Holiday review by Mr. Alan Payne

Name: Mr. Alan Payne

Date of trip: 21/01/2020

Number of people: 2

Boat trips were a bit more basic than we expected. Lots of wading in water and even mud but as a means to an end were thoroughly enjoyable. (some found trips we greatly enjoyed an ordeal ..... But they were wimps.)

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Tribes Overall:

We booked because others had been recommended both Tribes and Costa Rica. A wonderful place and memorable holiday. We travelled all over and feel we saw more than we were expecting plus some adventures as well (boat trips were a crazy experience but we loved them)

Tribes Service:

As good if not better booking experience than we have ever had. Paul listened and met our needs really well.

Guides:

Almost without exception a knowledgeable, friendly bunch who were clearly proud of their country.

Social & Environmental Responsibility:

Good to see a country understanding the plastic and global warming problems and doing something about it as far as they can. They cherished the wildlife and know that it is an important part of their lives.

Hotel Presidente

San Jose

As close to San Jose central as you can get. SJ not really my thing. Not there long so used the morning as a wander. Theatre and cathedral worth a visit. Hotel comfortable and breakfast good. Discovered the CR staple of beans and rice for the first time.

Shawandha Lodge

Costa Rica

Lodge rooms good. Comfortable and you feel right in amongst "jungle".No restaurant open so used local eateries. Best, La Botanica was nearest (turn left up road and about 200 yards)

Evergreen Lodge

Tortuguero National Park

Transfer to boat via a muddy slope to rivers edge. Lots of people all queuing for boats to different lodges. Our separate lodge/room was good with nice bathroom and loads of space. The terrace of rooms didnt look too good. Grounds lovely with masses to see day and night. Frogs monkeys birds otters (lovely Black and White Owl outside our front door) Food ok

Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge

Corcovado, Osa Peninsula

Remote but right on edge of National park so no extra boat ride. Our boat ride to hotel was fun (ominous that all our luggage and back packs had to be sealed in waterproof bags) Some other guests had their boat swamped and damaged where the river meets the sea and its BIG waves. We loved it. All the lodges are very separated from each other. Ours was 14 which was right beside the forest but quite a walk. All the buildings gardens and surroundings were lovely but I wasnt impressed with food. Soup was not for me and mains were very short on veg and portions small but you are "locked" into this hotel. Breakfast ok . What a racket from the insects all day and night. Even the guide was glad to go on a trip to get way from noise. Didnt bother me but it was incessant..... Excellent wildlife.
Transfer to San Jose by small plane was fun. I've never had so little room on an aircraft (single engine 12 seater) but the flight was great. They weighed us with our luggage, how good is that. Beware though of 18 kg + 5kg limit. They didn't say what combined weight was allowable;-)))

Lomas del Volcan

Arenal

Great location and again excellent room/lodge. Lovely gardens and great pool. Food good but went out to La Fortuna one night. $6 taxi each way. La Fortuna a bit touristy but they are there for a reason. The surrounding area was very good with walks, hot springs and good wildlife. We had our first good view of sloths (and their babies) Even managed to see the top of the active volcano from the hotel. Normally covered in cloud.

Bahia del Sol

Playa Potrero, Guanacaste

Lovely hotel, smart and comfortable for our chillout few days before coming home. Beach very good but not especially good for snorkelling. We got the cheap local bus to Brasilito just up the road and walked to Playa Conchal Food was v. good from El Castillo opposite the hotel Very popular so booked and ate there twice Hemingways at Costa Rica sailing centre looked good but wouldnt go again. Perlas just down the road was nice especially if you like American style bar/ restaurants.