Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Each stop was totally different from the last, so lots of variety. Absolutely loved the hotel at Rio Perdido, truly a special place, and relaxing in the natural thermal river was wonderful

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was Randall, a very special guide. Was always cheerful, and wanting us to get the very best from our trip. His knowledge was absolutely astounding, and couldn’t wait to share this with us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Some of the road journeys could be long and bumpy, however the changing landscapes and destinations made it worthwhile

Suggestions

Such a massive variety of wildlife (the sloths in wild were particularly special), Costa Rica is a wonderful country with a population who are so friendly and wanting to preserve their special place

Most Inspirational Moment

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River, and the beach at Tamarindo. The trip to and the activities to Tortuguero could have been better.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Randall, our very knowledgeable tour guide, and a good organiser, was full of energy, optimism, and fun and opened our eyes to many natural wonders, that otherwise, we would have passed by without noticing.

Suggestions

First morning we had to leave the hotel in San Jose at 6:15, we lost a good breakfast, boarded a bus, and waited about 1/2h for the other two tours to join us. We stopped on the way to have a very poor breakfast and we waited another 1/2h for another 2 tours to join the 1.5h boat trip to the hotel in Tortuguero. Somehow, these 2 new tours arrived at the quay by their own vans, not by a shared bus. The van for the rest of the tour was almost 20 years old, with small, uncomfortable seats

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching two turtle hatchlings race from nest in the sand to the sea.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I cannot imagine a better guide/tour leader. He was perfection.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Randall has just won a prestigious prize as the best Costa Rican guide. How lucky were we!

Most Inspirational Moment

Zip lining and tubing

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great leader. Very good at adjusting to circumstances. Very sociable and easy to talk to. Very knowledgeable.

Most Inspirational Moment

Bathing in the warm river at Rio Perdido was really special and a fantastic way to round off a day of zip lining and white water rafting. The Howler Monkeys' serenade at dawn was certainly worth getting up for.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were blessed to have Johnny as our leader. His knowledge of all things Costa Rica was outstanding. Whether it was wildlife, biodiversity, history, economics, agriculture and he even surprised us on our way back to the city when he briefed us all on art history

Advice for Potential Travellers

We travelled in the 'dry' season but even so a pair of sensible shoes for walking was a must. Trainers sufficed but I suggest something more substantial in the wetter times.

Most Inspirational Moment

First seeing a wild toucan at Tortugera.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Johnny Villalobos. He was outstanding in every way. He had a very good way with people and, specifically, he was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the wildlife that we had come to see; and proud of Costa Rica’s role in world conservation. We wish to nominate him for the Exodus Annual Leader Awards (Trip Code AHP 230212)

Advice for Potential Travellers

Days in the highlands are wetter, colder and windier than you would imagine. Good walking shoes/boots or trainers are essential.

Suggestions

To enjoy Costa Rican wildlife you need to be in a small group with an expert guide. Without those two things you may find that you have seen immense amounts of green jungle and little else. The flight from London to San Jose is the best part of eleven hours direct, and Premium Economy seats hard to come by. Exodus was very good in finding alternative routes with the required seating.