38 independent reviews for Costa Rica wildlife holiday
Reviews for Costa Rica wildlife holiday
Angie Rickard review 28 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
being in amongst the wildlife, up close......and seeing the reactions to humans!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Pack light, and hand wash each night. Take US dollars in small notes and the change will often be given in local currency, which you can then use up. If packing camera equipment and medications, carry them in your day pack as the big bags/cases go on the roof of the bus in the sun and heat! Bug repellent doesnt always work...the local mozzies seem immune to lots of brands so cover up with long pants and sleeves.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
10 out of 10! Johnny the guide is the best!!!! And Victor the driver was excellent and safe. The accomodations were great, meal options very good, lots of free time to go wandering.....and so much wildlife!Helen Smith review 26 Feb 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
I enjoyed all of the vacation. Such an amazing country. Brilliant guide too.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take dollars. They are accepted almost everywhere. Be prepared for rain even in the dry season.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A once in a lifetime experience.Janie Hermans review 5 Dec 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
All the nature and wildlife magic Reason I went really lovely country and friendly people.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Prepare for intermittant rain always! If you want to see wildlife in abundance this trip is for you. Early morning starts but worth it to see and do so much. Go on trip with Glenda our guide and driver Charlie if possible outstanding knowledge of nature and wildlife. Bus is quite small but needs to be where you drive. Humidity very high in most places take breathable clothing as well as warm for last part of trip and waterproofs a must! Food is fantastic.Quite expensive and you get a lot so not really nessessary to have starter. Took Colon and dollars couple of opportunities to go to ATM. Make sure your colons are the New plastic money previous format not excepted any more.!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely with all of the above.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Probably the best vacation for seeing so much nature and wildlife in different regions of Costa Rica. Alot of variable landscapes and you get to see so much of the country.Absolutely the best memorable vacation ever!!!Sara Findlay review 2 Apr 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Loved the range of diverse habitats and the access to the birds, animals and plants that lived up there. Enhanced by having an expert guide on hand.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
You need to be prepared for hot, humid temperatures, downpours and the odd chilly evening. Take binoculars, a camera and prepare to be amazed!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, it was obvious that the places we stayed at provided jobs for local people and activities we took part in supported the impressive conservation and environmental work that goes on in Costa Rica. Loved our final visit to Dona Aurora’s farm and the hospitality we received there.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fabulous, loved it!Francesca Pearson review 1 Apr 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing the quetzal bird - they are very elusive.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
You don’t need anything smart to wear - it’s wonderfully casual. You’re there to see the flora & fauna - and you see lots of it!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, the vacation definitely benefits local people and supports conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fabulous!Louise Marks review 29 Mar 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The wildlife the guide spotted2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Travel light take binoculars and enjoy3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes to a degree4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
AmazingJohn (aka Sandy) Spencer review 14 Feb 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The tour's guide, Johnny Villalobos.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Pack light and let your eyes and ears take the pictures.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes indeed — thanks in no small part to the tour operator and guide (destination services and the eco-giants on whose shoulders they sit).4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Worth every penny.Loris McEwan review 22 Aug 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Viewing all the wildlife, Seeing the Resplendent Quetzal and watching the Green Sea Turtles coming up the beach, making the nests, laying the eggs and covering up the eggs before going back to the sea.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Having had an early start with two long flights to Costa Rica , jet lag, a late arrival at the hotel and an early start to the tour next morning, I would advice travelers to have an extra night in the hotel which will give them a chance to relax and sleep prior to starting the tour.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, very much so. Our tour leader lived in Costa Rica, he had many friends who were guides which resulted in more work for them with extra tours that we participated in.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent. However there was one aspect that was not very nice and it was Villa Bosque Hotel in Manuel Antonio. We as a group felt that the staff were very uncaring and we were all put off at breakfast time as there were lots of flies swarming about, I mean lots. Landing on food preserves etc. It was very off putting and I for one did not eat breakfast on the second morning. I got a cup of tea and took it to my room.Read the operator's response here:
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, Loris. We're delighted that you had such a fantastic time in Costa Rica and were able to observe the wildlife the country is so well known for! We were, however, sorry to hear that your experience at the Villa Bosque Hotel was not so positive; our product manager for this trip has been forwarded your comments and will follow up appropriately with the hotel. We recognise that this cannot change your experience, but I hope that it demonstrates that feedback from clients such as yourself is taken seriously and used to improve the quality of our trips for future customers - thank you so much for making us aware.
Peter Linecar review 15 Mar 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Tortuguerro, although each location was good.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
A good combination of locations. Maybe it would have been good to include Corcovado though. A real benefit was the extremely experienced guide that stayed with us throughout our visit. To us the final day back in San Jose was a bit of a waste and could have been replaced by more time elsewhere. But of course others may value the 'city experience'.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Much effort by the local operator, Camino, although maybe not quite so much effort among the local population. For example dirty diesels, no emission tests on vehicles!4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent. Would not hesitate to recommend the operator.Judith Barford review 12 Mar 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Magical moment on the waterways of Tortuguero when spider monkeys crossed the side river we were on and swung through the branches above us. This was followed by 4 scarlet macaws and green macaws flying over to roost.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared to walk and you need to be interested in plants and wildlife and the beautiful forests of the country. This is definitely a wildlife and nature vacation and there isn't much opportunity to shop etc. This suited me very well! Sometimes I felt that we spent too long photographing things but everyone else seemed very happy with this so I think that was just me!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and we were careful not to use plastic unnecessarily. By visiting National Parks we were supporting conservation. We also visited a local farmer who showed us round the farm and gave us homemade food. This was very interesting.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The vacation was great and our guide was brilliant. He knew so much about the wildlife and plants and trees and also gave us some history to the developments in Costa Rica. He was friendly and respectful and really made the vacation. The landscape did the rest.Kathryn Jones review 8 Feb 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The wildlife :sloths, monkeys, toucans, huge iguanas. Leaf cutter ants and venomous spiders. And the plants, it was like being in the film Avatar.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Dollars are as useful as colones, maybe even more so. Bring a good rain poncho, even in dry season. Enjoy the cocktail happy hours to thrir utmost by remembering to pack a nice dress (I didn't).3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The lodges we stayed at were committed to conservation and lowering their carbon footprint. They were inspiring. They are helping create areas safe from cash crops. They value their environment.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Helen Roberts review 27 Jan 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The trip was just fantastic. The environment and wildlife are obviously the stars of the trip, especially sloths (we were lucky enough to see one with a baby!), hummingbirds, so many different birds and baby turtles. We also had a fantastic guide and driver, both so knowledgeable, professional, committed but fun too. We had a great group who gelled well and had lots of laughs. Spending Christmas Day evening at the Eco Thermales in Arenal with cocktails served to you in the hot pools was definitely memorable as was parasailing (booked ourselves) at Manuel Antonio. Costa Rica has so many different environments and is just a wonderful country with friendly laid-back people.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Pack for varied climates as you will/could experience it all weatherwise! I was definitely glad of the lightweight poncho (Anyoo) and dry bag (got a Captain Bob that can also use as a day pack) I had bought. There will be just a few opportunities for laundry along the way so no need to over pack. Packing cubes were also really useful for organising luggage. The trip is quite full and fast paced with two nights in each locations so packing cubes help compress your luggage but also make things easier to find in backpack or suitcase. I went for a pack with different sizes and colours to help distinguish different clothing 'types'. I bought a compact camera with a good zoom for the trip in order to get better wildlife shots - I was really pleased with it and glad I made the investment. It's not essential though as the guides will take photos for you on your phone through the spotting scope, but it was good to have as someone who loves wildlife but is not into all the technical photography and gear. The trip gave plenty of opportunity to opt in or out of activities and to seek out extra stuff locally (eg. zip-lining at Monteverde, hanging bridge walks, solo walks, coffee tours), but also to just take a bit of downtime if you wanted. Definitely do some of the extras though, like rain forest night walks as you'll see so many different things. There is a lot said about mosquitoes but our group didn't have a huge issue. Just be sensible and take the precautions like keeping doors and windows closed and spraying and covering up if you are going to be out and about at dusk. I opted for Johnson's Off which seemed to work for me. In terms of money, I took some dollars and some colones but also got a Monzo card which enables you to put credit on it, use it like a credit/bank card yet not be charged transaction fees, it just charges you the cost at the exchange rate on the day. It worked well for me. If you have the luxury of adding any time at the beginning or end to chill somewhere then take it as the trip is busy. Interbus were great for getting to a different location and then back to the airport again, safe and reliable.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Local guides and drivers are used, the guide took us to local restaurants and producers and told us about local life. There is a real awareness of and pride in the beautiful and diverse environment in Costa Rica and we were encouraged to keep this in mind along the way. Many of the lodges have clear environmental policies and some are also working with local communities in their education and conservation efforts.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic. We all fell in love with Costa Rica and its Pura Vida. I have wanted to visit for many, many years and I was not disappointed.Alan Lees review 16 Feb 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
River boat trip at Tortuguero which enabled close encounters with birds and animals.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Consider personal fitness to take part in challenging hikes along various trails. These hikes are incorrectly categorised as "Leisurely"3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Itinerary satisfied this ambition4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good. But did not quite match our previous visit to Costa Rica in 2008. Wildlife spotting opportunities on the trails selected were difficult due to sparsity. However, birdwatching around the grounds of several of the lodges was exceptional.Tim Graham review 14 Apr 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whole trip was memorable for two main reasons – the variety of scenery and the superb wildlife. I am a distinctly amateur and occasional birdwatcher but our guide, Jorge Lizano, helped me identify 143 different species of birds, including several different toucans, macaws and the Resplendent Quetzal. We also saw 16 different mammals, including both types of sloth, several reptiles, snakes, frogs and a whole variety of insects.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Along as you are aware that this vacation is largely aimed at exploring the wildlife and varied landscapes of Costa Rica, you will not be disappointed. Bring suncream and insect repellent although the latter was not always necessary – mosquitos were not an issue. Bring clothing suitable for both hot and dry and hot and humid atmospheres, and a sweater or fleece for the cooler evenings in Santa Elena and Savegre.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Largely, yes, particularly in Santa Elena and Esquinas Lodge. Most hotels tried to limit their environmental impact and claims for sustainable ecotourism were on the whole supported.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
One of the best we have ever had. A large part of this was due to the skill of Jorge, whose ability to spot wildlife of all sorts and knowledge of birds and mammals in particular was quite exceptional.Paula Cooke review 27 Feb 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
There were so many marvellous moments it is hard to select specific ones. Included memories are - Spider monkeys swinging and then jumping above us to reach the trees on opposite side of jungle river, finding red eyed tree frogs at night. Then certainly an incredible display by the resplendent quetzal during a courting session of 1 female and 4 male birds. Night time sounds in the jungle (all night!) so beautiful to listen too. (Ear plugs may be useful.) The tour guide Johny was incredible - his enthusiasm, knowledge and love of the wildlife and his country were infectious.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Tip - try to pack your items of clothing into separate bags (to assist when trying to find items in a hurry) inside your case as one doesn’t seem to unpack as you move on every two nights. Extra layers definitely required in the high mountains, it is cold, even if it doesn’t rain.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, Good to see local people employed at each destination. Food obtained locally too. Great to have the opportunity to purchase hand made goods from local artisans. Most places were without plastic too. We were encouraged to keep a suitable distance from the wild animals (unlike some people even stupidly feeding wild animals.)4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This was possibly the best vacation ever... it far surpassed our expectations.Jean Thirkettle review 25 Feb 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The stay at Laguna Lodge was an amazing start with river trips and accommodation overlooking the river. Seeing Sloths close up and watching the antics of the capuchin monkeys was fun. Loved watching the spider monkeys leap across the river - truly spectacular!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
It will exceed your expectations!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we were constantly aware of the positive impact tourism brings to the people enabling re-forestation and the work towards being carbon neutral.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Absolutely fabulous!Judith Dean review 21 Feb 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Where to start? The boat trips around the waterways of Tortuguero, the beach in the Manuel Antonio National Park, the Esquinas experience and having amazing views of Resplendent Quetzals.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Bring binoculars.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes because tourism is a big employer in Costa Rica and park entry fees support all the National Parks, even the remote ones. The income derived from tourism prevents the spread of destructive monocultures and other less environmentally friendly agriculture.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It exceeded expectations. The accommodation, meals and transportation were very good. It was extremely well organised, ran smoothly and we saw many species of wildlife, especially birds. We had an excellent, well-organised and extremely knowledgeable guide in Glenda Araya who made all the difference between a good and a great vacation.Lee Truong review 2 Sep 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The quetzal. Or the sloths. Maybe the hummingbirds... Or the fresh fruit and the coffee. I haven't decided!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
A poncho is a Godsend. And an umbrella is useful to use between your room and the restaurant areas when you're caught in the daily downpour of rain (yes, we went during the rainy season). If you have one of those covers for your rucksack, take that too. Wifi is available in all the accommodation, so you feel connected without losing that 'being in the moment' feeling. The trails are very, very steady and a lot of the walks so boots are a bit overkill. You'll need a jumper for the highlands where the evenings get cooler. Credit card is widely accepted in the places you stop for breaks on the drives and in the hotels where the meals aren't included. If you have a decent camera, make sure you have enough space on your cards. There's plenty of photo opportunities, but don't go specifically for photography because some of the organised walks take place at the wrong times of day. We had a group of 12. I feel as though a group any bigger than that would have been too much.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, definitely. Our guide regularly commented on how the tourism contributed to the development of things local communities or conservation project.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I had a great time! We had a great mix of personalities within our group, saw plenty of wildlife and ate lots of great food.Alan Nunn review 28 May 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The great diversity of this country, the climate and geographical changes, together with the plants, birds and mammals.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be ready for the rain AND the dampness...it gets into you room and your suitcase!!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes...to a limited amount.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent, but do be expected to do some walking ...if you are to get the best out of this trip!Chris Schaefer review 15 May 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Tortuguero National Park2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
This vacation will suit those persons who are happy to get up early for most mornings. By early I mean 05.00 on some days. Please check with your guide before each day as on a few days the treks through the forest were not easy or leisurely; they consisted of many steps up and down. A torch is an essential.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes we used local persons for guides and exposure to conversation. Costs Rica overall was heavily committed to environmental protection.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
An excellent trip; traveling for circa 3 to 4 hours every other day was acceptable and allowed approximately a day and a half at each new location. Guide was well informed, articulate and considerate.Andrew Newbold review 4 Apr 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Opportunity to see a wide range of wildlife in a good range of varied habitats. Facilitated by an excellent guide.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take a reasonable camera with a zoom lens. Be prepared for hot, humid conditions and quite a lot of travel on gravel roads.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
By supporting eco-tourism I would hope that this is encouraging Costa Rica to continue their programme of establishing and expanding protected areas.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent.Julie Taylor review 6 Mar 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The range of places, experiences and wildlife that we saw.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
We customised our trip to include private transfers. It was well worthwhile.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, and all the guides, operators, hoteliers and traders told us it did.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Outstanding.Hazel Nelson review 26 Feb 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Esquinas Lodge. Seeing 2 and 3 toed sloths, several different monkeys and masses of colourful birds.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Just do it!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Conservation and the environment is high on the agenda in Costa Rica and everyone helps.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
ExcellentJennifer Anderson review 20 Mar 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Despite it being the dry season, the colours, landscapes and sounds of Costa Rica were a continuing delight.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Tall people (over 6 ft 4 inches) especially should be aware that the seat pitch on the smaller buses (~20 seats) is not kind to long legs! However, there are 2 seats that do accommodate longer legs.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
All of the above - especially at Esquinas which is a certified carbon neutral lodge. The places where we stayed were for the most part interested in reducing the impact of their visitors on the environment.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A marvelous 'discovery' vacation - the title "Discover Costa Rica" says it in a nutshell - so many birds, mammals, reptiles and interesting ecosystems to discover.Barry Singer review 19 Mar 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
This trip includes walks through various forests; coastal, mountain, cloud forests and volcanos, and each was a wonderful experience.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
A camera is essential as Costa Rican national parks are beautiful.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Each of the eco-lodges we stayed at were set up to benefit the local people and to have a small ecological footprint. I appreciated that.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Both my wife and I had a wonderful, educational, and healthy trip. At the end we wanted to do it all over again.Stephen Lindsay review 14 Dec 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
I booked this trip with this tour company. It was one of their bird focused Costa Rica trips; there are a few per year. I am not a "twitcher" but just enjoy viewing wildlife and knew the birds of Costa Rica are special. It was truly memorable, superbly organised and our guide Johnny Villalobos was absolutely brilliant. We stayed in 6 lodges in around the major National Parks plus San Jose, the capital. The sixteen day trip itinerary can be viewed on the website. Highlights were the 250+ species of birds we saw, superb colours and the baby turtles hatching and making their way to the sea on Tortuguero beach at sunset.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
I visited in November at the back end of the rainy season and stayed in the rain forest for several nights. It's wet at times so you need a good waterproof and cover for your day sack. It was also quite cool at night particularly at altitude so you need a good fleece. If you are into photography you need at least 300mm zoom for the birds. It's not a cheap country expect to pay Western prices for food and drink, USD $ are fine everywhere.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Costa Rica generates around 80% of GDP from tourism so has made great strides protecting it's unique environment. The money spent in hotels and various small bars and restaurants plus entry fees to National Parks benefits the local people and country. The tour operator also put money into schools, one we visited on the last day on our way back to San Jose was a good example of how they are helping.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Brilliant, everything I expected and more. Thank you.Alan Scarisbrick review 6 Apr 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Quetzal bird at close quarters.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Fly directly to San Jose3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes especially the school we visited.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
ExcellentAlan Hunton review 24 Mar 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing wildlife close-up and in wonderful country.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Only go if you want to be woken at 0600 regularly but if you do there are opportunities to see birds / mammals at their best. More tiring than expected so be prepared.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, supported conservation and some benefits to locals4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good experienceSandy Bagnall review 7 Feb 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The vast wealth of wildlife in this beautiful country and the ability and skill of our guide to find it ... and the abiding memory is the sound of a rainforest with all the insects, cicadas, and frogs and birds - day and night - continuous - MEMORABLE!!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be ready for an energetic - often up early in the morning - quest to find what the rain and cloud forest has to offer .3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Most definitely - not only benefited the locals in every way but is taught to children and lived out - their example could benefit us. Their of goal of being carbon neutral soon is a very realistic goal.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A lovely vacation, a beautiful country, welcoming people, an excellent guide - and for an over seventy year old - two weeks of invigorating pleasure. A small country but one that is treasuring its natural assets in its National Parks and preserves.Steve Clements review 3 Oct 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whole experience was mind blowing but I guess seeing a Sloth on the first day's lunch stop has to be the one.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't pack too much and remember most hotels and lodges have laundry facilities.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes except for the flight over there.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic.Susan Cork review 26 May 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Diverse landscapes, biodiversity, wildlife viewing - loved the humming birds at Savegre Lodge2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take a good camera and be prepared for a wide range of weather conditions3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, to some extent4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent, had a great timeDuncan Priddle review 22 Feb 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Many. Great variety of eco-lodge type locations enabled great wildlife watching. Playa Blancas area favourite location.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Leave kit behind- no need for mosi nets, towels etc, as venues all great. And do night walks where they are offered.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, by providing jobs, income and security.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great, would get top score if not for too long a time on bus at end and a day including Cartago and San Jose which I would drop from future itineraries.teresa yates review 14 Feb 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
All good, made even better by the local guide Gustavo and driver Carlos. Location excellent and birds and wildlife fantastic.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Ponchos and insect repellent3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Wonderful experience with good group of peopleMartyn Todd review 10 Nov 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The natural landscapes and forests along with the different mammals and birdlife. Resplenent Quetzal say no more!!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
You will get rain - but it is warm.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not a poor country but very environentally aware. Vacation fitted into this.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
If you like every type of different forest you will enjoy. We enjoyed.Ursula Stanton review 8 Oct 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Staying in Tortuguera and floating down the canals thru the jungle watching birds,monkeys and iguanas, The cloud forest, Esquinas lodge in the rain forest where we also had free time to follow the forest trails2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Costa Rica is very humid.Take more clothes than normal as they will be soaking wet 10 min after you put them on and will not dry. Take every optional trip offered, this is an amazing country3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, most accomodation was locally owned and run - we did not use any large chains. The food was all locally produced. The company supports a school and small local farms.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellentwendy O Brien review 25 Apr 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
A wonderfully diverse trip visiting lots of different areas of Costa Rica seeing lots of different ecosystems and wildlife.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared to get wet it does rain even in the "dry" season.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good.Lindsay (Mr) Challoner review 8 Jan 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing all the wildlife and amazing natural landscapes. Costa Rica is a beautiful country and you will stand in awe at the beauty of the rainforests.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Travel light. There is a lot of traveling around the country and you will only stay in the one location for a couple of days. Also be prepared for it being hot. When we travelled it wasn't the 'summer' season yet it was incredibly hot and humid in the rainforests.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The hotels do put some effort into energy saving and conservation yet this is only in its infancy. On the penultimate day we did travel to a local school where some of the vacation fee had been donated. This was a worthy cause.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic vacation. The wildlife and natural landscapes are amazing and worth the trip alone. For the sheer scope of diversity, colour and experiences this trip is unrivalled.Baron-vahl Amos review 22 Dec 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Looking at the two poisonous snakes that the guide found for our group to see and the two that I saw only one of which one other member of the group also saw and the fourth which I showed to everyone else including the guide who did not find it for us.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you are bird crazy then this is the vacation for you since this was designated as a bird watching special the guide spent a lot of time identifying the various species seen and there were many of them. Those people who like to watch birds but are not of the "twitcher" type of person should bring a good book with them as the guide will often spend 30 mins in identifing the bird sitting on a telephone wire two hundred yards away which appears in outline only against a bright sky.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes sometimes at the expense of the tourists, an example is the Esquiners lodge where the local water is only filtered but not treated in any other way so those of us with delicate stomachs could not drink the water or the coffee or eat the soup or anything made with the water as we got the "runs". All the lodges supported the conservation ideals and we paid for them locally in cash as well.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This was a three star vacation the people were nice touristas and localsHoliday Reviews
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