Costa Rica Tour
by Plaza Travel Production Department - Jennifer Parker
Last Friday I returned from Brendan Vacations – “Volcanos and Beaches” Tour in Costa Rica. We landed in San Jose on Friday night and were taken to the Ramada Plaza Herredura for one night. The Swiss Tours representatives at the airport were very professional and helpful. As most of us would be – I was a little concerned about a “Ramada” – but it was actually a decent “moderate” property. They had a full casino and a musician in the piano bar – playing guitar and singing. Rooms were quite large – and comfortable – nice buffet breakfast included. We had an 8am pick up in the morning for our 3 hour drive out to Arenal Volcano area – so I did not get to see San Jose at all. The drive is full of twists and turns – but it is gorgeous countryside through little Pueblitos and lots of jungle, coffee and sugar plantations. We were taken to the Montana Del Fuego Hotel and Spa right at the base of the volcano. We were in a Deluxe room – which is a private cabana style single unit. It has 36 acres of lush green hills and valleys. River rafting, horse back riding, zip lining, pools, mud baths and nice spa – all on property. It’s all so low key and casual – that we just felt really comfortable there. The one restaurant was only so-so but we didn’t care. Sitting on your rocking chairs on the front porch watching a volcano erupt is pretty spectacular.
Hearing it erupt in the middle of the night and springing out of bed to see the red glow – is priceless.
We were picked up by Gustavo at 2pm that same day for our volcano tour. As a guide he was top notch. We got a full history of the Volcano as well as all of the plants and animals in the area. It was an amazing tour. He dropped us at Tabacon Hot Springs where we had 3 hours to enjoy the springs and a buffet dinner – also an amazing experience having never been to a natural hot spring. Again the tour guide, transfers and service were top notch. Tabacon resort is right across the street – and very deluxe.
Next day Gustavo was there again at 8am to take us on our Canopy Bridges tour. Again - Gustavo’s eye for wild life and education on the rain forest amazed us. Both Craig and I are horrible with heights – and had no problem on this tour. The bridges are VERY high and bouncy but they are SO secure that you feel totally safe. I highly recommend BOTH of those tours in that area. Very important to advise your clients to wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots. They are both a good amount of exercise with a lot of unstable ground.
Monday – another early pick up for a 4 hour ride out to the Pacific coast. Driver Javier was really great. 20 minutes after we drove off into the jungle he came to a very sudden stop and put the van in reverse. We asked him what was wrong…he smiled at us – and said – “look up – Monkeys”. We all sprung out of the van and he guided passing cars around us. There were about 30 monkeys – mom’s with little babies – all feeding a swinging around – it was spectacular.
We were taken to the Flamingo Beach Resort. Unfortunately the hotel did not advise Brendan of the massive construction and other issues making it “not acceptable”. With some rapid and much appreciated hard work of Colleen and Steve and Brendan Vacations – we were swiftly removed from this hotel and taken to the Bahia Del Sol.
It is a very quiet 4 star boutique hotel – beach front - in a residential area. We had a lovely ocean front suite with a spa and outdoor living space. This property I would use only for couples looking for quiet and seclusion. The staff was very kind and accommodating. The restaurant was open air to the ocean with lots of options and wonderful food. The pool was empty – but with good reason - from the moment we checked in to the moment we left – we were stuck in a 4 day tropical storm. I’m sure many of you saw the Central America floods on the news. We had one clearing for about an hour one day to squeeze in a nice walk on the beach. Otherwise - more rain than I have ever seen. How much? Up to 10 inches per hour – 24 hours a day – 4 days straight – no joke. It forced us to relax – and enjoy our time together. We would walk to the market through the flooded street each day to grab some cervezas and bottled waters – and go back to the room for some checkers – and chillin out.
With a maximum of 6 people at the hotel – they took very good care of us. Swiss tours called us every day to make sure we were okay. The rain cleared on Friday just enough time to get us too Liberia Airport – one hour away. We were lucky to be flying out of there as all the roads to San Jose were inaccessible due to flooding and mud slides.
This is a perfect example of how anything can happen too you on a vacation. It is also an example of Brendan vacations taking good care of the travelers. We had a GREAT vacation.
Jennifer Parker |
