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!

Haven’t posted your review yet? Here’s how to do it…

Once you return from your Exodus adventure holiday, you will be emailed a link to add your review. Any feedback collected is posted onto our website, totally unedited.

Alternatively you can navigate to the relevant trip page and add your review via the Reviews tab.

Reviews

Yasmin Sethna

Reviewed February 2016

Awesome diverse scenery-the most fabulous snapshot of 3 countries

This was an amazing trip that I had been thinking about doing for years. I am so glad I finally took the plunge, despite not being a regular cyclist. The trip is a superb “snapshot” of 3 beautiful countries where the scenery is diverse-think wildlife/exotic birds, beautiful beaches, laid-back atmosphere, extraordinary tropical forest greenery, colourful towns, lakes, volcanoes, mountains and wonderful colonial architecture. A good mix of biking and down-time!

Most Inspirational Moment

It was so lovely to reach a beautiful beach after a hot and humid day of cycling and this is what we did several times in all 3 countries.....rushing into the sea (warm - like a bath) was just the best feeling! I loved the Bocas del Toro islands-what a treat - it has a cool Caribbean vibe, that I wasn't expecting-awesome food and lovely cocktails right on the sea! Wonderful snorkelling too-you see LOADS! Panama City was just gorgeous.....reminded me of Havana. Also loved the amazing 20k downhill in Panama -some of the best scenery ever-unforgettable!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto should get MORE than 10 out of 10! Not only was he very friendly with a good sense of humour, but he was extremely well organised and always had our needs and safety in mind. He was highly knowledgeable about each country we visited and gave interesting talks and pre-ride info each day. He was also a fit and fast cyclist! He always had a plan B, if plan A wasn't viable (it happens in Latin America!) ...and just put all of us first. He is a credit to your company! Please buy him a beer-or SEVERAL!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's probably best to do some training first. I managed without doing barely any.... but I wish I had as there are tons of hills and the climate is very hot and humid, particularly in Panama! Take some bug spray and a beach towel. I would HIGHLY recommend arriving and departing one to two days outside of the trip dates as both Granada in Nicaragua and Panama City are well worth exploring....and how often will you go back to these places?!

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Ross Leeder

Reviewed February 2016

Cycle Nicaragua, Costa Rica & Panama

The trip in general was excellent. Well organized with plenty of support personnel. Accommodations were very good and there was excellent food available. The tour leader was exceptional giving attention to the smallest details. The tour Leader was resourceful and extremely knowledgeable of the plants animals and sites we came across. While a bit pricey it was worth it. No regrets. It was a great adventure!

Most Inspirational Moment

Riding in a group of 5 riders flat out for about 20 kilometers. taking turns leading the pack with others tucked in tight behind. Man we were moving. What a thrill!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto Abuilar was amazing. In addition to his excellent leadership skills he was organized. He was in phenomenal shape physically and never seemed to tire. He kept us well briefed and always reviewed maps and safety briefings every morning. He managed the support crew well and ensured our bikes were in top form. I would give Roberto a gold star.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Develop a taste for Rice and Beans! The route can be a bit taxing so do some cycling before going. The heat is incredible at times so you need to be in decent shape physically

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Elizabeth Stallabrass

Reviewed February 2016

Cycle Central America MUC 160123

Hot, humid and hilly!
A wonderful trip hopping from the Caribbean to the Pacific twice. Breathtaking scenery as we ascended into the cloud forest. Such diversity of flora and fauna, and unusually stunning creatures to be seen along the way.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching the sunset at Las Lajas Beach Resort hotel, Panama. The Pacific Ocean was as warm as a bath, the vast expanse of empty beach a beautiful location. An absolute treat after a long, hot cycle. The Tenorio River trip was wonderful, 2 hours of tranquility, with many birds and creatures being pointed out by our river guide. The bats were a fantastic find.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto Abuilar was informative, patient and a great leader. Several events did not go according to plan but he managed to sort out the problems without majorly affecting the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The included flight was with United Airways which was a huge disappointment to the start of the holiday. I can only describe it as a long haul budget airway. Food was sparse and kept to a minimum. Anything additional had to be paid for. Eat a big breakfast before you fly. Lots of cobbled roads and rough tracks in Nicaragua. If you have a delicate derrière take a gel seat pad for that leg of the journey. Take some binoculars to search for the Toucans.

Reply from Exodus

The full day boat tour is considered to be very good value at US$25 as it gives a fun and interesting overview of the islands whilst including dolphin watching and snorkelling. Sometimes the boat captain that we use is able to offer a small discount for larger groups but not always. We will remove the reference to this in the locally distributed trip notes to avoid disappointment. The charge for accessing Red Frog Beach is unfortunately out of our control and has seemingly only very recently risen from $3 to $5, again this information will be updated in our literature.

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Anthea Clark

Reviewed February 2016

A cycling adventure

An amazing adventure from start to finish. If you want to have an adventure with your bike then book this one. To cycle/bus through three different countries in two weeks is great.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved being able to get up early and go for a swim in the sea. One morning I had the beach to myself watching the sun rise and as I was swimming pelicans were flying close by skimming the waves with their wings. Giving a "high five" to local kids whilst cycling up hill and not falling off my bike! Cycling through amazing scenery hearing and seeing howler monkeys and birds and trying to spot snoozing sloths in the trees.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Roberto. His knowledge of the history, politics, wildlife and roads! of all three countries was excellent. He was a very dedicated leader and worked hard to ensure that every day went as smoothly as it could. Roberto was incredibly well organised and always smiling.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bug spray, I smelt of deet for two weeks but managed to avoid being bitten so it was worth it. Imodium tablets! The food was great and there was always a safe water supply but I did need them. Pedals, I clip in when road cycling but not if I mtb. I didn't take my pedals but wish I had as the cycling is mainly road cycling on a mountain bike. Build up your stamina before you go. It is quite hilly and very very humid. If you are sharing a room it is always worth asking if they have a second key, most of the hotels did.

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Nigel Lindsell

Reviewed February 2016

Central America on two wheels

A challenging and very enjoyable two weeks. Three very different countries in a short space of time. You will feel hot, dirty and tired – but stick with it – there is so much to enjoy!
The cycling is challenging, and it does get easier – but do your training. The pace can be frantic – sometimes the hotels pass in a blur, arriving at dusk and then leaving early in the morning. But it is worth it to get such a great snapshot of Central American life.

Most Inspirational Moment

Quite a few here..... Getting to Ometepe Island on the smaller, very crowded ferry (the larger one having broken down) on a VERY rough lake Nicaragua. Did I mention that there was a coffin on board.....?! Hilly days in Costa Rica. Finally seeing Toucans with minutes to spare! High-fiving the kids in Nicaragua. Riding onto the beach and diving straight into the Pacific. The rest of the group - great fun all the way!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto was superb. Always smiling, always encouraging, and always with a plan B, C and D if required! (And they were). The bus organisation was fabulous as well, Lots of water, snacks and fruit - thanks to Neno.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A few of the hotels leave a little (lot) to be desired - do not expect quality - or hot water - all the way. There are some long bus transfers - be prepared. Bug spray is essential. But - if you go with an open mind you will have a fabulous time!

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Jayne Takahashi

Reviewed February 2016

An amazing cycling adventure from Costa Rica to Nicaragua

What an amazing adventure! With the expert guidance and knowledge provided by our safety conscious Exodus guides, I was fortunate to experience an exceptional cycling journey from San Jose, Costa Rica to Granada, Nicaragua as part of a customized trip to raise funds for WaterAid Canada. Roberto, Paul, and Andreas ensured that all we had to do was focus on enjoying the sights and sounds around us. They took care of all the logistical concerns including our safe cycling routes; being fully prepared for any mechanical needs of our bikes; finding unique, clean rest stops and wonderful lunch venues; explaining local cultural points of interest and spotting fascinating wildlife.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling on the rugged roads through the small villages in Nicaragua to be greeted with the smiling faces and "holas" of the children in the communities. Reaching the summit of some challenging hill climbs in Costa is a close second!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic! As knowledgeable, experienced cyclists - they were a great source of support and became our biggest cheerleaders! Their friendly manner, quick smiles and sense of humor added to the great fun that our group shared for 10 days.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Expect heat and humidity so come prepared with light, breathable clothing; lots of sun protection and consider bringing along your favourite electrolyte solutions to add to your drinking water. And sufficient battery power and lots of memory to store all of your photos!

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Sheri Amsterdam

Reviewed February 2016

Cycling from Costa Rica through Nicaragua

We cycled from San Ramon, Costa Rica to Grenada, Nicaragua. It was such an exhilarating trip. Our guides were extremely fit, professional and fun. We really enjoyed ourselves!

Most Inspirational Moment

This was my first bike trip, and probably won't be my last. I wasn't sure how i was going to do, and with the help of the guides, i felt confident through out the whole trip. It was a blast!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Roberto, was fantastic. Not only was he super familiar with the route, he also was fit and fun. Everyone in the group felt supported the whole way, and Roberto was also filled with very interesting facts about the countries and the industries within.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just do it! It was so much fun, at times very difficult, but the difficult parts were celebrated and were definitely worth the effort. Oh yea!

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Graham Milner

Reviewed January 2016

Charity Tour

We were part of a charity bike tour for WaterAid Canada and had an amazing time exploring Central America by bike

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing the hills though incredible heat and seeing the amazing sights along route.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leaders were way beyond what I expected, they were knowledgeable and engaging, but also had a strict sense of safety and our best interest at heart

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack your bags, and get ready for a great time

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Alison Hulme

Reviewed January 2016

Cycle Nicaragua, Costa Rica & Panama holiday

Overall very good.

Most Inspirational Moment

The beauty of the three countries. Flora and forna. Panama canal.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was friendly .The trip would have been excellent if the leader provided more information about the culture of the three countries and some of the activities on offer. there could have been more effort made for New Year Celebrations

Advice for Potential Travellers

it can be very humid and hot ...take extra dollars for expenses - food and drink

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Gayle Lindsay

Reviewed December 2015

3 countries...2 wheels...1 amazing trip through Central America!

A very well organised trip with a great group of people and stunning scenery! This was my first time in Central America but it definitely won’t be my last. It exceeded all of my expectations and cycling proved to be a great way to see each country. There was a good mix between challenging cycles, sightseeing and time to relax. It was nice to get up in the morning and know you had a full day of activities ahead of you but not have to worry about organising any of them – you just have to turn up with a positive attitude and enjoy!

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of the tough hills and enjoying the breathtaking views that made all of the huffing and puffing worthwhile!

Thoughts on Group Leader

From the moment we stepped off the plane, Memo was standing waiting to greet us with his trademark big smile that never seemed to leave his face! He educated us on the history of each country, informed us of the different political and economic circumstances and pointed out various fauna and wildlife along the way. He worked tirelessly to ensure we had the trip of a lifetime and I truly did have the trip of a lifetime!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring US dollars in small denominations (as you can generally pay in US but change is usually given in local currency). I appreciated my padded shorts and gel seat and would recommend having both. Do some cycling preparation beforehand - you'll be thankful when you hit those hills.

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