Day 2 - The Paquare to Turriulba and Guayabo Lodge
Rafting the Paquare - WOW - what an amazing adventure! Our guide was so much fun. As a family of 6 it took a little cooperation to row together and stay upright. The clas III & IV rapids came often, about every 15 minutes so we had time to rest in between and view the gorgeous landscape and saw the beautiful blue butterfly. Lunch was prepared and served by the guides - very delicious food. The fresh pineapple was fabulous. Just a warning, however, to not only look up, but also notice where you feet are as there are many "ant highways" that are not happy if you stand in their way. Result? yeah a bite that itches like crazy. This was found out by the boys as they were looking for a "nature break".
After a fabulous day of rafting we are picked up to arrive at the Guayabo Lodge. What an adventure - after about a 2 hour drive through the beautiful countryside, past Turrialbo, we take a left hand turn down a winding dirt road the lodge...
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.