Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

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14318 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed January 2014

THE INCA TRAIL

Looking back at our trip it was incredible, not necessarily life changing but the memories will remain with me for a very long time and gave me a wonderful sense of achievement. The scenery was breathtaking, the Inca sites unbelievable (how did they manage to build them in such inaccessible areas?), the peruvians so hospitable and my fellow trekkers – well what can I say? We all had a fantastic, certainly aided by the excellent organisation from Exodus.

Most Inspirational Moment

Actually starting the trek and walking over the very first bridge after receiving our permits and having our passports stamped. A feeling of elation and trepidation all at the same time.Dead Woman's Pass - an incredible feeling to have made it (and survived!) Getting up before dawn to see the sunrise over the snow capped mountains on our 4th day. The views were breathtaking.Reaching the Sungate after a copious amount of steps and seeing Macchu Pichu for the very first time. Being over-awed by its size - so much bigger and more impressive than I ever imagined.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Filumenia was real trooper - encouraged us all when we found it difficult, made us all laugh, was a fabulous photographer taking all our cameras at one time to snap a group shot for each of us. She was exceptionally knowledgable, pleasant and fun to be with and worked extremely hard to fulfil everyone's needs, a great asset to the Exodus team. We couldnt have asked for anyone better - thank you.

Advice for Potential Travellers

However fit you think you are - take walking poles - there are more steps than you can imagine! Walk slowly, have the best equipment you can afford. You dont need a lot of clothes and certainly no make-up!Dont opt for single tents even if travelling alone as they are very small!!!! No space to sit upright and if it rains its almost impossible not to touch the sides thus letting in the damp.Remember your swimming costume as the hot springs on the final evening of the trek are a pure delight! Towels can be rented.Buy a poncho in Cuzco - about £1. Very useful - used to protect you, your clothes and your rucksackExpect variable weather Enjoy and take loads of photos - its incredible to look back and remember what you achieved.Local currency is required and used more than Exodus states although you can pay in dollars (exchange rate ok!)

Reviewed January 2014

ATLAS PANORAMA

This was my second time on this trip, previously went on own in Oct 2011. It was as good as I remembered. Hassan and Mohammed seemed much the same. Weather was a bit cooler, some snow but no rain this time.

Most Inspirational Moment

Meeting new people and walking in the mountains.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a few books and 'games' for the evenings in the Gite. If weather is poor might be spending time there.Weather definitly variable in the mountains.

Reviewed January 2014

SIERRA DE AITANA TREK

Perfect way to get away from the excess of Christmas and New Year! Walk in the sunshine amongst citrus groves laden with fruit!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many moments of 'did I really walk/scramble up there?!' and 'how on earth am I going to get back down!', but getting through the 'eye of the needle' rock, otherwise known as Fat Man's Agony, and then having a picnic lunch in the sunshine after I'd stopped trembling is a memorable moment. Another was almost getting to the summit of Puig Campana and then down the other side! After 4 days of looking at a very daunting summit from our balcony at Casaroc I could say to myslef, 'yes, I did it!'

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose Miguel was our sandwich-maker and leader extraordinaire, who effortlessly organized, drove and guided us through a landscape which he was clearly passionate about, and even maintained at his own cost and in his own time. Some of the paths would have remained unpassable had he not strimmed his way through them before we arrived. He gauged the strengths and weakenesses of our group pretty quickly, and dealt with them appropriately. He had a great sense of humour too!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Even if you don't usually use walking poles, they will be handy for the descents, which can be hard on the knees otherwise. Also, most of us came away with scratches on arms and legs from the multitude of spiny bushes, so gaiters would be a good idea. Camel backs were ideal for the amount of water you need as well as ease of use for the whole day's walk. Be prepared for quite a bit of scrambling and very rocky terrain, and make your day pack as light as possible (but with rain gear and water). I think that the walks were perhaps more challenging than moderate, but all the more satisfying for that.

Reviewed January 2014

MT TOUBKAL WINTER CLIMB

Fantastic scenery, great people, very lucky with the weather.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views from the top of the two summits was unreal. We were very lucky that we had clear days on this trip. We arrived at the perfect time after the first proper dump of snow - it was very deep but still soft so we actually didn't need our crampons at all.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mohammed is a great guy, just the right mix or banter and seriousness. I trusted him fully with my safety and we had lots of laughs with him too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Tahe lots of warm clothing and keep your camera in a warm pocket next to your body so the battery doesn't drain down. Take a book or game because the walks finish quite early in the day and there isn't much to do at the hut in the evening. Take ear plugs - the refuge rooms are all dorms and you sleep right next to someone else who might be a snorer... Remember to drink lots of water on the first hike day. A few of us had headaches, presumably due to the altitude, and apparently keeping hydrated helps.

Reviewed January 2014

CYCLING CUBA

A fantastic trip with a great group of people, led by a very professional tour leader. The trip is as physically and mentally challenging as you choose….

Most Inspirational Moment

There are many..........Our Tour leader (Juan Carlos) passionate history lesson en route to Santiago de chile which was an amazing insight into the local perspective on recent Cuban history ...... Buena Vista concert night was like taking 50 year step back in history ....... Cycling amongst beautiful people who are satisfied with a very simple but happy life.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Juan Carlos was the tour highlight for me, what an inspirational man ! He studied languages at University and speaks fluent English (as well as Spanish, Italian and Portuguese), has an unbelievable knowledge on Cuban history and has the rare ability to tell the story in a way that everyone's opinions and beliefs are respected. He is also a very accomplished cyclist and understands/accommodates different age groups and cycling abilities. Exodus have a very special tour leader in Juan Carlos. Juan Carlos also leads his team very well (Eduardo "Tokayo" and Tunas) Eduardo and Tunas are very professional (and funny) bus drivers and both are handy bike mechanics too !

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't worry about the cycling, a reasonable level of fitness will get you through.....there is always the option of sitting out a leg or two in the bus and the segments are very sensibly put together (individual segments between 12-20km). Take some cycling gels and sport snack bars.

Reviewed January 2014

ICELAND NORTHERN LIGHTS

A packed itinerary that gives you the opportunity to experience a lot that this fantastic country has to offer. Stunning scenery and a fantastic guide.

Most Inspirational Moment

The amazing glaciers and ice on the beach - very difficult to describe if you haven't seen it. Breathtaking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kristjan was absolutely brilliant from the moment we met him at the airport. He's so passionate and knowledgeable about his country that I've learnt loads about Icelandic culture, geology and history. Nothing is too much trouble for him. Thank you so much!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take LOTS of thermal layers you'll never have enough! You can get soaked at the waterfalls so waterproofs are a must. I could've done with something to cover my face as the windchill is painful without it (especially when it's raining/snowing at the same time). There are a few long drives as other reviews mention but there are many stops to break it up and Kristjan made sure we had lots of opportunities to take photos of the stunning landscape.

Reviewed January 2014

CYCLING CUBA

An amazing trip that is an absolute must! Fun, friendship, culture and fantastic cycling – what could be better.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to mention, but just as an example... Rooftop bars with fantastic music. Some challenging but truly inspirational cycling in the hills. Driving in classic cars through Cuban cities. Eclectic hotels with character and lovely warm staff. Hilarious travelling companions and superb tour guides.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Juan Carlos was amazing. Full of knowledge about this amazing country and always very professional. He had the patience of a saint and respected everyone's individual needs. Can't give this man enough credit. A good guide is worth their weight in gold. Special mention to our superb coach drivers, Tunas and Edwardo. They kept us fed, watered and most importantly they kept us smiling.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take some energy snacks - you need them for the big cycling days. Also take plenty of sunscreen and expect some hot weather. Best advice is that if you go with an open mind, roll with the punches and accept that you might be without a few luxuries for a few weeks, then you will love it.

Reviewed January 2014

DISCOVER COSTA RICA

This was one of the "birding" departure dates, with the emphasis obviously on seeing many of the 800-odd resident and migrant species found in Costa Rica. There were plenty of opportunities for birding but other wildlife was not ignored so don’t let this put you off these dates if (like me) you aren’t a serious bird watcher.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing baby turtles scrambling out of their nests and scuttling down the beach at Tortuguero to reach the sea - truly unforgettable and really set the standard for the rest of the trip.Watching and photographing a three-toed sloth for half an hour in Manuel Antonio NP as it slowly clambered about in a nearby tree.Seeing hummingbirds for the first time, then seeing yet more and even more after that!! Getting some shots of these beautiful birds in flight as they darted from flower to flower or hovered near the feeders.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gio was really great - first and foremost truly brilliant at spotting and identifying birds, but his depth of knowledge, enthusiasm and love for his country, the birds and animals as well as the culture really shine through.Gio was also very good at organising and tailoring walks and tours to suit the group or individuals, and was flexible enough to change the itinerary where necessary.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Costa Rica is a truly beautiful country, and the people are welcoming and charming. If you are considering this trip then go, the wildlife alone makes it worth it, then you have the forests, volcanoes and beaches and people. As a keen photographer I lugged my big heavy 70-400mm zoom around with me most of the time, and it was well worth the effort, as a 300mm zoom wouldn't have had enough reach for some of the bird sightings. Having said that, on a few of the late afternoon birding walks I left the camera behind as the light levels drop after 4pm or so, and it was great just to forget about photography and enjoy watching the birds through binoculars or the guide's very good telescope.At Santa Elena Cloud Forest I opted out of the afternoon canopy walk and spent a brilliant couple of hours photographing hummingbirds at the feeding station to get the best of the available daylight, so there can be a bit of flexibility in the itinerary if you want to get the most from photographing the wildlife. Be prepared to up the ISO to 1600 or 3200 to capture fast movement or freeze birds hiding in trees and shadows. So many shots were deleted because shutter speeds were too low.I took a small netbook with me to back up and review my photos each day - really great to see what you've shot on a bigger screen, and maybe learn from mistakes for the next day. I also took a couple of 32GB/95 MB/sec cards as I was shooting in RAW, sometimes in 7fps bursts.

Reviewed January 2014

PATAGONIAN HIGHLIGHTS

This was a fantastic experience which we wouldn’t have been able to replicate travelling by ourselves. The scale and the vastness of Patagonia was truly beyond our imagination. However, sharing this with a great group of people and led by an excellent guide, allowed us to get the most out of the adventure.

Most Inspirational Moment

Without doubt both Claire and I felt that reaching the viewpoint at Torres del Paine was wonderful. We were lucky with the weather that day and, although the wind did blow, the sky was clear and the views were better than any photograph because we were there! It was a longish day with the last hour being a stiff climb up across a boulder slope but that made the achievement even more worthwhile.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Xavier was an exceptional guide. Nothing was too much trouble and he had a great range of knowledge. He was also an expert in recovering lost items that some of us left in buses, aeroplanes and hotels. He allowed us to be completely relaxed because despite his easy going nature, his organisational skills were exceptional and this meant we always left on time and had no problems with any leg of the travels.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared. Have proper footwear and clothing for ALL weathers. We had sushine in Buenos Aires and snow in Ushaia. Temeratures ranging from 28C to freezing. And did I mention the wind?

Reviewed January 2014

TREKKING IN NEW ZEALAND

A well-organised, varied and very enjoyable trip with great leaders and nice group members which did what it said on the tin. A good mix of travel and walking and other outdoor activities – a perfect first taste of NZ.

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to say - the immediate immersion into the relaxed NZ vibe after the stresses of the UK pre-Christmas rush, the amazing volcanic landscapes round Rotorua, fabulous lake-side accommodation at Lake Taupo, the bizarre lunar landscape on the Tongariro crossing, the remote windswept beaches of the west coast of South Island, the lush greenery and deep inlets of Fjordland, the majesty of (unfortunately mist-shrouded) Mount Cook - the list goes on.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Graham and Chris (respective group leaders for North and South Island parts of the trip) were both very capable and efficient as well as being friendly, impeturbable and very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna and history of NZ. They worked really hard to ensure we had the best holiday possible and to facilitate group members contributing as well ot the experience. I really don't think they could have done any more than they did and indeed they exceeded our expectations e.g. Chris invited us to his house for a buffet lunch on Christmas Day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you want to get a general overview of New Zealand in as short a time as realistically possible, with a bit of walking and other outdoor activities throughout, I can highly recommend this trip.

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