Today has been full on but absolutely amazing.

It was an early start at 5.45 but it was so worth it. First trip of the day was a river boat trip down the River Rio Grande Tarcoles. We arrived at the check in and were taken down by tractor which was at a leisurely pace through farm land, lots of odd looking cows, vultures and other birds. We were the only ones on the boat and there were no other boats on the river at that time so it was pure bliss. We were allowed to walk anywhere in the boat, stand at the front so my husband could take lots of great photos. So many different birds from herons, kingfishers, waders and then what the river is famed for - crocodiles! Absolutely amazing experience. It was then back to the hotel for a quick breakfast.

Next was a three hour walk through Carara National Park. We covered about 2 miles on this walk. I can’t stress enough about having the right clothes for this. I’m so glad I took advice from this group and got some light walking shoes, the shoes do need to be covered in so my hiking sandals are no good. By the end of the walk my shoes had become instruments of torture and apparently my sandals will now be good for the rest of the tour! I would also suggest long trousers that are elasticated at the ankle and I also bought some light, insect repellent long sleeved tops from Trespass to cover up as much as possible. Don’t forget the insect bite cream in addition to the insect repellent.

We then had lunch at a Soda. Mine was prawns in breadcrumbs and pasta, my husband had the rice and beans with pork and the prawns, cost was equivalent of £8 - bargain.

We then went to Braulio Carrillo Park, Rainforest Adventure Jaco. To start with we were taken by a guide to look round a butterfly enclosure, then he took us round a herb garden explaining everything to us - he was very knowledgeable. Then it was a gondola ride up into the canopy, again it was a very small group. Then my husband and the staff zip lined down while I was put back on the gondola and enjoyed 20 mins of tranquility on my own. I saw toucans and parrots. This was not part of the holiday so we paid extra for this and that was £94 but we’ll worth it, plus these places have been hit really hard in the pandemic.

So as you can see it’s been a full on day. Not any time to look round Villa Lapas. Room is nicer than the Buena Vista lodge but there is no coffee making facility and no housekeeping which we had previously.

Here are a few photos from the day.

Costa Rica Discovery Tour

So the boys took us to Restaurante Selva Rustica last night. It’s in Arenal, a little off the beaten track but the food and atmosphere was great. We had steak with jalapeños washed down with a nice glass of Malbec.

We started at 8am this morning and the first tour was round the Arenal Hanging Bridges Mistico. This was a 2.5 mile hike, on a flat path that had the odd incline and then back down again. The hanging bridges were amazing. They are limited to 15 people at a time and the sway a little but the views are great. We saw an eyelash viper but I’m currently having issues getting the photos off my husband so will have to try and post later.

Next we had lunch at our guides recommendation at Don Juan educational farm. Don Juan is a retired school teacher who set up the farm to help under privileged children. All the food served is grown at the farm and is organic. We sampled root vegetables I’ve never heard off (and can’t remember the name of) with chicken and fish but it was all really nice. To drink there was pineapple with rice water and dessert was desiccated coconut ice cream. We also got the chance to chew on some sugar cane!

Next it was the Danaus Ecocenter forest hike. This was a gentle pace and we saw various animals / birds. We did both seem to get bitten despite having sprayed ourselves so I would recommend long trousers for this one. Really enjoyed watching the leaf cutter ants working away.

We got back to the chalet at about 4, just chilling on the veranda, drinking filter coffee and looking at the volcano. Also lucky enough to have two toucans land in a tree nearby, so my husband has got some great photos.

Tomorrow we leave this lovely place at 8am for what will sadly be our last two nights of this amazing holiday to go to Fonda Vela.

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Costa Rica Discovery Tour - Day 5

We left the hotel Lapas this morning. Had a lovely breakfast by the river which was nice.

Next stop was Manuel Antonio National Park. This is more commercialised than the other parks, lots of stalls outside, people trying to sell drinks etc.

We saw a wealth of wildlife at the park which also has a beach element to it. We have today seen and heard howler monkeys, capuchin and spider monkeys. We have also seen a sloth. The various beaches were beautiful but so hot once you leave the shade of the forest.

We have just arrived at the Hotel Cristal Ballena and first impressions are that this is by far the best hotel so far. We’ve got a lovely suite and balcony with sun beds, table and chairs. Off to see what should be an amazing sunset. Early start tomorrow for whale watching.

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The hot spring spa was great yesterday. You are taken down by tractor which for me was a bit of a white knuckle ride in places but I’m a massive wimp!

The first thing we did was to cover ourselves in mud. They have like paint pots and you get a brush and apply. My husband very helpfully applied mine, it was cold! Fortunately before it was his turn he discovered the little pot of mud that was kept hot and decanted some of this into the larger pot. Result - he got covered in nice warm mud! Be warned though you have to shower it off and that’s cold!

Our guide took us down to the spa at 4pm, we literally had the place to ourselves. There were about 5 different baths all slightly different temperatures, some pretty hot. There is also a sauna but we weren’t worried about using it.

So my top tips, go at 4pm, it’s less busy or in our case completely dead and warm up the mud first for a much pleasanter experience!

Also, and not very ecco friendly, we left a light on in the bathroom and the large ants didn’t appear.

Here are some of the wildlife photos from yesterday.

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Tui Costa Rica Discovery Tour - last post!

Had the last tour today which was the coffee tour. This was really interesting and also covered sugar cane and chocolate. It was interactive so we got to sample sugar cane water with lime juice, chocolate mixture with salt, cinnamon, vanilla essence, sugar and water and of course coffee.

We then went to a cafe with humming birds and had a light bite.

We are currently chilling round the pool before sorting out the packing for the last time and having dinner with the boys tonight.

I have to give special mention to our great guide Pablo Bolaños who has patiently answered hundreds of questions and has been with us throughout the trip. Michael our driver has also been amazing, he’s a dead ringer for Will Smith and is our very own Fresh Prince of Costa Rica. Both have been amazing ambassadors for Costa Rica and we will miss them.

I hope my posts have brought back some good memories for those of you that have either done this tour or the Grand Tour. For those of you who are coming here on holiday, I am sure you will love it as much as we have - this is probably the best holiday we have ever had.

Finally thank you to my husband Richard Murton who has taken some amazing photos and good luck in sorting out around 4,000 odd photos when we get home!