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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18 Reviews

4.6 out of 5

Kevin Burt

Reviewed August 2024

An amazing wildlife experience

This trip delivered in bucket loads. There was wildlife everywhere we looked. Copious capybara and caiman. Three fantastic sightings of jaguar (a mother and two cubs and two solitary jaguar) and three amazing sightings of giant otter groups. Birds everywhere including imperious jabiru storks, kingfishers, herons, hawks and jacana. And it was great to be in a remote location on the Paraguay River. Apart from the odd fisherman in small boats, there was only our boat and one other from the lodge on the water. Most of the time we had the river to ourselves. The second lodge is a little busier and not quite so remote, but we still saw lots of wildlife including tapir, collared peccary, crab-eating foxes and a stunning southern tamandua.

Most Inspirational Moment

Our first jaguar sighting of a mother and two cubs and watching them interact. And seeing a southern tamandua on our final night and watching as it stood on its hind legs to sniff the air.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tony was fantastic and looked after all of us very well. His ability to spot wildlife is amazing. Including a jaguar tucked away in the shade of a tree.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go. The Pantanal is wildlife heaven. We had 2 hours 40 minutes between our scheduled landing at Sao Paolo and departure to Cuiaba. We were a bit worried this wouldn't be enough time to collect our bags and catch the next flight, but in the end we had plenty of time and it wasn't a rush. Once we'd gone through passport control, collected our bags and gone through customs, we turned left and followed the signs to section E where the Latam desks are located. They checked the labelling on our bags was correct and put them through. Going through security for the second flight took a couple of minutes. We bought specific Brazil plug adaptors (type N) which also had two USB outlets. They worked very well at all the accommodation. Everywhere we went accepted credit cards. We took US dollars and used them for tips. But is handy to have some local currency, just in case. We took £60 worth of reias for smaller purchases.

Michael Brooks

Reviewed July 2024

Excellent Trip, Pity about the Airport

This was my first time taking a holiday with Exodus, perhaps it will not be my last. However, I must complain about the horrible 7 hour stopover at Sau Paulo airport. This is just far to long, and I think Exodus should think about using a different airline for the second leg of the journey. Once arrived on the second day at Hotel Baiazinha lodge, we all had an amazing time though, and I think this was exacerbated by the wonderful guide Tony, very eagle eyed and knowledgeable about all of the wildlife that the Pantanal has to offer. I like my wildlife photography, and this trip proved to be amazing. We did get to see a number of Jaguars, I will always remember my first sighting in the golden hour which made for some incredible photo’s. Memories that will last a lifetime is what I take back with myself.

Most Inspirational Moment

The first sighting of the Jaguar in the golden hour.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tony was a fabulous guide, eagle eyed as far as spotting the wildlife went, but as I had a disability he showed myself a lot of kindness and help as well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Perhaps look at booking the flights yourself and not having such a long stopover.

Ivan Pinto

Reviewed July 2024

Excellent wildlife viewing but poor UK booking experience.

On a positive note we had a great wildlife experience seeing five jaguar, giant otters, tapirs, ocelot and hyacinth macaws amongst many others. Tony, our guide, was one of the very best guides I have had. He spotted just about everything going and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the birds and animals of the Pantanal. The not so good was when booking, the connecting flight from San Paulo to Cuiaba was booked from a different San Paulo airport to the one I was due to arrive at from the UK. Speaking to the Exodus rep when booking I questioned why the arrival airport had a different code to the departure airport and was assured the two flights were from the same airport so booked. I was not comfortable and quick online search showed that this was not the case. Fortunately it was sorted out when I then raised the issue again but no apology for what was a basic error. Following the two reviews from 2023, the connecting flight is now a 7hrs wait. While baggage is checked through to Cuiaba you must collect your baggage in San Paula and go through immigration control and customs. You can then drop your bags off at the Latam desk 4hr before your flight to Cuiaba. This info is correct as of July 2024!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing our first jaguar at the very end of our third boat trip when we were just about to go back to the lodge in the evening and had given up hope for seeing one that day. The burrowing owls won the cute prize while the Hyacinth macaws won the glamour prize!

Thoughts on Group Leader

We could not have wished for a better guide than Tony, always helpful, eagled eyed for wildlife and and an encyclopaedic knowledge of all Pantanal life, Exodus are lucky to have him. Also a mention for my fellow travellers, a small but great group of people coupled with a great guide in Tony ensured this was a trip to remember.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The dirt roads are very dusty so protection against inhaling dust could be important for some. We also had a cold Antarctic front come in the last couple of days so while temperatures were comfortable during the day it was cool at night so pack a warm fleece just in case. Also see the summary section.

ian mcclure

Reviewed October 2023

missed connection

just like Emily I too missed my connecting flight at Sao Paulo . this was because there was not enough time to collect my luggage go through customs and passport control etc and then do the whole thing again in reverse . you really need more than just over 2 hours in my opinion .This caused a lot of unnecessary stress and time waiting for the afternoon flight (9hrs ) to join the group. having said that the trip was very good with a lot of wildlife to be seen culminating in the sighting of the elusive jaguar .food was good and price of drinks etc good. the guide Juan was excellent with a very good knowledge,of wildlife and habitat ,but as previously mentioned please be aware you may be in for a long stressful wait at the airport .

Most Inspirational Moment

the amount of wildlife and habitat.

Thoughts on Group Leader

very good.

Advice for Potential Travellers

be prepared for a long wait at sao Paulo airport.

Emily Rae

Reviewed September 2023

Land of the Jaguar Sept 2023

Please note you will be told, by Exodus, that your luggage will be put through at San Paulo and this is absolutely not the case. You will need to recheck your luggage. This caused people to miss their connections/sprint to catch their connection. I asked for a longer connection time and Exodus said no causing unnecessary stress. The tour leader, Tony, was absolutely lush and very knowledgeable and if there was an animal to spot he spotted it. Arasas Lodge is nice, but in reality the itinerary was really lacking here with several hours to kill between activities (10-4pm). It felt like a last minute add on as they couldn’t just make the trip 4 days. I would say the cost of the trip really is not good value for money and sadly I could not recommend this trip though we did see the jaguars.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the jaguar.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tony was worth his weight in gold!

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would not recommend this trip.

Phillip Dixon

Reviewed September 2023

Incredible journey to see jaguars

A wonderful trip to see these elusive jaguars by riverboat. The accommodation was comfortable and allowed a great base for jaguar boat trips or at Araras Eco Lodge a series of nature walks and night safaris in search of birds and ocelots. Juan the guide was excellent throughout, well organised, enthusiastic and with an encyclopedic knowledge of the wildlife on hand.

Most Inspirational Moment

We had several jaguar encounters but the most special was a female jaguar walking along a beach in the last 15 mins of our final boat trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Juan was exceptional, he was bubbling with enthusiasm and organised as many nature excursions as time allowed, running multiple nature walks each day as well as night safaris. His knowledge of the wildlife was second to none and he was an integral part of our success rate with both jaguars and other wildlife.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The airport at Sao Paolo can be confusing so ensure you check bags in on the ground floor when booking on for Cuiaba. Not all EU or US adapters fit and so check your adapter has pins like a shaver not a large circle connecting the two pins as some airport sold ones have. You can buy an adapter at the airport in Cuiaba The hotel and both lodges are happy to take Credit Cards for payment and prefer it to cash. Long trousers and long sleeves are a good idea due to horseflies during the day / sandflies or mosquitos at night. The boat rides are often in full sun as using covers restricts viewing. There are no UK style black tea bags so take your own as hot water is provided.

Christopher Witt

Reviewed September 2019

Amazing Brazil

Long journey to get to the Pantanal but worth it! Three jaguar sightings on the first trip made everyone very happy for the forthcoming adventure. Hotel Baiazinha is the perfect location for trips into the wetlands. Accommodation and food excellent and staff very friendly. Plus around the hotel so many birds. Seven boat trips was tiring in the heat, thankfully the boat has a cover. Finally saw nine jaguar sightings, some repeats, plus two giant otter encounter…….and so many birds.
Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge is a nice wind down with good accommodation. Trips out to spot wildlife are good but toucans and hyacinth macaws can be spotted in the grounds early morning!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing my first hyacinth macaws on the drive in to Hotel Baiazinha and then in the afternoon seeing jaguars!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Group leader was knowledgeable on the wildlife and environment but poor on keeping us updated on plans for the trip.

Sally Chewter

Reviewed August 2019

Brilliant

Fantastic trip – brilliant guide – great accommodation – superb wildlife sightings.
Be prepared for very high temperatures but so worth it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing our first jaguar

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tony Rodriguez was superb. So knowledgeable, professional and a great sense of humour. He was great company and made sure everything ran smoothly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for high temperatures - it's hot out there!

James Treharne

Reviewed October 2018

Land of the Jaguar report

This trip exceeded all my expectations.Seeing a Jaguar in its natural habitat was wonderful. As usual Paul worked hard with the guides to get the results that we all longed for.The accommodation was good, though the food in Porte Joffre could have been much better. I was a little disappointed with the fact that we had to pay for our luggage on the internal flight. This caused some hassle because none of the flight desk attendants spoke English and I do not speak Portuguese. A similar scenario ensued on the return flight.
This was one of the most memorable trips that I have done with Exodus and I look forward to my next one.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing my first Jaguar and being able to follow her for some while, whilst not causing her any concern. Seeing the other animals and birds was also wonderful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I have been on trips with Paul before, so I know what to expect(mostly!). As I have said before,but it is worth repeating, no one works harder , or is more committed to his clients than Paul. An excellent leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure that you have checked the medical advice available on line both for vaccinations and prescription drugs. and take the appropriate medicines.On photographic trips be totally prepared to put in hours.

barry tylee

Reviewed September 2018

The Pantanal deliverd

This trip to the Pantanal ranks amongst the best. Yes, Jaguars are illusive but so are lots of big cats. patience and trust are required. Trust in so much that your guide will do his/her utmost to find you a jaguar. If they are there, they will find them. But while you are waiting, just observe the absolute plethora of wildlife, Birds of all sizes and colours, you might encounter a swimming Tapier or be entertained by a family of river otters. While you are travelling you might see a giant ant eater, dont be surprised to be able to see a Cayman with young on its back, or see an Anaconda curled up sleeping after a meal. There is so much to see. Beautiful Macaws, what colours. Its pure entertainment. I cant wait to return.

Most Inspirational Moment

Where does one start. For me it was all inspirational. Although I have to say, when you first see a Jaguar it a heart stopping moment. The two lodges that you will stay in are very well positioned, you are surrounded by wildlife.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was, Tony. Excellent all round. very knowledgeable, for me went the extra mile to find a Jaguar, always prepared to stop when something has been sighted.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I travelled in August. Yes this part of Brazil is in the tropics, but. It can be cold on the wide open rivers. Read the trip notes. When it says take a warm fleece. Take one and add to that a wind "shell" head cover and gloves. Once you have moved on to the next lodge, its all change, its gets very hot. be prepared for both.

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