MA ,SJ Trip Report
Jul 15th, 2004 | 12:20 PM
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Joined: May 2004
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MA ,SJ Trip Report
Since all of you were so helpful in planning this trip I want to share my adventures and observations with you. Enjoy
Our Costa Rica vacation started on Friday, July 2nd when we arrived in San Jose at 12:30 pm. Our driver was waiting at the airport to take us (husband, myself, daughter 15, sons, 22 and 18 and a friend also 18) straight to Jaco where we spent two nights at the Marriott Los Suenos. The Marriott was beautiful and the rooms were spacious. The pool was quite impressive, reportedly the biggest in Central America. Not sure about that but it was nice. The boys immediately hit the swim up bar-Imperials all around. I think they were looking forward to being able to drink legally as much as anything else! We had dinner at a local restaurant then hit the bed.
Up early on Saturday for a day of deep sea fishing. We booked with Costa Rica Dreams on the boat Sweet Dreams. Some friends had been on the is boat about a month ago and had caught nine sailfish which was why we booked with them. Unfortunately we did not have as much luck. We did get one sailfish. We also caught tuna and wahoo. We learned that during the full moon the fish can feed at night so are not as hungry during the day. If I had know we could have shifted our vacation a little but, live and learn. At least we caught fish we could keep and eat. The owner of Costa Rica Dreams made a reservation for us at a restaurant, the El Pelicano at Playa Herradura, and we took the tuna and wahoo for them to prepare. It was absolutely out of this world. Even my daughter, who doesn?t like seafood, ate all of hers.
Sunday we transferred to Manuel Antonio to El Parador for four nights. We got there about 2:30 pm. It really is a fabulous place. It is decorated in the old Spanish Conquistador style, which some people don?t like because it isn?t tropical. But, living in Florida, I see enough ?tropical? so I enjoyed the change. A word of warning to anyone with physical limitations. There are many, many stairs to climb at El Parador. Our rooms were on the top floor so we probably had more than most but, after a count, we discovered that we climbed 99 stairs every time we left the room! (Maybe that is why I actually lost weight on this vacation!) I think the top rooms are well worth the climb due to the great view. It was breathtaking! There is an outdoor ?elevator? but it wasn?t real convenient. The breakfast buffet was very good. It included a little of everything-Costa Rican and American. We had dinner there one night and it was only so so. The service was also very slow. El Parador has a beautiful infinity pool with a swim up bar (and once again the boys swam right up!) They also have an adults only pool on a lower level.
Monday we did the RioSPAraiso Five in One Tour. Without a doubt, this was one of the highlights, if not THE highlight of the trip. We were picked up at the hotel by a driver then stopped in Quepos to pick up our guide, Pablo. He was great. He spoke perfect English, having lived in Toronto for 15 years, and was extremely knowledgeable about everything relating to Costa Rica. We asked many questions and he answered them all. We drove for about 30-45 minutes until we arrived at a house in the rainforest. The house had no electricity and the wife was doing laundry with a scrub brush in an outdoor sink. The gentleman who lives there takes care of the horses and assists the guide.
The first part of the tour consists of an hour long horseback ride through the rain forest. Pablo stopped and pointed out plants and various things of interest along the way. At one point we had to cross a river on horseback. At the end of the ride we arrived at the RioSPAraiso lodge where a woman was cooking lunch over a wood stove (no electricity). It smelled heavenly!
We then did the canopy tour, which was a blast. After the tour we changed into bathing suits and walked down to a natural hot spring for a soak. It had started to rain at this point which was actually nice because we could stay in the spring longer due to the rain cooling us off. We then rode the horses back up to the lodge and had a great Costa Rican lunch. It rained quite heavily while we were at the lodge and I began to wonder how fast the river would be flowing when we would have to cross it again on horseback.
We rode the horses down in the rain and when we got to the river the guides made my son?s friend get off his horse and cross the river in the ?bucket? (a cage attached to a cable that ran over the river). They explained that his horse was too small to make it across safely. Of course I immediately began mentally measuring his horse against mine?But, I am happy to report that we all made it across safely and they had another horse for Ben on the other side. When we arrived back at the house, we discovered that a tree had fallen across the road. Fortunately, it did not fall on the van and did not block us from leaving. I thought our adventure was over but little did I know?We loaded into the van with our driver and guide and another guide drove ahead of us in a truck. Pablo explained that the truck would go ahead of us to make sure we would be able to get through the swollen streams and water on the roads. He said, ?If the truck doesn?t make it, we won?t either.? Not sure what we would have done if that happened, maybe get out and wade or call up the horses! After some close calls we got out and made it back to our hotel.
I would like to recommend Pablo Gonsalves, our guide on the 5 in 1 tour. He is a former teacher and was probably the best guide we have had anywhere in our travels. I understand he guides all over Costa Rica, as well as Peru and maybe other places as well. We liked him so much, in fact, we are seriously considering a trip to Peru with him next May. I have been in touch with him by e-mail but have not asked about putting his e-mail address in this report. If you would like it, please e-mail me and will either forward your mail to him or, send you his address. My address [email protected]
Tuesday we took a taxi to Manuel Antonio beach to attempt to surf. We stopped at a store called Christ Mart and rented surf boards and hired a ?surfer dude? to teach us. The surf there was not good at that time so they called a taxi and took us to another beach. Talk about service! I was the only one who didn?t surf. Well, somebody had to take pictures! We stayed a couple of hours then returned to the hotel. My husband and I had a couples massage at the hotel that afternoon. Heavenly! Ate at Karolas that night. Very good.
Wednesday we toured MA park. It was certainly worth doing but not quite what I was expecting. We saw animals-sloths, bats etc. but never did see a monkey. It was also very crowded. After the park we ate at the Marlin Restaurant (good) and shopped a little. The boys decided to surf again so we returned to Christ Mart to get them set up. My husband and I returned to the hotel and then went to the famous Mariposa bar for the sunset. Not much of a sunset that day due to the clouds but we really enjoyed the view. Had dinner at Mar Luna. Delicious!
Thursday we transferred to San Jose. Our driver arrived at 11:00 and we were at the SJ Marriott about 2:30. The Marriott is lovely. We ate at Curetti, a very nice Italian restaurant in SJ. It was good but not worth the price.
Friday was white water rafting day. We were picked up at 6:00am and after three more stops for passengers, we were on our way. We stopped for breakfast then made our way to the Pacuare put in. I think the bus trip took about 3 hours. We had a great 2 ? hours on the river with class III and IV rapids then stopped for lunch. We had to wait quite a while (about an hour) for our lunch but it gave us time to change into dry clothes and relax. The bus ride home was quite an experience! Without a doubt, it was more thrilling than the rafting! Passing on curves was only part of the excitement. Throw in tailgating, nearly sideswiping vehicles, and passing on double yellow lines and you have the makings of a real Costa Rican adventure! LOL! For those of you who have been there, you know what I mean. For those of you who haven?t, don?t let me scare you off. After all, we lived to tell about it. We arrived back at our hotel about 7:00pm. Long day!
Saturday I had arranged with the concierge for a driver to take us around. I particularly wanted to see a volcano. He picked us up at 7:30 and with his input we decided to visit Irazu. It was already somewhat cloudy and he thought our chances of seeing Irazu were better than Poas. Besides, he said, at Poas you have to hike about 30 minutes and at Irazu there is no hike. If you can?t see it, at least you didn?t hike to not see it! Made sense to me. As it happened, the clouds were just shifting as we arrived and we were able to get a great view. It was amazing. We took pictures and video and by the time we left, it had clouded over again. It is about 12,000 ft. high. Very cold up there!
We wanted to pick up some coffee and some Lizano sauce so our driver took us to the grocery store. That was interesting. Upon entering the store parking lot the driver is given a green card by a guard at the guardhouse. Drivers must present this card at the guardhouse upon leaving or they will not be permitted to leave. This is a safe guard against automobile theft. The parking lot is also patrolled by armed guards. (There was even an armed guard outside the gatehouse at the Marriott.) We shopped for a few souvenirs, had lunch and went back to the hotel.
The boys went out Saturday night to a place called the Pueblo (I think). It is basically a group of discos and bars and was supposed to be reasonably safe. They must have had a great time because they didn?t get in until 4:00am. They also met some girls from our hometown!
We left Sunday to come home. We arrived at the airport in plenty of time to pay our exit tax and get checked in. It took about an hour. Sad to leave CR but nice to get back home.
This was my first trip to CR, so I am far from an expert but if I can answer any questions, about our trip I would be happy to do so
Our Costa Rica vacation started on Friday, July 2nd when we arrived in San Jose at 12:30 pm. Our driver was waiting at the airport to take us (husband, myself, daughter 15, sons, 22 and 18 and a friend also 18) straight to Jaco where we spent two nights at the Marriott Los Suenos. The Marriott was beautiful and the rooms were spacious. The pool was quite impressive, reportedly the biggest in Central America. Not sure about that but it was nice. The boys immediately hit the swim up bar-Imperials all around. I think they were looking forward to being able to drink legally as much as anything else! We had dinner at a local restaurant then hit the bed.
Up early on Saturday for a day of deep sea fishing. We booked with Costa Rica Dreams on the boat Sweet Dreams. Some friends had been on the is boat about a month ago and had caught nine sailfish which was why we booked with them. Unfortunately we did not have as much luck. We did get one sailfish. We also caught tuna and wahoo. We learned that during the full moon the fish can feed at night so are not as hungry during the day. If I had know we could have shifted our vacation a little but, live and learn. At least we caught fish we could keep and eat. The owner of Costa Rica Dreams made a reservation for us at a restaurant, the El Pelicano at Playa Herradura, and we took the tuna and wahoo for them to prepare. It was absolutely out of this world. Even my daughter, who doesn?t like seafood, ate all of hers.
Sunday we transferred to Manuel Antonio to El Parador for four nights. We got there about 2:30 pm. It really is a fabulous place. It is decorated in the old Spanish Conquistador style, which some people don?t like because it isn?t tropical. But, living in Florida, I see enough ?tropical? so I enjoyed the change. A word of warning to anyone with physical limitations. There are many, many stairs to climb at El Parador. Our rooms were on the top floor so we probably had more than most but, after a count, we discovered that we climbed 99 stairs every time we left the room! (Maybe that is why I actually lost weight on this vacation!) I think the top rooms are well worth the climb due to the great view. It was breathtaking! There is an outdoor ?elevator? but it wasn?t real convenient. The breakfast buffet was very good. It included a little of everything-Costa Rican and American. We had dinner there one night and it was only so so. The service was also very slow. El Parador has a beautiful infinity pool with a swim up bar (and once again the boys swam right up!) They also have an adults only pool on a lower level.
Monday we did the RioSPAraiso Five in One Tour. Without a doubt, this was one of the highlights, if not THE highlight of the trip. We were picked up at the hotel by a driver then stopped in Quepos to pick up our guide, Pablo. He was great. He spoke perfect English, having lived in Toronto for 15 years, and was extremely knowledgeable about everything relating to Costa Rica. We asked many questions and he answered them all. We drove for about 30-45 minutes until we arrived at a house in the rainforest. The house had no electricity and the wife was doing laundry with a scrub brush in an outdoor sink. The gentleman who lives there takes care of the horses and assists the guide.
The first part of the tour consists of an hour long horseback ride through the rain forest. Pablo stopped and pointed out plants and various things of interest along the way. At one point we had to cross a river on horseback. At the end of the ride we arrived at the RioSPAraiso lodge where a woman was cooking lunch over a wood stove (no electricity). It smelled heavenly!
We then did the canopy tour, which was a blast. After the tour we changed into bathing suits and walked down to a natural hot spring for a soak. It had started to rain at this point which was actually nice because we could stay in the spring longer due to the rain cooling us off. We then rode the horses back up to the lodge and had a great Costa Rican lunch. It rained quite heavily while we were at the lodge and I began to wonder how fast the river would be flowing when we would have to cross it again on horseback.
We rode the horses down in the rain and when we got to the river the guides made my son?s friend get off his horse and cross the river in the ?bucket? (a cage attached to a cable that ran over the river). They explained that his horse was too small to make it across safely. Of course I immediately began mentally measuring his horse against mine?But, I am happy to report that we all made it across safely and they had another horse for Ben on the other side. When we arrived back at the house, we discovered that a tree had fallen across the road. Fortunately, it did not fall on the van and did not block us from leaving. I thought our adventure was over but little did I know?We loaded into the van with our driver and guide and another guide drove ahead of us in a truck. Pablo explained that the truck would go ahead of us to make sure we would be able to get through the swollen streams and water on the roads. He said, ?If the truck doesn?t make it, we won?t either.? Not sure what we would have done if that happened, maybe get out and wade or call up the horses! After some close calls we got out and made it back to our hotel.
I would like to recommend Pablo Gonsalves, our guide on the 5 in 1 tour. He is a former teacher and was probably the best guide we have had anywhere in our travels. I understand he guides all over Costa Rica, as well as Peru and maybe other places as well. We liked him so much, in fact, we are seriously considering a trip to Peru with him next May. I have been in touch with him by e-mail but have not asked about putting his e-mail address in this report. If you would like it, please e-mail me and will either forward your mail to him or, send you his address. My address [email protected]
Tuesday we took a taxi to Manuel Antonio beach to attempt to surf. We stopped at a store called Christ Mart and rented surf boards and hired a ?surfer dude? to teach us. The surf there was not good at that time so they called a taxi and took us to another beach. Talk about service! I was the only one who didn?t surf. Well, somebody had to take pictures! We stayed a couple of hours then returned to the hotel. My husband and I had a couples massage at the hotel that afternoon. Heavenly! Ate at Karolas that night. Very good.
Wednesday we toured MA park. It was certainly worth doing but not quite what I was expecting. We saw animals-sloths, bats etc. but never did see a monkey. It was also very crowded. After the park we ate at the Marlin Restaurant (good) and shopped a little. The boys decided to surf again so we returned to Christ Mart to get them set up. My husband and I returned to the hotel and then went to the famous Mariposa bar for the sunset. Not much of a sunset that day due to the clouds but we really enjoyed the view. Had dinner at Mar Luna. Delicious!
Thursday we transferred to San Jose. Our driver arrived at 11:00 and we were at the SJ Marriott about 2:30. The Marriott is lovely. We ate at Curetti, a very nice Italian restaurant in SJ. It was good but not worth the price.
Friday was white water rafting day. We were picked up at 6:00am and after three more stops for passengers, we were on our way. We stopped for breakfast then made our way to the Pacuare put in. I think the bus trip took about 3 hours. We had a great 2 ? hours on the river with class III and IV rapids then stopped for lunch. We had to wait quite a while (about an hour) for our lunch but it gave us time to change into dry clothes and relax. The bus ride home was quite an experience! Without a doubt, it was more thrilling than the rafting! Passing on curves was only part of the excitement. Throw in tailgating, nearly sideswiping vehicles, and passing on double yellow lines and you have the makings of a real Costa Rican adventure! LOL! For those of you who have been there, you know what I mean. For those of you who haven?t, don?t let me scare you off. After all, we lived to tell about it. We arrived back at our hotel about 7:00pm. Long day!
Saturday I had arranged with the concierge for a driver to take us around. I particularly wanted to see a volcano. He picked us up at 7:30 and with his input we decided to visit Irazu. It was already somewhat cloudy and he thought our chances of seeing Irazu were better than Poas. Besides, he said, at Poas you have to hike about 30 minutes and at Irazu there is no hike. If you can?t see it, at least you didn?t hike to not see it! Made sense to me. As it happened, the clouds were just shifting as we arrived and we were able to get a great view. It was amazing. We took pictures and video and by the time we left, it had clouded over again. It is about 12,000 ft. high. Very cold up there!
We wanted to pick up some coffee and some Lizano sauce so our driver took us to the grocery store. That was interesting. Upon entering the store parking lot the driver is given a green card by a guard at the guardhouse. Drivers must present this card at the guardhouse upon leaving or they will not be permitted to leave. This is a safe guard against automobile theft. The parking lot is also patrolled by armed guards. (There was even an armed guard outside the gatehouse at the Marriott.) We shopped for a few souvenirs, had lunch and went back to the hotel.
The boys went out Saturday night to a place called the Pueblo (I think). It is basically a group of discos and bars and was supposed to be reasonably safe. They must have had a great time because they didn?t get in until 4:00am. They also met some girls from our hometown!
We left Sunday to come home. We arrived at the airport in plenty of time to pay our exit tax and get checked in. It took about an hour. Sad to leave CR but nice to get back home.
This was my first trip to CR, so I am far from an expert but if I can answer any questions, about our trip I would be happy to do so
Jul 15th, 2004 | 05:39 PM
#5
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Joined: May 2004
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Tully,
Thanks for setting me straight on that. I really didn't know and was just repeating what the driver said.
The rafting company we used was one I had never heard of. It was called Costa Sol. Our travel agent set it up and they were really very good. We have been whitewater rafting in North Carolina, Montana and British Columbia and they were as professional as any we have used. I will admit that our guide in CR was more laid back than past guides we have had-less time spent on instructions etc. but he did know that we were experienced so maybe he did not feel the need to review things quite as much
At the end of the trip we recieved a CD with at least 12 to 14 great pictures of us on the water as well as a number of nice shots of CR. I don't know how they got so many but the were really good. The CD was $35.00 and was delivered to our hotel later that night. I don't know how this compares to other outfitters but we were quite pleased.
In regard to the overnight trip, I agree with you. It just did not seem worth the money. You do the exact same trip but you stop and spend the night along the way. It just didn't seem worth it to me.
Thanks for setting me straight on that. I really didn't know and was just repeating what the driver said.
The rafting company we used was one I had never heard of. It was called Costa Sol. Our travel agent set it up and they were really very good. We have been whitewater rafting in North Carolina, Montana and British Columbia and they were as professional as any we have used. I will admit that our guide in CR was more laid back than past guides we have had-less time spent on instructions etc. but he did know that we were experienced so maybe he did not feel the need to review things quite as much
At the end of the trip we recieved a CD with at least 12 to 14 great pictures of us on the water as well as a number of nice shots of CR. I don't know how they got so many but the were really good. The CD was $35.00 and was delivered to our hotel later that night. I don't know how this compares to other outfitters but we were quite pleased.
In regard to the overnight trip, I agree with you. It just did not seem worth the money. You do the exact same trip but you stop and spend the night along the way. It just didn't seem worth it to me.
Jul 15th, 2004 | 06:49 PM
#6
Joined: Jul 2003
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Welcome home, Sue! We missed you in the airport--probably because we were stuck in loooong lines! It sounds as though you had a wonderful trip.
My husband counted 97 steps to the top floor at the Parador. I wonder who is right? LOL! Funny that both families counted. My kids enjoyed those swim-up bars, too--and are enjoying their Imperial t-shirts at home.
I'm regretting not having done Riospraiso. Should've listened to you in the first place! We had a great time anyway!
Oh, and you have solved the mystery of those papers the guards give out in parking lots. I had asked about that in my trip report and no one had a definitive answer. Now it all makes sense!
I really enjoyed your trip report--you are much better than I am at getting all the information across yet still being concise!
Jo
My husband counted 97 steps to the top floor at the Parador. I wonder who is right? LOL! Funny that both families counted. My kids enjoyed those swim-up bars, too--and are enjoying their Imperial t-shirts at home.
I'm regretting not having done Riospraiso. Should've listened to you in the first place! We had a great time anyway!
Oh, and you have solved the mystery of those papers the guards give out in parking lots. I had asked about that in my trip report and no one had a definitive answer. Now it all makes sense!
I really enjoyed your trip report--you are much better than I am at getting all the information across yet still being concise!
Jo
Jul 16th, 2004 | 04:24 AM
#7
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 818
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Hi Jo,
I posted my report before I read yours and I really did laugh out loud when I read about your husband counting the steps. It was my husband who counted them as well. But, what would you expect from a CPA? We did find out he would have find another profession if we moved to CR-no income tax there!
We stayed in rooms 415 and 416, both on the end next to the staircase.
Glad you had a good time. I really enjoyed your trip report. I had the same problem with the question marks from copying from Word. Where do those things come from???
Have a great rest of the summer. I will be in touch. Susan
I posted my report before I read yours and I really did laugh out loud when I read about your husband counting the steps. It was my husband who counted them as well. But, what would you expect from a CPA? We did find out he would have find another profession if we moved to CR-no income tax there!
We stayed in rooms 415 and 416, both on the end next to the staircase.
Glad you had a good time. I really enjoyed your trip report. I had the same problem with the question marks from copying from Word. Where do those things come from???
Have a great rest of the summer. I will be in touch. Susan
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Jul 19th, 2004 | 01:51 PM
#8
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Since several of you e-mailed me about our guide, Pablo, I thought I would post his e-mail address. I heard from him and he had no objection. [email protected]. Susan
Jul 19th, 2004 | 04:30 PM
#9
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Joined: May 2004
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I apologize. The correct address is [email protected] Susan
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