We are first timers in Costa Rica and I picked an RCI accommodation from their web facility to use up some points. The coastal resorts were very attractive but required pricey all inclusives and did not allow children. We figured we’d rent a car or hire a guide on various days and seek what we found in YouTube. We got here late to Taranova-Villas and it seemed kind of industrial with a few eateries, motels, and a casino within walking distance In daylight it was pretty residential just a bit off the hiway. Taranova provided the shuttle to and from the airport.
The nxt morning, a Monday breakfast was held in the sunny courtyard and Mark hosted a presentation of the daily tours and options. The apprehension of getting around in a busy city and outlands, often mountainous, vanished as the program offered by Sol Tropical included something to cover most everything any tourists, especially newbies, could fit in within the 6 days, stay.
Christian, our guide, clearly explained the activities, what to bring and wear on each excursion, meals included, exertion demands and options, etc., but mostly he is a young, highly educated degreed naturalist well-versed in the flora and fauna of Costa Rica. He took pains to warn us of any dangerous bugs and plants, and was patient making sure everybody got a peek of what we came across using a laser pointer and a spotting scope. In addition, Chris is an accomplished photographer and videographer, even using a pricey drone to fly over rapids and the forest canopy.
The meals were representative of local cuisine and offered many choices in the clean eateries. Restroom stops were adequate and special stops were made at fuel stations, etc. when ya gotta go…
Our chauffeur, Umberto Happer, clipped along on hiways and twisty mountain roads, sometimes a bit choppy, in a 23 passenger van, and we had room when fellow riders didn’t hog seats for their baggage. Small to medium backpacks, shared when possible, were optimal, as we did scarf up souvenirs at a few places, so space got used. The van got up to 19 tourists on the most crowded day. If you are leggy, avoid the seats over the back wheel bubbles.
Some of used our last day to relax and use up supplies, and the small pool at the condos was most welcome. Get your phone service set up for international, but wi-fi at the condos was slow but worked ok. It seemed I didn’t need to change currency any place we went. Some knowledge of Spanish is handy, but Chris and Happer are always nearby. The tours really filled the week with experiences and an understanding I really doubt we would have attained on our own.