CYCLE NICARAGUA, COSTA RICA AND PANAMA This is an excellent trip a very good balance between cycling and the necessary evil of transfers on coach. The guides were all excellent (Rob & Britten and Pol), the bikes were very well looked after checked everynight and morning before use again. Our group ranged from 25 to 72 and everyone was allowed to go at their own pace (I was daily beaten by the 72 year old - something to aspire to maybe) everyone in the group got along well which was the icing on the cake for this trip.
If you want to discover the treasures that Central America holds then this is the trip.
From the erupting heights of the volcanoes in Nicaragua through the readiness of the tropical forests and coastlines of Costa Rica and finishing at the engineering practical of the Panama Canal.
Throughout the tour we were encouraged, befriended and guided by our 4 tour leaders. All of this could not have been possible without our bikes being loaded, unloaded, transported, oiled, and pumped by the magnificent quatro, so all we had to do was hanker down and cycle and have a fantastic time. Thank you team N.CR.P.
If you are in two minds about booking this trip, book!
The cycling was not easy at times due to a combination of hills, non paved roads, distance and heat. However, this added to the challenge, adventure and achievement and our expectations were well managed by our fantastic Costa Rican guide/leader, Jackie.
The journey through three countries provided some amazing rides. Personal highlights were those ending with swims in the Pacific and Caribbean oceans where we would literally cycle on to the beach and jump in for a swim! There were also rides through cloud forests to rain forests, to and from volcanoes, through local villages and through banana plantations spotting monkeys, toucans, sloths and other wildlife along the way!
Along the trip we also enjoyed a couple of optional non cycling days and exciting pit stops. I loved our tour round a chocolate farm, canopy walk through a rain forest, zip lining, red frog island trip and walk through a butterfly nature reserve. The non cycling activities allowed us to experience more of the three amazing countries we visited.
Nature and wildlife feature highly on the trip but the start and end in Granada and Panama City provided a great contrast and are beautiful places to spend a few days. The amazing feat of the Panama Canal was also fitting end to the trip.
The trip was exceptionally organised from start to finish. There were no issues and I cannot think of any areas of improvement. Travel is with a group leader, mechanic and driver who were all fantastic and fundamental to the success of the trip.
Our Costa Rican guide Jackie is a real gem! She provided interesting and informative information about the history, culture and environment of the places we visited and an infectious sense of fun and positivity. She provided excellent briefings about the cycling before each ride, she had a genuine love of Central America and she was a joy to be around. She was also a very good cyclist.
The hotels and restaurants selected by Exodus were well chosen and some were so good they were highlights of the trip.
I will remember this trip and the lifelong friendships I have formed for years to come. Thank you Jackie and the Exodus team and book if you are considering this trip! I will be coming back for more!