Most Inspirational Moment
There was so much to enjoy. This truely is a Garden of Eden and it is humbling to be able to see all these creatures and the forests. The canals of Tortuguero where a boat takes you around the river estuaries/ canals are stunning.
Swimming in the warm Pacific was gorgeous, getting up at dawn to see the reslendent quetzal less inticing. Night walks to see sloths, sleeping toocans, tree frogs, bats, green vipers curled on twigs, emerging cicada and Toasty the caiman gulping down fish, were fascinating.
The birds were spectacular: scarlat macaws, humming birds and birds in every colour imaginable. There were many at hotels and restaurants eating bananas. The monkeys leaping across the canals and pathways were greeted with oohs and aahs as they leapt the gaps between trees. The white faced capucine looks so human.
Boats and the bus stopped immediatley whenever a special creature appeared.
Thoughts on Group Leader
A brilliant man who knew how to find the wild creatures and had lots of knowledge about the flora and fauna. Unlike many trips, wildlife does not stand around so the holiday is much less predictable.
Advice for Potential Travellers
You need clothes for humid hot weather and cold mountains (but no frost), and a plastic cape is useful for downpours. I imagine that this is a very wet country in the rainy season. We choose the dry season but missed the turtle egg laying. Ask the guide to tell you what to wear and take each day. Some of the extra trips are expensive for what they are and there is enough to do without them. The night walk at Esquinas Rainforest Lodge was well worth it and the better one of two. Take closed toe walking shoes but walking boots would be rather hot. Take a travel towel for swiming in the National Parks. Do not leave bag unguarded at the beach. Monkies!
The accommodation is in wooden lodges except for San Jose. They have wonderful gardens. Take your own plug for the sinks! Most have hair dryers. All have good showers. Wifi was good.
Do not attempt to do any laundry in your room because it does not dry. Laundry at Esquinas is $15 for a sackful! San Jose is not worth any extra days. A tour of the Theatre was lovely and the National Museum taught us the history of the country. We had no trouble with mosquitos inside or outside in January but we did choose to wear long trousers and long sleeved shirts. The bus is air conditioned/heated, the driver was very good but many miles are on gravel roads and very bumpy. You move every 2 days so have to be organised. Early mornings meant early to bed for us and there was no nightlife, music or dancing. Take binoculars and good cameras. Your holiday snaps will wow your friends! My son who usually confines himself to the top 10 photos of my holiday, is insisting on 50 with an option for more this time! This trip is not for you if you would mind restaurants with no walls so that the wildlife comes in too: lizards on the walls, birds flying through, bats on the wall behind the bar. Always take a torch and watch where you are walking especially at night. Cases were delivered to rooms. Dollars are acceptable everywhere. Not USA coins.
