Natural Highlights of Costa Rica
Experience Overview
A tropical paradise bursting with wildlife, Costa Rica is home to six percent of the world’s plant and animal species, many endemic. The rich biodiversity is extremely colourful. More than 850 bird species have been recorded here – far more than found anywhere in North America, Europe and Australia. A cornucopia of exotic flora and fauna, Costa Rica is a nature lover’s delight.
Profile
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (5 hotel, 2 lodge) — Travel by air-conditioned bus and boat — All breakfasts, four lunches and two dinners included — Green turtle nesting season: July to October
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (5 hotel, 2 lodge) — Travel by air-conditioned bus and boat — All breakfasts, four lunches and two dinners included — Green turtle nesting season: July to October
Trip For You
This trip is graded Activity Level 1 (Easy) with a Wildlife Rating of Three. Visit our Wildlife Holidays page for more on our Wildlife ratings. For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
Most of the roads we travel on are good quality. However, the road that leads to the river on the way to and from Tortuguero and the road into and out of Monteverde have a poor surface and this can result in slow driving times, particularly following heavy rain. There are also some longer drives on the itinerary; when rest stops and meal breaks are taken into account, a 4-hour drive may take 6-7 hours in total.
There are several included and optional walks on the itinerary which occasionally involve walking on rough paths. These are suitable for most fitness levels. During times of heavy rain, trails can be muddy and slippery and extra care should be taken. Many of the areas visited on the trip are hot and humid and there is the chance of heavy rain year-round – this is why Costa Rica is so green.
Please note, the sea in the Tortuguero region has very strong rip currents and is not suitable for swimming from the beach.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts, four lunches and two dinners are included.
In the itinerary we state which meals are included on which day. Hotel breakfasts are normally buffets, and lunches and dinners at Tortuguero are also buffets. Vegetarian and vegan options are limited but food is plentiful and tasty – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests.
Costa Rican specialities include gallo pinto, a black bean and rice dish that’s a staple part of the local diet. Soups and stews are also common, and fresh fruit is abundant and will no doubt be one of the highlights of your time in the tropics.
Transportation
We travel in air-conditioned buses and also boats in Tortuguero. Depending on the group size, we either use a 16-seat Coaster minibus or a larger 20-seat vehicle. Due to the type of vehicles we use, it's common for luggage to be transported on the roof, covered by a tarpaulin. There is a shared transfer to Tortuguero on Day 2 of the itinerary in a larger coach.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Park Inn, Avenida 6, San Bosco, CR-P, San José, 10103
Phone: +506 4110 1100
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately.
Airport: Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 30 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers on the start date of the trip or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through Exodus.
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.
Weather Information
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.
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.
Spending Money
US dollars are widely accepted as payment in Costa Rica; however, change will likely be given in local currency and the exchange rate will fluctuate. We suggest taking some US dollars with you but then using ATMs to withdraw the rest of your money in local currency while you’re there.
You should allow extra to cover the cost of meals not included in the price of the holiday. Snack lunches are approximately US$15-US$18 and evening meals US$25-US$32 per meal (excluding drinks). Average costs for drinks (in restaurants) are US$2-US$3 for mineral water or soft drinks, US$4-US$5 for a bottle of beer, US$7-US$10 for cocktails and US$7-US$10 for a glass of wine.
Optional excursions available during this tour (bookable locally):
Tortuguero:
— Turtle nesting tour (July to October only): from approximately US$50 and can only be booked directly with the hotel at check-in
La Fortuna / Arenal:
— Ecotermales hot springs (four hours): from approximately US$45 — Ecoglide zipline tour: from US$55 — Don Juan Coffee & Chocolate tour: from US$55
Monteverde
— Butterfly Garden: from US$21 — Hanging Bridges (self-guided): from US$50 — Hanging Bridges (guided): from US$66 — Selvatura Sloth Sanctuary: from US$40 — Zipline: from US$70
All prices are per person and some excursions require a minimum number of participants. Depending on the activities chosen by members of the group, there may be an additional cost for transportation to/from the activity. Optional excursions can be paid for by cash (preferably), credit or debit card. Please note that due to time constraints, it is not possible to participate in all the optional activities and some may involve missing included elements of the tour.
Tipping
Our local staff are paid fairly for their work with Exodus. However, it is usual for groups to tip tour leaders and drivers, and it would be reasonable for each group member to contribute US$45 for the tour leader and US$30 for the driver. You may wish to tip more if travelling in a small group.
The tour leader may organise a tipping kitty to facilitate tips for other staff members including porters, local guides and restaurant waiting staff, which will be collected at the start of the trip. The amount may vary per departure, but we recommend a starting point of US$80 per group member.
Highlights
— Enjoy an easy-going week in wildlife hotspots: rainforest, mangroves, lava fields and cloud forests — Navigate the Tortuguero waterways in search of monkeys, caiman and more — Discover the natural wonders of Arenal Volcano National Park via walking trails, observation towers and hanging bridges — Feel the cloud forest come alive on a nocturnal walk in the Monteverde Wildlife Refuge
Trip Details
Product Code: 4296
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: er coach.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: WUA
Starts: San José, Arenal Volcano
Finishes: San José, Arenal Volcano
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Unknown
Includes
— All breakfasts, four lunches, two dinners — All accommodation — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughout — Arrival and departure transfersAccommodation
Hotels and lodgesOn this Costa Rican adventure, we spend seven nights in hotels and lodges, aiming to use family-run establishments where possible. Below are the accommodations typically used on this trip. San José: Aurola Holiday Inn San José (nights 1 and 7) We begin and end our adventure at this high-rise hotel, which is conveniently located for the downtown area of the city. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and amenities include an indoor pool, fitness centre and a selection of restaurants (head to the 17th-floor El Mirador for a view over the city and Central Valley volcanoes). Tortuguero: Pachira Lodge or Evergreen Lodge (nights 2-3) In Tortuguero, we stay at either Pachira Lodge or Evergreen Lodge (above), depending on availability. Both are firm favourites with our groups: ideally situated for access to Tortuguero National Park by boat and with comfortable rooms in the Costa Rican wilderness. Both even have a turtle-shaped swimming pool. Arenal: Arenal Montechiari (nights 4-5) Arenal Montechiari is a 10-minute walk from La Fortuna town. Each chalet bungalow is set within tropical gardens where hummingbirds gather, and there are wonderful views of Arenal volcano. Monteverde: Montaña Monteverde or Monteverde Country Lodge (night 6) Our night in Monteverde is spent at either Monteverde Country Lodge (above) or Montaña Monteverde, depending on availability. The former is a cosy retreat for the cool cloud forest climate with a restaurant serving fusion cuisine made with Costa Rican produce. The latter is adjacent to a private reserve and has a bar and restaurant serving homecooked Costa Rican dishes. Worth knowing One or several of the named properties might be substituted for similar alternatives to secure hotel availability. Please discuss with your customer operations executive if you require more details regarding your specific departure date.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,515 ($439 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to San José, the culture-rich capital of Costa Rica. The group flight usually arrives into San José this afternoon. Land Only clients should aim to arrive at the hotel by 5pm so that you can meet your fellow travellers and tour leader, who will give you a warm welcome to Costa Rica. If you miss today’s welcome briefing, the tour leader will give you all relevant information on the afternoon of Day 2. Free transfers are available for all clients. Accommodation: KC Hotel or Delta by Marriott San José Aurola (or similar)
Our adventure begins early this morning, leaving San Jose behind as we travel to Tortuguero National Park in the northeast of Costa Rica. Accessible only by boat or light aircraft, Tortuguero has a vast network of waterways, canals and swamps that are remarkably tranquil, unspoilt and devoid of noise pollution. On reaching the pier, we board a small motorboat for the journey to our lodge (up to 1hr 30min) , which is a short distance from the main lagoon. Please note the transfer from San José to Tortuguero is not private for Exodus clients. Our afternoon is spent in Tortuguero village, where we can visit the Sea Turtle Museum (a donation will be requested at the entrance). Tortuguero is probably most famous as a nesting site for the endangered green turtle, which can be seen arriving onto the beach to lay eggs from late July to October (as part of an optional excursion). Hawksbill, loggerhead and giant leatherback turtles also nest in this region, and during November to January baby turtles hatch and make their way towards the ocean. Today's travel time will be in the region of five to six hours including a stop for breakfast. Accommodation: Evergreen Lodge or Pachira Lodge (or similar)
A morning boat trip enables us to discover the extraordinary flora and fauna of Tortuguero, passing serenely along the waterways. At this time of day, wildlife is usually at its most active and with the help of our expert guide we are likely to encounter monkeys, caiman, iguanas, butterflies and many of the 300-plus bird species recorded here. We return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast by the river. This afternoon, we enjoy a second boat trip along a different canal. Alternatively, stay at the lodge this afternoon if you want to enjoy the facilities or follow a short walking trail through the forest. Accommodation: Evergreen Lodge or Pachira Lodge (or similar)
We leave Tortuguero the same way we arrived by taking a small boat to the pier. Our bus will be at the pier waiting to drive us to the Arenal region, passing huge banana, pineapple and sugar cane plantations on the way. Arenal was the most active volcano in Costa Rica until 2010, when it entered a resting phase and stopped spitting ash, smoke and lava. However, there is still a lot of geothermal activity here and you'll have the opportunity to visit one of the excellent hot springs this evening. Alternatively, embark on a chocolate and coffee tour or take a walk on the wild side with the Ecoglide zipline . In clear weather, there are great views of the volcano from our overnight base, the nearby town of La Fortuna. Today's travelling time is around 5hr 30min including a lunch stop. Accommodation: Arenal Montechiari or Casa Luna (or similar)
Today we enjoy Costa Rica's natural beauty at its best with a visit to Arenal Observatory Lodge, located within Arenal Volcano National Park. Our walk incorporates a hanging bridge through the treetop canopy and meanders through beautiful tropical gardens and lush rainforest. The property has a variety of trails and the tour leader will select a trail that suits the whole group for an enjoyable walk full of biodiversity. Two impressive observation towers, including the 28-meter-high Nest Tower, offer panoramic views of the surroundings. The adventure takes approximately two to three hours and offers opportunities to see or hear more than 250 species of birds, three types of monkeys and a whole host of other mammals, insects, reptiles, plants and flowers. After the nature walk, a delicious lunch is included in the restaurant. The afternoon is free to relax or embark on one of Arenal's many optional activities, including zip lining and a coffee and chocolate tour. Accommodation: Arenal Montechiari or Casa Luna (or similar)
From Arenal, we travel to the Tilarán Mountain Range in the Central Highlands for our first taste of a Costa Rican cloud forest. The journey provides breath-taking views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the islands below as we ascend the hills towards Monteverde, a forest-cloaked region whose name means Green Mountain. The high altitude supports a complex ecosystem where plants thrive, particularly orchids of which there are some 400-plus different varieties here. Today's drive is around four hours – the last 25mi (40km) of road is gravel and can be bumpy, particularly following heavy rain. In the afternoon, it's possible to join an optional coffee tour to learn about the importance of this crop to the socio-economic development of the country. This evening we set off on a night walk in Monteverde Wildlife Refuge. Situated within primary cloud forest, this reserve is committed to the preservation of native flora and fauna. Taking a nocturnal walk allows for a completely new perspective on the forest, which our guides will bring to life for us. Keep your eyes peeled for sloths, who are often active during the night! Accommodation: Montaña Monteverde or Monteverde Country Lodge (or similar)
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a favourite destination for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. A walk through the reserve will reveal huge old growth trees covered in moss while the surrounding mist permeates the atmosphere. The geographic, topographic and climatic conditions of the reserve allow a surprising biodiversity to thrive. There are four ecological ‘life zones’ that harbour different ecosystems for hundreds of species – mammals, birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, insects and arachnids. We can also find a variety of mosses, vines, other plants and trees typical of the cloud forest. One of the reserve trails leads to a lookout point right at the top of the continental divide where, on clear days, you see both Costa Rican coasts: the Caribbean and Pacific. These forests are also one of the few remaining habitats of the endangered resplendent quetzal. Following today's activity, we transfer to San José. Accommodation: KC Hotel or Delta by Marriott San José Aurola (or similar)
The trip comes to an end today after breakfast, and it's time to bid Costa Rica and the rest of the group goodbye. Alternatively, extend your adventure with a stay at the Punta Leona Beach Club in Jacó, where you can relax on one of two white-sand beaches, treat yourself to some spa time, or join an educational tour through their protected nature reserve, which is home to more than 200 bird species, including toucans, owls and flycatchers. To make things extra relaxing, your booking includes a transfer to the hotel and another at the end of your stay to San José Airport. Speak to your sales representative to book.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Philip Davies - Traveled, January 2024
Great wildlife, shame about the minibus! Costa Rica is undoubtedly a fabulous location. We really enjoyed the opportunity to see amazing wildlife in some stunning locations. Accommodation was mostly excellent (apart from a very tired-feeling Holiday Inn in San Jose) but there was simply too much time spent travelling in a cramped minibus. The ratio of travel time to dedicated nature-watching was simply too high. It might be too much trying to encompass three destinations, spread across a wide area, in such a short time. Most Inspirational Moment Boat trips in Tortuguero National Park Thoughts on Group Leader Very friendly and knowledgeable but occasionally somewhat overbearing. We sometimes felt like we were being talked to like naughty primary school children! Initially very unsympathetic and seemingly disinterested when group members' luggage was soaked while being transported on the roof of the minibus. Advice for Potential Travellers Costa Rica's a fascinating destination and our knowledgeable guide helped us gain a good appreciation of its natural wonders. You need to be ready to spend a lot of time travelling between the three locations on this tour. It felt like we spent as much time on the road (in a far from comfortable minibus) as we did searching for, and finding, Costa Rica's special flora and fauna. If possible, think about a longer tour with a better balance between travelling time and time spent out enjoying nature. Definitely not recommended if you're tall!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/14/2024
Sheila Charlesworth - Traveled, November 2022
Brilliant Nature Brilliant guide Well organised trip Good drivers Most Inspirational Moment Seeing monkey, sloth, iguana, reptiles, birds etc in their natural environment. Wonderful country- shows it’s possible to live in peace with nature and with each other. Thoughts on Group Leader Brilliant- so thoughtful, organised, keen eyed, knowledgeable, personable Advice for Potential Travellers Nothing beyond the trip notes needed for the tour, but check the flights as some people had worse than others ie those via USA
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/23/2022
Karen White - Traveled, February 2019
Fantastic Holiday! Considering we only had a week, the holiday had a packed itinerary, was brilliant and just went too quick! A stunning country with a wealth of wildlife, trees and plants made even better by a terrific guide! Most Inspirational Moment All of it! I learnt so much about Costa Rica. Scenery was stunning. Difficult to pinpoint an inspirational moment but was taken by surprise by how much I enjoyed a stop-off at a banana processing plant and loved the tour of the coffee and chocolate plantation. And, of course, spotting my first sloth! Thoughts on Group Leader Miguel Alfaro Lopez was the best guide I have had on an Exodus trip and all my guides have been great. There was nothing he didn't know about Costa Rica right from when it first formed millions of years ago. His knowledge of the culture, climate, wildlife, trees, plants, bird song, politics, education system - everything was mind-blowing. He told us on day one that he would do all the worrying - and he did, not that we had anything to worry about. He looked after us incredibly well and was a joy to spend the week with. He was friendly, had a good sense of humour and nothing was too much trouble. If you have Miguel as your guide, you are extremely lucky! Advice for Potential Travellers There's a lot of travelling but enjoy the views of this beautiful country. Definitely recommend the coffee plantation tour and the hanging bridges. When it rains in the rain forest it rains hard but just embrace the experience. Enjoy every minute because this week goes far too quickly.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/17/2019
Julie Griffiths - Traveled, February 2019
Wonderful wildlife Wonderful wildlife, great guide, highly recommended Most Inspirational Moment The night walk Thoughts on Group Leader Jorge was great, very knowledgeable, highly professional. Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared for long drives between locations
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/12/2019
Robert Constable - Traveled, January 2019
Fab trip with great guide and driver but be prepared for long journey times and chaotic airport Very enjoyable holiday with similar minded folk with a superb guide and driver. Thoroughly recommend but be prepared for chaos at the airport on arrival and exit – took us over 2 hours both times and long travel distances and early starts. But overall worth it. Thanks Most Inspirational Moment Lots of highlights but daft as it sounds really liked that although mid Jan still had Christmas decorations up - bizarre but fun! Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent - one of best ever had and his level of English was amazing Advice for Potential Travellers Chill out / be patient at airport and enjoy the scenery on the long journeys
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/11/2019
Emma Shubrook - Traveled, September 2018
Fabulous trip! Great trip! There is a lot of time spent travelling on this trip but it’s a necessary evil to fit so much in! San Jose is nothing very exciting but is fine for an overnight stay before you start the proper adventure. I wouldn’t spend any extra time here. Tortuguero is amazing, you head out on a boat to the hotel where you can see all kinds of wildlife. The hotel is a lodge in amongst the waterways and forest, you can see birds and reptiles in the hotel grounds. The boat safaris are good, particularly the first one, the earlier you go out in the day the more you see so the early starts are worth it. La Fortuna is another lovely place to visit. The town is small and has some good restaurants, all against the backdrop of the volcano makes it rather special. The hotel here is another wooden lodge style place, really liked it, very peaceful. The optional trip to the hot springs is the perfect antedote to a long day of travelling, we got lucky and had 30 mins alone before the Americans descended on us! The food in the restaurant at the springs was good. Monteverde wasn’t quite what I expected. The walks in the cloud forest were lovely, I wish we had started earlier in the day so we might have seen more. Really didn’t like the hotel here, great view but felt like a business hotel and not amongst the forest which was a shame as you missed the wildlife. Pizza place our guide took us too was fabulous! We saw lots of birds and were very lucky with the weather given that I was there in the middle of the rainy season. Even when it rains it’s too hot to zip up a jacket unless you’re in Monteverde where it is much cooler and rather chilly at night. Don’t forget the insect repellent. You cannot avoid the rice and beans, or beans and rice and why would you want to! It’s the staple dish so stock up. If you’re avoiding carbs this is not the trip for you, it’s carb tastic! I now have a new found addiction to fried plantain! Most Inspirational Moment The early morning boat trip around Tortuguero, such a beautiful place. Thoughts on Group Leader Eduardo was absolutely fantastic. His English put native English speakers to shame. He made sure we all knew what we were doing, what to wear and what time to meet and were well fed at all times, and was very patient with us all asking him the same thing a million times over! He was very knowledgeable and a brilliant guide. Advice for Potential Travellers Don't leave home without insect repellent, layers of clothes, comfy walking shoes, closed toe sandals, weather proof coat, binoculars, camera. You can pay for everything in US Dollars, try to take small notes where possible. You will struggle with anything bigger than $50. Be prepared for 2-4 hours on the road at a time and 2 hours on boat safaris each time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/19/2018
Laura Savill - Traveled, March 2018
One for the lover of birds It is a long flight going out, 11 hours. British Airways were the airline chosen because of the direct flight, but the standard of service on the plane had much to be desired could not wait to get off the plane. The first hotel in San Jose was okay but the food and drinks were very expensive, it would have been nicer to have had a hotel in the centre so that one could go out and see the city. The adventure really begun the next day when we had a coach journey then boat to get to our first destination. If you are a lover of birds you will love this holiday as they’re so many to see, however the island is very green with cloud and rain forests which you can explore. It is a country not contrasts and it should be seen. Most Inspirational Moment I really enjoyed the walk at night, to go into a forest at night and see night creatures and just to hear different sounds. I learnt to much. Thoughts on Group Leader Our group leader was excellent, he knew so much about the wildlife and was able to spot them while we were driving. He was able to keep the group together and on time. Advice for Potential Travellers Don't expect to much from the food, I found it very boring and plain. The country caters mainly for American visitors which is reflected in prices. Remember to pack waterproof and warm clothing for the evening's.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/24/2018
Imogen Hill - Traveled, April 2018
Fantastic, very well organised tour. Would highly recommend Breathtaking sights. Very knowledgable guide. Friendly yet not over bearing. Great variety of wildlife and flora and fauna seen. A very intense few days. Probably one of the most exciting and fulfilling experiences we have ever had the pleasure of experiencing. Would highly recommend this tour. Most Inspirational Moment The purity of the rainforest... So lovely to see there is still so much natural habitat in existence. Thoughts on Group Leader Guillermo was a fantastic tour guide. He was very informative and friendly. Nothing was too much trouble for him. Always happy to help. Advice for Potential Travellers Take comfy walking shoes and plenty of change of clothes due to the high humidity and heat in Tortuguero. Would highly recommend taking luggage with wheels as its down to you to move your luggage about at all times and sometimes theres a small walk involved with this.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/12/2018
Anon Anon - Traveled, February 2018
Natural highlights of Costa Rica. This was a fabulous trip, giving you a slice of Costa Rica. There is a lot of driving between locations, ( at times 4-5 hours) some of the roads were still unmade, so can be very bumpy. The weather was extremely hot in places, but in Monteverde quite windy and therefore something warm to wear is a necessity. We saw so many beautiful birds and reptiles,on our boat trips and our guide had a wealth of knowledge of fowl and fauna. Beautiful kingfishers,herons, lizards,turtles,crocodiles to name but a few. The boat trips made it for me,but the visit to the Hot Springs was fun and a great way of getting to know your group! The suspension bridges were a lot lower than I thought they would be and it was far too short. If you are not afraid of heights and speed, go for the Zip Wire. I would recommend taking a waterproof jacket, walking boots or shoes, and mosquito repellent! Most Inspirational Moment I loved the boat trip at Cano Negro; the boat was open at the front and you could stand and view both sides of the river for the local wildlife. We all had fun trying to spot the elusive sloths,but great time had by all. Thoughts on Group Leader He had an incredible knowledge of all the flowers and wild life, and could spot creatures from a great distance; very impressive. Advice for Potential Travellers Take a weather proof jacket,walking boots or shoes, mosquito repellent and buckle up!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/14/2018
Alan Key - Traveled, January 2018
Cost Rica for the third time. There was a lot of hours travelling, however that is acceptable as the country’s road system to the places we were going to do not allow shorter journey times, and some of the scenery was superb. Our drivers throughout were excellent as was our guide Glenda who worked hard to ensure we all had an enjoyable tour. We were slightly disappointed with Tortequero as the boat safaris could have been longer and we did not really go as far into the jungle as we expected, a lot of time was lost queuing up for entrance tickets and the last morning it would have been possible to do an additional safari and depart the lodge a bit later to return to the jetty. We actually saw more on the 2 1/2 hour boat safari in Cano Negro than we did in the whole time in Tortequero. The Monte Verde part was good but again more time could have been spent in the actual jungle than having nearly an hour to have coffee and shop at the information centre. Most Inspirational Moment The time spent on the Rio Frio in Cano Negro where we saw lots of birds and all three species of monkey to be found here with a great showing of white faced capuchin very close to the boat feeding. In Monte Verde actually finding a male Resplendent Quetzal a very rare bird was enjoyed by all, the bird life at the accommodation was also well appreciated (note we are not specifically birders). Thoughts on Group Leader Glenda was escorting her very first trip and worked hard to ensure we all got the best out of the trip, She was very knowledgeable about the country, fauna and flora and the country's wildlife and birds and if anything was asked and she did not know she endeavoured to find the answers. Although she was lacking in experience which will come obviously, she made up for it with enthusiasm and in time will be a very good escort. Advice for Potential Travellers Costa Rica is a great place to visit and not just for the wildlife. It was our third visit having done the national parks on both coastlines on our previous visits and now the interior. If it is on your list of places to go then go, its worth it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/11/2018
Roger Willis - Traveled, September 2017
Fantastic tour of Costa Rica's top sites A fantastic tour of all the best sites in Costa Rica from coast, to volcanoes, to cloud forests. The tour exactly mirrored what was described in the itinerary and the itinerary delivered lots of opportunity to view not only the tremendous wildlife on offer, but also the different landscapes and eco systems. Most Inspirational Moment We joined one of the optional tours on offer to see turtles coming ashore at night to lay their eggs. We were not disappointed and got the chance to see a green turtle scraping out its nest and laying its eggs. The included boat trips along the rivers provided the opportunity to experience the tranquility of the verdant forest bordering the rivers but also the skill of the boat skippers got us in the best positions, up close to view the wildlife. Thoughts on Group Leader Guillermo was an excellent group leader who had an extensive knowledge of all things Costa Rica and was energetic and enthusiastic in sharing that knowledge with the group which made the trip enjoyable and informative, this was particularly important whilst travelling between locations. He provided information on the wildlife, the culture, the crops, and the eco systems. He was passionate about the environment and proud of the efforts Costa Rica has made in conservation. Guillermo and his company also provided an excellent driver, Juan, who made an excellent wingman to the group leader and was an integral and welcome part of the group. Juan was as passionate as Guillermo about his country. Advice for Potential Travellers In Costa Rica, and Tortuguero in particular, they take the conservation of the turtle population very seriously and the tours at night are rigidly controlled by the wardens with no cameras or torches allowed, to prevent disturbing the turtles. There can be quite a bit of time spent waiting in the darkness to be called forward by the wardens and tour leader to view the turtles. Light waterproof jacket, dark clothing and closed toed footwear is recommended. Secondly, although it is best to just watch the local wildlife on offer, to preserve the memories it is best to take a camera with some form of telephoto lens. Lastly, and most importantly ! They always say it is best to learn some of the language to make the most of any trip. I discovered a little known, local, Costa Rican response, to the greeting: "Como estas ?" The local Costa Rican response is: "Con toda la pata". I guarantee that if this response is used it will make any local smile, not that that is too difficult ! Apparently it is difficult to translate this into English but apparently it means: "Fantastic ! including the whole paw" (?)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/28/2017
Kevin Langham - Traveled, April 2017
An excellent introduction to Costa Rica This trip packs a lot into 8 days without ever feeling rushed. We achieved our aim of seeing sloths (2- and 3-toed) and also saw many other amazing animals and birds. Most Inspirational Moment Seeing a sloth climbing down from high up in a tree to avoid the worst of a squally shower and, as she got closer, realising that she had a baby clinging to her was fabulous. The Cloud Forest in Monteverde also stood out; for me it was the epitome of what a 'jungle' should look and feel like (very green and wet!) Thoughts on Group Leader Our guide, Johnny, was friendly and knowledgeable about seemingly all aspects of Costa Rica and its wildlife. Special mention must also go to our driver Dennis who negotiated some narrow windy roads extremely safely. Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared for rain in the cloud forest despite what the weather may be doing in Monteverde itself! For any photographers, a 400mm lens (or equivalent) really helps get photos of sloths, monkeys etc high up in the trees.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/18/2017
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