Most Inspirational Moment
There were so many magical moments on this trip it's hard to pinpoint an individual experience.
The Laguna Lodge at Tortuguero is situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Tortuguero river/waterways so we got around by river boat. We saw SOooooo much ... it was awesome .... sloths, monkeys, toucans galore.
The Hot Springs at Fortuna is an additional trip; we sat in hot volcanic spring water sipping cocktails watching the monkeys swinging from the trees above. I'd definitely recommend!
Christmas Day zip-lining in Monteverde was a personal highlight, in particular the Tarzon swing ... I laughed and squealed so much it hurt.
Manuel Antonio National Park has amazing private beaches; to lie in the sun and be visited by racoons and basilics is quite something.
Esquinas Lodge is in the most fantastic setting; we sat on our balconies watching passing toucans and hummingbirds and listened to the noisy frogs trying to send us to sleep at night.
Sevegre sits in a deep valley surrounded by glorious nature, including the famous quetzal birds and has lots more to offer. The lodge was amazing and we had lovely rooms and the lodge gardens were spectacular.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Johnny was amazing; he did his utmost to ensure everyone enjoyed their personal holiday. As a native Costa Rican he was able to tell us all about the country's history, explain the culture and introduce us to friends on our travels. He was an excellent spotter of wildlife and knew so many names of the birds it was incredible. He became our friend and shared in our jokes and mischievous pranks. The drivers too were amazing spotters and would often just stop the bus, or boat, to allow the opportunity to enjoy the passing wildlife. Fantastic!!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Forget taking a hairdryer! It's so humid most of the time you have to succumb to the natural look. However, most of the lodges did have one but they only run on 110v so they get very hot and are very slow.
I took the charger for my toothbrush but there are no shaving sockets and unless you have a 2-pin round to 2-pin flat adaptor, you're stuck.
I took US dollars but I'd seriously consider taking Colones next time. Although you can pay in dollars, they give change in Colones. Everything is priced in Colones and exchanged to Dollars using unknown exchange rates, hence it becomes very confusing and you feel you lose out every time you purchase anything.
It's very casual everywhere you go.
There's a laundrette at Fortuna opposite the hotel and one next to the hotel in Manuel Antonia. Both are very cheap. Keep clothes in dry bags if possible because everything becomes damp in your suitcase due to the humidity ... it can't be helped, hence why the laundrettes are handy!
Take deet - my 100% deet kept me bite free but many others on the trip suffered.
A poncho makes an ideal waterproof, in preference to a rain jacket. It's almost impossible to dry anything once it's wet, and you will get wet!
Some walks definitely require walking boots/shoes but many others you'll find proper walking sandals will suffice.
