Cycling Nicuragua - Costa Rica - Panama with Roberto and friends :-) This was our second cycling trip with Exodus, and the attention to details, knowing clients needs and wishes was second to none. From start to finish we didn't have to worry about a thing, the biggest decisions we had to make was what we were going to eat at meal times, everything else was well planned and executed by Roberto our tour leader. You certainly need a good base level of fitness, some of the climbs were long and hard, so the fitter the better, however it didn't matter of you were last, you were looked after by the mechanic and the minibus was never that far away.
Would I recommend this trip ... YES I certainly would.
An amazing tour with loads of bird and wildlife spotting. We were very lucky to have Johnny Villalobos as our tour leader. He is a walking encyclopedia on the flora and fauna, caring, flexible and a great organiser. We saw spider, capuchin, howler and squirrel monkeys, three and two toed sloths , lizards, iguanas, a green turtle laying her eggs (very moving) and much more. I can't remember how many species of birds we saw (loads), all of them very colourful and often very close up. This is one of the best trips I have ever done.
After reading other reviews i had high expectations which were not just met but exceeded on this wonderful trip. The real highlight for me was the stunning range of landscapes along with such fascinating and colourful flora and fauna. I travelled with an excellent group who all seemed to get on so well and who all had that determination and drive to succeed and enjoy this holiday to the fullest possible extent. The cycling is excellent for a "Moderate" trip. It is a busy schedule with 12 consecutive days, usually up early to avoid the worst of the heat and the possible rain showers in the late afternoon. There are some tough climbs but well worth the effort and there's always the bus to get on when needed. The mileage is ideal and although it may not look too far in the trip notes, there is the heat (well over 30C). I can't praise our guide Roberto enough along with his team of Walter and Luis. They guided, supported and encouraged us superbly, providing us with excellent information and wonderful refreshments of the finest tasting fresh fruit and snacks at regular intervals. The hotels are all fine, in excellent locations, although a few needing a little attention to repair and maintenance issues. The food is very good throughout. Breakfasts generally fairly basic but some excellent lunches and evening meals in local restaurants and cafes. I left with some wonderful memories of a beautiful country, lovely people and a desire to return some day. We extended our stay in Tamorindo at Cala Luna hotel which was excellent and a hugely enjoyable few days of R & R after the cycling.