Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Meeting the Cuban people. They seem to have very little but they give you so much. Some of us brought small gifts (toys, toiletries, pens, books) which we gave to our hosts in the 'Casas Particulares'. Seeing their smiles was very uplifting.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was excellent. He was very helpful (cycling off at one point to get more currency for the group). He was a proud Cuban with a good sense of humour and was always on hand to sort any issues which arose.

Advice for Potential Travellers

About half way through the holiday, quite a few members of the group ran out of Cuban money or needed to top up their currency. Changing money wasn't quite as easy as in other parts of the world, so I would advise changing more than the £150 which we were advised to change on arrival at the airport. Oh...and some of my twenty pound notes were refused by the cashiers because they weren't 'perfect'. Make sure the cash you bring into Cuba has no small tears. They will be refused.

Most Inspirational Moment

Really just watching and learning about such a very different way of life The salsa lesson was fun but quite energetic The drive through Havana in open top limos on the final day was a perfect finale

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rai was very knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour She organised a few extras not on the itinerary which was great Despite finding out about "Cuban time " early on she did expect punctuality from the group!

Advice for Potential Travellers

We had a couple of cold fronts so maybe pack more than one warm top. Over half of our group including myself experienced upset stomach so bring remedies, hand gel etc If you see crafts you like in any of the towns you pass through, I would suggest buying them then. the craft market in Havana is dark, cramped and not such a nice shopping experience

Most Inspirational Moment

When the political system was fully explained to us, very little like a Communist system we thought it was.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The local guide was faultless, spoke perfect English and her knowledge was far reaching and interesting, I don't think there was one question she couldn't answer all week. She had a great sense of humour and seemed to know every building in every town we visited. Her historic knowledge was also impressive, for both Cuba and surprisingly the UK.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I highly recommend including the direct Virgin flights from Gatwick within your package, the times in both directions were very suitable and the flights pleasant, the same could not be said about flights some others booked independently, none of them were direct so travel times were extended greatly and their time in Cuba reduced. I also recommend taking unused toiletries, pens, notebooks and other useful items to donate because they are hard to get hold of for Cubans. Chocolates we found are also useful for tips in Casas.

Most Inspirational Moment

It was all inspirational. The scenery was excellent most ot time. Probably the most enjoyable day was the whale coast ride (around False Bay).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wynand our tour leader was a great character and wit. He was full of bulls*** a lot of the time which made for a lot of banter, fun and winding up with the group. Sifiso our driver was a quiet Zulu but came out of his shell during the trip to be a great asset to the group. Both guys worked extremely hard to make the trip memorable for us all. There were some logistical and organisational issues which they handled with professionalism and tact. Some of the evening meals and lunches and breakfasts were prepared by the guides when we were staying in lodges or way out. All were excellent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go for it. If you like wine, beer, brandy good food etc there's plenty of it, quite apart from the cycling which has its pain and plenty of pleasures. You will see many sights and sounds to impress as well as depress(shanty villages). Take plenty of sunscreen and electrolytes for your water bottle.

Most Inspirational Moment

I enjoyed most aspects of the trip. Looking back, the time in Vinales valley was most memorable. Lovely little town with colourful painted houses that was very unexpected and it was interesting to trace the journey of cigar making from field to factory. Also had a lovely evening meal in an organic farm overlooking the entire valley

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Ray was excellent. She was very organised and offered lots of extra opportunities to sample what Cuba had to offer from finding nice local restaurants to eat in to trips (like the Cadillac ride around Havana on the last morning). She was passionate about her country and that came across in the way spoke about it.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Nearly half our group were affected by stomach problems over the week. Not sure if we had a bug going round the group of it was due to the ice in drinks but make sure you go prepared with medications (and toilet roll!) just in case. Due to trade embargoes, Cubans don't have access to what we see as the basics in life (toiletries, clothing, pens etc) if you can, take a few extra items to leave behind it is very much appreciated

Most Inspirational Moment

The Fitzroy Massif and Moreno glacier were stunning. Having said that I also enjoyed the varied scenery in general which varied from mountainous to barren wind swept plains. The wildlife was very exciting especially spotting the condors and the full day boat trip in Ushuaia was worth it for seeing the penguins and sea lions. The food in restaurants throughout the trip was excellent not mentioning the wonderful Argentinian wine.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Xavier was fantastic, friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. He did a really good job suggesting and booking restaurants for the group to eat out in the evening although it was left to individuals whether to join in or not. He introduced us to 'mate' a herbal tea drunk from a special 'cup' with a metal straw which is shared amongst friends which we often had on our bus journeys.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although I am an experienced walker, walking each year in the Swiss Alps on challenging paths, I found the treks quite hard. This was not because the treks were difficult but more due to the pace set by the fitter and faster walkers. Xavier was very good though walking at the back of the pack and there was always the possibility of turning back at certain points for those wishing to stop.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved being able to get up early and go for a swim in the sea. One morning I had the beach to myself watching the sun rise and as I was swimming pelicans were flying close by skimming the waves with their wings. Giving a "high five" to local kids whilst cycling up hill and not falling off my bike! Cycling through amazing scenery hearing and seeing howler monkeys and birds and trying to spot snoozing sloths in the trees.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Roberto. His knowledge of the history, politics, wildlife and roads! of all three countries was excellent. He was a very dedicated leader and worked hard to ensure that every day went as smoothly as it could. Roberto was incredibly well organised and always smiling.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bug spray, I smelt of deet for two weeks but managed to avoid being bitten so it was worth it. Imodium tablets! The food was great and there was always a safe water supply but I did need them. Pedals, I clip in when road cycling but not if I mtb. I didn't take my pedals but wish I had as the cycling is mainly road cycling on a mountain bike. Build up your stamina before you go. It is quite hilly and very very humid. If you are sharing a room it is always worth asking if they have a second key, most of the hotels did.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many but Torteguero was the most amazing place, cruising along the waterways seeing the abundant wildlife. But the beauty of the cloud forest at St Elena was also truest stunning. Also the getting up and 5am to see the quetzals at Savegre. As was swimming in the warm Pacific and seeing the Pelicans flying above. And watching the white faced monkeys grooming in the trees.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Carla was extremely hard working and put a lot into giving us as much information as possible about where we were and what we were seeing. She was so enthusiastic about her country it was quite infectious.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are lots of opportunities to do your own thing so make the most of these, I had some of my best moments when walking alone in the forests and gardens.

Most Inspirational Moment

Learning about the country

Thoughts on Group Leader

The tour leader, Roshan was excellent. He clearly enjoyed his job; was highly informative, quietly assertive with the group when needed; personalised the tour (such as supporting Tsunami victims, having good contacts for Tuks tucks/ local drivers, using great local companies for elephant watching/ whale watching that he had built up a reputation with over the years) and enjoyed engaging with British/ westerners and clearly understood english humour! The whole tour ran to time; he clearly did background work in the evenings, arranging trips the following day. He told us he had undertaken the trip 234 times before over the last 15 years; yet one would not have known it; his delivery sounded very fresh as if we were his first trip. Roshan has been voted as on the best Exodus guides and rightly so; this should continue.The tour leader, Roshan was excellent. He clearly enjoyed his job; was highly informative, quietly assertive with the group when needed; personalised the tour (such as supporting Tsunami victims, having good contacts for Tuks tucks/ local drivers, using great local companies for elephant watching/ whale watching that he had built up a reputation with over the years) and enjoyed engaging with British/ westerners and clearly understood english humour! The whole tour ran to time; he clearly did background work in the evenings, arranging trips the following day. He told us he had undertaken the trip 234 times before over the last 15 years; yet one would not have known it; his delivery sounded very fresh as if we were his first trip. Roshan has been voted as on the best Exodus guides and rightly so; this should continue.

Most Inspirational Moment

No inspiration just a good, informative and fun time

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chi was a treat! He has a quirky sense of humour and withstood all our idiosyncrasies as you would expect with such a diverse group with a smile and patience. He told us lots of information about Vietnam without being wordy or prejudiced. A very nice man

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take this trip but don't expect to loose weight even though you will cycle long distances. The food is too good!