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 72 reviews.

Linda Warren

DISCOVER COSTA RICA

Written March 2008
Absolutely stunning, well organised, great guide, great driver, sounds too good to be true, in this instance it is true.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Walking in the pouring rain and enjoying it, seeing the fabled quetzal,
What did you think of your group leader?
Our guide Antonio made the trip with his knowledge, enthusiasm and sense of humour, which he needed at times, particularly when he said 'we will go for a walk about 3.30p.m. weather permitting' At 3.30p.m. it was bucketing down, where were all 16 members of the group? standing in the rain ready to go for a walk, camera's at the ready.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take a camera with plenty of memory, an umbrella,
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Also our driver Ruiz, with his infectious laugh, sense of humour and driving skills, his little blue bus, was superb, thanks ruiz for all the free massages. The only down side of the holiday was Houston Airport, which was made worse by tight connection times.
Adrian de Baat

DISCOVER COSTA RICA

Written February 2008
The trip gave us a comprehensive insight into the wonderful variety of exciting wildlife, trees and plants in Costa Rica. It was made all the more enjoyable by the group of people we travelled with, led by our excellent Costa Rican tour leader.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The highlight of the trip for me was undoubtedly our walk within the Santa Elena Cloud Forest including the canopy walk, which was an unforgettable experience. A close second was the stay at the beautiful tropical Esquinas Rainforest Lodge. And - we saw the Quetzal!
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader, Vinicio Viquez is another example of the great local tour leaders at Exodus, being extremely knowledgeable on all aspects of the country, very professional and - most important - good fun to travel with.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you have a love of nature, wildlife, birds and plants, then undoubtedly this is a 'must do' trip.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The only negative point was the flights via Houston, USA. The connection times at Houston were an hour and a half on the way out, and just over an hour on the way back. These are simply not long enough to get through the increased immigration and security formalities at the airport. We only just made the connecting flights after virtually running through the airport. Indeed, on the way back our tickets had already been cancelled for the second leg, and a number of bags were left behind. All very stressful for all members of the group.
Graham Evans

DISCOVER COSTA RICA

Written February 2008
Each place fantastic and all different from each other.Local guide brilliant in all respects
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Seeing a live erupting volcano.
What did you think of your group leader?
His knowledge of the country and its fauna and flora was exceptional, and his leadership and handling of the group was very good.
Thoroughly recommend him to anyone.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Prepare to deal with the officialdom at Houston airport. Transit time is a lot longer than you expect.
Watch your bags in San Jose.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The Houston transit procedure is ridiculous and so the flights need to be planned with a little more leeway.
Great holiday.
We would recommend it to anyone.
Caroline Smith

DISCOVER COSTA RICA

Written January 2008
I enjoyed every rain-sodden minute. Our guide, Antonio was exceptional, our driver, Luis was delightful and I learned so much from them. The wildlife, countryside, rainforest, mountains, people and food were great!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
It was all inspirational. From egg laying turtles to an over-friendly but very stinky peccary. Antonio worked hard to ensure we had the best chance of seeing everything. Esquinas Rainforest Lodge was heaven for herpetologists, I could have stayed there much longer. Tortuguero was unbelievable - you could get so close to the animals - birds, monkeys, caimen, iguanas - you name it, we saw it. The cloud forest at Monteverde was like something out of Jurassic Park. But right at the end of the trip, when we were about to return to San Jose, we found a quetzal - the most resplendantly beautiful bird I think I've ever seen.
What did you think of your group leader?
Antonio was a star! Obviously very enthusiastic about wildlife and very proud to be able to show it off to us. He worked really hard to ensure we experienced everything to the full. He was funny, reliable and his knowledge is incredible. I learned so much from him - we all did. If I go to Costa Rica again, I think I might have to insist he accompanies us - it wouldn't be the same without him.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you love wildlife, you have to go to Costa Rica but expect to be wet most of the time. Washing clothes along the way is one thing but expecting them to dry within a week is another! The humidity is the culprit. Learn a bit of Spanish. I do speak Spanish and found that the locals really appreciate the effort - even just a few words. They love to talk about their country and find out what you think of it - lovely, friendly people. Get into the local food - rice and beans may sound boring but it comes with loads of other stuff and its really tasty.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Personally I can't wait to get back into the rainforest and I will definitely travel with Exodus. There is so much to say that is positive about our trip - I can't think of anything negative apart from not seeing the Arenal Volcano (we heard it though!) but that's hardly anyone's fault. As a slightly odd person, I loved the rain and I loved the snakes and I would have loved to see more spiders... but that's just me. The monkeys were an absolute delight and I shall never forget lying in bed in the early hours, listening to the cocophony of frogs, chirrups of the geckos and the calls of the howler monkeys... absolute paradise...
andrew macdonald

DISCOVER COSTA RICA

Written January 2008
While not being in the event my first choice, this was an enjoyable trip with a good crowd. weather varied from very hot , very wet , quite cold in places. A LOT of driving though.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Having a great view against a clear sky of Arenal volcano; seeing the faint glow of the lava at the top later in the evening ,and next day on the walk hearing and sometimes seeing hot boulders coming down the side of the volcano. It is a young volcano , last erupted in 2000 and could again anytime soon.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader Vinny was excellent. He obviously loves his country , its animals and birds , was an excellent spotter , and usually had plenty of information to impart about anything we saw or asked about.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be prepared to sit on your backside in a van for quite a bit of the trip. Its a smallish country and some roads are a bit uneven !
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I've been on a few Exodus trips now and will be going on more ( Peru this year ). I have been with other companies of this type but feel Exodus have better leaders and also use the time available to best advantage.
Alison Barclay

DISCOVER COSTA RICA

Written January 2008
Costa Rica is a beautiful country with a huge diversity of scenery and experiences. We had a fantastic local guide and driver who enhanced the trip hugely. Personally I enjoy a bit more hiking than was on offer on this trip but it did not take away from the enjoyment of the holiday.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Its hard to single out specific places as there was so much to take in from the wild atlantic coast with the turtles and lagoons to the rain and cloudforests and then the more tranquil pacific coast. The volcanic area was equally beautiful.
What did you think of your group leader?
Fantastic - the trip was hugely enhanced by having a local guide with a fantastic sense of humour and massive amount of knowledge about his country and culture.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Not sure 2 weeks is enough!
jo de berry

El paraiso

Written September 2007
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
A treasure trove of nature: giants turtles laying eggs on the beach at night, the wheezing and rumblings of an active volcano, the life cycle of tree frogs and more exotic birds than most people see in a lifetime.
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What did you think of your group leader?
It was a luxury to have someone make all my decisions for two weeks and take all responsibility. He was extremely well informed and a companionable gentle presence.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The roads are bumpy so you'll need a good sense of humour and a good sound track on your IPOD for them.

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Discover Costa Rica

Our Clients’ Reviews

DISCOVER COSTA RICA

DISCOVER COSTA RICA

DISCOVER COSTA RICA

DISCOVER COSTA RICA

DISCOVER COSTA RICA

DISCOVER COSTA RICA

El paraiso