Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the history of the country, the 1950 cars in Havana and the visit to Che Guevara mausoleum/museum.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader brightened up as the trip went along, I think she finds it as tiring as we did.  On the trip from the airport many of us were concerned that we had picked the worst destination ever, she made a point of telling us all the bad points and did not tell us all the positive things.  Once we got to know her she cheered up and things got better.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are going to Cuba make sure you have a torch, sample the mojito's - as the Cubans say the rum is free! and make yourself open to new experiences.  Some of the hotels are not up to our standards and there is wildlife around but make the most of it, you will have a great time.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sunrise over the mountains when we camped at Phuyupatamarka. We had 360 degree views, and the sun as it hit Salkantay was amazing. The thunder storm the night before was spectacular too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wilfredo was a great leader, he really looked after everyone, and made sure the holiday was a fantastic experience, no matter what their fitness levels. He told us great stories over dinner, and really cared about the porters.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take some domperidone anti-sickness tablets with you if you can. I was quite sick one night, and the day that we climbed the highest peak, but a fellow traveller gave me some of these and they really helped. Mozzie spray is essential - the day we walked along the canal we were bitten a lot. Be prepared for all weather conditions - we saw everything, sun, rain, snow, thunder... Take a metal Sig type drinking bottle, they are great as hot water bottles in the tent at night.

Most Inspirational Moment

Looking down a steep snowy slope which we'd just climbed on crampons (my first time).The summit of Mt Toubkal.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Helpful, encouraging, felt very safe. Changed the schedule so that we did Mount Toubkal on the first day - a good call as a storm came in on the evening of the 2nd day and though we walked that day, the ridge to the 2nd peak was too windy for us to get to the summit.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Refuge is quite basic but is fine and a good location at the head of the valley. I had down booties which were great in the refuge to keep feet warm, especially when getting up for the loo in the middle of the night. If noise affects you take ear plugs for sleeping at night in the dorm. One of the accommodation had a very smoky lounge (from the stove which provided the only warmth in the room). If you have asthma I'd check with Exodus what the current situation is, as it might cause you problems.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Guide and his many stories about the areas we visited.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The Guide was fab and his many stories about the areas we visited fasinating although some of his jokes were a wee bit tired.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are a fit walker, then you will get the most from this trip.Have some change on you, the tarts at the mountain huts are worth it.And bring your camera.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sailing across Lake Nicaragua to Ometepe Island, then cycling round its edge to a natural spring pool to cool off...cycling round Lake Arenal...baby crocs on the river bank in Costa Rica...snorkelling and dolphin spotting in Boca Del Toro ....mmm, ceviche

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rob was a great leader - laid back but hands on.  I always felt like I could ride at my own pace without getting left behind or holding anyone else up.

Most Inspirational Moment

Controlling a long tricky descent perfectly!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great fun to be with.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go if you like tracks, tracks and more tracks. If you prefer off track, go to Norway.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many but Halong Bay probably was the most inspirational but surprisingly the cycles were not required! Yes, too many. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chi, very well organised, very fit, with a genuine love of cycling and his country, its culture  and history etc..

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you enjoy and in no particular order cycling, history, culture, people, fresh food, scenery, the great outdoors, cities then do it!

Most Inspirational Moment

 The views were amazing but arriving at the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time was definitely one of those moments you will never forget. We were luck to have glorious sunshine when we arrived, just to make the moment just that more magical. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had a main group leader that joined us when we arrived at the rainforest and stayed with us until our return flight to Lima. Flaminia was an excellent leader, resolving problems, getting us from A to B and very knowledgeable on the Inca trail and the trip down to Lake Titicaca. In addition, we had guides in Lima, the Amazon and Lake Titicaca with all the specific knowledge of the area.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for lots of travel, transfers and staying in different locations. The trip notes don’t prepare you for the endless packing and repacking, including at airports! We were fortunate that we could get some laundry done at the hotel on the 2 occasions we were in Cuzco, definitely a must if you can, after the rainforest and Inca Trail. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Crossing the Col du Bonhomme.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alison was great. Very informative but relaxed.

Most Inspirational Moment

The view from Saint Elijah and walking to the end of the overhanging platform. Also, the Yagodina Caves were great. Some very impressive stalagmites/stalactites. Shame you're not allowed to take photos.

Thoughts on Group Leader

In a word, excellent. She obviously had a passion for this area and nothing was too much bother. Her English was excellent. I did two trips in Bulgaria and I think both guides set the standards for a good group leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I thought the trip notes were pretty accurate although we didn't see many birds. That might be the due to the time of year, I don't know.