The bulk of our trip (9 days) was booked through a Gate1 Travel fly and drive package which included hotels and breakfasts. They were extremely flexible in allowing us to add two days to the 7 day package to slow down the trip to our liking. We were also able to book our car through them for the entire time. The hotels were amazing. Highly recommend--sign up for their weekly deals to be emailed to you. http://www.gate1travel.com/costa-rica-travel
During the second week we stayed on a homeaway near Montezuma. http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p240014 Here is my review: PARADISE WITH WIFI 5 of 5 My husband and I, recently retired, spent an entire week at Sol y Luna. From the moment we arrived I knew we had found paradise--and of course any great paradise also has wifi! Patricia provided us with details instructions on the area that provided a framework to do as little or as much as we wanted during our visit. On those days we felt super active we went zip-lining (yes, I actually did it!), took surfing lessons, walked to Cabuya Island, hiked Cabo Blanco, and took a snorkelling trip to Tortuga Island. Just as special were the days we spent thirty minutes watching leaf cutter ants, hung out with the capuchin monkeys or bought the perfect piece of fish from the local fishermen. If you are looking for the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation--book this rental now--before the secret is out! Green Season
Food
Driving
$
Activities San Jose/Casa Conde
Catargo
Arenal/La Fortuna/Tilajari Resort
Monteverde/Hotel Montana
Montezuma/Sol y Luna
Finally, ask lots of questions and enjoy. Pura Vida. You are Always in my Prayers. Love MOM
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This afternoon, on our way back to San Jose, we visited the El Manantial Macaw sanctuary near Puntarenas. Due to the destruction of macaw habitat, and poaching for pets, both the scarlet and green macaw are considered endangered within Costa Rica. El Manantial is dedicated to conserving and breeding macaws with the purpose of reintroducing them back into the wild. I managed to snap a picture of this happy pair who are now free and thriving. Dad was particularly impressed with the two pairs of Hyacinth macaws that were seized and are cared for by the sanctuary. These giant purplish parrots are considerably taller than your average Labrador retriever. Do you see the fire red colour of those smiling macaws? Now imagine your father that colour, especially his back! We went snorkelling yesterday and he definitely got fried by the sun. Dad managed to get a deal on a full day snorkelling adventure out to Tortuga Island. I was, as always, sceptical--especially when I realized that the two young men that pulled up on their ATVs, munching on a bag of Cheetos, were our guides for the day. They led us down to the water. I wondered how we were going to fit 15 into the relatively small boat that pulled up--no problem three young ladies were "invited" to sit up on the deck in front of the driver. Then the safety instructions--wait there were none! Dad noted my concern and pointed to some life jackets hanging from the canopy. Once I let all of this go--magic! It was like a Disney movie. Dolphins leapt out of the crystal blue water beside the boat. We snorkelled in two different locations--there were so many brightly coloured fish--I'm pretty sure I even saw Nemo. Lunch was served under a canopy located on the white shell beach of Tortuga island. Dad's sunburn will soon be forgotten (we're treating is with aloe plant our host cut from the garden), but this magical day will not. We have met many wonderful people and have had unforgettable experiences. Our next adventure will be Turkey starting September 11th. In the meantime we look forward to heading home in the morning to catch up with all of you. You are always in my prayers. Love Mom |
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Ray & Diane
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