Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It’s the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you’re interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.

Simply use the selector below to search our trip reviews and start reading real feedback from real Exodus travellers who have ‘been there and done that’!

Lots of our clients also like to post handy tips and advice about their travels. It’s great to know what to expect on an Exodus adventure before you go, so make the most of their experience and you’ll make the most of yours!

Haven’t posted your review yet? Here’s how to do it…

Once you return from your Exodus adventure holiday, you will be emailed a link to add your review. Any feedback collected is posted onto our website, totally unedited.

Alternatively you can navigate to the relevant trip page and add your review via the Reviews tab.

Select a trip specific review:

Select

52 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Janet Dixon

Reviewed March 2015

Patagonian Highlights

Thoroughly enjoyed the trip. We were a small group of nine people.
Pepe our leader was very good and kept us up to date with all the schedules and where we would be walking to on the day as sometimes due to weather conditions changes needed to be made.
I went on the upgraded trip (no camping) and I found all of the hostels and hotels very comfortable and the staff were accommodating.
Some of us were lucky to see ice being calved from the glacier – that was amazing.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking on the glacier and being mesmerised by the stunning colours of the icebergs and glaciers. Walking in the Tierra del Fuego National Park Hiking to the base camp of Fitzroy

Thoughts on Group Leader

Pepe was very good group leader. He was very informative, had a good command of the English language. He was resourceful in arranging trips and booking tables at restaurants at short notice for us. Pepe had a good sense of humour and kept us entertained.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the very long road trips in the mini bus.

Keith Young

Reviewed January 2015

Patagonia Highlights 2015

A very good holiday about as far away from the grey British winter as it is possible to get. But the weather was much better than I was expecting- sunshine almost every day and very little rain.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being among the Southern Andes in good weather. or Standing on the water front in Ushuaia watching the sun go down - without being cold...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good. Never seemed to be in any trouble or under stress and even seemed to be enjoying himself most of the time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The two day walks which are part of the itinerary of the trip (Mount Fitzroy and Torres Del Paine) both involve significant climbs, but are well worth the effort. Very limited time in Buenos Aires if you use the group flight

Mark Brissette

Reviewed January 2015

Patagonian Highlights (AAA) Jan 2015

A great trip. Patagonia is a large area but this trip hits the highlights- Fitzroy, Petito Moreno glacier, Torres del Paines NP, and Ushuaia. The minibus trips from El Calafate to Torres del Paine (1 day) and from TdP and Ushuaia (2 days) are long but there are stops for pictures, short walking, food so not too bad. Our group agreed that hikes should be considered as moderate- both have parts that aren’t bad but both have parts that are steep and rocky so more challenging.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing Mt Fitzroy and the Torres del Paine for the first time. The boat trip on Beagle Channel. Petito Moreno glacier calving ice. Also the group we had was fantastic and clicked very well. They were very supportive of everyone on the more challenging portions of the treks. The group made the trip even more special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Xavier was great! Arrangements were flawless, needs were met, and he always was available for issues. One member of our group become ill and had to go home and Xavier took care of everything. If you get Xavier as your leader, you will be very happy.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for changeable weather. Parts of the hikes (treks) are moderate so make sure you are prepared physically for them. If those parts are too challenging, you can always stop and go back down and wait for the group to continue the hike (trek). Taking it slow is no problem. Local currency and US dollars are taken almost everywhere for optional trips and food. For taxis in Buenos Aires, use local currency. When leaving Argentina, if you depart from Ezeiza International Airport, arrive earlier than normal at home as check in can be a bit slow.

Thomas Jennings

Reviewed January 2015

Recommended but lots of driving

All in all, a good way to get orientated with a highlights reel of southern Patagonia’s best bits. Which are surely right up there with the world’s most spectacular scenery. Be aware, however, that in an area as huge as Patagonia, there are some seriously long drives required to get between the various scenic hotspots and not a great deal of free time between. Although these journeys never seemed to drag too badly due to the epic scenery passing by outside the bus windows and were offset by the days hiking in various National Parks. All in all, a really good trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the majestic Fitzroy Massif rising magically above the barren Patagonian Steppe as we drove away from El Calafate and towards El Chalten. I'd waited decades to see this sight for myself and the weather gods smiled, to put it mildly, so it more than exceeded my impossibly high expectations. The Beagle Channel penguin colony was also a delight.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Xavier was great, one of the best tour leaders I have ever had. Constantly cheerful and relaxed, nothing was too much trouble and he made an effort to acquaint us with important Argentine traditions including asado and his constant mate drinking.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring some good books and one of those inflatable travel pillows for the number of long bus journeys involved. Also worth packing your trekking poles if you have them as some of the walks whilst not too tough do feature some slightly tricky trails at times.

Susan Waton

Reviewed January 2015

Patagonian Highlights

I had wanted to go to Patagonia for years and finally took the plunge and booked this trip – it certainly didn’t disappoint! There’s a lot of travelling and so much crammed into the two weeks that it flies by. The overnight stays in Buenos Aires that bookend the main activities were brilliant, and it was nice to start and finish with a blast of heat. The walking surprised me by being no more difficult than some of the longer Lake District/Scottish Munro type walks, and the gear I had was more than adequate. Food and drink were delicious and drinking tap water all the way caused no problems – Argentinian steaks, Patagonian lamb and Malbec were favourites.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved Torres del Paine; we walked up to a viewpoint in the park and took some glorious shots of the massif with clouds and lakes in perfect conditions - I would have ideally liked another day here to simply sit and stare; the hike up to the base of the towers the next day was strenuous but taken in three parts so that all could cope. The final pull up the moraine was easier than I had expected and the rewards at the glacial lake well worth the effort. The famous Patagonian winds were in evidence all the way - take sunglasses for protection from the grit constantly blowing in your eyes! The hike to Fitzroy was equally awe-inspiring; our two guides Mauro and Johnny were a great team even producing flasks of tea at the lunch stop, and the circular route gave us some stunning and memorable views. On Christmas Day itself, we walked in the Tierra del Fuego National Park, saw the end of the world and then sailed down the Beagle Channel to meet the penguins - an unforgettable and epic day. To finish off in BA on Boxing Day with a tango show was the icing on the cake (!)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dennis was constantly on the go, checking optional excursion availability and the next day's arrangements, I'm sure he was completely exhausted at the end of the trip. But he always had a smile and a joke for us, and lots of information about the areas we were travelling through. He also very kindly took 4 of us up an unnamed mountain behind El Calafate on his day off, for which we are eternally grateful as it added some views of the Uppsala glacier we would otherwise have missed as well as a gathering of 14 condors above some weathered sandstone. Beautiful!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do it! Patagonia is an amazing place and you will remember the mountains until the day you die. We encountered no animosity (a la Jeremy Clarkson and friends) and enjoyed some truly inspirational scenery. One caveat; if you change your dollars for pesos in BA anywhere other than the banks (not a great rate) they will not change it back at the airport on departure - you need your receipt as evidence. Some of us got around this by touting our pesos to the bank queue and offering a favourable rate... probably not entirely legal.

Peter TOMLINSON

Reviewed December 2014

Patagonian Highlights

Fantastic mountain scenery enjoyed through great walks, accompanied by perfect weather conditions of clear blue skys and warm sunshine in a part of the world where the phrase “four seasons in one day” is often used.
If you like red meat you are in for a treat, medium rare cooked stakes to die for and the lamb ain’t bad either. I am not used to a what appeared a joint and rake of lamb in the one dish. All washed down with plentiful amounts of exceedingly good Malbec, the good value of the wine only makes you drink more but well it is a holiday afterall.
There are some long drives but to see the best of what Patagonia has to offer, it is a great way to travel. You have a long drive on day 10 and, when you get to the ferry strong winds may delay that 2km trip across the water for 2.5 hrs but don’t worry, the cafe has plenty of beer.
A the end of the trip back in Buenos Aires, which on its own has beautiful architecture and worth a return trip to spend a few more days enjoying the sights, a tango show is a great way to finish the trip with a great stake and more of that Malbec.

Most Inspirational Moment

A difficult one to answer but if I had to pick one it would be the walk to the base of Mount Fitzroy. The walk in starts in the forest with glimpses of the glacier through the trees. Then there you hear the noise of the glacier moving. After 3 hours you have the choice to continue a steeper climber to base or rest for 2 or maybe 3 until the rest of us return. If you do proceed it is well worth it and the guide has one further surprise for few extra strides. On the way down and the walk back the the town the views just get better at every turn. The walk is about 28k but don't let that put you off, it is well worth it and you have to walk past all the pubs before getting back to the hotel. As I mentioned it is difficult to pick one moment as there are other great days to accompany the Mount Fitzroy walk.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The tour leader was great: kept you well informed about the days activity; relevant facts about each area; practical information useful for all of us and there to help and resolve little problems when they arose, very cool and unflustered.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You do need to pack for all weather conditions but as experienced, you may not always need them all. Do pack your walking boots or shoes they will get plenty of use and well worth it. The full day walk in Torres Del Paine is where the moderate activity level of trip is appropriate the but don't bank on a good hearty meal of wholesome food in the evening at the refuge, bring what allowable food you can into Chile you quite likely to appreciate it to stave off hunger. Don't forget the alcohol either, wine and beer, you will save a fortune.

Ann Kirkhope

Reviewed December 2014

Patagonian Highlights

This was a great holiday. We had a good bunch of people who “clicked” almost immediately. We had a fantastic leader who made everything so much better. The views were outstanding. Even the long bus rides didn’t seem that bad. Lots of breaks to stretch our legs

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing Torres de Paine so close after the bit of a scramble to get to them.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic. One of the best that I have ever had. Knowledgeable and very personable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not under estimate the difficulty of the 2 treks- Fitzroy Paine and Torres de Paine. They are not gentle strolls!

Reviewed November 2014

Patagonia Highlights

Having just returned from this trip, I would highly recommend it for others wanting to see the highlights of Patagonia. The scenery was beautiful and the walks (especially the one in Torres del Paine) was fantastic, despite seeing four seasons of weather in one day!

Most Inspirational Moment

Torres del Paine National Park - I'd love to return to do more walks in it. Perito Moreno Glacier - was spectacular The Malbec wine and huge steaks!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Xavier was a excellent guide. He was easy going and everything was very well organised. He was extremely informative and nothing was too much trouble for him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of waterproof and wind proof clothes. Take lots of $, as the ATM machines are not very reliable and the banks went on strike when we were in Ushuaia! If you can afford the time, I would recommend getting to Buenos Aires a few days before the tour starts or after it finishes, as it's a great city to spend extra time in.

Reviewed January 2014

PATAGONIAN HIGHLIGHTS

This was a fantastic experience which we wouldn’t have been able to replicate travelling by ourselves. The scale and the vastness of Patagonia was truly beyond our imagination. However, sharing this with a great group of people and led by an excellent guide, allowed us to get the most out of the adventure.

Most Inspirational Moment

Without doubt both Claire and I felt that reaching the viewpoint at Torres del Paine was wonderful. We were lucky with the weather that day and, although the wind did blow, the sky was clear and the views were better than any photograph because we were there! It was a longish day with the last hour being a stiff climb up across a boulder slope but that made the achievement even more worthwhile.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Xavier was an exceptional guide. Nothing was too much trouble and he had a great range of knowledge. He was also an expert in recovering lost items that some of us left in buses, aeroplanes and hotels. He allowed us to be completely relaxed because despite his easy going nature, his organisational skills were exceptional and this meant we always left on time and had no problems with any leg of the travels.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared. Have proper footwear and clothing for ALL weathers. We had sushine in Buenos Aires and snow in Ushaia. Temeratures ranging from 28C to freezing. And did I mention the wind?

Reviewed November 2013

PATAGONIAN HIGHLIGHTS

A splendid trip that truly captured the highlights of Patagonia.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the Torres del Paine, which are so iconic, was terrific. Even though it snowed on the hike, it was still a wonderful day. Fitzroy was a close runner-up. And Magellan Strait, of course -- a very ordinary strip of water with such huge historical importance (and besides, Magellan was one of my childhood heroes).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Couldn't ask for a better leader than Xavier. When a trip goes smoothly, you know it is the result of a lot of hard work; and he did it. Great pride in his country and always happy to discuss Argentina with curious foreigners. We learned a lot from him. The local guides at various stops were uniformly excellent; they made the trip so much more interesting.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of layers; the weather really can change quickly. Take plenty of US dollars, get to BA a few days early and find a way to convert to pesos at a good rate, not the official one. Take binoculars or a good long lens for your camera; lots of wildlife to focus on.

Prev 1 … 3 4 5 6 Next