After an early morning walk through the forest and a sighting of Miltonia powellii in bloom, we embarked for Arenal Volcano and environs. Soon, we would take on the challenge of the Rio Celeste hike. Along the way, we stopped at La Fortuna, a small town on the outskirts of Arenal and spent some time in the town square with the local church and many souvenir shops ready for those orchid hunters eager to spend some colons on new treasures (and orchid books!). After lunch, we arrived at our hotel, Lomas del Volcan, taking much more time than needed to drive there as we had Diedir stop the bus several times to view the orchids along the roadside trees and living fences that span the countryside. But what fun to be able to say: “Stop the bus” and jump out and explore just what may be growing on that tree.
Some of us added a trip to the 1968 Arneal Lava Flow Trail and we were not disappointed! New orchids such as Cynoches warscewiczii, to see as well as birds and monkeys! Everyone loves to see the monkeys. We came to recognize monkey signs of fallen bromeliad leaves along the trail signaling that a troupe had passed by. Good thing they were not eating orchids!
The hotel was lovely and accommodating as we had come to expect in this hospitable country. A tree frog graced our cottage though attempts to find and see it left us unfulfilled but its intermittent chorus assured us it was there! A private sitting porch in the back of the cottage allowed a great view into the adjoining forest and abundant birdlife.
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.