Another wonderful trip to CR!
Jul 14th, 2009, 09:35 AM
#61
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http://costa-rica-guide.com/Weather/WeatherMap.html is a good site for checking the weather during certain months. Just mouse over the map to see rainfall trends by month for a specific region.
sylvia, April would give you a good chance at good weather for Tortuguero. I asked some of the guides when the non-rainy season is, and they said January-April is usually pretty good, but of course then you don't see the turtles.
MA and Tortuguero could not be more different. If he's a die-hard nature lover and wants wildlife in its most natural state, go to Tortuguero. If he wants to play in the ocean and have air conditioning and things along those lines, MA would be a good fit.
sylvia, April would give you a good chance at good weather for Tortuguero. I asked some of the guides when the non-rainy season is, and they said January-April is usually pretty good, but of course then you don't see the turtles.
MA and Tortuguero could not be more different. If he's a die-hard nature lover and wants wildlife in its most natural state, go to Tortuguero. If he wants to play in the ocean and have air conditioning and things along those lines, MA would be a good fit.
Jul 14th, 2009, 10:41 AM
#63
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volcanogirl,
I just emailed Maritza and told her about you, and how we are looking forward to our trip on the 26th. However, I could not tell her your name
I asked her about reservations for Eco Termales. I also emailed Carlos to see if he is available for our trip--keep your fingers crossed!
thanks for all of the support and great information!!!!!!
Holly
I just emailed Maritza and told her about you, and how we are looking forward to our trip on the 26th. However, I could not tell her your name
I asked her about reservations for Eco Termales. I also emailed Carlos to see if he is available for our trip--keep your fingers crossed!thanks for all of the support and great information!!!!!!
Holly
Jul 14th, 2009, 11:07 AM
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Volcanogirl, I love your trip report and it is making me especially excited for our trip in 2 weeks. We will be staying at LI, Villa Mot Mot, and Xandari. I have a question about the food at Xandari. I see you mentioned that there was a lot of vegetarian choices which is great for me cause I love veggies. But my soon to be husband is more the meat and potato type of guy. Do you think he will be ok?
Jul 14th, 2009, 12:20 PM
#68
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Mom, yes, it's very hard to choose. That's why we keep going back. We still haven't seen it all!
holly, Maritza helped me a lot before I went; she is very good at answering questions! Good luck - I know you'll have a great time.
holly, Maritza helped me a lot before I went; she is very good at answering questions! Good luck - I know you'll have a great time.
Jul 14th, 2009, 12:23 PM
#69
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Hi, Kathy - yes, I think he'll be fine. I remember seeing meaty things on there - filet mignon, ribs, mahi-mahi I think? They had some items that definitely sounded heavy and manly to me!
One thing I forgot to mention to anyone wanting to see the turtles - bring something dark to wear. I just wore a black top and khaki shorts, and that was fine, but they don't want you to go out in anything white or light-colored that will distract the turtles.
One thing I forgot to mention to anyone wanting to see the turtles - bring something dark to wear. I just wore a black top and khaki shorts, and that was fine, but they don't want you to go out in anything white or light-colored that will distract the turtles.
But now it looks like I can go in April instead of July as I graduate in March... three LONG years...
Jul 14th, 2009, 03:19 PM
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volcanogirl,
As I was reading your trip report I realized you were in a deluxe room to have the hot tub. We are in a standard room, but can upgrade if we pay the difference. Are the rooms that much better, is the hot tub worth it, and lastly do you have a preference of upstairs or down?
And we were also lucky to get Carlos as our driver
thanks again,
Holly
As I was reading your trip report I realized you were in a deluxe room to have the hot tub. We are in a standard room, but can upgrade if we pay the difference. Are the rooms that much better, is the hot tub worth it, and lastly do you have a preference of upstairs or down?
And we were also lucky to get Carlos as our driver
thanks again,
Holly
Jul 14th, 2009, 03:51 PM
#72
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Yes, holly - I think the name is luxury suite or something like that? It's one step up from their standard room. The luxury suite has a little sitting area (we never used it), but the big thing for me is the jacuzzi bathtub. I just think it's awesome to sit in the tub and soak out on the balcony; they give you bath salts and a candle. It's really wonderful, especially after a day of hiking or rafting. I guess it depends on if you want the tub or not.
For me, I like the upstairs rooms better. We like to leave the doors to our balcony open so we can hear the volcano and enjoy the breeze. On the first floor, I'd be afraid some critter would wander in. The first floor rooms have outdoor showers that some people like, but we haven't tried them.
Carlos is great. We saw him on the property one day, and he gave me a big hug. I think he likes it when people ask about his country.
For me, I like the upstairs rooms better. We like to leave the doors to our balcony open so we can hear the volcano and enjoy the breeze. On the first floor, I'd be afraid some critter would wander in. The first floor rooms have outdoor showers that some people like, but we haven't tried them.
Carlos is great. We saw him on the property one day, and he gave me a big hug. I think he likes it when people ask about his country.
Jul 14th, 2009, 06:04 PM
#73
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Here's Carlos's website for anyone who needs a good driver:
http://www.destinos-encantados.com/
On a previous trip, we were delayed several hours and wonderful Carlos was still there at 9:00 p.m. waiting to pick us up. I had called him to let him know, and he said it was no problem. I think that speaks volumes about him and his reliability.
http://www.destinos-encantados.com/
On a previous trip, we were delayed several hours and wonderful Carlos was still there at 9:00 p.m. waiting to pick us up. I had called him to let him know, and he said it was no problem. I think that speaks volumes about him and his reliability.
Jul 14th, 2009, 07:35 PM
#74
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Thanks for the website, here is the email address I sent it to [email protected] for Carlos.
Jul 15th, 2009, 05:49 AM
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Thanks for continuing with the great details in the rest of your report. The more I hear about Tortuguero, the more I know we would love it. Glad you got to have some luxury at Xandari - I know how much you love Peace Lodge. 
The grounds sound wonderful.
The grounds sound wonderful.
Jul 15th, 2009, 06:18 AM
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volcano girl,
good morning, can I ask a couple more things
1. do we need to bring our own shampoo/conditioner/soap
2. what about phone cards/cell phone charges--how did you handle phone calls
I have not been out of the country since cell phones were invented lol
thanks all,
Holly
good morning, can I ask a couple more things
1. do we need to bring our own shampoo/conditioner/soap
2. what about phone cards/cell phone charges--how did you handle phone calls
I have not been out of the country since cell phones were invented lol
thanks all,
Holly
Jul 15th, 2009, 07:46 AM
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janie, you know it was hard for me to give up the Peace Lodge, but we did love Xandari. I think anyone who stays at Tortuga Lodge would have a great experience. I hope you guys get to go!
Hi, holly - every place we stayed this trip provided soap, shampoo, and conditioner. Lost Iguana and Xandari provided robes and blow dryers too. At Tortuga Lodge, there were no blow dryers in the rooms, but I asked at the front desk, and as always, they delivered, which was awesome. My husband has an international phone plan for business, so I can't help you on the cell phone front. I know other people have used their phones, so maybe do a separate post? Wish I could help more.
Hi, holly - every place we stayed this trip provided soap, shampoo, and conditioner. Lost Iguana and Xandari provided robes and blow dryers too. At Tortuga Lodge, there were no blow dryers in the rooms, but I asked at the front desk, and as always, they delivered, which was awesome. My husband has an international phone plan for business, so I can't help you on the cell phone front. I know other people have used their phones, so maybe do a separate post? Wish I could help more.
Jul 15th, 2009, 08:37 AM
#78
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And finally, here are the links for anyone interested.
lostiguanaresort.com
tortugalodge.com
xandari.com
http://costaricaexpeditions.com/Lodg...odge/video.php
The last link is a video. Happy trip planning!
lostiguanaresort.com
tortugalodge.com
xandari.com
http://costaricaexpeditions.com/Lodg...odge/video.php
The last link is a video. Happy trip planning!
Jul 15th, 2009, 11:29 AM
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volcanogirl, your trip report is terrific! I had to envy you on your Tortuguero trip. I know you were nervous about making the correct choice in lodging. We went with Mawamba Lodge in March and had an entirely different experience. We were transported from SJ in a huge, crowded bus complete with a non stop crying 2 year old. We had to wait an hour for our boat and then were herded on for the trip to the lodge. On our 2 tours into the smaller canals and park there were 20 people in our group all sharing one scope. I loved the lodge itself, the food was good, and it was wonderful being so close to the ocean and town, but we missed the intimacy with nature that we had looked forward to. I'm glad you had such a great experience!
Jul 15th, 2009, 12:04 PM
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Welcome back vgirl! Too funny we're posting about our trips consecutively this year. I will have to read yours in pieces, but the first segment so far sounds great! 1st class, LI discounts, free dinner, wonderful driver, Toucans off the bat, what more could you ask for?!? Sounds wonderful...looking forward to reading the rest.
I will have to read yours in pieces, but the first segment so far sounds great! 1st class, LI discounts, free dinner, wonderful driver, Toucans off the bat, what more could you ask for?!? Sounds wonderful...looking forward to reading the rest.
