esquinas Lodge spotting frogs, insects and snakes by torchlight. Watching white-faced monkeys using the trees to cross the waterways of Tortuguero from our boat. Being in the middle of a flock of macaws playing amongst the trees. Flying through the tree canopy on a 1km long zipwire.....

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Jeff was absolutely marvellous. He has an astounding knowledge of the fauna and flora of Costa Rica and his passion for both is contagious. He went above and beyond what I expect of an Exodus guide, providing the group with numerous additional opportunities to join him on walks during his 'downtime'. It's obvious that Jeff does his job because he loves it, at no time do you feel that you are going through the motions as yet another tour group following a set itinerary. I can't praise Jeff enough.

Advice for Potential Travellers

In case you're not sure, this is definitely a wildlife tour. The focus is on fauna and flora, with the exception of the interesting Arenal Volcano. A good pair of binoculars and a camera lens of at least 300mm will allow you to make the most of the animal sightings (and there are plenty). For those keen photographers, you need to make the most of the limited light available in the forest environment - ideally an aperture of f2.8 would be perfect. This tour already includes many of the incidental costs such as meals, but be prepared that Costa Rica is not a cheap destination in the way that many other Central and Southern American countries are. US Dollars are fine for the whole trip and there's no real need to change currency at the airport on arrival - just bring small denominations.

Suggestions

I was surprised to find that the tap water in Costa Rica is in general drinkable - I drank it for 2 weeks with absolutely no ill effects. The optional dolphin-spotting trip at Golfito makes a pleasant break from the humid forests. As for most countries in this part of the world, if you like to use a sinkful of water, bring a plug!!

Reviewed March 2011

DISCOVER COSTA RICA

Costa Rica was always one of my dream destinations and I have to say it far exceeded my expectations – some truly wonderful memories and experiences to take away with me.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many highlights on this trip, my top would have to be listening to the howler monkeys in Tortuguero, being surrounded by a troop of white-nosed coatis on my walk down from Arenal volcano and the very spiritual feel of listening to the jungle all around you whilst relaxing or swimming at Esquinas Lodge - truly magical, you really feel in touch with nature. The other impressive thing is that Costa Rica is so environmentally aware - I feel we could learn a lot from their practices. We also had a wonderful group, being a single I wondered whether it would be a case of couples and singles - but there was no such issue - we all gelled together and got on really well - sharing a lot of laughs & experiences along the way.

Thoughts on Group Leader

From reading previous feedback on this trip I had already heard of both Victor (our leader) and Luis (our driver) so when I found out we had both, even though they had never worked together before, it was like getting the dream team. Victor is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic and took great care of us for the entire trip, nothing was too much trouble and he never got fed up of answering our many questions. Both he and Luis were excellent wildlife spotters and we would have missed many things without them. Having a good guide plays a big part in the success of the trip and we couldn't have got better than Victor. He was an absolute star in my opinion.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't pack too much - travel light, the majority of the lodges you stay at have very reasonably priced laundry services - so it makes sense to make use of them. I travelled in March and was perfectly comfortable in shorts for most of the trip - you do need a long pair of trousers and long-sleeved shirt for the walks in the jungle though - and a decent pair of socks to go with the borrowed welly boots, particularly as some of them don't fit so well.

Suggestions

This was my first Exodus trip and I have to say I was a little tentative as this was so different to anything I had done before - if you're having a bit of a wobble about whether to book, please do go ahead, you'll not regret it for one moment. I had the most amazing time and the memories will stay with me forever. It will be hard to beat Costa Rica as it was so fantastic but it's now time for a reality check and to start saving for my next trip - Mmm where next I wonder!!!!

Reviewed March 2011

DISCOVER COSTA RICA

Costa Rica’s beauty is not only in the Rain Forest, Cloud Forest, beautiful white sandy beaches, abundant wildlife but it’s also in its people. I’ve travelled to many regions; I live in the concrete jungle of London and was born in the beautiful New Zealand so my comparisons are many and varied. I felt at home in this land, at peace. If you’re an adventurous type, keen photographer, love to hike, explore the wonders of birds and wildlife, or sip the odd cocktail or lovely local rum with a volcano or salsa music not far away, choose Costa Rica.

Most Inspirational Moment

Costa Rica is the type of place you can get caught up looking at it just through a camera lens... there's so much to see, do and capture but I urge anyone to stop for a moment or two along the way, pause, listen to the birds/ monkeys, feel the sun on your face, the water wash over your feet at the sea. Stop and look up as you hike through the different areas. Listen and watch the children at the school visit, laugh at yourself as you try to make a Tortilla! Then you will take back more than pictures but memories of moments. I was inspired by the whole country; it's want to improve living standards and create bright futures for its children through education, conservation and hard work by many.

Thoughts on Group Leader

So what makes a good group leader a great group leader? I'm a Head of Human Resources so I'm often asked this question in my working environment but for a holiday is it different? Some of the common factors are; management and communication to different personalities (I felt included but was coerced when needed, I fear water but I ended up kayaking!!), organisation (you don't want to miss a thing in Costa Rica), safety (we did have a Tsunami happen while we were away!) BUT.... what more do we want as consumers? How about this list; · Extremely knowledgeable – our leader knew and lived Costa Rica, being a local guide he added his personal experiences along the way, his bird and general wildlife and plant life knowledge was very impressive · Patient – with different age ranges, strong personalities, no doubt repetitive and certainly endless questions he coped always in appropriate and calm manner · Passion – he cared that we all experienced Costa Rica, he cared that we saw but also felt the essence of Costa Rica · Hard Work – How about the non glamorous heavy lifting of our luggage, changing a tyre on a busy roadside with the other key man “our bus driver” and a jack that didn’t want to make life easy.... · Excellent English – I was very impressed and embarrassed I hadn’t brushed up on my Spanish. I would have loved to been able to communicate more with the local people Diego Vazquez, our guide, made a difference, not just good but a great guide!!! Thank you.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A couple of things: 1. Do take some warm clothing for the mountains; it really does get cold... 2. Do all the hikes you can, they really are wonderful, I have a weak knee and a knee brace was helpful but a couple of poles for the downwards would have helped 3. Experience all that you can, even if you're scared... I did the Zip Line and Tarzan swing... but I am an adventurous type... 4. Take a good camera and a quick to use small compact one, sometimes when hiking you have to ask yourself which is better? 5. Have a laugh; get to know your fellow travellers, even if its 3 or 4 am at Heathrow airport! 6. Learn some basic Spanish, you’ll feel a lot better and its appreciated

Suggestions

Thank you for another great trip Exodus!!

Reviewed March 2011

DISCOVER COSTA RICA

Costa Rica is a wonderful, safe and very ecologically friendly country. It has a wonderful range of fauna and flora and, if you love nature, this is a must-do trip for you.

Most Inspirational Moment

The entire country and the vast biological diversity is inspirational! Over 30% of the land is devoted to wildlife reserves. Throughout the boat rides in Tortuguero and the many walks through a range of habitats we saw lots of mammals, reptiles, insects and over 100 species of birds. The trees and shrubs are also incredible, especially in the rain- and cloud-forests. Moments like seeing the quetzels in Savegre and scarlet macaws flying free by the Pacific were special; however, I have an especially soft spot for humming birds. Costa Rica has 57 species which you can see at several places. Typical of the country is stopping for coffee on the Pan American highway at 11,000 feet and finding that the cafe has sugar feeders outside the windows buzzing with humming bird activity.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Jeff was outstanding - not only was he very efficient and good with people but he also had an incredible range of knowledge on flora, fauna, and geology. One day, for example, he would be telling us, in excellent English, about the life cycle of the banana plant and next day he would be describing how Costa Rica has been shaped by volcanic activity. He was very passionate about ecology and proud that Costa Rica is aiming to be the first carbon-neutral country in the world. Jeff was very good at arranging some very interesting additional optional outings. He was ably supported by the driver Francisco who drove very well, while at the same time somehow being an excellent animal spotter!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for a range of climates. Remember that when it says it is the dry season that is a relative term! We had periods of torrential rainfall in Tortuguero, lighter rainfall in the cloud forests, hot and humid weather on the Pacific coast, and then fairly cold weather in the mountains. Meals are not particularly cheap. To cater for optional outings, extra meals, tips and incidental costs you should budget on about 500 USD per person. ATMs are available at many of the stops.

Suggestions

The trip covers a large area of the country from the Caribbean coast in the north-east, down to Golfito in the south-west near the Panama border. However, Costa Rica is a small country and none of the journeys were particularly arduous. The trip was very well organised with good activities. There are plenty of early mornings but these are well worth it, and tend to be compensated by early nights!

Reviewed February 2011

DISCOVER COSTA RICA

I was a little worried about the trip as I was travelling alone but this was totally unnecessary as it was a truly great group of people. This trip was everything I hoped it would be and more. From day one our brilliant guide and driver did everything possible to ensure that we got the most out of the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Impossible to restrict to one moment - seeing jaguars swimming the canal in front of our boat, spending over an hour watching the elusive male quetzal, seeing a tree full of scarlet macaw, being entertained by primary school children (a first for the school), visiting an organic farm and enjoying fruits of the farm for lunch (including a glass of local rum) ...........................

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rafael was abosultely fantastic. He has a really good sense of humour and had excellent interaction with both the members of our group and our bus driver/boat driver. He is passionate about Costa Rica - its history, culture, nature etc and is very keen to pass this on to the group. His knowledge about birds and plants was excellent and he was a great spotter. He even managed to add a few little extras to the trip to give us a more comprehensive feel for the country. Our driver Francisco was also amazing - also a very good bird/animal spotter and also interacted very well with the group (family as he called us).

Advice for Potential Travellers

The temperature at night in Savegre is quite cool so make sure you have some warmer clothing. Washing and drying clothese was relatively easy so no need to over-burden the suitcase. Have plenty of memory for the camera you'll be taking a lot of photos!

Suggestions

If you love birds then this is the holiday for you. But it is more than that - there are animals in abundance, exotic plants, culture, history, coffee production, swimming and more.

Reviewed February 2011

DISCOVER COSTA RICA

An excellent trip which covers a lot of ground. Costa rica is a wonderful country and certainly not like most Central or South American countries. It is well developed and benign.

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to say as there were many wonderful moments. Two would be seeing two jaguars swimming the river on our way to Tortuguero on our first day and finding the elusive Quetzal at Savegre and spending nearly an hour watching a male and female in a tree. Dont expect to see jaguars but Quetzals seemed to be seen by most at Savegre at this time of the year.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rafael was simply superb. If Exodus use a better guide I would be surprised. He had great sense of humour, an outstanding knowledge of almost any subject and gave us a grest deal of information about the country and the wildlife we saw. He was determined to ensure that we enjoyed every minute of our stay. I must add that he was assisted by an excellent driver Francisco who also worked very hard to ensure everything went well. They were a great team and a pleasure to be with.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you love wildlife then go. You will see wonderful birds and also a variety of animals although almost certainly not jaguars. Be prepared for rain although we had none except at night in the two weeks. You will need to change your sleeping patterns as you will have very early starts on most days. You need to pack for extremes of temperature. We went to Nicuesa lodge rather than Esquinas and it was very hot and very humid. From there we went to Savegre where it was cold enough at night to need a fire in the rooms so dont expect tropical temperatures all the time.It is a trip with a lot of driving but our guide always ensured that we had stops along the way to break it up but you have to accept that you are covering a lot of ground in a small country and the roads are not always too good. The trip is well organised to see the various areas and differing habitats.

Suggestions

Just go. You will enjoy it. You will stay in some amazing places and see very different areas.

Reviewed January 2011

DISCOVER COSTA RICA

Great trip. So many different ecosystems in a relatively small area. I have variously been woken up by frogs, howler monkeys and parrots on this trip! Fabulous hotels – especially the Esquinas rainforest lodge. Brilliant, very knowledgeable, patient and friendly guide.

Most Inspirational Moment

Highlights - spotting the quetzal, the unbelievable noise in the evening in the rainforest lodge (frogs, cicadas etc), spotting tree frogs on the night hike, the boat trips round Tortuguero - a truly amazing place.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant. Very patient, will quite happily answer the same question 4 times! Extremely knowledgeable, especially about plants and birds. Excellent (along with the driver) at spotting wildife - how you can spot a sloth in a tree whilst negotiating a minibus along a pothole-filled track I do not know, but he seemed to manage it.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you have any interest at all in wildife then go.

Suggestions

Don't forget your jumper. It may be 10 degrees above the equator but it does get cold in the mountains.

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