2 independent reviews for Costa Rica highlights holiday
Reviews for Costa Rica highlights holiday
Diane Curbishley review 25 Jan 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
So many memorable elements that it is hard to pick one! The wildlife was just amazing in almost every location. - Tortuguero was fabulous, our guide was brilliant and the monkeys were amazing, and came so close (even onto the breakfast table to pinch my bread roll) - the only downside was the rain all day every day and no way of drying clothes.- The Cahuita national park tour was a particular highlight with the most wildlife and close proximity. - Manuel Antonio accomodation Villas Nicolas was incredible with monkeys putting on a show each morning to view from the fabulous terrace.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Think about what you really want to do before you go - we thought we would want chill out time but went looking for more action and fun on those days! Also think about the distances between locations - we spent 7 hours travelling between Samara and Manuel Antonio! Also it is quite expensive to eat and drink out every night. And lastly be well prepared for rain even if you think you are going in the “dry season”!!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, the wildlife felt natural and we were encouraged not to get too close or take anything. All locations encouraged reducing use of electricity and protecting sanitation systems.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Our trip was absolutely incredible - despite 10 days of rain, rain and more rain, we still loved it in Costa Rica and were highly impressed with the organisation of our trip. Sadly, one part of the trip did not live up to the rest - Villas Playa Samara. We were moved to this hotel due to complaints in the original one and had to pay extra but it was really disappointing. Lots of issues experienced at the hotel and the staff were not very helpful (except one fabulous waiter - Christian) and food was not good. We had to go out every night after eating in the hotel on the first night and cabs were very expensive (12 dollars each way). The pick ups for tours did not go smoothly at this one location (whereas every other place they were so punctual and efficient) due to the hotel not allowing pick up vehicles to pass the main security gate and failing to let us know they were outside at the end of the very long drive. It simply did not fit with the trip at all as a large impersonal hotel and we felt like second class citizens - it seemed that most people were all inclusive and we felt were treated more favourably. Had a final significant issue as we checked out as they would not refund our 200 dollar deposit back (despite no issues or reason to keep it and we had to pay our bill separately) as they said I was using a different card - I wasn’t and had evidence in my account of the payment - we still don't have it back. Such a shame as every other hotel was absolutely amazing, small and cosy, with wonderful staff. I’m sad to have to comment about the Samara part of the trip negatively and I really want to give the holiday 5 stars as it was amazing but I have to drop a star for that part. Despite this, I would still highly recommend the tour operator, thank you!Sue Deeley review 12 Feb 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing sloths close up in the wild2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Travel light and be organised with your packing (as you never have time to unpack). Bring a good camera and binoculars, appreciate the wildlife, the flora, the scenery and the kind generous people that you'll meet.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Better than excellent!Holiday Reviews
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