Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Costa Rica accounts for only 0.03 percent of the earth's surface. However it contains nearly 6 percent of the world's biodiversity. It was amazing to see how environmentally friendly Costa Rica is, a country that uses 99.2% renewable energy. Replanting of forests, following clearing of the forests to plant Palm Oil. Everyone we met respected their countries efforts to improve and remain as organic as far as possible. Also to see that there is no army, so the money saved is used to help everyone.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide throughout the trip was Guillermo Arrieta. Probably the best guide we have ever encountered on any holiday. A natural born Costa Rican, a trained Biologist, studying in the USA. He was proud of his country and knew and shared all aspects, from history, education, economy, geographical, biodiversity, animals, insects and the most amazing knowledge of birds. at the end of each day Guillermo would review what we had seen, reminded us via his I-Pad, of the bird and their song. We saw in excess of 200 birds in our 2 weeks, considering 2 days were continuous rain, when the birds were difficult to spot.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Always take plenty of insect repellant, good binoculars, camera, wet wear over trousers and look at your surroundings, don't be a slave to your camera.

Most Inspirational Moment

The group of fifteen people from a variety of backgrounds helped make this a memorable trip and the support I received at the end following an accident was remarkable and reassuring.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Carla was an excellent guide with lots of experience. She dealt with the group fairly and was most informative. Her local knowledge was much appreciated and her enthusiasm for her country was outstanding.

Most Inspirational Moment

Many moments inspired me- the film at The Equinas Forest Lodge showing how one person(an Austrian musician) can have a massive effect in preserving and conserving our natural resources; a hummingbird sitting on my hand to access a feeder; the first sight of the Pacific ocean at Manuel Antonio- paradise; a mother sloth with a baby, a caiman by the side of the canal in Tortuguera; quetzal spotting at 5.30 in the morning! I could go on and on and on.....![Oh yes- mustn't forget zip wiring in Monteverde!] Overall, I was impressed and inspired by the real commitment to conservation of all the Costa Ricans we encountered.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Carla is an excellent leader. She is very clear in her explanations, also in summarising what we have done and seen. She is very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna, geography and history of her country and is very proud of it. Her care for us was even-handed and she was particularly safety conscious while still enabling us to have adventures. When one of our group fell and broke her ankle in an inaccessible place(for vehicles) she was very calm, reassuring and quickly organised the rescue party. I have the utmost respect and affection for her- a great ambassador for her country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take decent wet weather gear- it's a tropical country! I would have valued a pair of flip flops for paddling on flooded paths. You don't really need any posh clothes! Take plenty of insect stuff- I wore mossie bands on my wrists, and found that a deodorant type roller dispensing insect deterrent the best. (to my knowledge no-one got badly bitten). Be prepared to accommodate all the idiosyncrasies of your fellow travellers- as they will yours! By the end of the holiday we were a cohesive, well bonded group.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the Costa Ricans carrying out the ideals of their stated position visit-a-vis a sustainable, eco destination.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We cannot praise our tour leader highly enough. His knowledge of all aspects of his country's history, politics, flora and fauna were second to none. His English was impeccable and he could impart his knowledge interestingly without being patronising at all. It seemed we all were receiving his personal attention.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to be truly amazed!

Most Inspirational Moment

Costa Rica is certainly a lush land with so many wonderful experiences. I was pleased to witness the enthusiasm of our courier and local guides for their beautifull country and their inheritance of fauna and flora, it was infectious.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Pedro was great, and made the trip. Nothing was too much trouble and his pride in his country and wildlife shone through. Our group was full of gentle souls ,full of enthusiasm and questions, Pedro did a splendid job to make every ones experience a memorable one

Advice for Potential Travellers

Cameras and binoculars are essential, reference books can be purchased locally and protect your self well from both sun and insects.ATMs are few and far between take lots of dollars. Be prepared to be amazed.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing a Resplendent Quetzel in the grounds of our last lodge.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Very knowledgeable on birds, animals and plantlife and always enthusiastic.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't forget a brolly - even in the dry season. And be prepared for chilly mornings when at higher altitudes.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were several inspirational moments I loved loved the Esquinas lodge with the walks and many sightings of frogs, snakes and monkeys . The sound of the howler monkeys and bird song was exceptional. The sighting of a Quetzal several times in the Saverge was breath taking .

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Pedro Bolanos was exceptional. He was enthusiastic, very passionate and caring . He had endless energy with a lovely sense of humour . He went above and beyond his call of duty always keen to ensure we were all having a good time . He was passionate about his country and was proud to be part of the nature preservation . He was very knowledgable about the wildlife especially the birds . We all felt very cared for and supported . Making the holiday enjoyable with out having to worry about anything .

Advice for Potential Travellers

We struggled to decide what currency to take and in the end took colones and dollars . You need to take some colones for the local restaurants but be aware that if you take dollars your change is usually given in colones so you are never sure what exchange rate you are getting . At the time we travelled it was better to take dollars as the exchange rate was more favourable . Take a fleece for the cloud forest as it was rather cool but not cold. It would have been nice to know to take gifts for the school we visited as they needed pens and paper etc .

Most Inspirational Moment

So many but Torteguero was the most amazing place, cruising along the waterways seeing the abundant wildlife. But the beauty of the cloud forest at St Elena was also truest stunning. Also the getting up and 5am to see the quetzals at Savegre. As was swimming in the warm Pacific and seeing the Pelicans flying above. And watching the white faced monkeys grooming in the trees.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Carla was extremely hard working and put a lot into giving us as much information as possible about where we were and what we were seeing. She was so enthusiastic about her country it was quite infectious.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are lots of opportunities to do your own thing so make the most of these, I had some of my best moments when walking alone in the forests and gardens.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the monkeys and birds in the waterways around Tortoguero and walking across the suspension bridges above the tree canopy.

Thoughts on Group Leader

As above, brilliant!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try not to lose your luggage in transit!

Most Inspirational Moment

Every place visited had its own benefits and sights of the amazing fauna and flora of Costa Rica.

Thoughts on Group Leader

As already described, excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

From our experience, do not travel via the US using United Airlines. US customs were very good, efficient and human, but United Airlines were not efficient in dealing with the travel problems caused by the weather conditions in Newark