Our first full day greeted us earlier than hoped. Lo and behold our iPhone didn't change time zones so we woke up an hour earlier than we needed. No matter! We enjoyed the first of many delicious breakfast that Costa Rican hotels offer: Omelet bar, cereal, assorted pastries (both sweet and savory) as well as cold cuts and traditional Costa Rican cuisine. To top it off, the coffee was just what we needed to keep us going through the day.
Kels and I parted ways while I had a tour of our hotel. He read by the pool while I was taken to the top floor to see an almost 360 degree view of San Jose. It was there that I saw my first and only glimpse of the Poas Volcano. It was also apparent just how mountainous the country is as well as the hills in the San Jose valley.
The rest of our day was spent in good company. We explored the nearby Sabana Park which was the original airport of San Jose before it became too small. There are still remnants of the flight tower amidst the soccer fields and playgrounds. After some time of exploration, we came back to the hotel to have our guided tour of San Jose. This was led by friend and coworker, Carolina! It was great to see the face of the person I work with everyday through emails, skype and phone. Caro was quick to lead us through the winding streets of San Jose to meet the rest of my office. We were greeted happily by all and were soon spoiled by Caro and Fabio (along with everyone else) with tasty treats and pineapple soda. After a nice visit in the office, Caro decided it was time to explore the many museums of San Jose.
Unfortunately, the National Museum is closed on Mondays and is one of the top recommended places to see. Luckily, the brand new Jade Museum had just opened its doors next door and welcomed us inside. Five floors later, I saw and learned more about Jade than I ever thought I’d know. It was amazing! Jade flutes, needles, animals, tools, etc all made by hand and carved with a mix of stone, water and dirt. Absolutely incredible. We decided we wanted more and made our way to an underground museum of Pre-Colombian gold. This was a great museum oriented toward the Spanish influence that dominates so much of Costa Rica’s history.
After our museum tours, we wandered along the busy pedestrian streets, looked into shops and saw lots of hotels. Caro took us to one of her favorite restaurants for a quick snack before heading back to the office. It was a lovely day and I was sad to say farewell to Caro. It’ll be nice to see everyone again soon.
Kels and I returned to the hotel and soon decided that we needed second dinner and headed the hotel bar. Little did we know, there was a student group outside in the pool area having one of the coolest experiences! Traditional Costa Rican dance was being demonstrated to a group of about 30 students and their parents. Kels and I both have fond memories of folk dance from our time in Trinidad and Martinique. Storytelling through dance is so powerful and it was a real treat to watch.
When the last song finished, we applauded and decided it was time for bed. We needed to rest up for Arenal!
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
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
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.