Steven and I are passionate about wildlife. After enjoying a couple of African safaris, Costa Rica was next on our bucket list. I must admit, I had some apprehension about spiders during the planning phase, but I'm so glad I didn't let it deter us. As it turned out, any spiders we encountered during our trip were quite content to stay in their own corners.
Our journey began with a direct 11-hour flight from Gatwick in Premium Economy. Opting to travel to the airport the night before proved handy. We were able to drop off our bags and obtain boarding passes early, which made for a stress-free morning. We leisurely strolled to the terminal and breezed through security without the hassle of the long check-in queue.
Amanda meticulously tailored our holiday experience. Over the course of 15 fantastic days, we explored five different locations, with all transfers and excursions pre-arranged.
Every stop on our itinerary offered varied accommodation, each very different, leaving us thoroughly satisfied with the choices.
We were met in San José by a private transfer and despite the hot and bustling atmosphere, our savvy driver navigated the backroads, allowing us to bypass much of the traffic en route to our overnight stop at Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation.
Opting not to venture far after a long flight was a wise decision. After a warm greeting, we enjoyed delicious food and refreshing cocktails at the friendly hotel.
Although our room lacked air conditioning, it was comfortable enough, and aside from a friendly little gecko, we encountered no unwelcome guests - a promising start to our adventure.
The next day, we embarked on a 4-day, 3-night journey to Tortuguero, travelling partly by bus and then by boat.
Our accommodation at Mawamba Lodge was simple but clean, and ok for a night or two. However, the absence of air conditioning made for slightly uncomfortable sleeping conditions.
The resort had a delightful swimming pool and friendly staff; the food was satisfactory, albeit the menu proved repetitive.
In contrast, the wildlife was abundant. We encountered sloths daily amidst the lush gardens; numerous iguanas, some as long as 6 feet; as well as howler monkeys, spider monkeys, white-faced monkeys, coatis, raccoons, crocodiles, cayman, porcupines, tent-making bats, agouti, oropendola birds, toucans, blue jean frogs, halloween frogs, and even a grey fox.
Our next destination for three nights was the exquisite Hotel Arenal Manoa, situated in a tranquil and secluded setting with mesmerising views of the Arenal Volcano.
It had two lovely pools, one of which was a soothing hot spring. The food here was superb and the staff once again demonstrated exceptional friendliness and hospitality.
We embarked on a walking tour led by an exceptionally knowledgeable guide and were treated to sightings of abundant wildlife. Among the highlights were an orange leg tarantula nestled in her tree hole (where she stayed 😊), four distinctively coloured eyelash snakes, and a brown recluse spider with her numerous offspring.
During a captivating night tour, we were thrilled to encounter a variety of frogs, additional sightings of eyelash snakes, and the presence of golden silk orb weavers.
The following day, we embarked on a fascinating expedition to Arenal Volcano, which involved a rather steep ascent. The walking poles provided by our guide proved to be invaluable aids during the descent!
Our journey continued as we traversed the lake by bus and boat, arriving at Monteverde for the next leg of our adventure. Nestled within the cloud forest, the climate here was noticeably cooler, making our waterproof gear essential.
At Senda Monteverde Hotel, we were greeted with a comfortable room that, despite the absence of air conditioning, remained pleasantly cool. The hotel's convenient location allowed easy access to nearby shops and reasonably priced local restaurants. One particular dining establishment, Thomas & Tiago, left us thoroughly impressed.
The Motmot birds and resplendent quetzals stole the spotlight during our half-day tour of the Monteverde Reserve.
Additionally, we had the opportunity to visit the sloth sanctuary, where we encountered 12 sleepy residents who, unfortunately, cannot be reintroduced to the wild.
We bid farewell to Monteverde, embarking on the next leg of our journey with a private transfer and a delightful driver who proved to be a wealth of knowledge about the diverse regions and climates we passed through.
Along the way to our final hotel, he graciously offered to stop for photo opportunities which included one at a large river where we were treated to the sight of numerous crocodiles.
Later, during a boat safari, we were awe-struck by the presence of a massive crocodile that ventured remarkably close to our boat, along with a multitude of birds and lizards.
For our final four nights, we indulged in relaxation at the stunning Hotel Parador Resort & Spa, where the cool comfort of air conditioning was most welcome.
Nestled on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific coastline, the hotel boasts an adjacent white sand beach and is conveniently located near a village offering alternative places to eat.
Within the hotel grounds, we were delighted to discover trees hosting sloths, providing us with endless hours of entertainment as we observed their leisurely movements and occasional strolls.
Throughout the day, monkeys made spontaneous appearances, while iguanas lingered nearby in search of food.
The hotel offered an array of amenities, including an adult-only pool, a pool featuring a swim-up bar, and another reserved for guests staying in the suites.
We ventured to the bustling Manuel Antonio National Park via the hotel shuttle bus, where the heat was already intense, even at 7:30 am. Nevertheless, our exploration of this biodiverse paradise allowed us to encounter even more of Costa Rica's stunning wildlife.
Our experience exceeded all expectations, and we were exceptionally well cared for throughout our journey. If you share our passion for wildlife and adventure, then booking with Amanda is an absolute must.
She is so good at planning trips; she attentively listens to your preferences and crafts a personalised itinerary that aligns with your desires.
Thank you, Amanda, for an unforgettable adventure. We're already looking forward to booking our next holiday with you! 😊