Everything went very well! Costa Rican people...
Costa Rica
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Apr 12 - Apr 20, 2024
Everything went very well! Costa Rican people are very friendly and helpful. Olman adjusted my itinerary to fit my wishes. I also met many pleasant fellow travellers during the tours.
The guides on guided nature hikes are incredible. They can locate birds and other animals in the canopy or insects on trees that we would miss. Some could even imitate bird sounds enough to interact with the birds.
One of the drivers on the shuttle buses between places in CR was especially interesting to talk to and gave us many good tips. He worked for Interbus and his name was Alex. He speaks English fluently. With luck you'll he'll be your driver too.
The ziplining in Monteverde was fun and I highly recommend paying extra for the "Superman" harness that lets you lie prone as you zipline over the forest.
I miss the fruit in Costa Rica! It's something you can't take back with you. You can only encourage others to go there to try it.
Hotel Reviews
This is a modern hotel which is very convenient to the airport. The shuttle runs regularly. If you have a room which faces the railway line expect some noise, but there are few trains and it finishes early enough. A good restaurant with Costa Rican food a short walk away is "Rosti".
This is a small family owned and operated hotel with a super friendly and helpful staff! If you have your own wheels it's easier to go to the center of town, otherwise it's a taxi or long walk. But it's also quiet so you will probably sleep better than at a hotel in town. The freshly prepared breakfasts (no buffet) were also good.
Spectacular view of the volcano from the room! The view changes depending on the cloud cover and the sun angle. The room was clean and comfortable. The music and partying at the swimming pool can be loud sometimes but it stops early enough that you can sleep. Fantastic breakfast buffet. Easy walk into town.
Activity Reviews
![El Silencio Hike & Visit to Ecotermales Hot Springs](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/trip_plan/days/photos/b0f59d070ecbc5bf6d7575634b5a34474b973dfa/medium-c000713b59454368c53b6af5c819be62.jpg)
I have the impression that part of the hike was skipped because it was raining. Part of the group returned to the van early and the guide took us somewhere on a normal road, not a hiking trail.
![Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge Boat Safari](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/99567aa100b959fd80e1cc67203b5f776dae265c/medium-a4889f1a03b9c7096c7553e94fbb038a.jpg)
Fantastic! Saw many animals. The "surprise" at the end (after lunch) was also good but I don't want to spoil it here.
![Night Excursion at the Wildlife Refuge in Monteverde](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/39e7c333d15364aca0c3f38b2029afc651f7d5fd/medium-e155bbb4c8a0d70e736f826089374267.jpg)
Very good tour. I would do it again and hope to see different animals next time. There are many people on other tours in the same area at the same time, so be prepared to be on a crowded trail. I would like to suggest a night tour with night vision glasses in a less crowded forest.
![Selvatura Park Self-Guided Hanging Bridges & Zip Lining](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/f8a785b85debdf6d0f233f5f8215d434b51a876f/medium-bf00171903416f80a8506173f1c56d3d.jpg)
The zip lining and the hike through the forest and over the hanging bridges was fantastic! I highly recommend paying extra to be put into the "superman" harness for the last zip line so you can lie flat as if you are flying. A pity that they don't make a video of that for you, only the regular zip line at the beginning. The zip lining is rather rushed but they need to run many people through the system. Try not to lean back when you are zip lining because then you will start to brake with your brake hand to prevent yourself from leaning back further.
![Celeste River and Tenorio National Park Hike](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/b7cf73ada1e01f0e9fc00d4062bb735f10a4b326/medium-d38a9e4c98a8b48e33482c0cc53084fe.jpg)
Excellent guide! (Sorry, forgot his name.) And finally a good strenuous hike.
![Coffee & Chocolate Tour in Monteverde](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/b638306cbd97cfb014b313f5a1576ba5af0f48e0/medium-659e2f9cf6288bb415ed37f6c2ab9488.jpg)
The freshly made chocolate paste was amazingly delicious!! I wish there was more chocolate tasting instead of just coffee tasting (with 1 hot chocolate).
![Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Guided Hike](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/b52d04daf6a9069b28a92748f8799dfb975a0103/medium-77503a5f7748c045e9fbb261e4d31f27.jpg)
Great guide, wonderful experience.
![Olman](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/users/profile_photos/73f51452141959f035e1bf46ffdd5b1bf8a83e2b/thumb-2e5c1903cb964ca09dfbbaba62635f7e.jpg)
Hello Anthony,
Thanks for your good review.
I am so happy to know your trip to Costa Rica was a great experience!
I am also thrilled to know you had incredible guides, drivers, and unique experiences.
I know you miss Costa Rica fruit, but that is another reason to come back in the future.
Pura Vida,
Olman