Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Its difficult to choose just one inspirational moment because there were many. Although my first sight of The Great Wall was awesome and will last in my memory for a long time. The Terracotta Army, The Pandas, beautiful scenery, beautiful river cruise, exciting overnight train journey, good food etc etc.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Dragon was absolutely brilliant and was very knowledgeable. We all agreed that he made a great contribution to our tour. He looked after all of us so well. Thanks Dragon

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't pack too many clothes. Limit yourselves to the minimum weight because you have to carry your own cases (up flights of stairs in some situations). Read the notes !!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

The 5am howler monkey alarm clock...... seeing so many humpback whales and dolphins so close to the boat.....the amazing frogs..... and who couldn't forget the green sea turtles coming out of the sea to lay their eggs...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Johnny was extremely enthusiastic and passionate about all things Costa Rica. He gave a running history, geographic, political and social commentary during the drives which was extremely useful. The group had quite a mix of interests, and he was able to manage them to keep everyone satisfied with their own experience. If there were any queries that he didn't have the answer to, he would find out and give the answers later. He also had a great eye for spotting flora and fauna on the walks, nothing was too small or insignificant for us. He was great fun too, and always smiling, nothing seemed to faze him!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Getting on and off some of the boats was potentially tricky, particularly if you had any mobility issues and some of the walking could be a little challenging if not anticipated.

Most Inspirational Moment

The walk in the Velika Paklenica national park and the stop for bean soup.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He made the holiday for us, he worked tirelessly always with our best interests at heart. An excellent communicator and a man who quickly became a friend.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking sticks might be useful as paths are a bit rocky.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many - Machu Picchu, the condors of Colca Canyon, the Nazca lines, the Ballestras islands, the homestay.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Carlos was super - organised, calm, confident, knowledgeable, fun, with excellent English. A thoroughly likeable and trustworthy fellow.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take anti-motion sickness tablets during the flight over the Nazca lines and the long winding roads at high altitude. Bring more dollars than you think you need in small denominations and make sure that the bills are pristine. Listen to your guide's advice on how to cope with the altitude. Bring a refillable water bottle.

Most Inspirational Moment

Should I ever be lucky enough to own a palace, I would like to decorate it like Rudland Palace, one of the many beautiful places we visited. I really like the rococo stucco decorations. I was also inspired by all the public art, especially the sculptures I saw in all sorts of random places.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jolita, our group leader was fantastic, Nothing was too much trouble for her and she did everything she could to make sure everyone had a good time and a hassle free trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

During our city stays, there was plenty of free time so read your guidebook in advance to come up with a plan of how to make the best use of your time, The food in all three countries was excellent and good value although vegetarians might struggle to find much variety. On the other hand, chocoholics will do well. Luckily, we did a lot of walking to make up for all the great food.

Most Inspirational Moment

There was so many it is hard to pick which one to go for but if I had to pick one, it would be The Great Wall. Experience I will never forget.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dragon was one of the best group leaders I have had, helpful, always there when you needed him, friendly, and very knowledgeable.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Inca Trail for me was a personal highlight. Not having camped for over 30 years I was a wee bit apprehensive but the entire experience was magical. The porters are simply the best. Awakening each morning to a hot drink served at your tent was a great start to the day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Fabricio was the best guide I've ever had on any trip including 2 previous Exodus adventures. He is amazing, knowledgable and passionate about his country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If your thinking about this trip I would definitely recommend it. One of the best experiences of my life. The trail is a great challenge in a wonderful part of the world. Definitely try the Pisco Sour too.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many to choose from but I guess Machu Picchu and watching condors soar over Colca Canyon are right up there! But the Ballestas Islands and the homestay at Lake Titicaca take some beating!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Carlos our group leader was fantastic....... knowledgeable, fun and concerned for the environment. I was ill onedY and he got me the correct treatment and showed real concern for my plight.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Would recommend taking an anti-sickness tablet before flying over the Nazca lines. If there is the tiniest of tears in dollar bank notes they will not change them. Powerade is the most palatable electrolyte drink!!

Most Inspirational Moment

National parks - Tsingy was spectacular and fun to explore by walking and via ferrata - the views at the top were superb. Isalo was great - walking through desert only to find a lush canyon oasis filled with plants and a (very cold!) natural swimming pool at the end (definately take the option of the local community barbequing food for you rather than the hotel sandwich!). Seeing lemurs in the wild eating and playing was excellent. There are loads of opportunities to see lemurs - mostly in the trees from from a short distance (but note if you want really good pictures you'll need a camera with a proper zoom e.g. 75-300mm DSLR lens... in some areas (where they are more tame a standard compact camera will do). Diving on the reef was great. The landscape changes on a daily basis - lush rainforests, deserts, white sand beaches etc.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ben (Nambinina) was great fun. He took care of us throughout the trip and ensured we were in the right place at the right time. He arranged a kitty so that all tips for porters etc. were taken care of. He tried to cater for everyone's needs.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Exchange most of your money at tbe airport. This is the easiest place to do so and probably the best rates (certainly compared to hotels in Tana). Cash machines are possible but are only really present in larger places, are often out of order or have no money and there is a maximum of around £100 you can withdraw at one time (often the machine will let you do more than one withdrawl... if there is enough money!). It's also a hassle if one person needs the cash machine as it holds up the whole trip. Similarly there are often queues at banks which can take a while to exchange. The airport currency exchange took sterling without a problem. Meals are between 15000-25000 ariary (£4-7) each for lunch and evening meal. Drinks are £0.5-1.50 each (cold beer is available everywhere!). By the time the kitty is paid for and tips at the end along with souvenirs and extra trips probably £350 spending money is needed. There are long journeys - this is clearly documented in the trip notes. It's the only way to see everything. On a few occasions we arrived at the hotel at dark and were leaving early the next day. For one of the internal flights it was a 3am start! There are times to relax on certain days but there is a lot of travelling too.... and some is on very bumpy roads and rather 'interesting' ferry crossings - all adding to the adventure. Most of the journey was spent in a very comfortable mini-bus and a small amount in four-wheel drive cars. For those with a bit more time it would be very easy to book a few extra nights in Ifaty at the end to spend relaxing on the beach or to do some more diving or birdwatching. Get rid of all Ariary befire you check in to the flight home (Euros is preferred once you pass through security in the limited shops in the airport). Have some Euro for entering the country to pay for the visa - was 27 euros. It gets cold in Andasibe and Ranomafana in the evening so take a warm jumper. It is generally a poor country and children will ask for sweats ("bon bon") - especially on the west side. One person had brought along some pencils, balloons and brightly coloured bangels which went down a treat with the children! They like to have their photo taken and it will amuse them for ages if you show them the picture on the screen afterwards! There are at least three night hikes so make sure you have a torch. Hand santiser is useful as often no soap in toilets.... 'bush' toilets may be cleaner! As you will be staying in remote areas food options can be limited at times - usually chicken or zebu (seafood on west coast which was amazing). In larger areas pasta and other options are available. No vegetarians etc. in our group. There is a three course meal on offer for lunch and dinner but often a main meal will suffice. It is possible to wash clothes at most hotels but save this for the places that you'll be staying in more than one night. It was fairly cheap. It is worth taking mosquito spray - I rarely used it and wasn't bothered too much (but some others were).

Most Inspirational Moment

The night in the yurt - definitely better appointed than I expected. Followed by the camel ride and swim in the lake

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very accomplished and caring. Ensured that our salads were safe to eat and toilets were clean. Checked on anyone who became sick.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to be ill with a stomach upset at some stage. In spite of care taken everyone became ill at some stage.