Most Inspirational Moment
So many! Tortuguero - was our favourite place. The waterway networks, beautiful gardens, the sea and the mix of wildlife on hand. Visiting the local village and understanding how they have changed their ways to conserve the turtle populations and see the value in tourism. The people are laid back, welcoming and friendly. Monteverde - the hummingbird garden. Standing and watching these wonderful birds at close quarters was magical. Hearing the wings beating as they flew past you, going off to the next flower or feeder was not what we expected as our previous encounters were very fleeting and short lived! Scarlet Macaws - on the way to Manuel Antonio. Our driver spotted a single bird perched in a tree. It wasnt the best view as the bird was deep in the branches, resting from the sun. However, as we pulled away to leave 2 pairs flew overhead and landed in a tree in clear view only a few meters away. To see these rare, endangered birds was a privilege and a pleasure. This was our only siting and makes you feel incredibly lucky. Manuel Antonio National Park - 8 month old three toed sloth in a tree approximately 7ft off the ground and only 15ft in to the the rainforest. Enough said! Esquinas Lodge - view from the restaurant nothing short of fantastic. Night walk here very good and full of potential as felt by the hairs on the back of my neck! Also the video detailing how the lodge and area came about as it is today, one person can make such a difference - this was very inspirational. Finally seeing quetzal birds at Savegre Valley. There was one female and then up to 4 males flying up and down a 50 metre stretch of trees trying to impress her. Was quite amazed how much they stood out against the green of the leaves. Very much worth an early start!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jorge was the best! Extremely knowledgable, passionate and helpful. Clearly very proud of his country and gave us so much information on the bus journey's about the country's history and culture too. Jorge became a good friend to our group, we all said how emotional we felt when the time came to say goodbye! Zero complaints. Our driver, Chico, was excellent too and they made for a brilliant double act! He was also very friendly helpful and considerate. A very good driver.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Travelling through Houston, USA on the group flight proved to be just as easy as anywhere else. Don't feel you need to take loads of camera batteries as can charge up at every lodge. All the rooms are well protected from mosquitos and we didn't feel the need for a mosquito net at anytime. Do take repellent with you though. Towels are always available including for use by pools or on beaches etc so no need to take any. There are several bendy and bumpy roads, l suffer travel sickness but was able to sit in the front of the bus, air-con good and had plenty of stops so didn't pose a problem for me. Found could pay with plastic in most areas surprisingly. Took mainly dollars which were easy to use but may have been easier with colons as a fair percentage of goods quoted in local currency. We had a rabies course of injections but were the only ones to in our group. Our doctor said the antidote is rare in the world in the present day and gives 5 days to get treatment instead of 24 hours. Doesn't hurt to have but cost just shy of £240 each person, not an absolute requirement though as Exodus do say.