After two nights, we left this wonderful spot and its delightful people for the Selva Bananito Lodge.
This was decidedly less rustic, but no less adventurous. The cabins are beautiful and comfortable, and each has only three walls. The fourth opens onto the most glorious view I've ever had in a hotel: a mist-shrouded mountain forest seen across a lush valley.
This lodge also had no electricity or hot water (the water was lukewarm and perfectly comfortable for showering). Mornings were magical…flocks of blue-head Pionus parrots flew past (we've had one for a pet for over thirty years), and the dawn gradually reveals a magnificent mountain view as the birds call out to each other in the morning symphony.
[Photo 12: Our cabin at the Selva Bananito Lodge]
[Photo 13: The view from our cabin]
Marvin, the driver from earlier in the trip, dropped us off in early afternoon. After getting unpacked and oriented, we all went down to a huge tree with cables hanging from the top. Once strapped in, one could pull oneself up nearly to the top--theoretically. Neither Wendy I could get more than a few feet off the ground, though Amy pulled herself all the way to the top, twice!
[Photo 14: Amy at the top of the tree]
Dinners were communal. Most of the guests were newlyweds (and adorable), and took our thirty-years-and-counting marriage as a sign of good luck. The dishes were not especially imaginative, but they were well prepared and satisfying, and sometimes quite delicious. They also had the most amazing array of fruit juices I'd ever encountered: carambola, tomatillo, blackberry, you name it.
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.