Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many but without doubt the time we spent at Tortuguero was tops. Hancy, our boat captain, was able to spot wildlife when all I could see was vegetation. The extra excursion to see the Green Turtle laying her eggs was very moving. We formed a 'guard of honour' as she hauled herself back into the sea. Also watching the capuchins stealing the bananas meant for hotel guests at the Villa Bosque and both the capuchins and squirrel monkeys using the overhead cables to move from where they spent the night to feed. We stayed in some lovely lodges/hotels. The only slight disappointment was the hotel at Manuel Antonio (Villa Bosque) as the rooms and bathrooms were small. Carlos, our driver, was very careful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Johnny Villalobos is amazing. His knowledge and enthusiasm is second to none. He often arranged extra stops on the drives to break up the time spent travelling, although I didn't find the drives long. I'm afraid of heights so didn't do the canopy walk, Johnny made sure that I would be OK waiting at the centre while the rest of the group went off, showing me around so that I knew where everything was. He also showed us around and explained things when some of us went to the hot springs. I had my birthday while we were away and Johnny arranged a cake with a central candle, which lit a ring of candles and played Happy Birthday! He and Carlos also gave me a small gift. Johnny is the best group leader I have ever had.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Only really what everyone else has said. Protect your camera from the rain and protect yourself from insect bites. Even though your clothes don't get wet, the humidity will make everything feel damp.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching a green turtle lay her eggs at Tortuguero (optional extra). And the sloth with her baby hanging low on a vine beside the river.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabulous.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the wildlife close up. Being in the rainforest,amazed at the trees,vegetation and flower species.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very knowledgable and professional.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Maybe try to put your clothes in sealable bags as first days are in rainforest and everything will get damp and stay damp. Don’t pack too much, opportunity to wash clothes at halfway point of trip. Protection for camera or make sure you have one with two viewfinders in case of water ingress (my camera broke down on third day!). Good protection if you suffer from insect bites.

Most Inspirational Moment

As someone who enjoys bird watching, I found it exciting to learn about the different species and see them first hand. Seeing 145 new species of birds in two weeks was phenomenal! I was most surprised at how close the wildlife was; with an average pair of binoculars, I had excellent views, although some wildlife - hummingbirds, armadillos, reptiles for example - were all so close that I didn't need them. Seeing such colourful and exotic wildlife was definitely the highlight of the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The guide was exceptionally knowledgeable, providing fascinating insights into the country's economy, wildlife, plants and people, all imparted with humour and dry wit. He led the group with such assured ease, that the whole holiday felt effortless. As someone who normally travels independently, it was a real treat to be led by someone who really knew what they were doing. His enthusiasm and knowledge improved the holiday immeasurably.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The temperature fluctuates drastically between the different locations. You will need both warm clothes and waterproofs as well as light summery clothes. Whatever you bring, make sure it is quick-drying, including shoes - the humidity is so high that nothing really dries. Take binoculars too - it will increase your enjoyment of the holiday no end.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the turtle lay its eggs.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was full of knowledge and prepared us well for what to expect each day. He was polite and quick to resolve any problems that occurred.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We travelled in August . There was a lot of rain. Wellingtons may have been useful. We took sturdy shoes and Walking boots but did not really need the boots.

Most Inspirational Moment

Having the pleasure of a different bird or mammal every day....they really are there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Extremely good... very experienced and full of knowledge....told us important thing.... but appreciated silence! Didnt treat us like we were on a sunday school outing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of cheap t shirts etc because you will not have chance to wash and dry as your always moving ..it wont dry in time.....its not a fashion show...be practical.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to name just one.! e.g. Moving sloths, quetzals flying & landing.macaws, frogs,snakes & all sorts of wild life in so diverse places from the coast,low level to rain forests, cloud forests to the Highlands. Truly wonderful experiences and so diverse. Well recommended!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Couldn't have been bettered.! [ Our boat & minibus drivers were also excellent & great wildlife spotters too.]

Advice for Potential Travellers

A good quality lightweight jacket advised. A pair of binoculars. A good travelling camera & a Dry Bag to keep it in. A choice of shoes e.g. covered toe tekking sandles/boots. Canvas decking shoes or similar lightweight after trekking shoes.& insect repellants. Enjoy.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing so much wildlife. Sloths, monkeys, raccoons , a huge variety of birdlife and a couple of snakes. Fabulous!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Katia's knowledge about the wildlife, geography and history of Costa Rica was astonishing. As a bird enthusiast, she was able to recognise everything from a tiny glimpse or a snatch of birdsong. In addition, she went out of her way to ensure everyone was enjoying their trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't forget a sense of humour. It helps enormously when you have a puncture in the middle of nowhere.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing so much wildlife. Sloths, monkeys, raccoons , a huge variety of birdlife and a couple of snakes. Fabulous!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Katia's knowledge about the wildlife, geography and history of Costa Rica was astonishing. As a bird enthusiast, she was able to recognise everything from a tiny glimpse or a snatch of birdsong. In addition, she went out of her way to ensure everyone was enjoying their trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't forget a sense of humour. It helps enormously when you have a puncture in the middle of nowhere.

Most Inspirational Moment

Meeting the owner michael Schnitzler of esquinas lodge. Such a wonderful work, he is passinate and inspirational about ecolgy.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent ++.so kniwlwdgable and put on so many extra outings. Always helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Long lightweight cotton trousers to keep the sun and bugs off. Don't bother taking posh clothes for the evenings. Just smartish will do. We used smidge during the day and onky used deet dusk and dawn. So much nicer on the skin and we did not get bitten