Day 4 –Another hair-raising drive up and around Turrialba Volcano, its peak invisible in the clouds, brings us to a valley overlooking Cartago, the original capital of Costa Rica until 1823. Having suffered from two devastating earthquakes in 1841 and 1910, the town once again bustles with traffic, tourists, and a large local market which we pass. The road continues upward with more winding curves where busses and trucks pass each other, ignoring the double yellow lines. Thinking the drive couldn’t get any more dangerous, heavy fog develops in the upper elevations where the air grows colder. We pass several ambulances and other emergency vehicles pulled over to the side, obviously the site of a recent accident but no crash is visible, just men rappelling over a cliff to investigate or remove bodies from the wreckage that must be visible below our view. We vow never to drive in Costa Rica and are again thankful for our safety conscious driver.
Savegre Hotel, our next destination for two nights, is nestled deep in a cloud forest where the ecosystem supports a large number of mammals, insects, amphibians, plants and colorful birds like the Resplendent Quetzal. The Savegre Reserve, 80% of which is made up of virgin forest, is a living research laboratory by institutions from around the world. As we check in to the lodge, we pause to admire the many varieties of hummingbirds that whiz past us, lighting on feeders, bougainvillea and hibiscus bushes. The grounds are magnificent with giant cannas, hydrangeas, yellow daisy-like flowers on overhanging arbors that arch over the paths leading to the quaint cottage accommodations. Our rooms have fireplaces which we will need at night in the cool mountain air. Dinner served buffet style is lavish in this remote setting and includes local grilled trout, fried plantains, and sumptuous desserts.
Adventure Life took care of everything! All we had to do was show up when we were supposed to, which made our first trip to Costa Rica largely stress-free and incredibly fun. Our trip reps, Hannah and Mariethony, were helpful and responsive, getting back to us by email usually within a few hours. Our accommodations were all great, and we got incredibly blessed with some absolutely stellar guides and drivers.
Our Jungle & Beach trip was an excellent balance of adventure and rest. We got to try out a lot of different activities, including snorkeling, hiking, white water rafting and kayaking, while also partaking of some rest around the pool or by the ocean. We enjoyed seeing and exploring the beautiful Caribbean side of the country.
Joy Knowles
1 week ago
The company made our adventure trip hassle-free, and a lot of fun! I will definitely be using them again
Carolena F
1 month ago
For our first trip to Costa Rica, Adventure Life designed a tour that meets the interests, ecological and adventure, of our party; but also takes into account our physical limitations sine we are all septuagenarian. We are looking forward to the trip.
John Zent
1 month ago
COSTA RICA a trip of a life time travelling round this beautiful country. All went like clockwork even when the weather was against us and all transfers seemed to be part of the holiday not a chore. Would definitely use Adventure Life again having previously used them 20 years ago!!
Cynthia Calton
1 month ago
Our Costa Rica trip was amazing! Kassandra planned everything and the excursions, hotels, overall organization were outstanding. Everything worked out smoothly, the excursions guides were knowledgeable allowing us to see so much of the fauna and flora of the country. The hotels were great as well, all in fantastic locations and with beautiful views.