Costa Rica
We had a wonderful trip. The tour guide, Rafael Calvo, and the bus driver were exceptional and provided outstanding service. Worthy of note. We especially enjoyed the white water rafting and zip lining experiences as well as the many hiking and river excursions. The sailing and snorkeling was also very enjoyable. A very nice group of travelers. Fun time had by all. Thankfully we had large quantities of mosquito repellant, as it was required, esp. at the Torteguero National Park and at our last hotel resort, The Flamingo. Flights and connections went well, i.e. no problems. We even managed to get upgraded to business class. Very nice way to travel. One of the hiking excursions to the volcano was somewhat strenuous and hazardous. Many of the tour group had a difficult time. The hotel accommodations at the Sueno Azul resort was sub-standard. For example, our room did not have screens on the doors so we were not able to keep the doors open. Normally not a problem: however, with no air-conditioning and lots of mosquitoes, it became stifling inside. Mildew was also growing all over the shower. Overall the trip more than met our expectations. We enjoyed it immensely.
wonderful mid-winter trip
great trip to go on for eco-tourism. have been to Galapagos and Africa. this is the trilogy of trips re live unique animals and enviroment. looking forward to our next trip to Australia or Spain.
Trip of a Lifetime
I was expecting a great trip but it exceeded all of my expectations. A good mix of relaxing and active events. On the go but time to explore. What a great country and a fabulous guide!
Costa Rica
This Happy Retirement, Happy Valentine's Day and Happy Birthday gift to me trip to Costa Rica as a solo traveler resulted in my return home with a bagful of special memories that I shared with 33 wonderful folks. Our tour director, Edgar, enlightened us each day with his knowledge and passion for the Costa Rican culture. Our driver, Marvin, also overextended himself to help us whenever he could. They were the icing on this very tasty cake of a trip. The resorts screamed Costa Rica....each very unique....we knew we were not in Kansas. The expereince was as they say "Pura Vida."
Love That Rainforest
With the knowledge and experience of our Costa Rican born guide we were able to embrass not only the beauty of the vegitation and animal as well as reptille and bird life, but a great deal of history, cultureand economic development. Huge amount of information and those all important photo ops.
Close to the Best
This trip was truly remarkable, as I was able to see so many birds, monkeys, and other wildlife plus experience the lush, pristine rainforests. Our Tour Director and bus driver were THE BEST. I have been on many Go Ahead trips, and I certainly have to rank this trip near the top of my list. Taking the tree tops walk was quite an experience and certainly gave me a panoramic view. I felt as though I was "on top of the world."
Extremely good travel experience.
Very knowledgable, friendly and accommodating Tour Director; excellent biology and botany "lessons" along the way. Sarapiqui and Arenal resorts were very nice places to stay during our adventures in the forests. Resort in Guanacaste was truly a family oriented place; very nice, good food, little to do but read or walk the beach under an unforgiving sun on the free day. Visiting a coffee plantation was great and gave a whole new meaning to drinking a good cup of "joe."
If you have a little sense of adventure.....
If you enjoy a moderate level of activity, nature, and wildlife you should consider this tour. I went as a solo traveler and felt very comfortable. There were three other solo travelers on the trip. It is different than other Go Ahead Tours that I have taken because it is more active, and in different ways. In addition to walking, you will have opportunities to hike, go sailing in the Pacific Ocean and take a boat downriver through the rainforest. The tour can accommodate all fitness levels; however, not everyone was able to do everything. To be able to do every activity, you need to be in moderately good shape and be able to be steady on your feet. You will be walking through rain forests and over some uneven trails. If you are looking for the adrenaline-rush type of experience, that is NOT what this tour is about (no zip lines and no shooting the rapids). If you are looking for history, architecture, and hotels with every amenity, this is NOT the tour for you. If you have a little taste for adventure, and long to see gorgeous natural beauty at a reasonable pace, this is a great tour.
First timer
I had a great time. This was my first trip with Go Ahead and I had a great time. The price was reasonable.
Too many people
There were 41 people in my tour group which was too many people. The tour guide was good and the location. The snorkling was great and would of liked another day at the Flamingo Resort to do things on our own.