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

Suzanne Castenmiller

Reviewed April 2016

Cycle Central America - Go For It!!

Absolutely amazing way to spend our honeymoon! The tour group was a great bunch of laughs, from so many walks of life. The trip itself was well organised and gave us all a great opportunity to encounter a different culture. It was the first time I had ridden a bicycle with gears and I got amazing support from everyone throughout the trip! And the tour leadership was absolutely perfect.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting up those hill climbs in Costa Rica! Admittedly, I'm not the fittest person, and my lack of cycling experience was not a great contributing factor. But I had so many positive vibes from everyone, and really enjoyed overcoming the challenging climbs (even if I did take a few moments to get off the bike and push it up the hill!)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto was absolutely fantastic. He is like a duck on water. He makes everything run so smoothly for not only the group, but for his tour team and the hotel staff. Yet it is evident that he is managing a thousand different things behind the scenes! He is very dedicated and passionate and became a really good mate. Also need to mention that the support crew (driver and mechanics) were amazing too. There were never issues with the bus, they helped with getting bikes up and down from the bus, and ensured our equipment was well maintained. They all possessed a great deal of patience, and I loved listening to them have a few good hearty laughs at he front of the bus on some of the long bus legs.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring gloves! And a sweat band for your head would be a good idea too. There are a lot of rides where you are exposed to the blaring sun. Having sweat mixed with sunscreen drip into your eyes is not a pleasant experience! Don't worry if you are not cycle fit. There are some intimidatingly good cyclists in the group, but the support and encouragement you get from everyone will not make you feel inadequate! Also I'd highly recommend zip lining in Fortuna.

Howard Kelly

Reviewed April 2016

Great Holiday

A really great way to experience Central America with its different cultures and people. Every aspect of this trip is fantastic in all respects.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to choose from but the school visit has to be near the top of the list.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto and his team were true professionals and really made the trip run smoothly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just be aware of the heat especially whilst cycling. Coming from a UK winter was quite a contrast.

Keith Rollin

Reviewed April 2016

Cycling in Nicaragua, Costa Rica & Panama - Easter 2016

This was my third cycling holiday with Exodus. The time spent in Central America was simply fantastic from start to finish. I would certainly recommend this holiday. The cycling was super – lovely views, great bikes and good support from the guides (water, Gatorade, fruit and snacks all provided throughout the cycling). Away from the cycling, each day was varied with plenty of activities to suit every taste. The locations we visited were all interesting and the hotels all good quality with plenty of character.

Most Inspirational Moment

I enjoyed so many parts of this trip. The visit to the school in Panama was an amazing and emotional experience. The cycling was brilliant in all three countries (particularly in Costa Rica and Panama). Having so many birds & animals in the trees around us was magic, with the boat trip being a fantastic opportunity to get close to plenty of wildlife. The visit to the Panama Canal was very interesting.

Thoughts on Group Leader

From the moment we first met Roberto at the hotel, we all knew that we were in safe hands. A professional, friendly, funny and hard working tour guide from start to finish. He provided us with plenty of information about the history and culture covering all of the three countries that we visited. He was very personable and nothing was too much trouble. Our group had so much fun and much of this was down to Roberto and his team. Simply brilliant!

Advice for Potential Travellers

US Dollars accepted in all three countries (with local currency being given back 'as change' - sometimes in Nicargua and Costa Rica). Take some low value US Dollar notes (as some places prefer this to using 50 US Dollar notes). Two laundry stops on route (so no need to take too many clothes). Diarolyte sachets a good idea (although I had no problems throughout the trip).

Anne Puech

Reviewed April 2016

Cycling through Central America

An amazing cycling trip through Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. Everything was very well organised and planned ahead. Roberto was a very good guide and he made the trip a wonderful holiday. Very nice hotels all along the way and some amazing swims on both sides of Central America!

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole trip was very inspirational. Costa Rica is a gorgeous country and seeing the Panama canal was a dream came true!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto was an amazing group leader. A true professional, very well organised, planning ahead for everything and extremely kind to each of us. One evening, as we were running a little bit late, he called the hotel from the bus, asked them to put the keys on the doors of our rooms, to turn the AC on and gave us the room numbers. This lovely attention enabled us to enjoy an amazing swim in the Pacific at sunset.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack plenty of sunscreen and some long sleeve tops!

Mark Watson

Reviewed April 2016

Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama

This was an outstanding 3-countries adventure. From landing in Managua to departing Panama City, the cycling, hotels, food, scenery and companionship was without parallel. The itinerary takes you from coast to coast, with the chance to paddle in both the Pacific and the Atlantic. The vistas are huge and varied, from primary rain forest to the hot and arid plains beyond the Continental Divide. The hotels are great and the food diverse (and adventurous as you make it).

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting a local indigenous school. We were there over Easter, so our planned visit in Costa Rica was delayed to Panama. Also, from another perspective, the Panama Canal is also up there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The whole experience was enhanced by Roberto, our guide. He quickly formed a bond with each group member and put us at our ease. Early starts were shared with a smiling and cheerful Roberto, and his enthusiasm was infectious. Roberto's organizational skills saw prompt departures and timely arrivals; essential for a journey of that length. Throughout his emphasis was on safety, which was very well balanced with ensuring we had memorable days. His knowledge of Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama was first class, which all added to the experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get plenty of small dollar notes before departure, so much easier that trying to get cash en route. Bug spray not really needed and I only got bitten a couple of times. Take your own water bottles, with a covered mouthpiece, and even better one of the newer insulated versions. There are two chance for doing some laundrey - so you can pack more lightly than you usually would for 14 days.

Ian Sewell

Reviewed April 2016

Cycling Nicuragua - Costa Rica - Panama with Roberto and friends :-)

This was our second cycling trip with Exodus, and the attention to details, knowing clients needs and wishes was second to none. From start to finish we didn’t have to worry about a thing, the biggest decisions we had to make was what we were going to eat at meal times, everything else was well planned and executed by Roberto our tour leader. You certainly need a good base level of fitness, some of the climbs were long and hard, so the fitter the better, however it didn’t matter of you were last, you were looked after by the mechanic and the minibus was never that far away.

Would I recommend this trip … YES I certainly would.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were some good climbs in Panama and the scenery and wildlife on the way up was amazing .. Sloth, toucans, monkeys, and cute children. Visit to local school. Panama Canal ... What a marvel for sure.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were very fortunate to have Roberto as our tour leader. A man passionate about making sure his clients had an excellent holiday. He delivered on all fronts. Within 24hrs he had learnt all our names and knew the groups personalities as well as standard of cycling. Roberto loved loved cycling and the three countries we cycled through. His knowledge of the countries culture was shared, and certainly added value to the trip. He is a H&S aware, and was flexible in his plan which was always well executed. We went in the Easter break, which meant the school we had planned to go to in Nicuragua was closed, so as we passed through Panama we went to a school, it was a surprise visit for the children and teachers and first time Roberto had been there. The children were amazed to see grown men and women in Lycra... The 30 mins at the school was lovely.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of dollars with you, although the hotels will change monies for you, and when you need to change to the local currency, dollars the easiest to exchange. If you SPD pedals and MTB shoes, there is no problem for the mechanics to fit them for you. Having the pedals certainly helped over the rather bumpy trails in Nicuragua. Two water bottles were supplied, but of you have your own with a flip dome type cover, would recommend you take it, as some tracks are rather dusty. Plenty of sun cream. Take some crayons, writing books and school stationery, as no doubt you will have the opportunity to visit a school. You cover some 1900 miles by bike and minibus, so if you do have travel sickness, take some tablets. You live out of your suitcase, and it never gets unpacked due to the frequency of moving from place to place. There were two locations for laundry, so you can afford to reduce the amount of cycling gear / clothes you take.

Rob Cottom

Reviewed April 2016

Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama Easter 2016

This is our 6th Exodus cycling holiday and yet again it turned out to be absolutely superb and good value.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many.... hearing and then seeing the howler monkeys all above us and then finding them in the trees above our room; seeing sloths by the score and actually handling an orphaned 4 weeks old one at a cafe stop whilst cycling; seeing the toucans; the unbelievable zip wire at La Fortuna (don't miss out on this!); the variety between the 3 countries; and of course the cycling which was fantastic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto was a true professional looking after our every need like we were his family. He also enjoyed a good laugh with us and quickly knew all of our names and became a friend to each of us. An absolutely first rate guide, passionate and knowledgeable about all three countries and showing no bias for Costa Rica, his home country. He also ensured with his crew that we had water and snacks available throughout our cycling with Gatorade to put into our water for energy. We needed it. It was 35 degrees and he kept us well 'watered'.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do the zip wire, take small note US dollars for all 3 countries ($50 is a big note to change), malaria tablets not needed at all, lightweight travel towel came in handy (microfibre Decathlon style), take pencils, pens, etc for school visit. Bring some 'Dioralyte Relief' satchets or equivalent to replace body salts and help if you have stomach upset.

Carol Merritt

Reviewed April 2016

Cycle Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama - SUPERB!

Absolutely amazing! Loved every moment. Roberto our guide was fantastic and this made our holiday extra special, nothing was too much trouble. I have been on many Exodus trips and the standard of guides is usually good, but Roberto was exceptional.
The itinerary was very varied, full on, and I enjoyed the switch backs between the Pacific coast and the Caribbean. A snapshot of the best of the three countries within two weeks. I also really enjoyed the island stays, boat rides, dolphin watching and snorkelling. A real mixed bag, but in particular the cycling was fantastic.

Most Inspirational Moment

The climbs and running into the sea after a day's cycling!

Thoughts on Group Leader

The best!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book it, you will not be disappointed.

Alison Stent

Reviewed March 2016

3 fantastic countries with stunning scenery and friendly people

Mountains, jungle, people, food, Caribbean coast, beaches, Panama canal, zip wires, Toucans, volcanoes, Sloths, rivers, Red Frog beach….. Oh and cycling!

Most Inspirational Moment

Panama was a big unknown and I loved the stunning scenery and the contrasts of each part of the country: The laid back Caribbean feel of Bocas del Toro; jungle and mountains taking you from the Caribbean to the Pacific coast; stunning beaches on the Pacific coast; glittering cityscape and old town of Panama city. My favourite moment was criss-crossing on zip wires down the side of the Arenal volcano! I can’t forget the visit to the local school either. There’s no need to bring supplies with you as there’s a chance to buy some locally.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto is a really nice guy and very professional. He always talked us through keeping safe and discussed any potential issues, say where traffic would be a little heavier. We could tell he works really hard and he even mucked in serving breakfast when the hotels were a bit slow! He was very passionate about his native Costa Rica. He was also adaptable and changed the route if needed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Several things: 1. Make sure you’re fit. Whilst the distances aren't huge, the hills are tough, especially in the intense heat. 2. Take your own water bottle with mouthpiece cover as they got pretty filthy in Nicaragua. 3. The short cut for transit passengers in Houston airport is really badly signposted. Keep your eyes peeled as you get through immigration.

Liam Curran

Reviewed March 2016

3 countries in one week!

If you want to cram in 3 countries in 2 weeks then this is the trip for you. Cycling is not nearly as difficult as other moderate to challenging trips. Because of the distances involved you’ll spend quite a bit of time on the bus.

Most Inspirational Moment

It was amazing to see so many volcanoes, stunning beaches and wildlife.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Memo took a while to warm to us but once he did he was good fun. Paul the mechanic was really friendly and a special mention to the bus driver who understands more English that he lets on and is a very safe driver.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Not matter what time of year you go it will be HOT! Think 33-38C during the day and down to 20-22 at night. Expect it to rain and for it to be heavy! Food is great value, fresh and tasty. You can't go wrong with whatever you order. Group flights were with United airlines. I'd say they are the "Ryan air" of intercontinental flying and best avoided unless the price is too good to ignore.

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