We have just returned from a fantastic holiday guided by Johnny Villalobos. He made the experience memorable for our group of 13 travellers. He gave 100% to us, walking early to see as much as possible, owl hunting at night and working all hours to enable us to ' maximise' our holiday ( his word ) ! The itinerary was well put together and all the lodges and hotels were carefully chosen, all different but all excellent. We particularly loved Esquinas Lodge, its remoteness and the birds of course! We saw a huge number of bird species and Johnny helped us to check the 'list' every evening in happy hour!!! We had the good fortune to be travelling with a great group of people which really made for a fun time as well. We did see quetzal too. We saw at least two males and two females and they did us the honour of performing a memorable flying display! All in all a really wonderful holiday. My only query might be a question of its rating as Leisurely 1!!!
Stunning colourful country - Flora and fauna and fantastic cycling flat and hilly I would echo the comments that the standout highlight of this trip is seeing the beautiful rural landscape. There is so much colour in the birds and plants. They are wonderfully seen from the bike but also the boat rides were superb The food was never bad. I would recommend salsa caribena fish and prawns. You will get bored of rice and beans for breakfast but small price to pay for enjoying this trip! Some of the lodges are quite basic but it's fine. Many don't have a hairdryer so if that's important to you, bring one I found the pattern of cycling really good. Often after a tough hill day you get a good flat day to stretch out your legs. Some of the hills are definitely more than moderate, but you challenge yourself and if you really can't do it you can get in the bus I recommend a larger day rucksack and a little one. Because there are occasions you are asked to do an evening and next morning without your suitcase Don't bother bringing any fancy clothes, all very casual I loved the trip, the people, the guides. Go for it
Been there done that.... and ready to do it all over again! Had a time of my life waking up to howling monkeys, birds singing, tropical fruits/flowers, lush scenery at our doorstep....while climbing hills that of course were challenging at times, but that was part of the excitement.
I am eternally grateful for the joy this trip bought me. Still smiling when wake up in the morning as I can't beleive I can say .... been there, done that and happily do it again!
Pura Vida to all the lovely people in Costa Rica.