Hey all,

Two friends are joining me for birdwatching for my final week of my next trip. Heading from SJO to Savegre Mountain Lodge, then Rancho Naturalista, followed by Selva Verde, then airport. We have arranged for Leo Rodrigues to take us on the first leg, then Costa Rica Gateways has set up drivers for the other three portions. We've always rented a car, been with Tico friends or on a bus, so this is my first time using private drivers.

What is the customary gratuity - prices are $140/$150/$150/$125 for the four segments.

$20 total per segment - more/less? Thanks for your input!

For me 10-15% based on service

Not required unless warranted...

colibri - I do hope you enjoy Leo as much as my family of four did. Tell him hello from Tama from South Dakota if you think of it. We did offer to buy Leo lunch and he accepted. We then tipped at the end of each day. One night, we ran into Leo and offered for him to join us for dinner, on us. But he refused - thus he is not one to take advantage of tourists. Pura Vida

Thanks, everybody! Leo has been great about responding to e-mails, Dyer. I've asked him to stop at both Paraiso del Quetzal at the 70km marker and at La Georgina soda so that we can view the hummingbirds before we get to Savegre. He is happy to do this, plus to pick us up at two different hotels. I think we'll have a great time with him and will tell him hello from you.

Didn't you just return from New Orleans? Heat index in Baton Rouge right now is 109 - good time for computer work!

We usually tip about $20 too. I can't wait to get out of these temps and go to CR!

While I/we tipped a bit higher (we enjoyed our drivers), I suggest 20% - 25% of total fare.

colibri - We returned a week ago. People from New Orleans thought the heat and humidity would bother us "from up north" but we have a lot of heat and humidity. We enjoyed summer in New Orleans, had so much more fun that I anticipated for two 55 yr. olds. What an awesome city, awesome people. On the plantation tours, I saw the signs for Baton Rouge. All I know is that is is the capital of LA. Would it be a place to visit? Tonight, in my city of 16,000, I saw one of the most fantastic sunsets that I have ever seen. South Dakota is known for their sunsets. Like Costa Rica is. Pura Vida

Dyer,

Although I live in Baton Rouge, let's just say I spend a lot of time in New Orleans! BR is ok, some great spring festivals, restaurants, art galleries, but it can't compare to New Orleans.

And, of course, nothing compares to Costa Rica, right?! I've got four more months before I go again, but feel lucky to go twice in one year. Looking forward to spending a day with Leo on the first day of our hummingbird adventure.