Most Inspirational Moment
There were too many fantastic wildlife encounters, it is impossible to pick just one! My first highlight would be simply waking up to the sounds of the rainforest on my very first morning in Tortuguero - howling monkeys, chirping birds and chattering cicadas to name just a few. The boa constrictor digesting its iguana lunch on the banks of the mangroves in Tortuguero was a spontaneous encounter we were incredibly lucky to see; the Common Potoo and her chick nestled in a tree in Manuel Antonio was another rare and special sighting; and coming face to face with a Howler monkey piggy backing her baby was an initmate, albeit brief, interlude never to be repeated on the trip. With a view of Arenal volcano to one side and a lake on the other and swathes of undulating forest unfolding beneath me, zip lining 200 metres high over rainforest canopy was probably the most breathtaking moment of the trip! I was also delighted to see ten types of frog, including the iconic Red Eye Tree frog and the almost transparent Glass frog, during a couple of guided night walks - I would definitely recommend joining these walks as it is incredibly difficult to spot the night time wildlife in Costa Rica without an expert to point you in the right direction!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our leader, Pedro, was brilliant. His knowledge of the local wildlife was pretty much flawless, even able to identify a number of bird species simply by their birdsong alone! He was informative, flexible and dynamic enough to accommodate the needs of the group. During the few long bus journeys he educated and entertained us with humorous annecdotes and stories of his country's history.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take walking boots or at least a pair of decent walking trainers. Depending on the time of year you travel, some trails can be muddy, uneven and slippery. If interested in photography, take a decent telephoto lens with you as a number of the wildlife encounters maybe at a distance and often obscured by leaves and branches! Waterproofs and quick drying layers are a must as it can take a while for cotton clothes to dry out in that humidity. Oh and don't forget to take a decent supply of DEET repellent (or buy some locally) - the mosquitos out there mean business! Above all else, immerse yourself in the nature and enjoy one wildlife highlight after the next...it is an incredible destination.