Discover Costa Rica

Our Clients’ Reviews

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. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: from 71 reviews.

Simon Judah

DISCOVER COSTA RICA

Written March 2013
A great overall and varied introduction to an amazing country.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Being in such close proximity to beautiful hummingbirds
What did you think of your group leader?
Johnny is a wonderful guide and ambassador for Costa Rica. If he didn't know something, (which was rare) he would find out and let you know the answer.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Go! You will not be disappointed.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We had a great time.
David Sutton

DISCOVER COSTA RICA

Written February 2013
A great trip, particularly if you are a bird watcher or photographer. We saw most of this facinating country from the coasts to the cloud forests so plenty of variety and also lots of free time to do optional activities or just chill out by the pool. All the hotels are really nice - look out for the 'bath towel art' made by the chambermaids at most of them.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The hot springs at La Fortuna - what's not to like about an evening in a hot bath with a cocktail. Also the night walks when you can see some of Costa Rica's smallest and more poisonous inhabitants.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our leader - Allan - was absolutely great. Not only the most organised leader ever but also has fantastic knowledge of his countries history and nature. Also must mention Heraldo, our bus driver. he was a fantastic driver and a real laugh.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Costa Rica isn't a cheap place - be prepared to get your credit card out if you want to do the optional activities. If you are a photographer take your longest lens for the birds as they are often a long way away. Other essentials are binoculars/telescope, waterproofs and a decent torch ( so you don't tread on anything on the way back to your room!)
Is there anything else you would like to add?
You'll learn to love Rice and Beans and start to miss them as soon as you get home!
Arthur Norton

DISCOVER COSTA RICA

Written February 2013
Birds, animals, plants, landscapes, beaches and of course birds. You will see more than you can ever expect on the boat trips and walks from 0-10,000ft. Don't forget the binoculars and camera but most of all don't forget to just watch and absorb the diversity.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
After watching and photographing all the different hummingbirds at such close range; seeing toucans, scarlet macaws, 4 species of monkeys, 3 and 2 toed sloths, iguanas, bats, crab eating raccoons and a coati run toward us at Monteverde; plus the red eyed frogs and large caimans at night: it must be a small group of us coming together to see a pair of quetzals feeding in the trees at close range on a free afternoon.
What did you think of your group leader?
There wasn't a wasted moment in the 2 weeks with Antonio giving clear guidance and assistance. We thought that his knowledge of birds was good until we found out his specialism is plants. He was flexible and did all he could to meet everyone's interests, rescheduling as necessary.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Only a few showers going in the dry season, but miss the turtles. Brilliant time to go for birds as rain is not a problem. Quite a variation in temperature from a few degrees first thing in the morning at altitude to hot and humid near Golfito. Travelling on the dirt tracks is not too uncomfortable. Local food is good simple fare and not expensive, with restaurant owners very pleased to see you. The Costa Rican's are very friendly, there's no hassle and you don't need to speak Spanish.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Look out for the Costa Rican airforce (pelicans)! This sums up the country and how they put the importance of the environment at the forefront of their way of life. A great place to visit. Would have liked to have seen the armadillo!
John Croxford

DISCOVER COSTA RICA

Written February 2013
This was one of the best holidays we've ever had - the wealth and variety of experience was breathtaking! We couldn't believe how much wildlife we saw against the backdrop of a truly beautiful country, and the structure of the holiday (2 days in each of 6 contrasting locations, from coast to cloud forest, topped and tailed by a day in San Jose at each end) made the trip feel like 6 full-on, action packed weekend breaks.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There were so many! Probably the most stunning moment was the suspension bridge walk through the top of the tree canopy in Monteverde Cloud Forest, which also, as a bonus, began and ended in a hummingbird garden. To look down on primary forest from above rather than peering up from below, to see the vastness of the plants and trees and to realise a lot of the time you couldn't actually see the ground, was an almost spiritual experience.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader, Antonio, was fabulous! He was the font of all knowledge and appeared to know the answer to every question asked of him, delivering vast quantities of information with a wonderful combination of patience and humour. His enthusiasm and pride for his country took him way beyond the call of duty - he took us on extra walks in pretty well every location we visited, just to show us more of the natural wealth of Costa Rica.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Packing light is easy - laundry services in all the locations are excellent!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We didn’t think any guide/driver combo could be as good as Antonio and Paulo, but having read some of the other experiences of Exodus trips to Costa Rica, we realise that they ALL generate the same levels of passion and excitement – Exodus has found a way to tap into the boundless and genuine enthusiasm that exists in – and for – the most fascinating, beautiful and naturally wealthy country we have ever visited.
Nicola Jones

DISCOVER COSTA RICA - fantastic!

Written February 2013
The first time I have used Exodus (or any organised tour), This holiday lived up to all my expectations. Costa Rica is a beautiful country and DCR allows you to see a great cross-section - the two different Coastlines, rainforest, cloud forest, meeting local people, and of course lots of wildlife - day and night time, and a lot of birding. The accommodation was very good, the food delicious and lots of.   It is a leisurely paced trip.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Ooh, tough question.   I loved every moment of it - even the cold, wet cloud forest of Monteverde!!! - the zip lining was fantastic fun!!  Tortuguero - even though we were not there for turtle season, and Esquinas Rainforest Lodge is a special place - make sure you go on the guided nightwalk . Relaxing with cocktails in the hot thermal springs near Arenal, stunning sunset in Manuel Antoinio..... the list is endless.
Seeing and photographing the Resplendant Quetzal and his partner together in San Gerado de Dota was a special moment.
Being with a fantastic tour group made the trip even better.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader was Allan Vargas. He was great. Very personable, funny, full of information, very enthustiastic and keen to share his knowledge and the country he loves.
Our driver, Geraldo, although had limited English, was excellent. Felt very safe with him a the wheel, and he had a great sense of humour.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Make sure you bring as good a camera as you can afford, along with the biggest lens - I had 300mm and I would say that is the minimum.
That said don't worry if you only have a compact camera, you'll still get amazing photos (and you can take it ziplining...) and you can also photograh anything seen through the guide's telescope (so you may get better photos than those of us with slrs!!)    Binoculars are very very helpful too.
Just enjoy the views, dont' get hung up on getting photos of everything or you may end up missing it in the first place!!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This is a fantastic trip, but it it goes sooo quickly.   You'll miss rice and beans when you get back home. I would say prices are on par with the UK, ATMs are availalbe at the big towns. cards are widely accepted.
There was only one chance to do souvenir shopping, in the middle of the holiday, so get any goodies then. Prices are pretty much the same across the country (maybe a tad more in San Jose). I made the mistake of not buying a cookery book, and one on the country itself and I can not find them in the UK (online or other) and am very disappointed.
I booked my flights independently and had an extra 5days - before meeting the tour. I went to Caribbean side, and did snorkelling and white water rafting. Fantastic. So if you can afford the time and the extra few days, then I recommend this too.
Keith Valentine

DISCOVER COSTA RICA

Written February 2013
Fabulous. First day on the road, our driver (the excellent Orlando) spotted five sloths in one tree - and that set the tone for the wildlife extravaganza to follow. Landscapes, experiences and accommodation were so varied that it was like (as others have said) a series of wonderful mini-holidays.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Esquinas - proper jungle with a soundtrack to match. Second choice, a rhinoceros beetle bigger than the average hamster!
What did you think of your group leader?
Gustavo was superb. Helpful, informative, conscientious and endlessly patient with the constant stream of questions.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
We had a virtually rain-free holiday which makes a huge difference, whether you're out looking for wildlife or relaxing by the pool. We did hear that some tours have experienced a lot of rain and I would definitely advise travelling during the dry season if you can. Also, be prepared for early starts - you'll miss some great wildlife spotting if you don't get into the early-to-bed, early-to-rise routine
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Arenal was a disappointment - a mist-shrouded, not very active volcano living on past glories. I would rather have had a couple of nights elsewhere (Sarapiqui?).
Nick Venables

DISCOVER COSTA RICA

Written February 2013
A wonderful tour of the beautiful country of Costa Rica, taking in amazing scenery and wildlife. This trip is highly recommended to anyone with an interest in nature.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Many wildlife highlights, including seeing sloths, monkey troops and unusual creatures on a night walk such as the kinkajou. Going dolphin watching, snorkelling and then watching the sun set on a afternoon/evening boat trip. The Esquinas Rainforest Lodge was also a highlight as the hospitality and location were great and it was a 'wilder' experience than some of the other destinations.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader was Gustavo and he was excellent - so friendly and enthusiastic, and clearly very proud of his country. He was very knowledgeable on plants, birds and other wildlife, and gave a great insight into Costa Rican culture and history while travelling between destinations. Always very organised and on time and went above and beyond. Our driver Orlando was also great.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be prepared for early starts to get the most out of each day! Take a decent camera with sufficient zoom as there is plenty to see and take photos of. As a fairly fussy eater I was slightly concerned about the food but I was pleasantly surprised and found it all really good - plenty of fresh fruit, and lovely coffee! Definitely do the zip-lining, the night walks, the boat trip at Manuel Antonio, and the visit to the organic farm in the Arenal area, they are extra excursions but were all great.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This was the most amazing place I've been to on holiday and I'm sure most people would absolutely love it! There is a fair amount of walking/hiking involved, but if you're reasonably fit you should be fine (take walking shoes). Prices of food and drink are similar to the UK. There are quite a few journeys in the minibus between places (of around 4 hours) but these are broken up with stops and photo opportunities so it's not too bad at all. Make sure you try as much of the local cuisine as you can because it's all delicious - I recommend 'batidos' which are smoothies/milkshakes made with various fresh tropical fruits!