Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There was so many but I liked Tortuguero - i felt my senses were bombarded. There was so many animal sounds, so much to look at with the sights and smells and then the feeling of it all. From being on the water looking at the birds and wildlife to feeling the humidity it was amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Randall was oustanding.He was the ultimate professions and delivered his knowledge and insight very effectively. He shared information on the wildlife, flora and fauna as well as information on Costa Rica's social, historical and education systems. His answers were always articulate, well explained, patiently delivered and never too much effort. He was clearly liked and respected by hotel staff and locals wherever we went which was lovely to see. He made our trip truly memorable and nothing short of outstanding. (Oh and he solved my problem efficiently and effectively when I left my passport and other items in a hotel safe that we'd checked out of around 90 mins before!)

Advice for Potential Travellers

Moving on so regularly takes a bit of planning in terms of luggage and packing. Whilst my suitcase was big enough for the stuff I was taking (around 16kg inc case), a slightly bigger one would have been advantageous for packing up and moving on and made things a bit easier.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing quetzals in the grounds of the Savegre Hotel, and then again on a wildlife walk the next day

Thoughts on Group Leader

Johnny's enthusiasm for his country and its conservation was infectious and we learned an extraordinary amount. Johnny is an expert bird and wildlife spotter and was kind and considerate to every member of our group. The places he chose to eat were great and the early morning walks were lovely. We couldn't have had a better leader!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you go to the Savegre Hotel, take advantage of their hide in the gardens, we spent a couple of hours engrossed in watching the hummingbirds - magical

Most Inspirational Moment

Many moments…..! Exploring the quiet waterways of Tortuguero. Early morning swimming in the pool of the waterfall at La Fortuna. Seeing the cloud formations at the Continental Divide. Walking/swimming at the deserted beaches of Manuel Antonio NP. Experiencing the relative isolation of the Savegre valley….and more!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andres was an exceptional group leader - the best mix of educator and entertainer. He is very knowledgeable and passionate about flora and fauna and we learned so much about the rich biodiversity of Costa Rica. He also kept us interested and amused with information about culture, politics, education and more personal tales, when his sense of humour shone through. He was very concerned for our safety and well being, making sure we were always aware of any potential dangers/problems.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As advised in the notes, pack for a variety of weathers. We were lucky and had mostly lovely warm/hot weather but also a few cooler days with the inevitable rain when waterproofs were useful. There are a couple of opportunities for doing laundry as items do take a long time to dry.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to single one out!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andres exceeded all expectations. He was so knowledgeable and passionate about all aspects of Costa Rica. He was patient, empathetic and wanted us to experience as much as possible in the two weeks visit. He had a great sense if humour and spoke excellent English.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be careful, easy to overeat! Three courses at lunch and dinner was too much!

Most Inspirational Moment

Walks in rainforests.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Very knowledgeable, hard working and caring

Advice for Potential Travellers

Very warm. Sun tan lotion, insect repellent and binoculars essential. Think carefully about clothing and footwear for daytime and evenings.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing a sloth

Thoughts on Group Leader

Johnny was the best guide I have ever had. He is extremely knowledgable.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing so much wildlife and beautiful flora.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader David was excellent. Always willing to help and was very good at spotting all manner of wildlife especially birds. He went out of his way to put in extra activities and it was really appreciated by all the group.

Most Inspirational Moment

Fulfilling a dream of getting to Costa Rica to experience a truly different natural environment; getting up close to the wildlife, whether it be birds or animals; swimming in the Pacific - a truly warming experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I think that we were lucky to have Andres Herrara as our guide. I addition to his years of experience we benefitted from his knowledge and expertise on his personal subject (the botany of Costa Rica); his incredible knowledge of the birds and animals that we saw (or were helped to see) and his enthusiasm for Costa Rica's history and it current affairs.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not overpack. British Airways gives the option of hold luggage and two items of cabin luggage (small case and ruck sack). I would have coped better with a larger suitcase and a back pack. What I had was cumbersome, particularly in transit by plane. Given the time of year (February) and the weather (almost universally good) I think that pair of strong walking shoes would have sufficed. I took strong walking shoes and walking boots, and the latter were hardly used - see above re packing / weight).

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing sloths close up

Thoughts on Group Leader

Johnny was so knowledgeable and friendly

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go there

Most Inspirational Moment

Everything! But Armando spotting a mother and baby sloth will forever be a magical moment !!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Armando is a credit to his country, for which he clearly has a deep rooted love and passion for, and its environment and wildlife . He inspired us all and was professional but friendly , funny and approachable throughout! His knowledge was endless and he made everything so easy to understand

Advice for Potential Travellers

BOOK THIS TRIP ( BUT ASK FOR ARMANDO AND CARLOS ( driver)