Trip Report: Tortuguero, Part 3
Dec 28th, 2004 | 08:32 AM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 77
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Trip Report: Tortuguero, Part 3
Here is the third and final (whew!) part of a travel report about our adventure in Tortuguero in early December.
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In the afternoon, we again loaded ourselves into our sturdy watercraft for a new exploration — it was only raining slightly, and this excursion turned out to be very rewarding.
Once we were far from the lodge, the motor on the boat was turned off and an electric one began to move us silently through the canals. Birds, caimans, sloths, howler monkeys, iguanas — we saw all sorts of beautiful, amazing and perplexing things in this magical world.
The lodge has permitted Erick, the pool boy, to develop a special project. In a series of aquariums, colonies of tree frogs are developing from tadpoles. In the nearby trees, flower beds and tiny streams and pools, these rare, colorful frogs are abundant. There are frog-crossing warning signs around the swimming pool. Watch your step!
Erick speaks very little English but loves to show off his project. And it is fascinating!
So how much did this adventure cost? $262 per person. That included all transport via bus and boats for three days; lodging for two nights; breakfast and lunch on all three days; dinner on your first and second day; three guided excursions via boat, both into the canals and to the village; all taxes; and your English-speaking and very knowledgeable guide who accompanies you every step of the way.
Not included are alcohol, sodas and/or bottled water purchased and the entrance fee to the national park ($6 per person). The only other costs will be for things you might buy at sourvenir shops or in the village. I bought a pair of wonderful sandals for $20 after my sneakers and other shoes had become thoroughly besotted.
You might also want to make a donation to the Caribbean Conservation Center. If you want to see the impressive Green Sea Turtles lay their eggs, then you must visit Tortuguero between July and September and pay extra for the night tour.
There are a few additional expenses you'll find yourself paying. The staff at the lodge, including the guide, Erick the pool boy, the bartenders, the maids, the chef, the waiters, without exception provided service above and beyond what I have come to expect when traveling about Costa Rica. C'mon, tip them handsomely!
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Grupo Mawamba: http://www.grupomawamba.com/
Caribbean Conservation Center: http://www.cccturtle.org/
----------------
In the afternoon, we again loaded ourselves into our sturdy watercraft for a new exploration — it was only raining slightly, and this excursion turned out to be very rewarding.
Once we were far from the lodge, the motor on the boat was turned off and an electric one began to move us silently through the canals. Birds, caimans, sloths, howler monkeys, iguanas — we saw all sorts of beautiful, amazing and perplexing things in this magical world.
The lodge has permitted Erick, the pool boy, to develop a special project. In a series of aquariums, colonies of tree frogs are developing from tadpoles. In the nearby trees, flower beds and tiny streams and pools, these rare, colorful frogs are abundant. There are frog-crossing warning signs around the swimming pool. Watch your step!
Erick speaks very little English but loves to show off his project. And it is fascinating!
So how much did this adventure cost? $262 per person. That included all transport via bus and boats for three days; lodging for two nights; breakfast and lunch on all three days; dinner on your first and second day; three guided excursions via boat, both into the canals and to the village; all taxes; and your English-speaking and very knowledgeable guide who accompanies you every step of the way.
Not included are alcohol, sodas and/or bottled water purchased and the entrance fee to the national park ($6 per person). The only other costs will be for things you might buy at sourvenir shops or in the village. I bought a pair of wonderful sandals for $20 after my sneakers and other shoes had become thoroughly besotted.
You might also want to make a donation to the Caribbean Conservation Center. If you want to see the impressive Green Sea Turtles lay their eggs, then you must visit Tortuguero between July and September and pay extra for the night tour.
There are a few additional expenses you'll find yourself paying. The staff at the lodge, including the guide, Erick the pool boy, the bartenders, the maids, the chef, the waiters, without exception provided service above and beyond what I have come to expect when traveling about Costa Rica. C'mon, tip them handsomely!
-----------------
Grupo Mawamba: http://www.grupomawamba.com/
Caribbean Conservation Center: http://www.cccturtle.org/
Dec 28th, 2004 | 09:16 AM
#2
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 562
Likes: 0
Thank you so much for the great report! Tortuguero is a great place. It is amazing how many things you can see. Thanks for reminding us that it is a rainforest and therefore might actually be raining but not to let it ruin your enjoyment.
Dec 28th, 2004 | 11:23 AM
#4
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 0
Your reports have been so enjoyable to read. Do you have more!!!
We also found Mawamba Lodge to be a wonderful place, very pleasant experience and yes, the food was oh so tasty!
And I loved dining with your groups each meal. So many stories were told, it was fascinating.
Only a few more weeks! I can hardly wait.
We also found Mawamba Lodge to be a wonderful place, very pleasant experience and yes, the food was oh so tasty!
And I loved dining with your groups each meal. So many stories were told, it was fascinating.
Only a few more weeks! I can hardly wait.
