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.

Simply use the selector below to search our trip reviews and start reading real feedback from real Exodus travellers who have ‘been there and done that’!

Lots of our clients also like to post handy tips and advice about their travels. It’s great to know what to expect on an Exodus adventure before you go, so make the most of their experience and you’ll make the most of yours!

Haven’t posted your review yet? Here’s how to do it…

Once you return from your Exodus adventure holiday, you will be emailed a link to add your review. Any feedback collected is posted onto our website, totally unedited.

Alternatively you can navigate to the relevant trip page and add your review via the Reviews tab.

Select a trip specific review:

Select

334 Reviews

4.8 out of 5

Derek Goodchild

Reviewed January 2016

Discover Costa Rica

The whole trip was full of exciting experiences, seeing a wonderful variety of flora and fauna and visiting so many different places. The list of animals and birds we saw grew longer by the day and the almost encyclopaedic knowledge of all elements of Costa Rica that our group leader had was readily shared with us all. The itinerary was well planned, allowing us to see the different landscapes and terrains of the country, and the numerous activities available were thoroughly enjoyable. All the accommodation was of a high standard as was the transport vehicle and its driver. I would recommend this trip to anyone interested in seeing wildlife in a beautiful setting.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sitting in the hotel restaurant at the Esquinas Rain Forest Lodge, watching numerous different birds and animals feeding by the pond outside. This was closely followed by the thrill of having humming birds perching on my fingers as they fed from a feeder.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andres was passionate in his interest and knowledge of the flora and fauna and shared this knowledge with us all. His ability to spot birds and animals, even from a moving vehicle, was amazing, giving us all the opportunity to see so much. He and our driver, Carlos, readily joined in our mealtimes and general socialising and helped the group to gel from day one. Andres was also particularly helpful to some of the group whose onward travel arrangements were severely disrupted at the last minute. Definitely the best group leader I have travelled with.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not worry too much about advice to take wet weather gear - we only had one rain shower in two weeks and that was over night! Do take a good torch for any night walks.

Janet Burnage

Reviewed January 2016

Discover Costa Rica - wonderful experience

Excellent holiday – good leader and driver. Good mix of people. Good insight into the best of Costa Rica and I want to go back and do it all again!

Most Inspirational Moment

Nothing in particular stands out - the holiday really started the moment we boarded the boat to Tortoguero and within five minutes saw a crocodile and it just got better and better.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Superb. A Costa Rican who had a degree in ornithology and tourism - he could spot an animal/bird in a tree that we would never have seen. He became a integral part of our group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is extremely leisurely - the walks are short and very manageable, so don't be put off by the fact that a walk is included most days.

Janet Burnage

Reviewed January 2016

Wonderful tour of Costa Rica

First time with Exodus, we travelled with a group of friends, plus three other couples to make up the numbers. As a group we immediately realised that we were going to have a good time together – this was a good start and then of course the rest of the holiday – touring the highlights of Costa Rica was perfect, helped along by a wonderful guide (Andres) and our driver (Carlos).

Most Inspirational Moment

We enjoyed every day - there was something different to see each day and each was special in its own way. The hanging bridges at Monteverde were wonderful, once you got used to them and the nature reserve at Manual Antonio with wonderful natural beaches, racoons, lizards and monkeys coming on to the beach with the racoons trying to get into rucksacks, they know how a zip works. The pacific ocean where we were was wonderfully warm. The best - seeing the Quetzal on the last day!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant - he soon became part of the group and answered all our questions with knowledge and patience! Our driver also became a key part of the group - making it all the more enjoyable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be aware that in the rain forest it is very humid and everything in your cases will need airing when you get to your next destination. Make sure you take binoculars and ideally a compact camera - you need to be quick off the mark when taking photos.

Celia Winter

Reviewed January 2016

Discover Costa Rica 2-16 Jan 2016

This is an absolutely fantastic trip.
It is diverse in terms of climate, type of rain forest, topography and ,Eco systems. you see The Caribbean and the Pacific,You experience High mountains ,volcanic areas ,pristine sandy beaches and huge range of mammals and birds.
The food In all the places we stayed and in the local restaurants was great if you are a meat and fish eater.
The accommodation excellent with contrasts between the Eco lodges and the small hotels which are you appreciate both !,

Most Inspirational Moment

Staying at Esquenious Lodge .This is a totally natural environment ,not contrived and a perfect example of The best of Eco tourism.It offers employment to local people and this is reflected in the service and charm afforded to visitors.The pool is fed by natural stream water,the wildlife plentiful and undisturbed. Seeing Sloths suspended from a cable undertaking an amazing mating ritual .The cable was above major road works!!, taking the optional extra trip o the Zip Wire riding above the forest canopy.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Johnny Vilalobos was a brilliant tour leader. he was friendly and kind, calm and knowledgable across all topics relating to his country .He was very proud of Costa Rica! he was very well informed and able to ensure we had the best opportunities to see places and birds and animals .He was in no way patronising but was concerned for us.If he couldn't answer questions he researched them , remembered and always came back with and answer. He was sociable and very clear with his instructions and information about plans.He also drew our attention to the minutiae and all the elements that make up the environment.Top Man !!!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

take a Light Waterproof mac and look at the universal packing list. don't travel through USA, long delays and queuing for excessive security.

Helen Loveday Morris

Reviewed January 2016

Discover Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a beautiful country, remarkably diverse, and well worth discovering! The circuit was extremely well organised so that we travelled long distances only every other day, with plenty of stops along the way. We would usually arrive at our lodge in the early afternoon with time for a walk afterwards for those who wanted it. The food was surprisingly good wherever we went, and the people we met very friendly and kind. The nature is fabulous, we saw monkeys, sloths, more birds than you can count, frogs, and much more.

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to choose! We visited a new ecosystem every other day and therefore had new experiences each time. If I really have to pick one moment, perhaps it was the flight of the beautiful quetzal above the forest in the early morning sun.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Johnny Villalobos was the perfect leader: always smiling and friendly, extremely knowledgeable, very professional, sensitive to people's needs. He obviously loves his country's nature and wildlife and knows how to transmit that passion to those who travel with him. Difficult to imagine what he could do better.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you like nature, wildlife (and there's lots of it!), easy walks and discovering new places, then this is the trip for you! If you want a beach holiday or a very cultural trip based around museums, then think again. It WILL rain, even in the "dry" season, so be prepared with appropriate clothing, but don't let this put you off; for one thing, the rain is warm, for another, it soon stops and isn't a deterrent at all.

Diane Thorpe

Reviewed January 2016

Discover Costa Rica at Christmas and New Year

This was my first trip with Exodus and what a great choice! Costa Rica has so much to offer; it has an abundance of wildlife, is rich in flora and the weather and climate can change vastly within short distances. It’s an amazing experience to watch a flock of red macaws flying by wild and free, It was worth every penny and every ounce of effort needed for the early morning starts! I wouldn’t hesitate recommending this to anyone who is fit and active.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many magical moments on this trip it's hard to pinpoint an individual experience. The Laguna Lodge at Tortuguero is situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Tortuguero river/waterways so we got around by river boat. We saw SOooooo much ... it was awesome .... sloths, monkeys, toucans galore. The Hot Springs at Fortuna is an additional trip; we sat in hot volcanic spring water sipping cocktails watching the monkeys swinging from the trees above. I'd definitely recommend! Christmas Day zip-lining in Monteverde was a personal highlight, in particular the Tarzon swing ... I laughed and squealed so much it hurt. Manuel Antonio National Park has amazing private beaches; to lie in the sun and be visited by racoons and basilics is quite something. Esquinas Lodge is in the most fantastic setting; we sat on our balconies watching passing toucans and hummingbirds and listened to the noisy frogs trying to send us to sleep at night. Sevegre sits in a deep valley surrounded by glorious nature, including the famous quetzal birds and has lots more to offer. The lodge was amazing and we had lovely rooms and the lodge gardens were spectacular.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Johnny was amazing; he did his utmost to ensure everyone enjoyed their personal holiday. As a native Costa Rican he was able to tell us all about the country's history, explain the culture and introduce us to friends on our travels. He was an excellent spotter of wildlife and knew so many names of the birds it was incredible. He became our friend and shared in our jokes and mischievous pranks. The drivers too were amazing spotters and would often just stop the bus, or boat, to allow the opportunity to enjoy the passing wildlife. Fantastic!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Forget taking a hairdryer! It's so humid most of the time you have to succumb to the natural look. However, most of the lodges did have one but they only run on 110v so they get very hot and are very slow. I took the charger for my toothbrush but there are no shaving sockets and unless you have a 2-pin round to 2-pin flat adaptor, you're stuck. I took US dollars but I'd seriously consider taking Colones next time. Although you can pay in dollars, they give change in Colones. Everything is priced in Colones and exchanged to Dollars using unknown exchange rates, hence it becomes very confusing and you feel you lose out every time you purchase anything. It's very casual everywhere you go. There's a laundrette at Fortuna opposite the hotel and one next to the hotel in Manuel Antonia. Both are very cheap. Keep clothes in dry bags if possible because everything becomes damp in your suitcase due to the humidity ... it can't be helped, hence why the laundrettes are handy! Take deet - my 100% deet kept me bite free but many others on the trip suffered. A poncho makes an ideal waterproof, in preference to a rain jacket. It's almost impossible to dry anything once it's wet, and you will get wet! Some walks definitely require walking boots/shoes but many others you'll find proper walking sandals will suffice.

Gay Leggett

Reviewed December 2015

Discover Costa Rica

A holiday of contrasts. This trip takes you from the Caribbean to the Pacific and back. This was a bird spotting trip of a lifetime. In total between us we spotted 180 birds including the elusive quetzal. We walked in rain forests, we floated on waterways and mango swamps and we sped through delightful mountains. We woke up to the sounds of howler monkeys and bird song and we went to sleep to the chink chink of the frogs.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sitting watching the humming birds in front of our lodge. Saying hi to the agouti mundi in our garden. Zip wiring over the rain forest canopy. Trekking to the second waterfall. Swimming in the hot springs at night during a thunder storm.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gustavo was so enthusiastic about the birds. He worked hard to ensure we spotted as many as possible. He also made sure that the expectations of the non-birders were met by balancing birding with cultural and social information. Our driver Orlando was also great, he kept the bus immaculate, and was always at the door to lend a hand out and he did his fair share of bird spotting too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, take waterproofs and if possible waterproof luggage because it does rain and walking boots. Make sure you book your seats on the plane. Try to avoid travelling via United States airports , the immigration process and security is confusing and takes a couple of hours. So unnecessary for people in transit.

Noel Furley

Reviewed December 2015

Discover Costa Rica

An excellent expedition with a variety of landscapes and wildlife, and a comprehensive introduction to tropical Costa Rica.

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to say with so much to choose from but Turtles hatching and making their first precarious journey to the sea at Tortuguero was a reassuringly rewarding sight.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Antonio was excellent. His willingness to reveal his comprehensive ecological knowledge was more than we might have expected. Although he must have lead many groups along the same path, his infectious enthusiasm was undimmed and happily shared. He enjoyed a good relationship with the group who responded to his clear advice and instructions.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go!

Anita Leblanc

Reviewed November 2015

DISCOVER COSTA RICA

It was my first experience with Exodus. Everything was so well organised, the guide, the driver were punctual to the minute. Upon arrival at our different destinations, the meals were hot and ready and I have to say very delicious and offering local dishes as well. All our accomodations were clean. We felt safe every step of the way. For nature lovers and bird watchers, Costa Rica is a paradise and your tour offers so many opportunities. Both the guide and the driver were very alert and very good at spotting wildlife and they would stop often so we could see and take pictures.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were quite a few: - the view from the Guanacaste Mountain Range, in all my travels, I had never seen such beautiful landscape -the so very peaceful boat ride in the canals of Tortuguero, enjoying wildlife and not one mosquito! -Manuel Antonio Nat. Pk. beach [Pacific Ocean] -view from the Muerte Mountain Range looking down St Isidro -the lush green vegetation everywhere and the wide variety of flowers -seeing the quetzal at 5h00 in the morning along with 50+ people awaiting for the same

Thoughts on Group Leader

couldn't ask for better, very dedicated, knowledgeable, respectful, caring, as eager as us to see wildlife

Advice for Potential Travellers

Travel with Exodus, you won't be disappointed

Gillian Wright-Dixon

Reviewed November 2015

Rich Coast Indeed

As in the meaning of Costa Rica (Rich Coast), this trip showed our group the beautiful details offered in the country. The country is renowned for its “1000 needles” of all types creatures, and no matter how big or small they were, they were definitely worth seeing. This trip is for those who wish to see or spot wildlife, walk in the rainforests and don’t let a “little” rain get in the way.

Most Inspirational Moment

Inspirational Animal There were many great sights in the trip, and mine in particular were the sloths. I have always had a love of these peculiar creatures and they did not fail my expectations. Inspirational Place Monteverde was one of the many places I enjoyed in the trip, as this was an opportunity for me to go zip lining. This is an activity that I have never done before, and having the opportunity to go through 13 zip wires which made this place all the more inspirational. Walking along the hanging bridges were almost serene in overlooking the green canopies of the rainforests, and the vast amount of trees spreading out for what seemed like miles and miles into the distance. We also visited the hummingbird garden where I had the opportunity to let hummingbirds hand on my hand whilst they fed from their feeders, which I had never experienced anything like that previously and it was a privilege to have had that opportunity.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The trip leader was Johnny, and he did an excellent job with our group. He had a fountain of knowledge of the country. Johnny would explain the different kinds of eco tourism and politics surrounding the country with the economic changes, and how the protection of the rainforests and national parks were formed. Our coach driver Mario definitely deserves to be mentioned also, as he was great at spotting wildlife whilst driving to our destinations, and handled our bags and luggage efficiently throughout the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Embrace the rain. You will get wet, just prepare for it. A DSLR camera with 70-400MM zoom will be possibly the best option for this trip if you are into your photography. If your into the night walks, take a good bright torch to get the photos of the animals were a flash cannot be used. There are two main places to get laundry done: Manuel Antonio and Savegre, if you need laundry sooner ask about it in La Fortuna with your guide. Meat lovers: at La Fortuna, go to the steak restaurant Nene's Restaurant and order the Rib Eye! You will not be disappointed.

Prev 1 … 22 23 24 25 26 … 34 Next