Reviews

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

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It’s the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you’re interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.

Simply use the selector below to search our trip reviews and start reading real feedback from real Exodus travellers who have ‘been there and done that’!

Lots of our clients also like to post handy tips and advice about their travels. It’s great to know what to expect on an Exodus adventure before you go, so make the most of their experience and you’ll make the most of yours!

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47 Reviews

4.8 out of 5

Iain Maclean

Reviewed February 2024

LA PURA VIDA

We had a fantastic time and came back enthused by la pura vida, with a bundle of happy memories we shall enjoy recalling for years.

Most Inspirational Moment

We had too many to pick one out, from the bird and plantlife at the Wilson Botanical Garden, to the humming birds at the Quetzal Park, and the solitude of an early morning visit to Tourialba park, finishing of course with our visit to the hot springs in La Fortuna. The weather conspired to keep Arenal in the clouds and rain, so adding to its mystique.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Couldn't have asked for more, Andrea and the team (driver Luis and mechanic Djeison) were super, and managed the enforced changes to the itinerary without unduly spoiling our experience. Andrea was extremely well briefed and communicated clearly on all aspects of the wildlife, history and agriculture, and our visits to the plantations she led were very informative.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There were hardly any places that didn't take contactless payments, or took cash in US dollars, though you will be given change in colones. Beware changing currency at the airport, the fee/commission was extortionate. And do not put toilet paper down the loos.

Lesley Szperling

Reviewed December 2023

Costa Rica Cycling

Fabulous trip led by an amazing guide Memo.

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole trip was fantastic, a great way to see and explore Costa Rica and all it has to offer.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Memo was very knowledgeable and passionate about Costa Rica and keen to share information is a positive and friendly way. He had a great sense of humour, and was supportive and patient.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Some tough uphill sections, make sure you’re fit for the trip, that said very rewarding when you complete the cycling for the day / trip. We went in December and had fantastic weather bower it was very hot and humid so drink plenty of water !!

Victoria Chamberlain

Reviewed November 2023

Wildlife galore!

The wildlife on this trip surpassed any expectations I had beforehand. Really amazing. The cycling was enough – it was very hot and humid in November and I was happy that the distances were as they were. We were on and off the bus – very cool and extremely clean and well looked after by Luis (in spite of our best efforts to mess it up and make it smelly!) and the days seemed to be filled enough! I was pleased to get the opportunity to see both coasts of CR, not something other tours do.

Most Inspirational Moment

Spotting an ever increasing list of new wildlife - animals and plants alike, seeing hummingbirds, toucans or macaws at breakfast! The nature walks were just brilliant. But other moments include: cycling in bibical rain to Playa Platanare, staying in the Wilson Botanical gardens, staying at Pachira Lodge in Tortugeura.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fab. Memo was extremely knowledgeable about Costa Rica, past and present, and all of it's fauna and flora. His talks were engaging and he had a great sense of humour. He was clear in his cycling instructions and kept us alll safe :) He was also very patient - he often had to explain things to us several times - mostly becasue our holiday brains just weren't working!! He was well assisted by Jason - mechanic - always smiling and helpful. And Luis, as previously mentioned, great driver, friendly, helpful and kept his bus as clean as humanly possible and had fruit and snacks ready for us on the stops.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you have binoculars, take them. Assume you will be very hot! Take loads of pictures!

Shirley Dobra

Reviewed March 2023

Costa Rica Cycling

I chose Costa Rica because of it’s wildlife. I was not disappointed, in fact my expectations were surpassed. I enjoy cycling, hence chose the cycling trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

There is no doubt that the various and varied sightings of birds and animals was what inspired me the most.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was knowledgeable and caring. My only criticism was his lack of punctual departures. It was slightly annoying to get up and breakfast early to then wait 15 or 20 minutes after the designated departure time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip notes on the web site are not completely accurate. For example, Day 11 we did not visit a banana packing facility. The trip notes need more detail in how long the bus transfers are, e.g. Day 10 the transfer to the Caribbean coast is long which is not noted in the notes. The heat and humidity can be very stressful on your body, particularly on the Pacific side at the coast. Listen to your body and ease back if you feel you are beginning to suffer from heat stress. Think about booking your own flights and extending your time in Costa Rica as it is a wonderful country to visit.

Joe Figueiredo

Reviewed February 2023

An unforgettable experience

A truly wonderful experience of Costa Rica, led by the fantastic Roberto! This trip covers so much of the country, from the Pacific Coast to the Caribbean Coast and everything in between. The cycling distances are manageable, even for an amateur such as myself, and the hotels are all of a good standard. Whilst the tour is focused on cycling, the activities around the rides mean that you get to see things you would not necessarily notice on the bikes, such as the array of incredible wildlife you would normally only see on nature documentaries. I would do the trip all over again if I could!

Most Inspirational Moment

Swimming in the Caribbean Sea - our tour leader factored this into one of the afternoons and the whole group loved it!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto is an asset to Exodus! Nothing was too much for him and he went above and beyond to ensure that each person had a memorable trip. I hope to keep in touch with him and visit him on another trip to Costa Rica in the near future.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack washing detergent as not all of the hotels have laundry facilities, everywhere accepts credit and debit cards so there is no need to carry cash, pack padded cycling shorts as you'll need them and take tea bags with you as they're not always available in the hotels.

Wendy Hamlet

Reviewed February 2023

Costa Rica Cycle

We have just returned from an excellent holiday in Costa Rica. It exceeded our expectations. The country is beautiful and the variety of wildlife is stunning. We cycled 325 miles averaging 30 miles a day. The first few days is on quite busy roads but you get used to that. Later in the trip we were on quieter roads and enjoyed being off the tourist trail. Each day had special interest whether it was a national park walk, boat ride or a visit to a coffee plantation.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the variety of animals and birds-especially the sloths! From a bike you see and hear so much more than in a vehicle.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Roberto was well organised, had a good sense of humour and obviously loves his country. He gave us daily information in the form of laminated sheets with the day's gradients for the cycle as well as clear descriptions of the route using a map. The stopping points were indicated and he was good at anticipating our questions. Every day he made a great little video of our activities which went on the group shared WhatsApp. He was patient and courteous at all times which is not easy with a group of this size. Roberto cycled with the group and always made sure we were aware of any hazards along the route. His English is excellent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It was hotter and more humid than we expected so take a few changes of cycling gear as washing did not dry by the next morning.

Steve Hammond

Reviewed February 2023

Costa Rica Coast to Coast Ride, Jan 2023

A smooth running and extremely enjoyable trip that covered a lot of miles in the company of a lovely group.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto was excellent at communicating with the group in a clear, amiable and professional manner which, together with his attention to safety, gave everybody (I think!) a high level of confidence in his guidance.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be ruthless in deciding what to take, if only because you will be re-packing your bag every day!

Christine Kenyon

Reviewed January 2023

Simply amazing

Everyone said Costa Rica is amazing. It is. And our guide, Roberto, made it even more amazing. He shared his love for Costa Rica and made sure everyone on our trip had an amazing time. Costa Rica is beautiful… pura vida. This trip encompasses the people, the countryside, the wildlife… and some great biking. Boat trips, tours of national parks, swimming in the Caribbean, lovely accommodation, great food… and the best coffee ever. We loved it. Probably our best bike tour ever. And we were lucky to have a great group. Thank you everyone. And special thanks to Roberto, Walter and Luis.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Best leader evet

Patrick McGuire

Reviewed January 2023

Wonderful Trip

After reading other reviews i had high expectations which were not just met but exceeded on this wonderful trip. The real highlight for me was the stunning range of landscapes along with such fascinating and colourful flora and fauna. I travelled with an excellent group who all seemed to get on so well and who all had that determination and drive to succeed and enjoy this holiday to the fullest possible extent. The cycling is excellent for a “Moderate” trip. It is a busy schedule with 12 consecutive days, usually up early to avoid the worst of the heat and the possible rain showers in the late afternoon. There are some tough climbs but well worth the effort and there’s always the bus to get on when needed. The mileage is ideal and although it may not look too far in the trip notes, there is the heat (well over 30C). I can’t praise our guide Roberto enough along with his team of Walter and Luis. They guided, supported and encouraged us superbly, providing us with excellent information and wonderful refreshments of the finest tasting fresh fruit and snacks at regular intervals. The hotels are all fine, in excellent locations, although a few needing a little attention to repair and maintenance issues. The food is very good throughout. Breakfasts generally fairly basic but some excellent lunches and evening meals in local restaurants and cafes. I left with some wonderful memories of a beautiful country, lovely people and a desire to return some day. We extended our stay in Tamorindo at Cala Luna hotel which was excellent and a hugely enjoyable few days of R & R after the cycling.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling the final 11 miles through beautiful countryside reflecting on just how good this trip had been. I had a real sense of satisfaction and achievement of completing the cycling, tinged with a little regret that we were now, sadly, reaching the end of this memorable trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Outstanding! I've been on a number of Exodus trips and generally found the guides to be of a very high standard but Roberto is up there with the very best. He kept us all informed and his support and guidance was always excellent. He ensured we all had anything we needed and had great systems for ensuring we were always focused on simply enjoying our trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be aware January is very hot, although the cycling is managed accordingly. Bring plenty of sun cream, bug spray and keep hydrated.

Sue Duncombe

Reviewed January 2023

Pura Vida! Thinking about it? Book it!

Costa Rica has stunning scenery. The itinerary covers a wide variety of beautiful and diverse landscapes : coastal – Pacific and Caribbean, mountainous (the bus takes you up the big hills so don’t worry), plantations – pineapple, banana, coffee), rain forest. As well as visiting some of the main tourist highlights eg Manuel Antonia NP, the route also includes some less touristy places. I loved cycling through the small, rural communities. Costa Rica is well known for its flora and fauna. This trip doesn’t disappoint in seeing exotic, colourful plants and a range of animals I’ve never seen in the wild, including sloths. At times it feels as if Costa Rica is one giant botanical garden. Eating lunch in local Sodas (family cafes) ,recommended by our guide, Roberto, gave a very authentic Costa Rican experience. The national dish of rice and beans is ubiquitous, but there’s much more on the culinary agenda. We love seafood and there was ample opportunity to eat delicious ceviche, locally caught giant shrimps and fresh fish. Luis, our driver, provided organic fruit at regular intervals during the cycling day. I have never tasted pineapple quite like this – so juicy and sweet! Costa Ricans are generally very friendly and welcoming. Tourism is very important to their economy and you get the feeling they really want you to have an enjoyable experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many great moments. Cycling through rural communities in the middle of the country, enjoying the scenery and exchanging "hola" with the locals felt really good.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto is an excellent leader. He is warm, friendly, fun and very efficient. His briefings are very clear - he uses WhatsApp to communicate details of the day on the evening before the cycling and then verbally explains things each morning before you set off . Each day he put an elevation plot for the route on the side of the bus. This has planned stops marked. I loved this as I knew where I'd have to put a bit of hard work into the pedalling. Everything went very smoothly but this is because he has everything so well organised and anticipates your needs in advance of you realising. Nothing was too much trouble. He has excellent knowledge of the country and imparts this is an interesting way. He's a real ambassador for Costa Rica. Gracias, Roberto!

Advice for Potential Travellers

You'll get hot at times cycling so will need to do some laundry: After 1 week there are laundry facilities at the hotel. Use this - they charge by the kg , not per item. It's good value. Take a plug for the sink as there aren't any in most hotels Don't attempt to wash clothes in a hotel which hasn't got air conditioning, it won't dry overnight (NB most hotels do have air conditioning)

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