Costa Rica Coastal Secrets Costa Rica's Coastal Secrets is a brilliant trip. The itinerary is well thought through with a variety of excellent locations and the right amount of travel. Our guide Jorge was great - efficient and friendly. We saw so much wildlife - turtles, sloths, coati, agouti, tamandua, racoons, spider monkeys, capuchins, howlers & squirrel monkeys, otters, crocodiles, bats, sharks, tapir, dolphins, peccary, resplendent quetzels, tanagers, trogon etc. All the accommodation was very comfortable. Drake's Bay, Tortuguero & Cahuita are stunning locations. The National Parks are very well looked after and teeming with wildlife. The Costa Ricans are very friendly. Everything is green. This is a very enjoyable, rewarding & memorable trip. The minibus was comfortable and we enjoyed all the boat trips. The snorkelling trip was fun.
Pros: the locations were just beautiful The lodging was mostly terrific. The thermal baths were a highlight. Outdoor activities were well-planned. Drivers and guides were the best: knowledgeable and courteous The practices of CR people and places were COVID-safe, with one exception (Manuel Antonio National Park) Cons: ticketed breakfast and lunches were not that great. We found paying for our own gave us more options and better Food. Manuel Antonio park was the exception. No masks, no distancing and too many people together. It was disappointing.
I thought this was a great trip and I was very fortunate to end up travelling with a fabulous, like minded group of people. Costa Rica is a beautiful country and the itinerary is well designed to fit in lots of places but without feeling rushed as you get to stay everywhere for two nights. It did not feel as intense and tiring as some trips I have done as there is ample chance to chill out on the verandas of the lodges or by the pool with a book or just watching the wildlife.
It is very focused on the nature, scenery and wildlife side of the country, in particular birds, so be prepared for that. There is a chance to do a few other things such as the hot springs and zip lining which are well worth it.
I thought all of the accommodation was excellent. Although they varied in terms of facilities everywhere was clean, comfortable and friendly, in excellent locations, with beautiful grounds and with good food (food especially good in Savegre) and most had pools which was an added bonus.