Holiday review by Mrs Ginny Cheeseman
Name: Mrs Ginny Cheeseman
Date of trip: 18/11/2017
Number of people: 2
For me Tortuguero was heaven on Earth and I loved everything about Mawamba Lodge. I have just held a quick poll and the outstanding winner for 'favourite part of our holiday' is Mawamba Lodge, Tortuguero. My husband was the only one to choose Monteverde Lodge as his favourite but it was a close call because he also loved Tortuguero. Sarapiqui had so many beautiful small animals but due to the constant rain we re-named it Swampapiqui. My son and partner loved zip wiring in Monteverde, I loved the bay of Papagayo, the sea and walking along the beach. I loved our night walks, seeing so many bugs and snakes and on our Monteverde night walk I saw an Olingo. I had never even heard of one, it looked down from the trees at me, magical!
Tribes Overall:
Absolutely loved Costa Rica, a dream come true. Our group of four experienced several different locations and really enjoyed seeing and photographing the abundant animals and plants.
Tribes Service:
Very helpful staff, Tracy listened to what we wanted and put together a super holiday, covering so many different areas and experiences. I really want to go back!
Guides:
George at Mawamba Lodge showed us some wonderful animals and plants, he also talked about the history and the lives of people in both Costa Rica and the surrounding countries. At Selva Verde, Sarapiqui, we enjoyed the enthusiasm of the young guides. Alfred was an expert on the beautiful birds and Ronald took us on a night walk which was a highlight for me. He was very confident and knowledgeable with the bugs and snakes which I love the most!
Social & Environmental Responsibility:
Most places were amazing, the people were very proud of their environment and keen to preserve it and educate others to it's importance in the world. I would have put excellent if it were not for my experiences of the lack of care for animals and plants at El Mangroove hotel, Papagayo. In my eyes a sterile, concrete block in a beautiful area.
The places you stayed

Hotel Presidente
San Jose
Lovely hotel, staff friendly, room huge, breakfast truly excellent. Reception quirky and interesting.

Mawamba Lodge
Costa Rica
Favourite place I have ever been to in the world - what more can I say. Beautiful setting, attentive staff, nature at its finest, the sea one side, the river the other, the giant iguanas, their very own Red Eyed tree frog breeding area, the lovely pool, the huge rooms in our beautiful chalet. The freshest fruit and coconut I have ever tasted. Luxury, relaxation, perfection .....

Selva Verde Lodge
Costa Rica
Rain rather blighted our stay here as did being so close to the main road. The centre is wonderful but due to the constant traffic noise I did feel that we were in a park, rather than the wilds of Costa Rica. The birds were fantastic and despite the weather we saw some beautiful little animals and took some great photos. Loved the suspension bridge and chocolate making in the jungle!

Monteverde Lodge and Gardens
Costa Rica
Cold and wet but the lodge was perfect. They lit a log fire and had a constant supply of tea and yummy cakes in reception. The staff were amazing and nothing was too much trouble. The food was to die for and the drinks were pretty good too! I really enjoyed visiting the Serpentarium, just down the road, so many different species of snake and so well cared for. Loved their butterfly house.