Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing quetzals in the grounds of the Savegre Hotel, and then again on a wildlife walk the next day

Thoughts on Group Leader

Johnny's enthusiasm for his country and its conservation was infectious and we learned an extraordinary amount. Johnny is an expert bird and wildlife spotter and was kind and considerate to every member of our group. The places he chose to eat were great and the early morning walks were lovely. We couldn't have had a better leader!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you go to the Savegre Hotel, take advantage of their hide in the gardens, we spent a couple of hours engrossed in watching the hummingbirds - magical

Suggestions

Go for it!

Most Inspirational Moment

Many moments…..! Exploring the quiet waterways of Tortuguero. Early morning swimming in the pool of the waterfall at La Fortuna. Seeing the cloud formations at the Continental Divide. Walking/swimming at the deserted beaches of Manuel Antonio NP. Experiencing the relative isolation of the Savegre valley….and more!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andres was an exceptional group leader - the best mix of educator and entertainer. He is very knowledgeable and passionate about flora and fauna and we learned so much about the rich biodiversity of Costa Rica. He also kept us interested and amused with information about culture, politics, education and more personal tales, when his sense of humour shone through. He was very concerned for our safety and well being, making sure we were always aware of any potential dangers/problems.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As advised in the notes, pack for a variety of weathers. We were lucky and had mostly lovely warm/hot weather but also a few cooler days with the inevitable rain when waterproofs were useful. There are a couple of opportunities for doing laundry as items do take a long time to dry.

Suggestions

All the hotels, except the one in Monteverde, were very comfortable and often quite special . Food was always beautifully presented and delicious. In fact, we would say that we ate too much daily and a lighter lunch option would have been welcome. Go on this amazing trip - you definitely won’t regret it!

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to single one out!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andres exceeded all expectations. He was so knowledgeable and passionate about all aspects of Costa Rica. He was patient, empathetic and wanted us to experience as much as possible in the two weeks visit. He had a great sense if humour and spoke excellent English.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be careful, easy to overeat! Three courses at lunch and dinner was too much!

Suggestions

We fell in love with everything about Costa Rica, a wonderful country.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walks in rainforests.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Very knowledgeable, hard working and caring

Advice for Potential Travellers

Very warm. Sun tan lotion, insect repellent and binoculars essential. Think carefully about clothing and footwear for daytime and evenings.

Suggestions

I had 2 shirts stolen from my suitcase in our room at either the Laguna Lodge or Hotel Eco Arenal. Not noticed until later in trip. Our driver was excellent. Very hardworking and very good at spotting birds and animals whilst driving. Also quick to stop bus and maneuver bus to get the best view

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing a sloth

Thoughts on Group Leader

Johnny was the best guide I have ever had. He is extremely knowledgable.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing so much wildlife and beautiful flora.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader David was excellent. Always willing to help and was very good at spotting all manner of wildlife especially birds. He went out of his way to put in extra activities and it was really appreciated by all the group.

Most Inspirational Moment

Fulfilling a dream of getting to Costa Rica to experience a truly different natural environment; getting up close to the wildlife, whether it be birds or animals; swimming in the Pacific - a truly warming experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I think that we were lucky to have Andres Herrara as our guide. I addition to his years of experience we benefitted from his knowledge and expertise on his personal subject (the botany of Costa Rica); his incredible knowledge of the birds and animals that we saw (or were helped to see) and his enthusiasm for Costa Rica's history and it current affairs.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not overpack. British Airways gives the option of hold luggage and two items of cabin luggage (small case and ruck sack). I would have coped better with a larger suitcase and a back pack. What I had was cumbersome, particularly in transit by plane. Given the time of year (February) and the weather (almost universally good) I think that pair of strong walking shoes would have sufficed. I took strong walking shoes and walking boots, and the latter were hardly used - see above re packing / weight).

Suggestions

1. If you have not done so already then a health and safety check should be undertaken on the Uvita (Dominical) Cataract, which was clearly not known to our guide before our visit. The tour was supposed to be Grade A walking, and I suspect that this was not Grade A. On our downward journey we had to traverse wet rocks whilst holding on to ill-secured bamboo poles and wire in addition to crossing a rickety bridge and wading a flow flow a cataract. Getting down was a challenge and we were guided back by Andres, who I think must have been concerned for our safety given that some of the group were not in the first flush of youth. 2. The bus transport (once we became independent of a larger group) was well maintained and well driven by a more than competent driver (Christian Fallas). It was a shame that the bus itself failed to fully meet expectations. There were three wheel hubs encroaching into the cabin, which impacted those sitting above them, including myself (I am over 6ft). Not an ideal scenario given how long we spent on the coach. Perhaps not to the Exodus standard. 3. Three full meals a day! We were given the prospect each day of a cooked breakfast (optional) / Cereal and fruit; a full lunchtime sit down meal and a full evening meal. There was seldom an option for a small meal / sandwich. Who eats three cooked meals a day? 4. Optional extras. These seemed to dependent on whether there were enough people wishing to undertake them (i.e. a minimum number of participants was required) rather that the individual opting to undertake them. I would have undertaken a zip-line and a whale watch if given the chance.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing sloths close up

Thoughts on Group Leader

Johnny was so knowledgeable and friendly

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go there

Most Inspirational Moment

Everything! But Armando spotting a mother and baby sloth will forever be a magical moment !!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Armando is a credit to his country, for which he clearly has a deep rooted love and passion for, and its environment and wildlife . He inspired us all and was professional but friendly , funny and approachable throughout! His knowledge was endless and he made everything so easy to understand

Advice for Potential Travellers

BOOK THIS TRIP ( BUT ASK FOR ARMANDO AND CARLOS ( driver)

Suggestions

I'm a convert ! I'll book Exodus again! Well organised , better than expected accommodation, great customer services! Superb guide !

Most Inspirational Moment

Staying in the Lodges and exploring the unique landscapes, wildlife around them on guided trips or on our won.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Randall Obsney was knowledgeable, friendly, funny, passionate about Costa Rica, had very good English, caught us all up in his enthusiasm for birdlife, wildlife. flora and fauna and was a joy to be with.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Already mentioned need for a camera with a good zoom. Casual clothes needed throughout. I travelled last 2 weeks of March and wore shorts and tee-shirts most days. A dress and skirt or trousers useful for eating out in bars/restaurants. only wore a sweater/fleece in the mountain and deep valley area. The main thing is the cost of eating out. Friends had warned me that eating out was expensive (all Lodges included all food but some evening meals need to be bought). Most Costa Ricans don't eat out so prices are high in the tourist areas. Think price of a restaurant in the UK plus a Govt tax plus service charge. Bring plenty of dollars! A few of the roads down to the Lodges/hotels were quite bumpy and one road in particular was very narrow and twisty up/down a hillside...we had a fabulous driver so no concerns. it's clear that building/extending/repairing roads is going on all over the country so expect the odd delay.