Holiday review by RetiredBritishCouple

Name: RetiredBritishCouple

Date of trip: 26/09/2017

Number of people: 2

The close contact with wildlife especially the iguanas, penguins and giant tortoises.. The camaraderie aboard "Beluga" including celebrating crossing the equator.

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Tribes Overall:

Everything dove-tailed nicely. Were met by representatives when supposed to and all accommodation of excellent standard. Overall exceeded expectations.

Tribes Service:

First class very professional and friendly service. Very helpful suggestions received . Paul was obviously tuned in to what we were looking for. All queries answered promptly. Many thanks

Guides:

Overall, very knowledgeable and informative, especially on Galapagos Tour (Juan). Transfer facilities very comfortably with careful drivers.
Felt that the Ecuadorian operators were far superior to the Costa Rican operators especially when it comes to communication. Whilst we were greeted at San Jose airport & introduced to our taxi driver by the latter, we felt that we were then left to our own devices with little information regarding our trips e.g. no real idea of what to expect, no suggested footwear. On the Arunal Hanging Bridges trip we were picked up at 7.30 a.m. and dropped off at 11.00 a.m., missing out on the optional lunch as mentioned in the itinerary. We felt that we were being rushed towards the end of the trip . Also, it would have been nice to visit the hot springs at Tabacon (other Arenal trip) in daylight rather than in the dark.

Social & Environmental Responsibility:

We were warmly welcomed by the locals wherever we went, which suggests that tourism is a major factor in their economy. We therefore feel that we were contributing to the income of the local population. It also raised awareness of the plight of endangered species of the planet and the risks of man's effect on the environment e.g. pollution and damage to wildlife and the environment.

La Casona de la Ronda

Quito

Small hotel in old Quito. Very comfortable, quiet but quaintly shaped room at rear of hotel. However, street has tendency to be fairly noisy at weekends which might effect rooms at the front. Friendly, helpful staff. Breakfast only meals taken but totally satisfactory.
Location excellent for old city.

Beluga

Galapagos Islands

Nicely equipped boat. Had good corner cabin (no. 6) with windows. Food excellent and staff very attentive.
It would be helpful if bar prices were displayed rather than finding out when settling bill as no receipts issued.

Grand Hotel

Ecuador

Large city-centre hotel in convenient position for the old part and promenade. Comfortable room, very polite & helpful staff

Arenal Springs Resort & Spa

Arenal

Spacious room (in fact, a semi-detached chalet) with marvellous views of Mt. Arenal. Beautiful, well-maintained surroundings. Pools and hot springs perfect for relaxing in.
Restaurant menu rather disappointing as it was restricted to Italian dishes.

Si Como No

Manuel Antonio

Wonderful location on the cliff side. Room with excellent views over the bay. Very relaxing location with easy access to beach & National Park by hotel shuttle or public bus. Also good public bus service (same one) to nearby Quepos.

Finca Rosa Blanca

Near San Jose

Rather secluded hotel in beautiful surroundings close to San Jose, thereby convenient for the airport. Comfortable suite full of character (inc. quirky bathroom) with beautiful views from the balcony located in main house. Delightful surroundings with lots of wildlife inc. numerous types of butterfly.
Staff very friendly and food very good albeit not over generous servings for breakfast.