How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Ron was an excellent guide with a great knowledge of wildlife meaning in many situations he could guide the group himself finding animals that we would have otherwise missed.  His knowledge and contacts locally also granted us extra choices which may not have otherwise been available such as using pools and getting water taxis.

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

Excellent for the amateur bird spotter or someone wanting to see a vast array of wildlife at a leisurely pace and with minimal exertion.  Be warned the Volcano has not done anything since 2010.

Do you have anything else to add?

I would not class this as Moderate but leisurely.  The public transport meant a lot of time waiting (2 hr waits) for busses and traveling of public busses (occasionally stood up).  The activities were a little sedate for my such as things I expected to be a hike was infact a short 30 min stroll in a park, perhaps.  I think this was due to the aged nature of the majority of the group who moaned a lot.  Perhaps for the same reason I was dissapointed that the day advertised as travel by jeep was actually just a standard 18 seater minibus an not an adventure at all.  The hotel in San Jose is an absolute joke and definitely do not see why this is on the itinerary for the first and last nights.

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

The tour leader was excellent. He guided us in the national parks, pointing out animals and birds we never seemed to spot when we were on our own. He helped us set up our optional activities and made helpful suggestions.

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

This is a great tour for people with a bit of gumption who don't expect or want everything in a formal schedule. Members of the group did some things all together and on other occasions did a wide variety of other activities in smaller groups (butterfly garden-visiting, beach lazing, cycling, hiking, bird watching, zip-wire flying, bar exploration, painting, boat trips, coffee plantation visits etc). The tour guide had great contacts to enable these things to be set up at short notice. Costa Rica is not cheap but this was a very good value tour which gave us many of the best bits of country, more contact with normal life and, compared to some other trips, much less driving around in a private goldfish bowl on wheels.

Do you have anything else to add?

"Don't forget to bring your leopard-skin mankini if you want to do the Tarzan Swing  and zip-wire flying.

This is not a tour for people who don't like trees."

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Lovely chap but not enough organisation / information about things to do

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

If you want an active holiday don't book this one.  Far less activity that used to on similar type trips

Do you have anything else to add?

If you want to see live volcano don't book this trip.  Despite the trip notes saying the Arenal volcano was active when we got there it had been dormant for over two years.

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Monteverde and the National Park. Canopy walks, zip wire, butterflys, snakes and humming birds. Disneyland for nature.
Felipe Pardo was the perfect host for Costa Rica.  There was nothing missing from what he told us. He was the consumate guide who was a credit to his country and Explore.

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

Travel light and expect all kinds of weather. Keep your eyes peeled for what the rain forests and could forests can give you.

Great trip overall. For me the highlight was Monte Verde Cloud forest! The accommodation was varied, from basic (but clean and acceptable) to rather nice lodges with swimming pool--definitely a bonus!  The "travel on local buses" quoted was actually good quality long distance coaches, and was fine.  One thing i would mention was that we went during the "rainy season"--and it certainly did rain--every day for at least an hour. But then the clue was in the season title, and as long as you realise this and take light waterproofs, its ok as it is not cold. We found that waterproof capes were best as they cover all, including your backpack, and are light rolled up to carry. An umbrella is also useful for dodging from cafe to bar! On the Caribbean coast you WILL need mossie repellent, not so much elsewhere. The people of Costa Rica are very welcoming, and rightly proud of their eco initiatives, and the food was uniformly good whether a small local cafe, or bigger restaurant.  As expected Explore looked after us well, while still giving us choices. ( QCC - 24th July 2011)