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
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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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La Fortuna waterfalls drops 75 metres into a dormant volcano. It takes 15 minutes to make your way down to the base of the falls and four hours to make your way back up-- maybe I'm exaggerating but several people who passed me during the climb asked if I was O.K. I'm pretty sure your father ran up! While we were there I heard one clever young man claim "When I said I loved water sports I used to mean boating". Everyone was very, very wet but the rainy season made the waterfall spectacularly powerful. Last night at the Soda our new friend mentioned that there was going to be a cattle sale at the stock yard this morning. As we left La Fortuna we were almost ran into by a cow running down the road. We figure she was actually, not figuratively, running for her life. That was probably the safest part of our trip. The road between La Fortuna and Monteverde is comparable to a trip across moon rocks. In places you drive in and out of the potholes with the shoulders cut away to nothing on both sides. Your dad did great. We are now in Monteverde. Our coffee/cocoa/sugar cane tour was an exercise in indulgence. Since it is off season there were only four of us on the tour. We definitely consumed the product equivalent of a full sized tour. Cocoa right out of the bean--amazing. They cautioned it might cause diarrhea, but so far so good! Settled in for the night as the sun sets over the cloud forest. Psalm 145:5 They speak of the glorious splendour of your majesty— and I will meditate on your wonderful works. You are always in my prayers. Love Mom. Favourite critter today-the Jesus Christ Lizard-Guide explanation"because he walks on water NOT because of what you say when he crawls over your foot"
I am surrounded by fruit, fruit, and more fruit. I eat about two pounds of papaya with breakfast. When that settles I buy a giant mango from a road side stand, cut it open with my room key, and bite into it until the juice is dripping from my hands and face. Even the birds are fruit crazy! They flock to enjoy their share impaled on sticks just outside of the restaurant during breakfast. It is a challenge to find an authentic Costa Rican experience when you are staying at a resort, but we are definitely trying our best. Two of these experiences are Sodas and the rogue hot springs: Don't think soda like soda pop--think a small building with three walls and an open front where you can buy the best Costa Rican food for really, really cheap. The owner of our favourite Soda wants to practice his English and I want to practice my Spanish so it is a match made in heaven. We manage to order the basic ingredients but the form it arrives at the table in is always a complete surprise! The rogue hot springs is right across the street from the famously expensive Tabacon Hot Springs. If you want a drink with a fancy umbrella you should definitely go to Tabacon. If you want to have a blast on a Sunday afternoon with fifty of your newly found Costa Rican friends, their babies, their dogs, and their BBQs crawl under the gate across from Tabacon. Priceless! We haven't seen a volcano yet--too cloudy--rainy season. No matter, there is so much adventure to enjoy. Dad seems to finally have a grip on the currency. He randomly announces I know where my Colones are and giggles. You are Always in my Prayers. Love Mom. |
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Ray & Diane
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