Reviews

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

The stop over in the eco lodge in the Sierra Maestra. This was peaceful and tropical and a lovely opportunity to relax in a lovely garden with the birds singing. It would have been very easy to stay another day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Freddie was absolutely brilliant. He was an expert cyclist and kept us safe and on schedule. He was supportive of cyclists at all levels. He has a great knowledge and understanding of his county's history and current issues. I appreciated his organisation of places to eat at night, but he was always keen to say that he was happy for people to do their own thing. Can't fault him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a full on trip, and you don't have a lot of time at each stop so you need to be organised and to think ahead about your kit, your money and some extra munchies to keep you going. You need to be strict with your hand hygiene and be careful what you choose to eat. Stomach bugs are an issue.

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to describe. River rafting was the most fun, the elephant safari was magical, climbing the lion rock fortress was scary but worthwhile and the temples were really beautiful. The variety of birds was more than I anticipated and lots of great photography moments. Everyday brought something new and exciting but the ultimate was seeing twelve blue whales just six miles off Dondra Head. Local people were so friendly and the food and hotels were great.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sujan was the best part of the trip. He was friendly but strict to keep us all on time. Susan, Gamini (driver) and Nishantha (the conductor) all worked as a trusted team making us feel safe and happy at all times. They even organised non-tour activities including bird watching opportunities. All three smiled from start to finish. A pleasure to be with.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go and enjoy the experience. The more you take part in the activities the more you will enjoy every day.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is hard to pick just one moment, the amazing views, the inspirational cheers of 'hola' from the locals whilst cycling through the towns and villages, swimming in the Caribbean, I could go on....oh yes, and the famous Bee Hummingbird!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Freddy was an inspiration in himself. He was a font of all knowledge, from the terrain to the wildlife to the revolutionary history of the amazing island. He was quick to pick up on the needs of the groups, both in sickness and in health, and adapt the itinerary accordingly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you have small change for loos, take hand gel and use it often. I found a gel saddle cover a help but the new Trek bikes were pretty good. We did not spend as much money as we had thought we would and less than the trek notes suggested. Put your camera in a 100% waterproof bag or leave it on the bus when it rains.

Most Inspirational Moment

2 days in Petra is just amazing! Make sure your fit enough to walk to the Monastery!

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.

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the blue whales and the people the people of Sri Lanka. It's always amazing to see how other parts of the world live.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I was very impressed with our group leader. I have never experienced someone that was so tentative to the group as a whole and also as individuals. His attention to detail was immaculate.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many great moments - mine might have been reaching the top of Hai Van Pass.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I couldn't have asked for a better leader. Lam was truly excellent - friendly, always happy and willing to help you and well organised.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try and extend your trip a day either side to have time in Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi. Don't worry about bringing snacks - there are loads provided (just bring a water bottle!) You can also get laundry done in Nha Trang and Hoi An (rest days) so you can pack lighter.