Trip Review Costa Rica
Aug 13th, 2009 | 03:49 AM
#1
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Joined: May 2009
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Trip Review Costa Rica
Costa Rica Trip Review.
To plan my Costa Rica trip I used Pacific Trade Winds SA e-mail @ www.CostaRicaVacation4me.com. The service and advice provided by this company was great and along with information gather from Tripadvisor all plans are finalized and we are ready to go.
Day 1. Arrive San Jose airport on time. As we head for customs we see a long line waiting so I prepare for a lengthy wait, however a custom agent is walking down the line and anyone with children or needing help is routed to a short line and we are out of customs in no time. As we approach the baggage claim we are met and informed our driver will be waiting as we exit the airport. As we exit out driver is ready for us and we are off for La Fortuna. The @ 3 hour drive was no problem enjoyed the scenery and did not have to worry about the drive. Arrived at the The Arenal Springs Resort and checked in everything was ready and waiting for us and we were greeted with a drink and driven to our rooms. The rooms as well as the view of Arenal were fantastic. Arenal was in and out of the clouds but we did get some good views . As soon as the bags were in the room my son was ready to try the pool he swam, and I tried out the swim up bar and an Imperial beer. After 6 months in Iraq the pool and the Imperial were just what I needed. After that a short taxi ride in to town for diner at Don Rufino’s I tried fish with avocado my wife and son chose the Steak the food was Ok but after reading all the information on trip advisor I did not chose Costa Rica for the food. Back to the room for some rest. I was still adjusting to the time change so I was up most of the night Arenal was cover in clouds tonight but I did hear her rumble and just enjoyed the quiet peaceful night .
Day 2 No plans till this afternoon but up for breakfast anyway the fresh fruit and coffee very good. And once more taxi ride into town to checkout La Fortuna and stopped for lunch at a small Soda food here just as good if not better than Don Rufino’s and less expensive. Back to Resort for our first tour Liquid Lava Tour followed by Bladi Hot Springs. Delsifinos pickup right on Time Guide was very friendly and we heard and had a distant view of some howler monkeys Arenal once more cloud covered. As we headed back to van we saw some Toucans as the van arrived we drive for a better view of Arenal but she does not cooperate our guide gives us the choice of waiting for a glimpse of Arenal or going to Baldi we decide to wait and hope to see Lava but instead of any clearing the clouds roll in and block all view of Arenal. On to Baldi. After reading trip advisor and talking to Pacific Trade Winds I picked Baldi because of the waterslides and felt that it would be the best choice for a 12 year old. Beware these slides are fast but my son had a blast. The only draw back was not enough time to relax in the Springs until Dinner. In my opinion the meal here was very good.
Day 3 Today Whitewater Rafting on The Rio Balsa. Once more pickup right on time then stop to pickup two more groups. A drive to the Rio Balsa and a short lesson from the guides and we are off each group has their own guide and raft. Delsifino Tours mad this our favorite Tour. Great fun and during our trip our guide pulled over to the bank found a tree frog for everyone to see. Also provided a snack of fresh pineapple. At the conclusion of the tour thanks to the information gathered from trip advisor and Pacific Trade Winds I was ready to purchase photos and extra Money to tip the guides for a great job. The other two groups had been told not to bring anything including money so they were unable to purchase any pictures or tip the guides. After a short drive we stop for a late lunch or early dinner and I will say that this was the best meal we had in the La Fortuna Area. While waiting to eat my son noticed some Locales fishing of f the bridge and wanted to see what they were catching just as we approached them one had a fish on an handed the Line to Skyler so one day before our fishing trip we already caught a fish.
Day 4 Up Early for a 5am pickup ½ day fishing on Lake Arenal with Capt. Ron. As we wait for our pick up I check the voucher and note it states pickup and transfer back to the hotel after fishing but no mention of transportation to meet Capt Ron. I asked the front Desk to call Delsifinos to be sure a pickup had been arranged. However they called Pacific Trade Winds 24 hour line. At 5am Gretchen answers and checks to verify transportation agreements. Everything was Ok and shortly after our driver arrives. Capt. Ron is waiting on us at the Damn. Lake level is up and water temp cool so fishing is tough but because of Capt. Ron knowledge of the Lake Skyler gets a grand Slam with a Machaca one female Gapote and a nice male Gapote. The gacamole, sandwich and Pilsen beer very good and views of Arenal in and out if the clouds but we did hear her rumble and finally see some boulders rolling down leaving a trail of smoke and dust. Another great trip. The evening into La Fortuna and Lava Lounge for dinner now the rain comes and diner once more good but plain food.
Day 5 Today land boat transfer to Monteverde. When you read reviews of the bumpy and crooker roads believe them. But on this trip you get spectacular views of Costa Rica. Arrived at the Belmar Hotel. We were given a room directly above dining area, no A/C or T/V no big problem because we did not come to CR to watch TV. The biggest problem with this room was no balcony so we were only able to open two small sections of the window for air circulation and the staff just a bit of a let down when compared to The Arenal Springs. Skyler and I walk the nature trail and check out the grounds while Sherry rests. For dinner we stay in and eat a Hotel.
Day 6 Rain all night but Rain slows to a drizzle as we arrive at the cloud forest for a tour. Due to rain not much wildlife out but the guide was very good interesting and had educational tour. Prior to leaving we stop and visit the hummingbird sanctuary. This is a must hummingbirds of all sizes and colors up close had a chance to take some great pictures and a Coati decided to help him self out to the bird feeders. Back to hotel for a quick lunch and on to the ziplines. Once more Pacific Trade Winds has done it homework and set us up with the top company this was great fun and not to be missed a total of 15 ziplines as well as tarzan swing what can I say Skyler had a blast and even my wife who was at first a little leery of this one loved it. Tonight dinner at the Tree House in Monteverde I had spaghetti a change of pace from the typical food very good and the atmosphere at the Tree House fun.
Day 7 Again transportation right on time for transfer to Manuel Antonio after reaching the Pacific side we finally see some paved roads. As usual great scenery and a brief stop for photos of the crocodiles we arrive at The Falls Resort. Once more a fantastic resort rooms and staff top notch. As soon as we get set in our room we take a short walk to El Avion for lunch. As we wait for our food to arrive we finally get a close view of the White faced Monkeys as the show up right next to our table. We are entertained while eating an excellent lunch. One White faced and her baby eye the banana on Sherry’s Daiquiri. After a quick change we walk to the Beach. Skyler wants to body surf so I rent a boogey board as I keep an eye on him Sherry is looking over some pottery a vendor is selling. She finds several she likes however I tell her I left my wallet at the hotel. The vendor gives the items to Sherry and tells us to just bring her the money and if we cannot find her just give the money to owner of the stand and he will get the money to her. there is not many places left were you can take a item home with just the promise to pay later. Ride bus back to hotel get cleaned up and head to Barba Roja for dinner. Fantastic sunset and food.
Day 8 All Day inshore fishing we had 8 hours of hard fishing today but we get Skyler his Roosterfish. Earlier on Skyler had spotted a Pizza Restaurant and pool so we have a dinner of Pizza while he swims and once more get a close view of monkeys.
Day 9 Last day nothing planned a day of rest. We awake to rain after breakfast still raining but does not take much for Skyler to convince us to go to the beach again. We will be in the water anyway so who cares if its raining. As my son and I play in the surf my wife pays for the pottery we picked the day before and buys some more. Rain stopped around 2 pm rest of the day weather is perfect. For our last meal we go to Kapi-Kapi. I order the Mahi-Mahi best I have ever had great ending to a fantastic trip.
In conclusion thanks to Pacific Trade Winds and the people and country of Costa Rica it was a trip of a lifetime.
To plan my Costa Rica trip I used Pacific Trade Winds SA e-mail @ www.CostaRicaVacation4me.com. The service and advice provided by this company was great and along with information gather from Tripadvisor all plans are finalized and we are ready to go.
Day 1. Arrive San Jose airport on time. As we head for customs we see a long line waiting so I prepare for a lengthy wait, however a custom agent is walking down the line and anyone with children or needing help is routed to a short line and we are out of customs in no time. As we approach the baggage claim we are met and informed our driver will be waiting as we exit the airport. As we exit out driver is ready for us and we are off for La Fortuna. The @ 3 hour drive was no problem enjoyed the scenery and did not have to worry about the drive. Arrived at the The Arenal Springs Resort and checked in everything was ready and waiting for us and we were greeted with a drink and driven to our rooms. The rooms as well as the view of Arenal were fantastic. Arenal was in and out of the clouds but we did get some good views . As soon as the bags were in the room my son was ready to try the pool he swam, and I tried out the swim up bar and an Imperial beer. After 6 months in Iraq the pool and the Imperial were just what I needed. After that a short taxi ride in to town for diner at Don Rufino’s I tried fish with avocado my wife and son chose the Steak the food was Ok but after reading all the information on trip advisor I did not chose Costa Rica for the food. Back to the room for some rest. I was still adjusting to the time change so I was up most of the night Arenal was cover in clouds tonight but I did hear her rumble and just enjoyed the quiet peaceful night .
Day 2 No plans till this afternoon but up for breakfast anyway the fresh fruit and coffee very good. And once more taxi ride into town to checkout La Fortuna and stopped for lunch at a small Soda food here just as good if not better than Don Rufino’s and less expensive. Back to Resort for our first tour Liquid Lava Tour followed by Bladi Hot Springs. Delsifinos pickup right on Time Guide was very friendly and we heard and had a distant view of some howler monkeys Arenal once more cloud covered. As we headed back to van we saw some Toucans as the van arrived we drive for a better view of Arenal but she does not cooperate our guide gives us the choice of waiting for a glimpse of Arenal or going to Baldi we decide to wait and hope to see Lava but instead of any clearing the clouds roll in and block all view of Arenal. On to Baldi. After reading trip advisor and talking to Pacific Trade Winds I picked Baldi because of the waterslides and felt that it would be the best choice for a 12 year old. Beware these slides are fast but my son had a blast. The only draw back was not enough time to relax in the Springs until Dinner. In my opinion the meal here was very good.
Day 3 Today Whitewater Rafting on The Rio Balsa. Once more pickup right on time then stop to pickup two more groups. A drive to the Rio Balsa and a short lesson from the guides and we are off each group has their own guide and raft. Delsifino Tours mad this our favorite Tour. Great fun and during our trip our guide pulled over to the bank found a tree frog for everyone to see. Also provided a snack of fresh pineapple. At the conclusion of the tour thanks to the information gathered from trip advisor and Pacific Trade Winds I was ready to purchase photos and extra Money to tip the guides for a great job. The other two groups had been told not to bring anything including money so they were unable to purchase any pictures or tip the guides. After a short drive we stop for a late lunch or early dinner and I will say that this was the best meal we had in the La Fortuna Area. While waiting to eat my son noticed some Locales fishing of f the bridge and wanted to see what they were catching just as we approached them one had a fish on an handed the Line to Skyler so one day before our fishing trip we already caught a fish.
Day 4 Up Early for a 5am pickup ½ day fishing on Lake Arenal with Capt. Ron. As we wait for our pick up I check the voucher and note it states pickup and transfer back to the hotel after fishing but no mention of transportation to meet Capt Ron. I asked the front Desk to call Delsifinos to be sure a pickup had been arranged. However they called Pacific Trade Winds 24 hour line. At 5am Gretchen answers and checks to verify transportation agreements. Everything was Ok and shortly after our driver arrives. Capt. Ron is waiting on us at the Damn. Lake level is up and water temp cool so fishing is tough but because of Capt. Ron knowledge of the Lake Skyler gets a grand Slam with a Machaca one female Gapote and a nice male Gapote. The gacamole, sandwich and Pilsen beer very good and views of Arenal in and out if the clouds but we did hear her rumble and finally see some boulders rolling down leaving a trail of smoke and dust. Another great trip. The evening into La Fortuna and Lava Lounge for dinner now the rain comes and diner once more good but plain food.
Day 5 Today land boat transfer to Monteverde. When you read reviews of the bumpy and crooker roads believe them. But on this trip you get spectacular views of Costa Rica. Arrived at the Belmar Hotel. We were given a room directly above dining area, no A/C or T/V no big problem because we did not come to CR to watch TV. The biggest problem with this room was no balcony so we were only able to open two small sections of the window for air circulation and the staff just a bit of a let down when compared to The Arenal Springs. Skyler and I walk the nature trail and check out the grounds while Sherry rests. For dinner we stay in and eat a Hotel.
Day 6 Rain all night but Rain slows to a drizzle as we arrive at the cloud forest for a tour. Due to rain not much wildlife out but the guide was very good interesting and had educational tour. Prior to leaving we stop and visit the hummingbird sanctuary. This is a must hummingbirds of all sizes and colors up close had a chance to take some great pictures and a Coati decided to help him self out to the bird feeders. Back to hotel for a quick lunch and on to the ziplines. Once more Pacific Trade Winds has done it homework and set us up with the top company this was great fun and not to be missed a total of 15 ziplines as well as tarzan swing what can I say Skyler had a blast and even my wife who was at first a little leery of this one loved it. Tonight dinner at the Tree House in Monteverde I had spaghetti a change of pace from the typical food very good and the atmosphere at the Tree House fun.
Day 7 Again transportation right on time for transfer to Manuel Antonio after reaching the Pacific side we finally see some paved roads. As usual great scenery and a brief stop for photos of the crocodiles we arrive at The Falls Resort. Once more a fantastic resort rooms and staff top notch. As soon as we get set in our room we take a short walk to El Avion for lunch. As we wait for our food to arrive we finally get a close view of the White faced Monkeys as the show up right next to our table. We are entertained while eating an excellent lunch. One White faced and her baby eye the banana on Sherry’s Daiquiri. After a quick change we walk to the Beach. Skyler wants to body surf so I rent a boogey board as I keep an eye on him Sherry is looking over some pottery a vendor is selling. She finds several she likes however I tell her I left my wallet at the hotel. The vendor gives the items to Sherry and tells us to just bring her the money and if we cannot find her just give the money to owner of the stand and he will get the money to her. there is not many places left were you can take a item home with just the promise to pay later. Ride bus back to hotel get cleaned up and head to Barba Roja for dinner. Fantastic sunset and food.
Day 8 All Day inshore fishing we had 8 hours of hard fishing today but we get Skyler his Roosterfish. Earlier on Skyler had spotted a Pizza Restaurant and pool so we have a dinner of Pizza while he swims and once more get a close view of monkeys.
Day 9 Last day nothing planned a day of rest. We awake to rain after breakfast still raining but does not take much for Skyler to convince us to go to the beach again. We will be in the water anyway so who cares if its raining. As my son and I play in the surf my wife pays for the pottery we picked the day before and buys some more. Rain stopped around 2 pm rest of the day weather is perfect. For our last meal we go to Kapi-Kapi. I order the Mahi-Mahi best I have ever had great ending to a fantastic trip.
In conclusion thanks to Pacific Trade Winds and the people and country of Costa Rica it was a trip of a lifetime.
Aug 13th, 2009 | 05:10 AM
#2
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,085
Likes: 0
It sounds like you had a wonderful time - what a wonderful way to destress and spend time with your family after your tour in Iraq. You really packed in a lot in a short time and I'm glad your family loved it as much as you did.
Only three more months to wait until my next trip and all these great trip reports are making me very impatient to return!
Only three more months to wait until my next trip and all these great trip reports are making me very impatient to return!
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