Current as of: December 21, 2024 - 22:44
Costa Rica Coast to Coast Ride Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group
- Destination: Costa Rica
- Programmes: Cycling
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Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
- 14 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: MUD
- Carbon Footprint: 14kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Cycle stretches of the Pacific coastline and see the highlights of Costa Rica on this bike adventure
Take in the variety of Costa Rica by bike, pedalling past rainforest, volcanoes and stunning coastline. From the Central Valley, we cycle south with vast Pacific views to the right and dense forest to the left. Crossing the 11,150ft (3,400m) Cerro de la Muerte pass into the Orosi Valley, we ride past coffee plantations and volcanoes to arrive on the fertile Caribbean plains where banana plantations take over the landscape. We take a break from the saddle to explore the wildlife-rich rivers and waterways of Tortuguero before travelling to La Fortuna, a lovely spot at the foot of Arenal Volcano.
At a Glance
- Accommodation: 13 Classic nights (10 hotel, 3 lodge)
- 10 days cycling with full vehicle support
- 97 percent paved, 3 percent unpaved tracks
- Routes follow quiet roads wherever possible
- Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader and staff. Minimum age: 16
Highlights
- Cycle past rainforest, volcanoes and coast in Costa Rica, guided by our expert tour leader
- Ride downhill through the dense rainforest of the Orosi Valley
- Visit Manuel Antonio National Park early to spot wildlife
- Navigate the Tortuguero waterways in search of monkeys, caiman and more
- Discover Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity with a walk through Las Cruces botanical gardens
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
- Average daily distance: 25mi (41km)
- Number of cycling days: 10
- Vehicle support: 100 percent
- Terrain and route: 97 percent paved, 3 percent groomed dirt road with some moderate climbs
The provided saddle bag contains a puncture repair kit including an inner tube and a box of patches and glue. If you wish to carry personal items on the bike, the puncture repair kit may be stored elsewhere, however we recommend keeping the kit close by in case of urgent need.
Though many of the roads are good, expect some potholes and poor road conditions in places. Routes follow quiet backroads wherever possible. On some sections on the Pacific coast only one road is available, so you should expect traffic as we head south. On Days 3 and 4, there are long, straight sections of road and vehicles use the opportunity to pass cyclists. Our Day 10 route from Turrialtico to Siquirres may be affected by heavy traffic and on Day 13, there is likely to be heavy traffic as we approach La Fortuna. This tour also covers some remote regions.
Please note, the sea has very strong rip currents in Tortuguero and is not suitable for swimming from the beach. At Cahuita, heed the warning flags.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: La Garita de Alajuela, near San José
- End City: La Garita de Alajuela, near San José
Land Only Itinerary
Fly to San José, transfer to La Garita de Alajuela
Those on the group flight land at San José and will be transferred to our start hotel in La Garita de Alajuela, around 15 minutes away. Those on land only arrangements should make their own way to the start hotel this evening.
Accommodation: Hotel La Rosa de América (or similar)
Start La Garita de Alajuela, near San José
We gather at our start hotel in La Garita de Alajuela, around a 15-minute drive from San José airport. There’s nothing planned today, so take time to relax and prepare for the exciting adventures ahead.
Accommodation: Hotel La Rosa de América (or similar)
Ride and transfer to Rio Tárcoles; boat tour; transfer to Playa Bejuco
After breakfast, we have a short welcome briefing and spend time adjusting our bikes before riding out on paved roads with very little traffic through small rural communities and a dry tropical forest. This initial stage will finish at Cebadilla, where we transfer approximately 40 minutes for lunch at Casita de Café, high above Atenas. After lunch, we transfer 45 minutes to embark on our private, guided boat tour of the Tárcoles estuary. We hope to see crocodiles, waterbirds and even scarlet macaws. After, we take a roughly 45-minute transfer to our beach hotel at Playa Bejuco. If tide and sand conditions permit, we can fit in more cycling and arrive at the hotel riding on the immense tropical beach. The full tour briefing will take place following dinner at the hotel.
(Extra 6.2mi/10km for beach ride option)
Accommodation: Hotel Playa Bejuco (or similar)
Wildlife walk and swim in Manuel Antonio National Park; transfer to Playa Dominical
Today we start with an early-morning transfer (approximately one hour) to arrive at the renowned Manuel Antonio National Park just as it opens. Our 7am arrival will give the best opportunity for wildlife spotting and allow us to avoid the park at its busiest later in the day. Our extended visit also gives time for a longer walk on the newly renovated and less visited Punta Catedral trail, as well as a special treat: a swim at the beautiful white-sand beach set within the park, one of Costa Rica’s best beaches. Leaving Manuel Antonio behind, we transfer approximately one hour to Playa Dominicalito, where we enjoy a late lunch at the fabulous La Parcela restaurant, which offers great meals, spectacular views and plenty of wildlife – don’t let the monkeys steal your food! Following lunch, we transfer 15 minutes to our accommodation in the rainforest at Villas Rio Mar.
Accommodation: Villas Rio Mar (or similar)
Ride to Uvita Waterfall; see stone spheres at Palmar Sur; transfer to Osa Peninsula
Today we cycle south along the coastal road, which includes a few hilly sections near Uvita and Ojochal. Our first destination of the day is Uvita Waterfall for a refreshing dip in the emerald waters; an ideal place to cool off from the heat of the day. Departing Uvita, we transfer to Palmar Sur, where we can observe the famous stone spheres produced by the ancient Boruca indigenous culture of this region and have a look at the remnants of the old United Fruit Company banana operation.
Departing Palmar Sur in the bus, we head to Mirador Mogos for lunch then resume cycling at Rincón on the Osa Peninsula, where we ride a second biking stage to Agua Dulce Beach Resort.
Accommodation: Agua Dulce Beach Resort (or similar)
Free day on the Osa Peninsula
Today is free for you to relax and recharge in the gorgeous surroundings of Agua Dulce. It’s possible to swim at Playa Pan Dulce, do some kayaking, or for those who wish to cycle, there’s a flat gravel/dirt round-trip stage (27mi/43km) out to the southern tip of the Osa Peninsula. Your tour leader can help to book optional activities; most require advance booking and a minimum number of participants. A fantastic option is the sunset kayak tour and if the bioluminescence is occurring, you’re in for a spectacular treat!
Accommodation: Agua Dulce Beach Resort (or similar)
Transfer to Mirador Osa; ride to Chacarita and transfer to Las Cruces; nature walk at Las Cruces Botanical Garden
This morning we take a 45-minute transfer to Mirador Osa (Osa Viewpoint), where we can take in spectacular views over the Golfo Dulce and Osa Peninsula. We then hop on the bikes for a scenic cycle through the hills and rainforest of the Osa Peninsula to Chacarita. Following a bus transfer (1hr 30mins) across the steep mountains surrounding San Vito, we arrive at Las Cruces Biological Station, which is surrounded by the Wilson Botanical Gardens, where we take a guided nature walk in the afternoon.
Accommodation: OTS Las Cruces Biological Station (or similar)
Cycle to Paso Real; transfer to San Gerardo de Rivas
Back in the saddle, we enjoy a fantastic downhill ride from the hilly region near San Vito to Paso Real, far below at the Rio Terraba. We pass through an indigenous area where villagers can sometimes be seen in traditional dress. We stop near Buenos Aires for lunch before boarding the bus for our two-hour transfer to San Gerardo de Rivas. We take a break close to one of the vast pineapple plantations for our tour leader to give some background on pineapple cultivation in this region – the fruit is Costa Rica’s number one export crop. Our hotel tonight is in the mountains, so it may be chillier than you expect.
Accommodation: El Pelicano Mountain Lodge (or similar)
Ride to San Isidro de Perez Zeledon; transfer across the Cerro de la Muerte pass; cycle to Orosi
This morning we start with a short downhill stage before jumping on the bus for a transfer that will take us over the Cerro de La Muerte. At 11,617ft (3,541m) above sea level, this is the highest point on the PanAm Highway in Central America. We enjoy an extended lunch stop en route, where we are sure to be greeted by multiple species of hummingbirds. On this stretch, we drive through rainforest, up into the cloud forest before descending towards the Central Valley. From here, we get back on our bikes for another downhill into the Orosi Valley.
Accommodation: Hotel Alma de Luna (or similar)
Cycle to Turrialba
After breakfast, we leave the hotel for one of the most beautiful cycling routes on this trip, past numerous coffee plantations. With any luck, we will see farmers using their colourful traditional oxcarts to haul their crop to nearby processing facilities, as well as multitudes of Costa Rican cyclists enjoying their Sunday on this fantastic stage. Along the way, we stop at a coffee field and learn more about coffee and its role in Costa Rican history from the tour leader. As we continue through the valley, we ride around a hydroelectric dam before starting a section that involves some climbs. We then descend to the small town of Tucurrique and continue on through sugar cane plantations, taking lunch near Eslabon then transferring five minutes up to our hotel for the night. Our mountain lodge has excellent views, including over the coffee growing Orosi Valley and both the Irazu and Turrialba volcanoes.
Accommodation: Hotel Turrialtico (or similar)
Cycle to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica and transfer to Puerto Viejo
After breakfast, we will start cycling a hilly section with incredible views, followed by a fast downhill to the town of Siquirres, where we board the coach and transfer to the Caribbean coast. Depending on our arrival time this afternoon, there may be time to enjoy a guided walk in Cahuita National Park before we transfer (approximately 15 minutes) to Puerto Viejo, a Caribbean town with lively reggae music and culture and spicy cuisine.
Accommodation: Hotel Escape Caribeño (or similar)
Transfer to Guacimo; cycle through banana plantations; transfer to La Pavona for boat trip to Tortuguero
Today is a very early start as we have a transfer of approximately one hour to Santa Rosa for breakfast. Then we continue (approximately 1hr 30min) to the beginning of our backroads biking stage, which takes us through several small towns within the immense banana plantations. The leader will explain the harvesting and packaging process, as well as the importance of these plantations to Costa Rica.
After, we transfer (approximately one hour) to La Pavona and board a boat to Tortuguero National Park along the wildlife-rich rivers and canals used for transiting in this densely forested area. We enjoy lunch at our lodge then there is time in the afternoon to visit the small town.
Accommodation: Pachira Lodge (or similar)
Boat trip in Tortuguero; ride and transfer to La Fortuna near Arenal Volcano; visit thermal springs
An early morning boat trip allows us to discover the extraordinary flora and fauna of Tortuguero. At this time, wildlife is usually at its most active. With the help of our expert guide, we are likely to encounter monkeys, caiman, iguanas, butterflies and many of the 300-plus bird species here. We retrace our route by boat to the dock at La Pavona where we will start cycling through banana plantations, Our morning ride complete, we have a transfer (approximately 1h 30min, plus lunch) to just outside Guapiles for an early lunch provided by our Tortuguero lodge. After, we continue towards La Fortuna and Arenal volcano (approximately one and a half hours). Following a massive explosion in 1968, Arenal was the most active volcano in Costa Rica until recently when it entered a resting phase. En route, we will take a break to observe thriving pineapple operations, before continuing to our town-centre hotel. This evening there is an included excursion to Volcano Lodge hot springs.
Accommodation: Hotel San Bosco (or similar)
Cycle on beautiful Lake Arenal to La Fortuna; transfer to La Garita de Alajuela
Following a short transfer, our final cycling stage starts with a ride through the dense rainforest surrounding beautiful Lake Arenal, with several spots to observe the volcano as we continue back toward La Fortuna. Upon reaching town, there is some free time for souvenir shopping and to enjoy lunch. The last leg of our journey is completed by bus as we transfer (approximately two hours) back to La Garita de Alajuela.
Accommodation: Hotel La Rosa de América (or similar)
Depart San José
Our trip ends in La Garita de Alajuela after breakfast this morning and those on group flights will be transferred to the international airport for the return journey.
End La Garita de Alajuela
Our trip ends this morning after breakfast.
Arrive London
Arrive London
Ascents, descents and distances: All ascents, descents and distances listed in the daily itinerary have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. However, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these Trips Notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Please note: It is possible the order of the itinerary listed above will be changed to ensure the best possible conditions for each activity during the trip. All listed activities and services will be included. Your leader will inform you of any changes locally after assessing conditions.
Accommodation
Characterful hotels and lodges
We spend 13 nights in characterful hotels, most of which have swimming pools. There are three nights in remote mountain lodges with lush gardens and superb views, one with a well-known tropical botanical garden. All accommodations are well maintained, very clean and most are long-time favourites in Costa Rica. Below are a few of the standout accommodations on this trip.
Dominical: Villas Rio Mar
In a beautiful rainforest setting, Villas Rio Mar is a slice of Costa Rican wilderness but with plenty of amenities. There’s a large palm tree-wrapped swimming pool, tropical gardens, and a rainforest trail to explore. Sustainability-focused practices include solar power running the air conditioning in the bungalows, vegetables for the restaurant grown in their greenhouse, and a monthly clean-up of Playa Dominical beach (which is just a 10-minute walk away).
Near San Vito: OTS Las Cruces Lodge
Unleash your inner natural historian with a stay at the Organisation for Tropical Studies Las Cruces Research Station. It’s a hub of science and nature, which brings together researchers and wildlife lovers from across the planet, with accommodation for up to 100 people. During our time here, we enjoy a guided walk around the Wilson Botanical Garden, which surrounds the property and is home to an extraordinary collection of tropical plants and more than 400 bird species.
Tortuguero: Pachira Lodge
Five minutes from the main entrance to Tortuguero National Park and hugged by scenic canals, this 94-room resort has a prime location. When it’s time to relax, there’s a turtle-shaped pool (this is green turtle country, after all), a buffet restaurant serving Costa Rican-Caribbean cuisine, and a bar. But the real draw is the other residents. You may spot sloths, howler monkeys and white-faced monkeys and, if you’re lucky, an otter or manatee in the surrounding waterways.
Single supplement from £ 800
Food & Drink
All breakfasts, three lunches and two dinners are included. Hotel breakfasts are normally buffets. Expect plenty of gallo pinto, a Costa Rican speciality, and lots of rice, beans, fruit and grilled meats. Fish lovers will be well satisfied with a variety of fresh fish from both Pacific and Caribbean waters.
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are limited but food is plentiful and tasty – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests.
Please note, we do not recommend that you drink the tap water.
Transport
The support vehicle will carry all your luggage and personal belongings. The vehicle will follow the riders at all times, allowing you to cycle as much or as little as you like. While distances covered in the coach are relatively short, some transfers are longer due to poor road conditions, road works, heavy traffic and/or rugged terrain (for example, Day 8 can take more than four hours to reach the Orosi Valley).
Weather & Seasonality
Costa Rica is 10 degrees north of the equator and has a tropical climate. The average annual temperature is around 26C (79F) in the lowlands and 10C (50F) in the highest mountain regions. However, it’s essential you prepare for the time of year in which your departure takes place.
Dry season (December to April): This is the driest period of the year and can get incredibly hot; on the Pacific side, temperatures may exceed 37C (98F). If passing through areas of dry tropical forest it can be hot, dusty and dry. Prepare for some rain even during this time of year.
We aim to leave the hotel as early as possible to avoid the strongest heat of the day. In many cases, we leave by 8am; by 10am, temperatures can be hot. Your tour leader is well-equipped to deal with this, making sure everyone is safely protected and well hydrated. In cases of extreme heat, they may alter the cycling route to ensure everyone’s safety.
Rainy season (May to November): Expect daily downpours, although these are usually quite short and there is still plenty of sunshine. Typically, there are sunny conditions until approximately 1pm-2pm and then a build-up of cloud from around 3pm, resulting in late afternoon rain (most likely showers between 3pm-5pm). Usually, the sky clears by 6pm.
Our cycling tours are scheduled to make the best of the weather and we aim to get going early so we have arrived at our overnight hotel before any rain. In our experience, June, July and August are the most pleasant times to travel to Costa Rica – following rainfall, the vegetation will be at its most lush and temperatures are more pleasant than at other times of the year.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hotel Rosa America, Calle La Rosa, La Garita de Alajuela, Alajuela Province, Alajuela
Phone: +506 7101 6785
Recommended arrival time: You are free to arrive at any time. Check in from 2pm. When you arrive at the hotel, please make the reception staff aware you are part of an Exodus group. The leader is normally there from the early afternoon so you can also ask for them.
Airport: Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 20 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers.
Catching your return flight
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO) from the end hotel.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: La Garita de Alajuela, near San José
Location end: La Garita de Alajuela, near San José
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Quick-drying clothing
- Waterproof jacket
- High-factor sunscreen
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Hand sanitiser
- Overnight bag (for our night in Tortuguero)
Other recommended equipment or clothing:
- Long-sleeve shirts and light trousers are good for helping to keep mosquitoes off during the evenings
- Mosquito repellent containing DEET
- Strong-soled shoes for walking in the jungle; trainers are ok, no need for heavy boots
- Waterproof rain poncho or waterproofs
- Warm sweater (for cloud forest)
- Malaria protection
Optional Equipment
- Water bottle. One or two water bottles are provided for each rider (one bottle for those using extra-small or small bikes, two bottles for those using medium, large or extra-large bikes), and bottle holders are installed on the bike frames. You may prefer to bring your own bottle.
Equipment Hire
Included standard bike
The standard bikes for this trip are Scott Aspect 940 / 950 or Trek Marlin 5.
We will take your height at the time of booking to reserve equipment. If you have a preferred bike size, please request when booking.
Bringing your own bike
If you’d prefer to bring your own bike, please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount on the price of the trip. However, you will be responsible for any extra baggage charges; assembling and disassembling your bike; and bringing along spare parts and any tools specific to it. You should also ensure you have adequate insurance to cover loss, damage or theft.
Accessories and clothing
Bringing equipment from home
You’re welcome to bring your own equipment, such as SPD pedals or clipless pedals, your own saddle (excluding the seat post), or gel saddle cover for the hire bikes. Your leader or guide-mechanic will help you fit these when bikes are distributed.
Helmets
Helmets are mandatory for everyone on a guided Exodus cycling trip. You must bring your own as, following best safety practice, they are not available for hire.
Cycling clothing
For all cycling trips we recommend:
- Padded cycling shorts: For destinations with more modest cultures, we also recommend loose ‘over-shorts’ for riding or rest stops
- Eyewear: Either sunglasses or eye protection with clear lenses to protect the eyes while riding
- Cycling gloves: Especially for riding off-road or on rugged surfaces
- Cycling shoes: Cycling is more efficient with stiff-soled shoes. We don’t recommend open-toed shoes or sandals
- Small close-fitting backpack or bum bag (fanny pack): To keep spare clothing or essential items to hand during the ride
Practical Information
Passport
Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.
Visa
Costa Rica
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica; however, proof of onward travel may be required – we suggest you take a physical copy of your flight details in case officials ask to see them.
Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/costa-rica
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/costa-rica
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/costa-rica/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Costa-Rica.html
If you are travelling via the USA and are eligible to transit under the Visa Waiver Program, you are required to register in advance for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). There is a US$21 charge, which is only payable online. Please see our website www.exodus.co.uk/usvisa for further information.
Please note: not all nationalities have the same eligibility for travel to or transit via the USA, and you may not be covered by the Visa Waiver Program. Regulations stipulate that any person who has travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen since March 2011, or have dual nationalities of these countries, may no longer qualify. In addition, if you have travelled to Cuba since 12 January 2021 you will not be eligible for the visa waiver program and should instead apply for a visa.
If you are in doubt of your eligibility, please check the visa requirements with your local US embassy.
Vaccinations and Health
Costa Rica
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, rabies and typhoid. The risk of malaria is slight, but you may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice.
Many travellers will also require a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, Tanzania and Zambia.
Dengue and zika, both viral diseases spread by mosquitoes, are known risks in Costa Rica. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so we strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Please check all requirements and travel vaccination recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.
The Travel Health Pro website recommends to have a rabies vaccination on this trip, as cycling is considered a higher risk activity.
Local Time
Costa Rica's time zone: America/Costa_Rica (UTC -06:00)
Electricity
Costa Rica's electricity: Plug types A (two flat pins, US standard) and B (three pins, US standard) – 120V, 60Hz
Money
Costa Rica's currency: Costa Rican colon (CRC); however, US dollars are widely accepted
ATM Availability
ATMs are increasingly available in Costa Rica and are now present in most tourist areas. A flat fee of up to US$3 and a small commission usually applies with card withdrawals.
MasterCard and Visa are quite widely accepted in the bigger hotels, restaurants and tourist shops, though not in rural areas. Always check the handling fee when paying by credit card as it can be high.
Travellers cheques can be quite difficult to change, especially outside the capital. It is certainly much more convenient to carry as much money in cash (in US dollars) as possible, so long as you are security conscious. We recommend you bring some small denomination notes (US$1 and US$5 notes) since getting change is often a problem when paying for small items.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
You should allow extra to cover the cost of meals not included in the price of the holiday. Snack lunches are approximately 7,800 Costa Rican colones (US$15) and evening meals 12,600-18,900 colones (US$24-US$36) per meal, excluding drinks.
Average costs for drinks are 950 colones (US$1.80) for mineral water or soft drinks, 2,800 colones (US5.50) for a bottle of beer and 2,400 colones (US$4.50) for a glass of wine.
Tipping
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus. Although tipping is entirely discretionary, it is customary in this part of the world and as such we recommend a per person allowance of 3,700 colones (US$7) per day for your cycling leader plus 2,600 colones (US$5) per day for each driver and the mechanic/assistant leader. The team may ask for a kitty at the start of the trip to cover tipping for hotel porters etc.
Otherwise, porters at the airport and hotels are normally tipped about 500 colones (US$1) per piece.
Tipping is also expected in restaurants – most restaurants will include the 10% tip, as well as the current 13% tax, so expect to see 23% added to your total meal price.
Sustainability and Impact
At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.
As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.
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Learn more about our Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan, including our commitment to rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller
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Read about the work of the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation.
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Find out how you can travel more sustainably here.
Important Information
Optional activities and excursions
If you would like to join an optional activity or excursion outside those listed in the itinerary, your leader may be able to assist with selecting a provider. However, Exodus has not assessed the safety standards of activities or excursions that are not listed in the Trip Notes. All optional activities or excursions are undertaken at your own risk.
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by Exodus should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by Exodus based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.