Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

4 a.m., jungle walk to see Sunrise at Tikal even though fog rolled in and we didn't actually see sun rise. Most Surprising Experience: Cahal Pech Archeological Preserve. Amazing! Even in the rain. Have to add much admiration for Community Baboon Sanctuary and all they achieve with so little. Walk to Rio Frio Cave, Butterfly and Hummingbird Farm & Coffee Farm - wonderful experiences.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide, Jorge Estrella, took excellent care of us and his knowledge of all things about Belize and Guatemala contributed so much to the enjoyment of our experience. Thoroughly enjoyed getting to know our guide Jorge, witnessed his relationships with staff everywhere we went, and knew we were in good hands throughout the entire trip. Appreciated his constant safety guidance. I'll add that all the local guides were very knowledgeable, helpful and appreciated that we could get them to take a few nice group pictures.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Check forecast before you go. Pack for wet conditions. Tubing, ATM, and snorkeling are so much more enjoyable if you have a wet pack to keep stuff dry. If you use a pack w/o protection from water you can be miserable for 2-4 hours. Waterproof packs for your cell phones. If your back pack isn't waterproof pack towels and dry clothes in large zip bags. Towels not always provided (should be) and some resorts do not loan them out. Boat ride on the lagoon to Lamanai Mayan temple in pouring down rain was miserable, cold and wet due to driving rain and open boats used for tours. Don't let this discourage you. Our group got great photos of the experience, had many laughs afterward and came home with great memoroes. Comfort needs went up a few notches for this group due to lots of rain & cool (low 60's/nite) temps. Resorts do not have heat and limited blankets. Some only have tile floors in rooms which became slippery, Mini fridge & microwave not assured nor are coat hangers. Suitcases on the floor due to minimal furnishings in rooms. Tikal best lodging experience. 4 a.m., hike to watch sun rise at Tikal best experienced if you are prepared to recover from a sweaty, demanding hike to viewing area where you proceed to sit on ancient, cold (suns not up yet) temple steps for 90 minutes. Was windy which made it colder. We were prepared. Experience was awesome. Laundry services at Cahal Pech. Boat for ride to Lamanai and Caye Caulker snorkeling have little cover against sun, no seat cushions, no restroom and no dry storage. Plan accordingly. Deck gets really slippery. When you move you do so by holding hands of your friends. If flying from the USA try to avoid Miami Int'l airport at all costs. If you do route through MIA be prepared for long customs, confusion at baggage pickup after customs, hasty transfer of bags to connecting flight, no time to grab food for flight, barely making flight. The entire experience was memorable and we look forward to more trips with Exodus. This was our 3rd. fyi.

Most Inspirational Moment

Riding through remote villages, groups of children laughing and waving at us as if we were in a race...In that moment, I realized that adventure isn't just about the destination: it's about the unexpected connections along the way. Travel is not just about landscapes. It's about the people who make a place feel alive.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Exodus is very lucky to have Lam as the group leader. He always had the interest of the group at heart. Lam was always checking that no one was left behind on the roads. At every stop, he made sure we were hydrated, allowed time for us to visit "a happy room" or a "happy bush"and be ready for the next stretch.Lam along with the support group: Saow the bus driver, Xiu the mechanic and Trang the truck driver, gave us confidence to push forward. With Lam leading the way, and the mechanic and bus driver closing the group, we never felt alone on the journey.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would go back to Vietnam in a heart beat!

Most Inspirational Moment

One of our guides on summit night Lucy dragging me to the top when I was exhausted. “Get on your feet!” She would shout to me. I would never have submitted without her. Everyone at Exodus was inspiring. Fred, William, Angela, Anna and of course our leader David and Mama Lucy (my sister from a different Mister) were inspirational. Milton and his team in the cooking tent were magicians. Thank you to you all.

Thoughts on Group Leader

David was a solid leader who was impeccable, faultless. He made you believe in him and respect him. When he spoke you listened. He didn’t mess he wanted to get everyone to summit and he cared about his group and his staff.

Advice for Potential Travellers

No books (you wont have time) Wear the same clothes apart from summit night. Go easy on your snacks as Exodus supply plenty themselves. Take hand sanitiser You only need one hat. Wet wipe washes are fine and wear merino wool undies. Small packet of Rennie (heartburn) You wont need any hair products as you will be wearing a hat for most of the time. No one ‘dresses up’

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing in mount cook area

Thoughts on Group Leader

North island - Justin was very attentive and organized and took care of everyone and everything very well. South Island - Ali was a top notch guide and made the trip amazing - fun, organized and experienced. Always willing to answer questions and address concerns. Great guiding !!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If your in the fence just commit and go and you won’t regret trekking in this beautiful country.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Seen did an awesome job keeping us entertained and informed.

Most Inspirational Moment

The stay at Gal Oya. The glamping set up, location and activities there were wonderful, as were the staff.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mahen was brilliant, with his detailed knowledge, impeccable planning and thoughtfulness. And all done with an infectious smile.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The pace may seem hectic at times, but just go with the flow, you'll love Sri Lanka and the people. You could however opt out of some activities if you needed a rest!

Most Inspirational Moment

The stay at Gal Oya. The glamping set up, location and activities there were wonderful, as were the staff.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mahen was brilliant, with his detailed knowledge, impeccable planning and thoughtfulness. And all done with an infectious smile.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The pace may seem hectic at times, but just go with the flow, you'll love Sri Lanka and the people. You could however opt out of some activities if you needed a rest!

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through rural communities in beautiful landscapes with the locals waving, smiling and shouting “hi”. I have never come across a more welcoming, friendly and smiling nation

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ruwan is a brilliant leader. His passion and knowledge about Sri Lankan history, culture, flora and fauna is extensive. He’s imparts this in an interesting and understandable way. His organisational skills are excellent and he communicates clearly the plans. On top of this he gave us so many extras - visits to local businesses eg coconut coir producer, curd factory and we had a cookery lesson one evening from a local family. He really is the guide who keeps giving! On top of this he’s a really lovely person.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you’re not a strong cyclist and not on an e-bike, think carefully about what you do on the challenging day to Nuwara Eliya. I opted for the train ride but if I was doing it again I’d cycle and get on the bus when the going got too tough for me. Seats aren’t guaranteed on the train and it’s a long journey. We had an adventurous, interesting day on the train and the views are stunning but I wouldn’t repeat it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Gazing down the Ella Gap at sunset.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mahen was excellent, carefully navigating a difficult itinerary reorganisation during the first week after travel disruption for 6 of us. Very knowledgeable and ready to share that knowledge, from Sri Lankan history to unusual fruits. Always bright and smiling and with a novel way of attracting our attention. Ding dong!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't hesitate to book this trip. Tiring at times with necessary early starts and some long journeys. Just pace yourself with early nights. You will see so much and experience Sri Lankan culture at first hand.

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably finishing the punishing climb (7,200 ft over 45 miles) and getting a teary, heartfelt congratulations from our teammates--atop the climb and at the hotel (for those who took the train). Also, reuniting with three fellow travelers from a December 2023 Exodus trip (Vietnam), where we all met for the first time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh is an uncannily perceptive, creative, indefatigable guide. He picked up on our preferences and adjusted options to really optimize our experience. Great sense of humor, too. We had lots of laughs.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you're considering this trip but think it's too far to travel from the United States, just bite the bullet. It is far but doable. I arrived a day early, got a room close the airport to sleep, booked a taxi, and returned to the airport to the next day to meet with the group flight. The extra day added about $50 (room and transportation) to the trip for me and I was recovered from the voyage. Also, pack light! Only 1 suitcase. Bring some basics in a backpack you carry on so you can still bicycle and brush your teeth if your luggage gets lost or delayed (which has never happened to me, but just in case....). Consider a year-long membership for trip insurance instead of ad hoc coverage. That's what someone on our trip did--I'll check that option out for my next trip.