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

Andrew Tim

Reviewed February 2015

Highly recommended

This is a very varied trip – lots of different scenery (mountains, jungle, colonial towns, pacific and caribbean coasts, lakes, islands, volcanos), wildlife (toucans, sloths, coatimundi, agouti, crocodiles, iguanas, monkeys…), cultures (the three countries are noticeably different from each other), food, … there’s something for everyone here. Unless you don’t like cycling, that is…!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing a sloth close enough to touch - even the tour leader and local guides were taking photos, this was such an unusual event!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Janiell was, without any doubt whatsoever, the best tour leader I have ever encountered - not just with Exodus, but across all the companies I've travelled with. Well-organised but relaxed, knowledgeable both on the interesting stuff (wildlife, scenery, etc.) and also the important (the best way of efficiently getting through the crazy border crossings), fun & friendly, got on with everyone in the group. Can't speak highly enough of her.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The cycling really isn't that demanding on this trip - I certainly found it easier than the South Africa "Cape/Winelands" trip, which had longer/tougher climbs and longer days in the saddle. That said, if you suffer in the heat, the central american countries may not be your favourite cycling destination; we had temperatures in the mid-30s on a regular basis. Dollars are OK everywhere, there's no need to worry about changing currency.

Harry Glover

Reviewed February 2015

Colonial architecture, toucans, sloths, volcanos - and the Panama Canal

A wonderful mix of architecture, wild life, mounatin scenery – and for me – the awe-inspiring Panama Canal and the Bridge of the Americas.

Most Inspirational Moment

Several: * Sunset over Granada * Seeing the Arenal Volcano as a perfect cone-shape * Seeing toucans, sloths, monkeys, colorful birds and butterflies, ..... * The banana plantations * Discovering the Botanical Gardens on Bocas del Toro (that even J didn't know about) * Watching huge ships passing through the Miraflores locks

Thoughts on Group Leader

Janiell (Jay) is an amazing organiser with a lovely sense of humour, and was great dealing with the Customs Authorities at the border crossings.

Advice for Potential Travellers

* Take a bar bag (I did, having read of its advantages written by previous reviewers). * Also - especially if you are prone to sweating in hot humid conditions - take plenty of face cloths or handkerchieves, or something similar for wiping your brow while cycling. * Drink lots of water, then drink more.

Martin Martin

Reviewed February 2015

Cycle Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama

As expected, another excellent Exodus trip. The pace was felt to be unexpectedly high but suited most of the group.
The pace could be compared with a ‘drop bars’ trip and for most of the cycling could be done on a road bike.
I ‘survived’ thanks to some pacing on some days and did enjoy it. I can do some hills at home now that i couldn’t before !
The meals were very good, far better quality and lower priced than at home. The boat trips and ferry journeys added to the interest and my companions were great – all ages from 20 to 68 (me)

Most Inspirational Moment

The surprisingly fast ride following the river rafting, up to 70kph, the scenery, the two islands that we spent 2 nts at each were lovely and to try something new - the zipwires at La Fortuna (not mentioned in trip notes, but leader will book for you)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto the leader and the 'bike boys' were great. Very helpful and so well organised, meals, room keys, boats, all appeared exactly on cue.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack a dry t-shirt in your rucksack or leave on coach. When you have finished a riding stage and are soaking wet with perspiration (or rain), it is nice to have a dry top on if you are then going to have an hour or two coach transfer.

Robert Heaps

Reviewed February 2015

MUC, 3 countries in 2 weeks!

4 and a half stars really. A packed itinerary, you can do visit 3 countries, do wildlife spotting, sightseeing, walks, swimming in the Caribbean, Pacific and lakes, boat trips, and even zip lining, as well as the usual cycling, eating and drinking! 3 countries with contrasts, old and modern parts and a huge mixture of people. The cycling is challenging with some climbs, mainly on road and long hot flat sections which can be done at pace if you want, even in 30c+ however I personally would have preferred a bit more off road terrain.

Most Inspirational Moment

Some of the scenery, Volcanoes, lush forest and 2 coastlines, very varied

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto was a very good cyclist, he bonded very well with the group and was very organised (needed to be to keep up with the schedule) this was OK for me as a solo traveller but may not suit anyone who likes to do their own thing!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Dollars are OK everywhere but you get change in local currency, be prepared for some hot days and some wet warm humid days. Early starts to avoid the heat and try everything!

Annette Jorgensen

Reviewed December 2014

Wonderful holiday through 3 amazing countries

I had a really wonderful trip cycling through Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. It is 3 very interesting countries and the trip had lots of variations. Nicaragua is really untouched so would highly recommend spending a few extra nights here before the start of the trip – to see some more volcanos in the North around León. Costa Rica is the most touristy of the 3 – but very beautiful with a lot of great nature and a good chance to spot some animals. Panama is very interesting and in particular the Panama Canal and the old part of Panama City, which reminded me a lot about Havanna in Cuba.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is hard to choose - but I think one of the highlights for me was definitely to see the Panama Canal and the big ships going through the locks in the Canal. The exhibition centre with the observation deck and the museum in relation to the Canal is a great place to spent some hours.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto was a really nice group leader - with a big passion for his country and Central America. He was also a really good cyclist and very keen on to ensure everyone was having a good time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It can get very hot and humid at times so ensure to drink lots of water while cycling. Otherwise just enjoy it - it was not as hard as I thought it was going to be since the distance every day is quite reasonable.

Ulrike von Saldern

Reviewed December 2014

Amazing

Definitely one of the best holidays I have ever been on. Amazing wildlife, fantastic guides, good hotels and even the weather gods were on our side (3 minutes rain on the bike was the only time we got wet :-)). The cycling starts off very easy in the first few days but then gets more challenging when entering Costa Rica.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the first sloth, sitting on a tree branch, clinging to the tree trunk and sleepily smiling into my camera.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Janielle was the first female tour guide I had on an Exodus trip and she was the best guide I ever had. She never got stressed about anything, expected to have to tell things several times, is very knowledgeable and very organised. I don't think we would have ever managed to get some food or for that matter pay for it without her organisational talents ;-).

Advice for Potential Travellers

Start a diary on day one. There is so much to do and see that after a few days you cannot even remember what the first hotel was like. Oh, and take a big memory card as you will want to take lots of pictures :-).

Meredith Bondy

Reviewed December 2014

MUC Review

Having never been on an organized group trip before, I wasn’t sure what to expect but I had nothing to worry about. The views were incredible, the company was great, and it was such a fantastic experience I’d do it all over again! The trip was a good mix of time on the bike, boat rides, and a few touristy bits.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing volcanoes, ending ride a swim in the Pacific, stopping at a school to see the students, the waterfall, seeing sloths on a few different occasions! Going zip lining over the canopy in La Fortuna on a day off, a rafting trip where we saw so much wildlife and flora, and a visit to the Panama Canal...the entire trip was fantastic from start to finish! The cycling was fantastic and a perfect way to see areas you may not otherwise notice if you were in a car. The locals were incredibly friendly, especially the children who were so excited to come out to say hello and wave as we went by!

Thoughts on Group Leader

The guide group consisted of our leader Janiell who was assisted by Luis and Guillermo, and Ronald. The combination of these 4 was great. J was so well organized and managed all of the details. Should would go over our itinerary each morning, showing a map of our route for the day, and would give another overview after dinner every night of what to expect the following day. She ensured we were always taken care of before herself. and answered all of our questions and had a good sense of humour to deal with our group. J was also quick to come up with an alternative when we requested a slight change in the itinerary and handled it like it was no problem. Ronald greeted me with a smile every single day. While there was definitely a language barrier between us, we did our best to communicate with each other each day and he taught me a few key phrases in Spanish. He was very patient and always made sure I was ready to go at the start of each ride. Luis was great; I was never near the front of the pack with him on the rides but he was always friendly and just like with Ronald, he and I would do our best to have conversations. He was always quick to help adjust the bike and was able to fix any issues they had. Guillermo, being a Tico, was a great addition to the team. He has so much knowledge about the flora and fauna and was always on the lookout to point things out to us. He answered all of my questions about local culture, history and traditions in detail and with so much pride for his country. He told stories on the bus which helped pass time (using an impressive sloth drawing and a CR t-shirt used to share facts and history) and was always happy with a good sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you bring padded shorts, lots of mosquito repellent, sunscreen and some hydration tablets. A small backpack or bento box you can put on the bike would be handy to hold a camera for taking photos along the way. Pack your binoculars as well, lots of fantastic wildlife to see along the way!

Maria Martinez

Reviewed December 2014

Nicaragua-Costa Rica- Panama Cycle Tour MUC

We had a great time in our central America cycling tour. Beautiful scenery!

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through Nicaragua, a country I had only heard about political turmoil. It is a great place, with great people, great landscapes and very interesting history.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andrea is an excellent guide tour. She knows a lot about Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Paul the mechanic was also great setting the cycling pace and attending to all our bike needs. Sabo the driver was very professional and efficient. We didn't quite understand the role of Diana the American extra guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for long transfers. The cycling is not as hard as other tours with the same rating, cycling distances are much shorter. Lots of rain.

Luke Henderson

Reviewed December 2014

top time and top group

For me the photos. There was a stack of things to see and the locations, the quiet roads for cycling even the restaurants meant that there was always something to see and photo.

Most Inspirational Moment

There is something lovely about the way in which a shared experience means this group travel was a delight.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Diane tended to our every need and our estimated over 1000 questions during the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are bringing your bike as hold luggage (not sports equipment) then be prepared for a debate at check in. Get a print off (or a link) of the relevant section of United Airlines baggage conditions (you can ask Exodus to send it to you) as the check in staff do not know their own rules.

Kimberly Martin

Reviewed December 2014

2 weeks, 3 countries, 14 cyclists

The Nicaragua/Costa Rica/Panama cycle trip is a great way to cover a lot of ground in a short time. The trip started in Nicaragua which is a beautifully, slow-paced country with lots of rolling hills. Next we cycled through Costa Rica, enjoying the wildlife, fantastic scenery and bigger hills. By the time we arrived in Panama, we were a strong team of seasoned cyclists, ready to attack the big, big hills, heat and humidity! The trip was very well organized with cycling distances and weather/elevation challenges increasing slowly every day.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were several moments, including: - the day our group leader found a live sloth on the side of the road. Paul picked up the sloth (scary!!) and gently placed it in a nearby tree; - seeing the Pacific Ocean at the end of a great day of cycling - arriving at the Caribbean at the end of another great day of cycling - crossing the Continental Divide between the Pacific and Caribbean Seas

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leaders were the best! They checked our bikes and our demeanors every day to make sure both were ready to meet the day's cycling challenge. Despite our special dietary needs, mechanical needs and mental health needs, the group leaders worked tirelessly to make sure every need was met. We couldn't ask for a better support team with our cycling guides and fantastic driver.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for heat and humidity. We were lucky to have several overcast and rainy days which were a welcome relief to the heat. If tropical weather is not your favorite, don't despair. The support vehicle will transport you anywhere and at any time.

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