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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125 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Lorraine evans

Reviewed November 2024

Amazing Trip!

My first cycling trip ever and being only a recreational cyclist i was a bit worried if i’d keep up, but i worried needlessly! Anyone with a good level of fitness and the right mindset will be fine. It was humid, wet, hilly and challenging on times, but we all kept up and altogether it was a great adventure and the downhills, wildlife and scenery more than made up for it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of a hill on a particularly steep section where the van was waiting with water and fruit. And then having time to enjoy the views stretching out below you with a great bunch of like minded people.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Memo was a fabulous leader, friendly, efficient, diplomatic, organised and had a great sense of humour. He was so knowledgeable about the countries we travelled through, and an excellent spotter, always stopping to point out wildlife or things of interest that i would have cycled past obliviously. He was so passionate for the wildlife and environment and his presentations were first class! Nothing was too much trouble for him and the team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My first time to this part of the world, and it was a beautiful experience. I definitely need to revisit and spend more time in all 3 countries!

janel walton

Reviewed November 2024

Just what I needed...

Cycling in the heat, humidity, tropical rain with abundant wildlife with great company, a few cheeky climbs, and relax after in a pool, a gin and good grub. What’s not to like?!!
I’ve only rated it 4 as I am a fussy client and although pre-warned about Costa Rica highways, I was a bit disappointed, and also only one welcome drink in hotels. I expected too much for the cost of the tour in comparison to other tours but that is probably due to cost of petrol over such a distance and return, and 3 bike hires.

Most Inspirational Moment

The last two days, (Panama), which were probably the most challenging in terms of hills... cycling on backroads through Panama's beautiful countryside, small welcoming villages, children keen to interact and lush tropical scenery and climate.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I'd give him a pretty good 10 out of 10. Exceptional leader and I've had 16 now with Exodus and 2 with other companies. Memo has considerable assets which shone through, not least his sense of fun and humour which was in fact, more British than some in our group ;-).. He had a warm, boyish charm and a vulnerability which was endearing, and he could manage the egos of 6 pre- to post menopausal women- and one Russian bloke - with just the right touch of humour and sociability. He is very professional, jollying everyone along whilst maintaining he was working and it that it was our holiday. He chatted daily with everyone to check their well-being and performed a few tasks that went above and beyond the call of duty to help us out when needed. He was well-organised and assertive when needed - such as when I wanted to keep cycling in a tropical thunderstorm... safety first. I always felt in safe hands with him and in my experience would rank him amongst the top of leaders.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's a fab trip, but the downside for me was the highway cycling in Costa Rica. I expected it to be more like the Sri Lanka cycling tour not like the Cuba tour; but I would still do it again at the cost for the experience. No elephants (lol!), but plenty of tropical wildlife to view. The optional extra tours were amazing and ideal way to experience a tropical desert island, snorkelling, lobster lunch. The hot springs and rainforest guided walk were also awesome. Panama was a nice surprise...and the company was fab which made the tour. Now I want to cycle down through South America, so thanks to Exodus for giving me a taster... :-)

Oren Blindell

Reviewed November 2023

An abundance of adventure

I had a great trip, despite unfortunately not being able to visit Panama due to the ongoing protests. We had 5 days in Nicaragua and 10 day in Costa Rica, every day was different and the wildlife was out of this world. The first week was very busy, cycling a lot with many hills, the second week was a lot more relaxed but still with cycling and activities. We went on 2 crocodile safaris which were great fun as well as some free time in La Fortuna, which came at a great time after a hard weeks cycling. Our Leader, Guilermo (Memo) was great, he had a wicked sense of humour as well as being a great cyclist, i unfortunately wasn’t as fast but enjoyed it all the same!

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of a big hill and then being able to come down the otherside to the sun set, we got to the hotel by Lake Nicaragua in time for a sunset that set the sky alight, in that moment you really felt like you were on another planet.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was lovely, very funny and was able to interact with all group members, he had a personal touch and got on well with the drivers and mechanics, it was a great atmosphere.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Most places you go take card payments, so you don't need as much cash as you think!

Finn Shanklin

Reviewed November 2023

Awesome trip, awesome guide

What experiences! What fun! What a guide! Roberto’s immense knowledge, experience and efficiency ensured we had a superb trip including our emergency evacuation by speedboat at 4am from rioting Panama. Roberto’s ability to rejig the trip, rearranging routes, accommodation and excursions was noteworthy. We were exhorted to ride, but never too hard, fed and watered well at every opportunity, educated comprehensively about farming, history, culture, politics and geography but never too much. We went bananas over pineapples and didn’t pine for chocolate! The well maintained bikes were good in CR and okish in N. The drivers worked very hard in the background, admirably navigating and usually avoiding any speedbumps. We had an excellent cohesive group who were good friends at the end of the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Masaya Volcano I loved Playa Marsella and could happily live there as a beach bum!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto was our father figure. I have immense respect for his abilities and character. I would strongly recommend future travellers to travel with him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We had only 30 minutes of rain, but very quickly got cold and sodden. We descended by bike from Poás volcano (our extra trip having escaped Panama)and warm windproof gloves would have been good. I found a travel sink plug was good so I could wet shave. ? A can of insecticide to spray in bedroom - I got badly bitten one night. Watch out for sea urchin spines on the reef if you go snorkelling off Bocas del Toro - compeed worked well on the inextractable ones! You need dollars for each countries bill settlement, but almost everything else can be paid by card. (Pay in local currency not dollars)

Sinead Cocchiglia

Reviewed November 2023

The "undulating" hills of Central America

Absolutely loved it! From the trip itself to the friends we made on it and the Exodus teams on the ground in each country, this was an adventure of a lifetime and no better way to dip your toes into Central America than by bike. The trip was executed daily with an efficiency of a Swiss clock by our guide Roberto. The bikes were comfy and looked after meticulously by the team. Cycling is the main event here and the heart of the trip was the breath taking views of volcanos, wildlife and rainforest.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are many moments that will stay with me forever. From the molten magma of the Masaya vocano, cycling through Omepede and jumping into the much needed fresh springs to cool off, to the adventurous Arenal rainforest. However, aside from the beautiful nature and wildlife, what exceeded my expectations was meeting the locals who shared their livelyhood. I learnt so much about fruit, cocoa and coffee, farming, exporting and exploitation. I truelly had an educational and fun experience. Memories I will take with me forever.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group lead was Roberto and we couldn't have asked for a better person to explore Central America with. His passion, love and respect for all people shines though. What was booked as a mere vacation turned into a shared group ever lasting experience. Due to unforeseeable political issues we were faced with disappointment of not being able to complete the cycle in Panama. However Roberto re-routed us at the drop of a hat, kept our spirits high and made sure we went home with incredible memories. His experience in looking after a group and familiarity with the mountains is unsurpassed. My fondist and funniest memory will be Roberto's description of the "undulating hills"- :) come prepared for some hot steep climbs!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Its going to be HOT, so bring light airy clothes that dry quickly, a cap and something warmer for the mountains. Consider taking most of your cash with you for the trip, as at times it can prove difficult to find an ATM which dispenses USD.

Peter Chandley

Reviewed October 2023

Trip of a lifetime

.I went with my son for the trip of a lifetime and this lived up to expectations. Everyday we saw something new and amazing, from molten Magma in a Volcano, swimming in lake Nicaragua, hot or cold springs, the Caribbean or Pacific, seeing Sloths and Crocodiles . Incredible. The guides Roberto and Memo and the support teams were excellent, passionate about the environment and incredibly knowledgeable, well organised and looked after everyone.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many. Seeing molten magma in the masaya volcano with my son a graduate geographer). Swimming in cold springs and lake Nicaragua. Going to a remote school and meeting the school children. Cycling through the rainforest in the rain. Seeing sloths and crocodiles. The friendliness if the mystic hotel. The warmth of the guides and support crew.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had two Roberto. Nicaragua Excellent leader , great communicator well organised and funny. Shared knowledge of the countries. Brilliant. Memo. Costa Rica and Panama. Very warm and friendly, at the same time very organised and thoughtful. Really good knowledge of the environment and nature. Very good at finding and highlighting points of interest and went out of his way to show us things and maximize the experience. The support crews both of them were exceptional too

Advice for Potential Travellers

Important things to take. Bug spray and sun cream. The rides are quite physically challenging as it is hot and hilly. Don't get local currency take US dollars and use cards. Don't forget a sunhat as I did.

Mike Butler

Reviewed August 2023

You must do this trip !

This was a superb trip. The combination of great cycling, scenery, wildlife was very memorable. All the hotels were good quality and good locations. Food was superb throughout the trip, a bit too good as my waistline will attest! Wildlife did not disappoint, seeing monkeys, birds, crocodiles, dolphins etc, along the way – the only thing I missed was a toucan – heard them, but did not manage to catch a photo – might have to go back!.
Cycling was a bit hot some days – grateful for the warm rain sometimes! Stunning views in the mountains and forests. A couple of harder days with significant “undulations”, but patience and encouragement from the team got us there.
The group we were with was great, a lot of laughter during the rides, and good company in the evenings where we had dinner together most nights.
The Exodus team were fab – everything perfectly organised and always ready when anyone needed help. Whole trip ran like clockwork.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are many to choose from, from the view at the first lunch stop in Costa Rica (stunning mountain top restaurant), to seeing magma in the volcano in Nicaragua. Probably a strong lasting memory will be the ride down from the continental divide in Panama. 400ft decent and a long run out to the pacific.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto is a star. He had us organised all of the time. Has a great sense of humour, was good at reading people and engaging well with them.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You wont regret doing this trip. Yes it is hot and hilly, just pace yourself, use factor 50 and drinks lots of water. Always felt safe in the places we visited. No-one on our trip had any issues with the food, great quality and variety everywhere.

Louise Weller

Reviewed August 2023

Excellent holiday

Fantastic holiday taking in 3 countries, the pacific and Caribbean coasts and some great cycling

Most Inspirational Moment

The rainforest which I have wired 35 years to visit since I was inspired to see it by my geography teacher. Also the lava volcano, Ometepe island and everything!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto was fantastic. Had to come up with. Couple of plan !’s due to weather and vehicle issues that were out of his control and ensured that we all had an excellent time, knew where we should be and when, was very clear on itineraries and was very approachable. He was genuinely delighted for us to be visiting these mixing countries

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take binoculars, you might not want to cycle with them but keep them handy in the van. Take time to stop and look for wildlife and not race through the cycling. And just do this holiday it is amazing

Peter Cornthwaite

Reviewed November 2022

What a real adventure!

My wife and I were booked to go on this trip 3 years ago but had to cancel at the last moment so we were thrilled to be able to manage to go on the trip this November and we were not disappointed! The trip was a perfect balance between some challenging cycling and necessary bus transfers to enable the transit of 3 countries in 14 days. Travelling through stunning open scenery and rainforests seeing how the population lived in reality and the abundant wildlife was a great experience and an education.

Most Inspirational Moment

Finally finishing our cycling near Panama City and seeing the Panama Canal in all its engineering glory!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto Aguilar was the perfect group leader with his organisational skills and versatility in rearranging plans when necessary to get the best out of the time available. Nothing was too much trouble for him in looking after our needs and his knowledge of the geo-politics, geography, history and the flora and fauna was extensive. Added to that he was very sympathetic and kind. Hats off to a great tour guide!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get fit, read up as much about the 3 countries beforehand and take a travel sink plug as most hotels don't have a sink plug!

Carol Birch

Reviewed November 2022

Cycling Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama

An excellent trip with a good range of people on it and something in there for everyone. It was interesting, had sufficient cycling, good food, a good team and we all enjoyed it and had fun.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to say. Nicaragua was much better than expected, really friendly and helpful people, lots of music and laughter and very colourful. Costa Rica had great variety of landscapes and was more prosperous and Panama also surprised us with its really attractive scenery, both inland and coastal, and Panama City was a definite highlight. But the best moment was coming from Caribbean towards the Pacific and cresting the continental divide so you could look back to the Caribbean and ahead to the Pacific. Probably not everyone's choice but I am a Geographer!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, informative, well organised, very social and socially aware. Really good e-communicator and very amusing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for some rough bits of road especially if there has been heavy rain which can leave large puddles on dirt roads and remove bridges and fords. This is no issue for keen mountain bikers but not so easy for road bikers.

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