Having never spent more than a few hours in Costa Rica as a part of a Western Caribbean cruise several years ago, we decided to search TripAdvisor for the 'best' choice in our decision to do a 9 day, coast-to-coast Adventure...
Costa Rica Expeditions proved to be exactly what we needed...and more! Details and preferences were all worked out through emails and personal calls with the very knowledgeable CRE staff and travel experts.
Arrived at San Jose after a direct flight from Atlanta. Was met by CRE greeter and whisked off to Hotel de Oro for an overnight stay. The Hotel de Oro lived up to its name (Oro=Golden) and we had a very relaxing evening, a delicious supper, and a relatively quiet night in the 'Garden' area of the property.
Note: This room had the whitest, most clean, sparkling bathroom I had ever seen...anywhere!
We were met in the hotel's lobby by Andre Newcomb, our guide and host for the next five days. His knowledge of the country, flora, fauna and other delightful information regarding Costa Rica would prove quite 'fruitful', literally. The three of us became acquainted on our short trip to the chartered flight waiting for us at the airport.
The trip, even thought we were in clouds and rain for most of the half-hour flight, was smooth.
Landing at Tortuguera's 'International' Airport...3,500' runway...we were ferried across the river to the Tortuga Lodge where we spent the next two nights. Once we became used to the jungle noises, we settled in.
So many delightful things happened in the next 48+ hours, it would take pages to detail. We'd be glad to tell you about them! Boat rides on the river through the National Park; riding to the mouth of the river to see the Caribbean Sea; native meals at local establishments; and opportunity to visit an area elementary school and 'mentor' a small group of student in speaking English... And there is so much more...including a private 'going away' meal.
Oh, did I fail to mention it rained incessantly for most of our time there? We were having too much fun and Andrew was so accommodating, we didn't allow a 'little' wet ruin our stay.
Flight back to San Jose and then 4 hours via a very comfortable bus with Andrew and now driver, Alex, to Monteverde Lodge and Gardens. Without going into too many details, all you will find out about this location is true and a definite experience to remember; tour of the area; Poas Volcano; Hummingbird watching; a nature hike traipsing across suspension bridges above second-growth forests; did I mention 'rainbows'?
Andrew and Alex went out of their way with kindness, politeness and an overwhelming knowledge of Nature and the community which totally impressed us and made us feel as 'family' the entire trip.
It was Valentine's Day... and Andrew arranged for my wife and I to have a very private, special candlelight dinner in the Butterfly House. Yes, it was all your imagination might create in a visual.
The next morning, we were off to the Pacific Coast and Punta Islita. Another four hours and we drove into one of the most beautiful hotel settings we had ever experienced. Hotel Punta Islita... top rated by TripAdvisor....was our home for the next three nights. Believe all you read about this property. Staff and wait staff make you feel as family...greeting you with kind words and over-the-top service 24/7.
Weather was perfect. A little humid and hot compared to the Caribbean side...food excellent. We'll be back there in the future for sure.
Costa Rica Expeditions had scored big with us. We cannot say enough to laud their excellence! On the private flight back to San Jose, an older couple from Sweden was supposed to have flown with a different air taxi service which had not arrived as we were about to leave Punta Islita. After a short chat with CRE folks, it was agreed to have them join us and complete their itinerary from that point. After landing at San Jose, CRE even made sure they had made their contact for the next leg of their journey. This was above and, again, beyond the scope of their commitment to us...
Guess they determined it was the right thing to do... And this speaks volumes for Costa Rica Expeditions.
There is so much more to say about these fine folks...but you'll just have to experience it yourself. We did...and enjoyed every minute.