Most Inspirational Moment
The trip stops in seven separate locations around the country, offering a variety of experienes - each with its own charm, as our team-leader Johnny Villalobos would often say to us. For me, it was our time in the very first location - Tortuguero National Park - that was the most inspirational, and however good our experiences were in the remainder of the trip, none matched the feeling of awe that I felt as our small boat drifted silently on the waterways beneath the towering trees of the rainforest. It is like a pocket-sized Amazon, and neither the occasional drenching from a tropical storm or the itching from numerous mosquito bites could detract from the tension as we all strained our eyes looking for the varied animals, reptiles and birds that were all around us. We were not disappointed, and an incredibly close encounter with a river otter was probably our best reward.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Johnny Villalobos could not have done more to ensure we all got the most out of our experience of his country, about which he talked with great knowledge, insight, and belief. There was no aspect of Costa Rica about which he could not enlighten us. He was very much as one with the group, and we felt he was a true friend to us all, sensitive to our individual interests and needs. Johnny showed endless patience and consideration at all times, and was tireless in his efforts to maximise our opportunities of seeing the best that Costa Rica has to offer. There were times on some of the forest hikes when birds and animals were simply not there to be seen, and then Johnny would always find something - an unusual plant, or tree, even the effects of bacteria! - to show to us and explain its significance to us. He wanted us to be aware that enjoying the natural world is not just about the big and spectacular creatures, it is also about all the little things that go to make up an ecosystem. Right up to our last night, when he suggested the perfect venue (Times Bar & Grill) for our end-of-trip gathering, Johnny offered us all the right choices. A great team-leader, and a real gentleman.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The natural world is not a theme park with its many wonders ready and waiting for you. What you see on this trip so often depends on sheer luck, on being in the right place at the right time. We were not lucky with our sightings of many of the natual inhabitants I expected to see in Costa Rica: our views of toucans, caimans, macaws, and snakes were mostly fleeting or distant. At times we seemed to walk for long periods in the rainforests without seeing very much. So you have to be patient and manage your expectations. Out team-leader Johnny told us that people go to Africa to see the Big Five, but you come to Costa Rica to see the Little Thousand! And there is always the magical peace and splendour of its rainforests.
Photographers be aware that natural light in the forests is very low and this makes it particularly challenging to get decent photographs. You should not use flash when taking pictures of the tree frogs or reptiles, as it blinds them, so you may need to be satisfied with seeing some of these amazing creatures without capturing the moment on camera.
