We woke up early to the rumbling of Arenal Volcano sending black smoke skywards. It was so very cool to hear and see a live volcano. In the observatory lodge you can watch the seismograph needle vibration to the movement of the earth causing the volcanic reactions.
After breakfast we hiked in the rain forest and saw two species of Toucan, a Crested Guan any many different epiphytes. It seems that no tree stands alone in the rain forest. Living within it's branches are orchids, ferns, mosses, vines and bromeliads. You can hardly recognize the host tree with all that life growing on it's branches! I was very fascinated by the plant life of the rain forest. There are flowers shaped for the 50 species of hummingbirds in Costa Rica as well at the night blooming Angel Trumpet Tree that gets pollinated by bats. On our way back to the hotel we took a detour stop at an insect and butterfly museum. This was a nice diversion and the guide was very knowledgeable about the life of the butterfly.
Once back at the Arenal Observatory Lodge we had the afternoon to explore the gorgeous property and it trails. Here we saw a Coati, which is a relative of the raccoon. The Coati was not afraid of us and continued foraging while we stood and watched at a meters distance. We also saw the unusual looking Crested Curassow. There are many hummingbirds and the beautiful Passerinin's Tanager flies throughout the property. There is a fun hike down to a waterfall where people swim and played. We spent one evening swimming in the pool and soaking in the hot tub. A great end to a day of hiking!
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
2 weeks 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.