Before we even arrived in the Corcovado national park we had enjoyed a dramatic morning. Minutes after our speedboat had left the hotel we saw a dolphin chasing a fish - both jumping out of the water. One man was so impressed he jumped in to get a closer look (despite the guide's request for him to stay in the boat).
Then the approach to the beach was an impressive piece of navigation...OK, it was quite scary! We weaved our way in through the breaking waves to finally reach the beach for a wet landing and the start of our hike.
As soon as we entered the forest we saw a group of Squirrel monkeys, closely followed by the three other species of monkey found in Costa Rica: Spider, Howler and Capuchin. Next was one of the highlights of the day - a Sloth in a tree, its happy-looking face in clear view.
To top that would be a challenge for any guide, but Xavier had plenty of tricks up his sleeve and he soon spotted a Tapir for us - a very strange animal, apparently related to a rhino and a horse.
For good measure he also showed us Crocodiles and a Cayman doing an unfeasibly good impression of dead leaves in a river (with just its eyes above the water).
Less scary but just as impressive in their own ways were a bright yellow and black Zebra grasshopper and a Trogon (of the much celebrated Quetzel bird family).
All this, along with the dramatic coastal and forest scenery made for an unbeatable experience, every bit as special as we had hoped it might be.
The boat journey back to the hotel was again a lot of fun. As we pulled in to the hotel's jetty we saw a crocodile sunning itself on the opposite riverbank!
Walking up to our room we saw a 1m long Boa Constrictor - this sort of discovery no longer seemed out of place as we half-expected to see such things on a regular basis.
Unfortunately we had forgotten our room key so I was the dutiful husband and went back down the 100+ steps to get it. The steepest climb of the day!
There was just enough time to relax in the hammock before heading down to dinner.
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.