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.

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126 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Torben Dahl

Reviewed January 2017

A great way to explore 3 countries in two weeks

Picked this trip based on the itinerary that provided an excellent option to explore 3 countries in Central America on bikes for those with limited time. For someone who likes to travel over xmas this trip was a good fit with mainly dry weather.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me and my travel partner the cycling and swimming in the Pacific were among the best moments as we like to be active.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both the group leader as well as the other guides and driver were all amazingly friendly and knowledgeable. They definitely made sure to take good care of us and that we were never bored.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's a relatively easy and relaxed active trip. If you have more than two weeks available, this trip is a good option to visit other countries in the region either before or after the group trip if you don't go on the group flights.

Anonymous

Reviewed December 2016

Lovely trip to some beautiful places

Interesting journey through 3 central American countries – some lovely rides, beautiful spots to stay and other interesting sights

Most Inspirational Moment

Enjoyed seeing the active Masaya volcano in Nicaragua, cycling by Lake Arenal, seeing toucans and sloths and (many) iguanas, beautiful boat trip to Red Frog beach in Bocas del Toro and an evening with cocktails by the beach in Las Lajas

Thoughts on Group Leader

Competent, managed border crossings with minimum fuss and got us all safely from A to B. The assistants and driver were, as ever, passionate about their country and great fun to be with

Advice for Potential Travellers

- Book Jeff (opposite the hotel) for your boat trip of choice in Bocas del Toro. He tailored a trip to exactly what we wanted and it was the best $20 we spent all holiday - Be prepared for rain (at least in December). At least it was mostly warm and didn't last for long but it rained every day. I wish I had packed a small travel hairdryer to dry my shoes - Take US$ in small denominations - there is no need to exchange money - everyone accepts US$ (though you will get change in local currency) - Food and drink are probably more expensive than you are expecting - you can easily spend $30 or more per day if you take lunch and dinner with a drink

Veronica Benson

Reviewed December 2016

Cycling across Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama

A great trip offering a real variety of landscapes, wildlife, accommodation and experiences. The cycling was sufficiently challenging to feel we earned our pre-dinner cocktails and was a really enjoyable way to appreciate the rain forests, lakes and volcanoes. Plenty of time to relax as well. It was fun to feel part of a team and we were well supported by our guides and driver. 300 miles and 3 countries in 2 weeks feels like a real achievement with lots of good memories.

Most Inspirational Moment

The boat trips were relaxing and offered a great opportunity to spot wildlife: spider monkeys on Lake Nicaragua, iguanas and crocodiles while rafting in Rio Tenorio and varieties of fish and birds round the Bocas del Toro islands.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andrea was a supportive, patient and well-informed group leader with a good sense of humour. She managed to be both part of the team as well as an effective leader keeping us regularly informed about the places we were visiting, the itinerary, changes to plans and what to watch out for.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Travellers interested in this trip should be comfortable cycling on main roads alongside large vehicles and be able to cope with cycling in 30 degree heat (though riding in air-conditioned minibus is always an option!). You should be prepared for moving to different accommodation on a daily basis and pack lots of cycling gear as washing and drying clothing while constantly on the move can be a problem. Eating out is expensive in all 3 countries (it costs about the same as in the UK).

Bianca Courtright

Reviewed December 2016

Great way to see Central America!

This is a great trip to see 3 Central American countries. Each has different history and presents different experiences for tourists from jungle, wildlife, ocean and lake viewpoints, infrastructure marvels and lots of seafood!
Exodus does a great job and ensuring border crossing and logistics are organized to ensure it’s a holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

Support for the entire team to make it up the hills with horns honking and flags waving! Ometepe Island was a great stop and the Panama Canal was especially enjoyable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto is an energetic guide and genuinely wants to share highlights of his country to all those on the tour. He is passionate about ensuring everyone has a great time. He is an excellent listener to all requests and delivers above and beyond. The great team ensured that all participants with all skill levels had adequate care and assistance throughout the trip. This meant that members of the team raced ahead with the keen bikers (thanks Paul, Roberto and Gerhart!), while ensuring that adequate stopping points provided the group to reconvene and enjoy fresh fruits (thanks Luis!).

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring a few different biking outfits and the guides indicated laundromats where they could get washed at various destinations during the trip. Bring a great attitude for varied terrain: hills and flat stretches.

Emilia Chachulova

Reviewed December 2016

Incredible cycling holiday

This holiday was simply amazing. We cycled through three incredible countries supporter by a wonderful leader Roberto and his team. Everything was so well organised from the very moment we arrived and were welcome with a cold beer, to the very end. We were a bit unlucky since we managed to hit the first hurricane in Costa Rica in about 175 years. However Roberto and his team ensured we were moved to a safe place and could carry on with a plan B. This trip was incredible, so much fun and a great adventure. Recommend it very strongly!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many inspirational moments on this trip, it's hard to pick just one. I think everyone should go and pick their own :)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto was simply fantastic. He and his team worked incredibly hard to ensure we were all safe and had a lots of fun. And we did!!! Roberto was very professional and had our safety in my first and always ensured we were enjoying ourselves. He always waited for the last person so everyone could cycle at their own pace. Special thanks to Roberto and his team during the hurricane Otto where they took care of us so diligently!!! Exceptional leader and a wonderful team!!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although extensive cycling experience is not required, I would recommend to do some cycling preparation for this trip.

Sarah Conlon

Reviewed November 2016

Trip of a lifetime

What an amazing trip! Three beautiful countries, all very different from the other. Abundance of wildlife, rolling hills, big hills, active volcanos, stunning hotels, fun guides, bus karaoke! Cycling was achievable but challenging in a good way! My fitness went from being in the bottom half of the gears to then maxing out the gears and needing more! Started hating hills and now hate flats! Beautiful humbling countries , full of happy smiling people; young and old wanting to interact with you!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the active volcano in Nicaragua and Ometepe Island, jumping in the sea wearing cycle gear at the end of a good day! The best ride was by far the additional one added through the indigenous tribe in Panama, ammmmaaaaazing!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto was fantastic! Great sense of humour and never rushes you despite where you fall in the group! I struggled with hills at the beginning and was going way too fast and burning out. He taught me how to endurance cycle over this trip and on the last day I was good enough to lead the group even though just for a short while! He also rearranged the trip around a Hurricane adding the best extra ride on his day off and even a cheeky shopping trip! Salvo the driver was amazing and a very cheeky sense of humour! Always beeping and waving you along! Paul the mechanic was faultless. A fun, hilarious and cheeky smile added to his absolute professionalism throughout! Always encouraging! Gerhardt, hardcore athlete was put through his paces which surprised even him and he had some awesome stories! Just don't mention bananas!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't think, just do it! Trip of a lifetime awaits!

Kim Sinnamo

Reviewed October 2016

Cycling nicaragua, costa rica and panama

What an amazing adventure. I have been on several Exodus trips – hiking and cycling – and this was my favourite so far. Three countries in 2 weeks – brilliant guides/mechanics; great bikes, beautiful scenery and locations…. all you could ask for and more.
The cycling is moderate/challenging – good roads throughout and the bikes are excellent. The bikes have speedometers which show your speed, distance covered etc which is really helpful. There are a few challenging hills but overall it is manageable. The group has a leader at the front and one at the back of the group (I was at the back!) so you can take whatever time you need! Plenty of stops for water and fresh pineapple and biscuits.. It was very warm and humid so be prepared to be very sweaty!
All three countries were beautiful. Plenty to see and do whilst you cycle – our guide – Roberto- was extremely knowledgeable about everything (don’t think there wasn’t anything he couldn’t answer) so the cycling was interspersed with breaks to show us wildlife, views, swim at a beach…
The hotels were good – some more basic than others- but all decent. Some of them were fantastically located, right on a beach or on a beautiful hillside.
Food was very good – lots of seafood; those who were vegetarian found it harder to find choices in some places though
On a free day, 10 out of our group went zip wiring in Costa Rica- brilliant fun and I would definitely recommend it if you are okay with heights

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to mention! Sunrises and sunsets, the views, the camaraderie ... One to mention was actually completing all the cycling and hill climbs and not having to get off the bike! This is thanks to Steve (one of the leaders/guides) who cycled at the rear of the group. He was great fun, professional, friendly, and incredibly helpful - not being a regular cyclist (I know - why choose a cycling holiday?!!), he helped me with picking the right gears and getting my pacing right so that I was able to complete it all which was a great achievement for me. What a star!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto was the main leader and he was just fantastic - he gave us more detailed trip notes on the first day outlining each days distances, climbs, activities which was very useful. He was always available to answer any questions and did so with a smile! He was extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the trip - wildlife, cycling, countryside, traditions, foods, anything and everything. Great fun and great guy. The other leaders, mechanics and drivers (Steve, Paul, Luis and Ronaldo) were also fabulous and also helped make the trip an unbelievable one!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes - book it! You won't regret it!

Jennifer Shurina-Egan

Reviewed October 2016

Cycling in Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama

This was the best cycling trip I have done with Exodus. In fact, this is my fifth cycling trip with exodus.The organization and leadership of Roberto made all the difference in experiencing a wonderful trip. His team including Steve, Paulo, Luise and Rolando worked effectively and efficiently together and interacted very well with all the clients. Though they all worked extremely, they had fun with each other and with us. It was a privilege to be on the trip with them. This is caliber of staff Exodus needs to support and hire.

Most Inspirational Moment

I think for me was accomplishing the cycle on the Queen route in Costa Rica. It was the most difficult of all the routes and I managed at my age to be with the top portion of the cyclists. I also believe how Roberto and the other members of the team motivated all of us to keep going made a difference.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I think I have already indicated how Roberto functioned as the group leader. He brief us every evening about the next route and in the morning before we cycled he showed what we had already accomplished and then indicated what was the next route. He also warned about the difficulty of the specific route and the safety precautions we need to consider. He always made sure that everyone was alright, was willing to answer our questions and suggested places to eat, tours to take and where to obtain money.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are fit to do this type of trip especially in dealing with the heat and humidity. The heat and humidity makes the cycling more difficult. I have cycled three times in India and the heat and humidity in Central America was worse that in India.

Stephen Harrison

Reviewed September 2016

Another Great Trip

This is a whirlwind tour of the three countries. A lot is packed into the 2 weeks. The itinerary is fast moving and most days are either cycling or travelling to the next destination. The cycling has some steep hills, so it’s best if you are reasonably fit, but you don’t necessarily have to be. All in all, a great way to see Central America, the beautiful scenery and the different cultures

Most Inspirational Moment

Roberto took us to a remote school in Panama, where he told us that because the children did not watch TV they were completely innocent, and very rarely saw people from other countries. For me, this was one of the highlights, especially seeing how Roberto talked to the children, and how he got all of us to introduce ourselves to the children in Spanish!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto is a top leader in every way. He is very passionate about his country (Costa Rica) and gave us all sorts of information about each of the countries as we travelled through. He was always concerned for our safety when cycling and gave us clear instructions at the beginning of each ride so that we stayed safe

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would travel a day early to get over the jet lag when you arrive. Make sure you have high factor sun cream, especially for your arms (The cycle leaders put sleeves on their arms for the long rides)

Roddy Tyrrell

Reviewed September 2016

Father and son bonding

Great trip with my 19 year old son,great companions , Roberto was like a mother hen and kept us all safe ( despite my sons best efforts ) .
Met up with other son 21 who was in Panama for a month in Bochas del Toro volunteering with Floating Doctors.

Most Inspirational Moment

Looking into the active volcano at night. I was a bit cynical at first about the school visit but it is the real thing , Roberto truly loved those children and made a meaningful interface between us and the children so that they and us gained without patronising the children.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto and Steve who took over on last days were both great and went beyond anything expected.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do some hill training before you arrive as there are some steep climbs.I had only prepared on the flat . No sure I ever will hear the word "undulation " again without wincing

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