Caribbean Adventure - Costa Rica and Panama

I arrived in San Jose by noon and was picked up at the airport and transferred to Xandari Resort and Spa. After a wonderful lunch on the terrace and walk around the grounds, it was time for my spa treatments. I had reserved a coconut body scrub treatment and a aromatic facial. Both were wonderful treatments and I highly recommend them both. Very unique and relaxing. You have you own little spa cabana with a view of the valley. The resort rooms were spectacular with great views of the valley below. After the spa it was raining hard so they came down to the spa with a golf cart and gave me a ride right to my room. Then it was time for supper and a Pisco Sour. Xandari raises their own fresh vegetables and they were very fresh. Rained during the night but by morning was clearing off for a beautiful day.

This was by far the best day of the trip. I had not gone river rafting before and all of us were a little nervous. But, fear not! We had excellent instructions from Daniel on the ride to the outfitter. Each group of 5-6 were assigned to a guide. Our guide was Gordo and he had to be the best. He fitted us with helmets and life jackets and gave us more practice in the rafts before we started the float. We even practiced 'falling' out and rescue! Water is about 60 and very refreshing. Our trip down the river included paddling, floating, getting very wet, having a lot of laughs, lunch, and a great time. We were very tired at the end of the 4 hours. I would do this rafting experience again, I would have done it the next day! After rafting we transferred via bus and truck to the Selva Bananito Eco Lodge in the rainforest. We arrived at 5 pm and I had time to get settled in my cabin and try out my hammock before supper at 7 pm. Supper was excellent: beans, rice, beef, yucca, slaw, green beans and carrots with fresh papaya for dessert. The lodge manager/guide is Richard and he is going to be very helpful over the next couple of days. Back to the cabin for a good night rest. The only power is solar power and we do have lights and a warm shower. The cabin is very open. It is warm and humid and air circulation is essential. Under the mosquito net for the night!

After a restful night under my mosquito net, I awoke early to the sunlight and sounds of the rainforest. I headed to my hammock to enjoy the rainforest till time for breakfast. After a breakfast of fruits and eggs it was time to be fitted with rubbed boots for a rainforest hike. We went on a 3 hour hike in the rainforest in the morning and went horseback riding around the farm in the afternoon. The food at the lodge was locally grown and was all excellent. Very peaceful and I loved the sounds of the rainforest creatures.

A rainy night in the early morning hours but the rain stopped in time for our daytime activities. Some guests took a bird watching walk before breakfast. I spent time in my hammock. After breakfast it was time for my 'adventure' horseback ride though the farm and up in the mountain rainforest. This was a great adventure - especially the rainforest. Steep and muddy terrain. I was riding Warrior again today and I trusted him 100%! After lunch, several of the guests climbed the giant kapok tree 75 feet high. Only one made it to the top. Following the tree climb we all loaded up in the pick up truck to go down the hill and watch the staff play soccer. They were slipping in the mud, falling down, playing in bare feet or socks and they were having the best time ever!

Time to say good bye to Richard and Gusto and head out to Panama. On the way to Panama we stopped at the Sloth Sanctuary. We made this stop per a pre-arranged special request. I highly recommend this. First we had a one hour canoe ride to look for sloth and other wildlife and we were not disappointed. We spotted a sloth first thing and he was awake and moving around. Go early in the morning to see the animals as they are waking up. We also saw lots of monkeys in the tress.

Woke up to rain

Early flight to Panama

Early flight to USA