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.

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14493 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Dave Hyslop

Reviewed January 2018

Cycling Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama

Would class myself as a ‘veteran’ having been on many previous cycling adventures but this is the first trip I have ever left feedback on. I realise that when you return from holidays you are on a high but I can honestly say this is one of the best, maybe even the best cycling trip I have done. The whole thing gels completely. The cycling, the views, the rafting, the different cultures, the wildlife, all brought together by a fantastic support team makes this a 5 star trip. Breakfasts are early, sometimes 6-30am, to get you cycling before it gets too hot, but this means you have downtime at the end of the day to relax, and take everything in before dinner. It’s a full on trip with always things to do, then bang, a day off on a pacific beach before going at it again. Brilliant planning. Loved every minute of it. Thanks.

Most Inspirational Moment

In no particular order.....Masaya volcano....... The rafting where the wildlife was awesome, Iguanas, crocs, lizards, monkeys, beautiful birds (saw more Ospreys in 2 hours than I have seen in my entire life!).... Seeing a Toucan.....Working hard to get up the hills.....Those awesome views....... Chino's obvious love for his country and the whole area.... The children shouting hello as you cycle past.... the anticipation of that first cold beer after a hot day in the saddle knowing that the weather is cold and miserable back in the UK!!!!!!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

The luggage of some of our group did not arrive so Chino took on the responsibility to chase it up and was brilliant at keeping everybody informed at what was happening. When the weather deteriorated in Costa Rica (and boy did it deteriorate!) he took the decision to change the itinerary and move us over from the Caribbean coast to the Pacific coast, that included changing cycling routes and hotels. All this done with the minimum of fuss and just presented to us and off we went! So much work done behind the scenes. He was of course supported by his team of Albarro (Nicaragua), Paul and Ronaldo. Special mention here for Ronaldo who after the changes in Costa Rica must have spent around 8 hours driving in sections to get across Costa Rica and Panama, and we still got two cycle rides in that day. Viva Ronaldo! Pura vida guys.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you enjoy cycling and wildlife this trip is for you! All 3 countries accept US dollars so you don't need to change any money on arrival in Nicaragua. Food is good and plenty throughout, standard of cleanliness is also good in the soda's and restaurants. Bike quality is also good and we had very little maintenance problems (3 punctures and 1 broken chain I think across 16 of us). Biscuits, fruit, water and hydrating powders are always available.

Rachael Johnson

Reviewed January 2018

Jolly Hockey Bikes

What a fantastic way to see 3 fantastic countries. This trip however is not for the faint hearted – expect to be on the go 24/7 from the moment you land in Nicaragua. Despite this trip being focused around cycling it was so much more than that with plenty of activities off the bike. If you are looking for a real adventure with lots of laughs along the way then this is the trip for you.

Cycling – There was a real mix of cycling from tarmac roads to gravel tracks. There were some challenging hills that required a decent level of cycling fitness to complete especially in the heat that reached over 100 on some days. The views were spectacular and wildlife was spotted along the way. We averaged around 30 miles a day and our group was fairly fast so this was usually completed within 3-4 hours. The approach to the cycling was pretty relaxed so if you wanted to stop at any point for a rest or to take photos you were free to do so. The cycling catered for everyone and it was up to you if you wanted to race or just relax at the back! We had our guide along with 2 support cyclists (mechanics) in Nicaragua – Roberto Aguilar (aka Chino), Albaro and Paul and then for Costa Rica and Panama there was just Chino and Paul. The support vehicle, driven by the very safe driver Ronal, was always on hand to assist anyone who may have been struggling, to provide water, rest-bite or even extra fuel (fruit & biscuits).

Other Activities – One of the trip highlights for me was going up to the top of the Masaya Volcano in Nicaragua at night and actually looking into the top of it – looking into the top of a live volcano was something that I never thought I would have the opportunity to do – breath-taking!
Volcanic Spa at La Fortuna (Costa Rica) – a great way to relax in the evening after a days cycling. It was like being in heaven with Cocktails on hand! River Rafting (Nicaragua) – our guide spotted all kinds of wildlife that unless you have the eye for you would have never seen. Crocodiles, Toucans, Iguanas and much more. Nature trail on Ometepe, natural Spa…….. There is just too many things to mention.

A special mention has to go out to our tour guide Chino and his support staff who were exceptional.

If you are considering this trip – DO IT!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

The views Wildlife Masaya Volcana Natural Spa on Ometepe Island Volcanic Spa - La Fortuna River Rafting Meal in Panama Old Town at Las Bovedas

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto Aguilar AKA Chino - Fantastic. His local knowledge was exceptional and he was fluent in English. Really couldn't have asked for a more helpful guide who by the end of the trip had become a friend. He couldn't do enough for us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The support vehicle is always on hand so you always have access to your day bags. There is no need to carry anything on your bike with you apart from cameras etc.

Barry Dawkins

Reviewed January 2018

Finnish Wilderness Week

An absolutely spectacular trip with some of the best scenery ever.
Although we did not see the Northern Lights we were not disappointed, nobody can control Mother nature.
The activity’s, ( included and optional ) were all incredible.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment had to be the scenery when we were out dog sledding, I am so glad I can close my eyes and go right back there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leaders were tops, they go out of their way to accommodate everyone's specific needs, they put in very long days and really enjoy what they do.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't forget to bring your sense of humor with you.

Lindsey Taylor

Reviewed January 2018

An amazing trip

Cycling is such a great way to see a country and this trip didn’t disappoint. There was a great range of cycling from tarmac roads to rough off road. Cycling experience and fitness is a must. The roads are undulating and on some days there were some long climbs, made all the more difficult in the heat. It also meant there were great views! In addition to the cycling there were great trips and even some free time to relax.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is difficult to highlight one moment. The whole trip was an experience. It was fantastic to see the views and wildlife whilst cycling along but one highlight would have to be getting so close to an active volcano!

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had a fantastic team, they couldn’t do enough for you and all worked really hard. Our leader Roberto (Chino) went out of his way to ensure that everything on the trip was perfect.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Deciding what to take is always difficult. Cycling gear can be rinsed through in the hotels although drying can sometimes be a problem. Snacks are provided whilst cycling and the minibus is always nearby so you don’t have to carry everything with you on the bike, stick it in a day bag on the bus. Clothes when not on the bike are very casual and long sleeves and long pants are handy to cover up in the areas where more mosquitoes are out. We did get bitten but not too bad. Things that don’t crease are ideal and good packing is essential so you know where everything is, there’s no time to keep unpacking your case.

Lisa Meanock

Reviewed January 2018

An outstanding cycling trip

What a fantastic way to see 3 countries ‘on a bike’. Not being a cyclist and having a knee operation in July I was a little sceptical about whether I would be able to complete 2 weeks of cycling but the trip was just the right balance of sight seeing and cycling. The cycling was challenging but very enjoyable with ‘amazing views’, the terrain was mixed which added to the experience. Our guide for the trip (Roberto Aguilar aka ‘Chino’) was outstanding couldn’t have asked for a better one, his knowledge of all the countries was fantastic and really helped us in understanding the history of each.
I felt the trip was quite expensive for a young couple and I feel if it was cheaper would appeal to more younger people to book.
Chino’s support for the 2 weeks was Albarro and Paul who were also great and really helped the weaker cyclists but also challenged the more experienced cyclist too which was good. Even when we lost Albarro at Nicaragua and just had Paul for the remaining trip the standard didn’t slip.
Due to the weather in Costa Rica on the Caribbean side our trip had to be changed at short notice whilst this may have been stressful for chino this didn’t show and didn’t impact on our tour and it all went through smoothly and didn’t impact too much on the original itinerary.
What I would suggest for future trips would be for the hotels to offer free laundry whilst the weather was warm it was humid and if hand washing we struggled to dry them and with staying only 1 night in some hotels you travel with damp clothes so didn’t really smell fresh when eventually dried and needed washing again.
I would also recommend exodus invest in purchasing kit to cover the maximum size of the group. There was 12 of us within our group and all our luggage was delayed for 1 day which meant we couldn’t take part in the first day cycling because there was only 2 spare helmets but if there was spare we could have purchased spare clothing and still took part. Our first day wasn’t ruined because chino stepped into action and arranged a trip for us around the local town on horse and cart which was fantastic to see.

Most Inspirational Moment

I'm not sure I can specifically call out one inspirational moment of this trip the whole trip totally exceeded my expectations the right balance of cycling and sight seeing. Not once on this trip will you be bored, action packed and just fantastic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I can honestly not say anything negative about our trip leader Alberto Aguilar 'chino' everything planned perfectly to the minute. His mileage estimations for the bike rides was spot on which helped me pace myself and keep me going. He explained everything clearly and honestly and nothing was too much trouble. If I was book another cycling holiday I would love chino to be our guide he really did make our holiday an absolute pleasure.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take spare cycling clothes in your hand luggage in the event of cases not arriving. Have your laundry professionally done as you will struggle to get it dried if hand washing. Power banks are a must so you can charge all your gadgets, (phones, garmins, watches, go pro's). I would bother with energy gels etc because the trip provides fruit, granola bars, re hydration powder for your drinks etc.

Craig McArthur

Reviewed January 2018

Unforgettable experience

Recently returned from the Finnish Wilderness Week, staying at Basecamp Oulanka Jan 14-21st 2018 and it was without doubt one of the best holidays I have ever experienced. Firstly the staff, accomodation, facilities and food at Basecamp Oulanka are out of this world (special shout out to our tour leaders Martti and Tiia who were exceptional). The camp is located in the heart of the forest, surrounded by towering trees and a stones throw away from the lake!

The activities included in this tour are also fantastic and truly ‘once in a lifetime’ (the husky sledding being the stand out). Theres a wide range of optional activities too which are reasonably priced and allow you to experience a new adventure every day!

Most Inspirational Moment

Husky sledding through a pristine forest!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Martti and Tiia were both fantastic, friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating leaders, and both should be extremely proud!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Dont take too many euros in cash as most (not all) of the optional activities are charged to your room (as are any drinks etc purchased from the bar) and the bill is settled at the end.

Chris Hunt

Reviewed January 2018

Exceeded Expectations

This trip exceeded our expectations! The cycling was often challenging with some biggish hills in hot weather but also great fun (what goes up has to come down) and mostly on well made roads without too much traffic. Two longish sections on dirt roads challenge the suspension but are fine in the weather that we had for those sections. At the end of the trip we felt we had achieved something worthwhile. But it was not all cycling with trips to an active volcano, hot and cold springs and and wildlife spotting during river rafting among the notable highlights. The trip accommodation and food ranged from good to adequate. The hotel at Las Lajas and the last meal in Old Panama being particular highlights.

The trip was well organised and well run with Roberto (Chino) and his team doing a great job. They responded very well to the issues of our delayed luggage and very poor weather in the Caribbean. The latter meant that we had an extra night at Las Lajas which was more than welcome. Chino, Paul and Ronal had become great friends with the group by the end of the trip.

If you enjoy a bit of a challange and doing something a bit different from the usual holiday routine then this trip is for you – overall a superb experience which is going to take some beating!

Most Inspirational Moment

The tour team of Chino, Paul and Ronal helped to make this trip special - I think they turned something that might have been hard work into a truly enjoyable adventure for the whole group.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto (Chino) was excellent - responded well to any issues that arose and made sure that we were all fed and watered before he himself sat down to eat. Socialised well with the group whilst also retaining our respect as a leader throughout. His daily briefings and leading the singing on the bus were highlights (he's quite fond of Queen). Chino was more than ably supported by Paul (guide/mechanic) and Ronal (driver) - they made a great team. Special mention to Roberro who was with us only for the Nicaraguan leg of the tour - we missed him when we moved into Costa Rica!

Advice for Potential Travellers

During the dry season you don't need as much DEET as you think - there are only a few areas where mossies are a problem and our bite count was surprisingly low. My wife and I got through only two 100mm sprays for the whole trip. Also take some travel wash - it is possible to use hotel soaps, shampoos etc to wash your cycling kit but provision of hotel stuff isn't consistent. You may also wish to regularly wash your water bottles - we used hotel shampoo but as before provision isn't consistent. White water rafting is a blast - if you don't fancy the optional ride in La Fortuna then white water rafting is great fun.

Peter Booth

Reviewed January 2018

Two of Team Jolly Hockey Cycles ( 12 members )

Having cycled extensively in the UK and Europe we were invited to join the JHC on this Central America cycle trip. Holidaying with family, old friends, new acquaintances and four strangers could prove daunting, however, it turned out wonderful from the offset. This was far more than just a cycle trip. ( Hardcore cyclists need not apply) It turned out to be an education in history, cultures, wildlife and geography. All of which ticked all our boxes. The cycling was a joy each day with all 16 of us able to stay within our own limits, take time out for photography or just stand and look at everything around us. When we fancied a blast, we did just that. That easy. The hotels and restaurants offered good accommodation and local food with varied menu’s to suit all tastes.

Most Inspirational Moment

Inspiration, where do you start. Everything was different, so inspirational individually.I have never cycled three amazing countries in 16 days. I have never looked down an active volcano. I have never been on a river raft and seen more Iguana's, Osprey's, Crocodile's, Monkey's, Lizard's, Vulture's etc. etc. in one day than I have seen in a lifetime. I have never sat in a hot spring with a pina colada in my hand. I have never been so close to one of the worlds largest engineering feats, the Panama canal. etc.etc. All inspirational in their own way.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We could not have a better group leader, Chino, and support team, Paul, Ronaldo, Alvaro. We arrived with all our luggage missing so instead of losing our first day Chino arranged a sight seeing trip around Granada by horse and carriage. Paul took the other four cycling, (no luggage shortages) and we all met for lunch. We had serious weather issues on the Caribbean so the itinerary was changed to keep everything flowing smoothly. Chino ensured everything was in order, including hotel and meal service, briefings throughout the cycling to ensure we were abreast of what was ahead and the never ending information of the history, culture and geography around us. He carefully explained the difference in the standard of living of the people we met and encouraged us to meet with them. It wasn't just business, we could babble on with all the team about ourselves, themselves and just about anything.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Credit cards accepted everywhere. Small US dollar bills, no larger than $20. Laundry available at some of the hotels and widely at La Fortuna. There is all the in-ride snacks, fruit, energy drinks and bottled water with the bus and plenty of places to purchase more if you need. For those nervous of foreign bus drivers, don't panic. Our driver, Ronaldo, never once broke any speed limit, made any dangerous manoeuvres or gave us any cause for concern.

Michael Innes

Reviewed January 2018

Sri Lanka cycling

A lovely trip to a lush green island. Cycling is generally good. Sites are all interesting and well worth seeing.

Most Inspirational Moment

Everyone has there own likes but for me the Sigiriya Rock and some of the Buddhist shrines were really good. The amount of remains from ancient civilizations is both impressive and humbling compared with what we have in Britain. Also the bird life is plentiful and varied and the general lush tropical landscape is lovely.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was excellent - as was the whole team. Friendly, genuinely caring, highly knowledgeable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are certain things to consider- Although the trip title implies that you are travelling on quiet back roads most of the time, you are not. At least half the cycling is on busy roads which can be fun but involves a lot of dodging traffic etc. The worst aspect of the trip is the pollution from vehicles which can get quite unpleasant as you overtake or are overtaken by yet another bus / truck belching black exhaust smoke. The country is going to have to tackle emissions which are causing issues in the cities. Generally we had a trip with no serious incidents / illnesses but most had a short bout of stomach problems so be prepared. The lack of malaria and serious mosquito issues is a bonus. Take the trip notes with a pinch of salt. They need to be updated as some days are longer / harder / easier than they say. They should be updated and made more accurate. It is hot - over 30C most of the time - but this is OK as long as one drinks plenty of bottled water which is continually available.

James D

Reviewed January 2018

Best Holiday Ever

Hotel is run by a family. I cannot overstate how well they treated us. Buffet meals three times per day. Free WiFi. The snow was amazing. We had no cross country skiing experience before. Tour guides were excellent and coached us around 3-4 hours per day. Massage / Pilates / Yoga classes helped greatly with muscle soreness. I thought I was relatively fit, but I found by the end of the morning session I was happy to relax for the rest of the day. Despite eating well, I think I have lost a couple of kg on the trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

Being able to ski 10k by myself.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The fitter you are the more fun you will have. Rooms are comfortable but not luxurious. There is plenty of space to relax in the lobby of the hotel. The hotel has a gym, billiard table, sauna and table-tennis table. If you are looking to ski and then relax it is fantastic. If you want to party and dance all night, this is not the right place to go.

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