Caravan Tour - Costa Rica January 28 - February 6, 2019

Travel day - 1/28//19 - So today we embarked on our journey to Costa Rica with friends, Joy, Michele and Al.  This 9 day tour was planned months in advance and we all have eagerly looked forward to it.  We arrived at the LaQuinta Hotel in Hollywood, Florida the night before our flight and enjoyed a quick dinner at Miller's Ale House before hitting the sack early for our flight the next morning.

Day 1 of the tour - 1/29/19 - Our Jet Blue flight out of Fort Lauderdale was on time and we had no problems at all.   There was a small incident on the plane where a passenger decided he had to get off the plane which delayed our flight, but we still made it to San Jose on time.

Our experience with Caravan Tours has always been positive and we couldn't wait to meet our tour director for the briefing at the Barcelo Palacio Hotel in San Jose.

Our airport transfer went smooth and we arrived at the hotel for our two night stay.  We were greeted in the lobby by our guide, Juan Diego, who immediately made us feel comfortable with his easy going style and jokes.  The hotel was beautiful and the check in process was quick and efficient.  We were all given a coupon for a welcome drink at the pool bar, so we wasted no time getting there.  But first, we had to learn to use the elevators.  For security reasons, we had to swipe our room key which would then tell the elevator what floor we were going to.  Sounds simple, right?  Wrong.  We often found ourselves stranded on the elevator which was going nowhere or would take us to a floor where we didn't' want to go.  And, the staircase doors were locked so you couldn't simply take the stairs up or down a floor.  So for two days we could be found wandering the hallways trying to figure out how to get to our destination. :) 

The hotel restaurant was so much better than expected. Lots of choices and excellent quality food. During our briefing after dinner, Juan Diego went over what our first day on the bus would be like and had some specific instructions regarding bus toilet etiquette.  First of all, under no circumstances were we to go # 2 on the bus.  We were to simply hold up our 2 fingers and he would instruct the driver to stop at the nearest place that had restroom facilities.....or a large bush.  He also warned us not to call the Costa Rican currency Cahones, with the correct word being calones.

Day 2 of the tour 1/30/19 - There were several Caravan Tours at this hotel so we had slightly different schedules.  On this day, the first day we board the bus, we were delighted to hear our boarding time was 8:30 AM.  We couldn't help but notice some of the other tours were leaving at 7:00 AM, and we were happy it wasn't us.  But...we know our day would come for the early morning departures.

P #2 of our tour.  We began by driving through Costa Rica's Central Valley for a stop at the artisan village of Sarchi, nestled on the slopes of the Central Mountain Range.  We visited an oxcart factory where the oxcarts are hand painted with elaborate designs.  Considered the national symbol of Costa Rica, oxcarts were historically used for the transport of coffee beans and supplies.  The tradition of painting and decorating oxcarts started in the early 20th century.  Back in the day, wooden carts pulled by a pair of oxen were the main mode of transportation in the mountainous country.  Originally each region of Costa Rica had its own particular oxcart design, which identified a driver's origin by the painted patterns on his carts wheels.  Today, oxcarts still play a principle role in parades and religious celebrations.  Although the Costa Rican Constitution establishes Catholicism as the state religion, it also assures religious freedom for all.  According to data, 76% of Costa Ricans identify as Catholic, 14% are Evangelical Christians, 1.3% are Jehovah's Witness, and .7% are Protestant Christian.  There are also Mormons, Jewish and Lutherans.

Yes, those are urinals.   And no, I didn't take this photo! :) 

After some shopping in Sarchi, we continued through the famous coffee growing region to Doka Estate, a working coffee plantation for more than 70 years.  Diego kept us interested by providing the history of this beautiful country.  Sitting between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica's landscape is painted with towering volcanoes and mountains, lush rainforests, coastal plains and amazing tropical beaches.  This country is steeped in rich history dating back to the 1500's and boasts a community centric lifestyle that is rare in much of the world. It's no surprise Costa Rica is considered the "happiest place on earth."  Pura Vida - a phrase that truly encapsulates the friendly vibe of Costa Rica and is used by locals and means everything from "Hello" to "This is the life."  Although this country is only about the size of West Virginia, its biodiversity could fill an entire continent.  Encompassing 12 distinct ecological zones, Ticos are well aware of their natural treasures: it is on its way to becoming the first carbon neutral nation by 2021.  Costa Rica is home to 5 percent of the world's biodiversity, and locals are serious about protecting this magnificent environment.  There are over 100 national parks, reserves, refuges and protected lands.

Rainbow Eucalyptus

After our tour, we enjoyed a buffet lunch at the estate and a walk through the butterfly garden.

Today, I found myself locked in the ladies room.  Fortunately, Michele was there so I didn't panic.  But, just a short time later, Michele got locked in a stall.  We are learning that elevators and ladies rooms can sometimes be complicated.    So far, Joy has managed to escape all of the bathrooms.

Day 3 - January 31, 2019 - Today we traveled to Fortuna in the San Carlos Valley for a 2 night stay.  The next few photographs were taken from the bus as we traveled to our next stop.  The bars on the windows are typical in most of Costa Rica.  Diego told us that the reason for the bars is because there is basically no penalty for theft of merchandise valued at under $500.  According to the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica, crime has been increasing and U.S. citizens are frequent victims.  While petty theft is the main problem, armed robberies have been known to occur.  We felt very safe since we were traveling with a group and although Costa Rica suffers from many of the same problems that plaque most Latin American countries, it is still considered safe when compared to some of its more violent neighbors.  Costa Rica is actually one of the most stable Latin American countries.  No army (abolished in 1949) means funding goes to better things, like amazing healthcare and social programs.  Diego told us that the government is working on providing residents with computers and internet at no cost.  This is one of the reasons American's are retiring here in increased numbers.

Our first stop of the day was at Rescate Animal Zoo Ave, an urban park of about 34 acres where animals are rehabilitated.  Within the park there were more than 125 species of animals, among them birds, mammals and reptiles that have been rescued and, due to health or behavioral reasons, cannot be fully rehabilitated for reintroduction into their natural habitat.  The large enclosures are naturally designed to offer these animals quality of life and enrichment.

In 2016, Grecia, a yellow throated toucan lost nearly half his beak when teenagers attacked him with sticks.  See photo below.  Thankfully, the injured bird was found and taken to the rescue center.  After news of this attack gained widespread media attention, a number of 3D printing companies joined forces to create a prosthetic beak.  For a toucan, losing the beak is like being without arms, lipless and toothless.
  

Lunch was served in a restaurant which was located on the grounds of the refuge.  So far, all meals have been buffet style and very good.  While we were enjoying lunch, our guide, Diego, went running past us saying there was someone locked in the ladies room.  We looked around and  surmised it might have been Joy.  Yep - now all 3 ladies have been locked in a restroom.  We agreed we would accompany each other from now on! :) 

Our next stop was just a quick rest stop in Zarcero - the mountain town with topiary gardens.  Zarcero is a small town in the Alajuela province with just under 5000 residents.  It's not overrun by tourists and was a nice change to see Costa Ricans just hanging out enjoying their day.  Called Parque Francisco Alvarado, it was created by Evangelisto Blanco in the 1960's who was inspired to trim the bushes to turn the area into an amusing park.  Since then, the beautifully sculpted shrubs have become the main attraction.  The church, Iglesia de San Rafael is located just up the steps from the park.  This pink and blue church was built in 1895.

We boarded our coach and began our ride to our final destination today...…...Hotel Magic Mountain where we spend the next 2 nights.  OMG - as we pulled up to the hotel we could see the Arenal Volcano.....as clear as day.  We were previously informed that due to cloud conditions around the cone of the volcano, the probability that it would be visible was 30%.  

Hotel Magic Mountain is located at the foot of the volcano.  We were amazed to be able to see the volcano from our rooms......our balconies all faced it!   This hotel had 3 sections, with ours being the newest one.  So new that it wasn't actually finished.  No smoke alarms, no lamps, no pictures, unfinished moldings......but we didn't care.  As a matter of fact, we loved it.  The hotel itself was quite spectacular.  Beautiful pools and landscaping.   it was a little odd that our room numbers actually didn't sync with the floor.  So room 700 was on the 3rd floor.  Didn't make sense, but we adjusted.  At one point, the doorknob actually came out of the door  into Michele's hand!  

Day 4 - February 1, 2019 - We woke up this morning with a beautiful clear view of Arenal, but within a short time a cloud appeared at the top.  After breakfast we boarded the bus and headed north passing through sugar cane, teak, banana farms, pineapple and orange plantations while Diego gave us a lesson on how these fruits are farmed.  We traveled for about 2 hours to cruise on the Rio Frio, gateway to the world famous Cano Negro wildlife refuge.....home to many migratory birds found nowhere else in Costa Rica.  We saw caimans, howler monkeys, white faced monkeys and lots of different birds.  Our cruise took us out of Costa Rica and into Nicaragua, where we were illegal for about 30 minutes!  

Our last stop of the day was a visit to the volcanic hot springs, an amazing experience and totally unexpected.  We envisioned a rustic area where we would be able to soak in a hot spring.  But, NO.....this was a beautiful resort with many pools with differing temperature.  The higher the pool, the warmer the water.  

Day 5 - February 2, 2019 - This morning we had our last breakfast at Hotel Magic mountain before getting an early start.  The scenery around Lake Arenal was spectacular.  Beautiful bright green vistas that seemed to go on forever.  The weather has been excellent.....not too hot or humid.  Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park offered 3 hikes.....a 2 1/2 mile hike, a 1 1/2 mile hike and a 5 minute sissy hike.  Kos, Michele and Al braved the 2 1/2 while Joy and I did the 1 1/2 mile.  No sissies here!  We saw lots of birds, bugs and snakes, however, the bridges were the highlight.  Afterwards we stopped for a traditional Costa Rican lunch and then headed to our hotel, the JW Mariott Guanacaste on the Pacific Ocean.  

 The jumping Pit Viper is an aggressive brown or gray snake found in Central America.  It's usually about 2 feet long and strikes so energetically that it may lift itself off the ground.  It's venom, however is not especially dangerous to humans.   Our guide warned us not to touch anything.....no leaves, branches, rocks.....nothing.  Snakes or insects often cannot be seen and will strike if disturbed.

Arrived at the beautiful JW Mariott Guanacaste Resort and Spa!  OMG - This resort is simply outstanding.  We had enough time to unwind before dinner and to wander around the grounds.  The hotel's infinity pool is said to be the largest in Central America.  After a fabulous dinner (the best so far) we walked around the resort.  Looking forward to spend the day tomorrow relaxing by the pool.  Caravan has been keeping us busy and a rest day mid way of our tour is certainly appreciated!

Day 6 - February 3, 2019 - A DAY OF REST!  As we tried to orient ourselves to the floorplan of this hotel, once again......we were confused.  The lobby is on the 3rd floor.  There are 2 sets of elevators that go to the 5th floor.  But you have to take a different elevator to the first floor.  Nevertheless, we figured it out and eventually managed to get to our rooms without getting lost.  Since today was Super Bowl Sunday, the guys were looking forward to watching the game as it was projected on a large screen near the pool. 

Cacique is the national drink of Costa Rica.  Check out the logo on the bottle above!  Below is the gesture that Costa Rican's use to indicate they have had quite enough of this liquor.  It apparently mimics the Indian headdress on the bottle of Cacique.  Of course, we had to try it!

The contraption pictured above was fresh honey from the honeycomb.  Interesting!  The meals at this hotel were unbelievable.  The best so far!

Day 7 - February 4,2019

Today we had an early start as we headed towards Manuel Antonio National Park.  After lunch at the Monteverde Cooperative, we continued on to our cruise on the Tarcoles River, where we enjoyed seeing many different birds and crocodiles.

This big fella was named Osama Bin Laden.  Diego mentioned that there are life preservers on the boat, but they wouldn't be necessary.  Yikes.

We passed this transport plane that was used to support the Contra's during the President Reagan's administration. Now it's a local tavern.

Later that day we arrived at the San Bada Hotel which was located just outside of Manuel Antonio National Park.  We arrived in time for a complementary happy hour and sunset from the rooftop bar.  Awesome.

Day 8 - - February 5, 2019

We awoke at 5:00 AM to the sounds of howler monkeys outside of our hotel.  Actually, we were told that they are so loud that you can hear them from a mile away.  We met our group at the entrance of Manuel Antonio as it opened  at 7:00 AM.  Hot and humid already.  Our hike through the rainforest was challenging.  Lots of steep inclines and declines.  We hiked to a beautiful beach, however we were warned that crocodiles were spotted that morning, so to swim at our own risk.  I don't think so! . 

Back at the hotel, we had a quick dip and some lunch and back on the road again to San Jose for our last night In Costa Rica.

 Our final hotel, the Real Intercontinental was another first class hotel.   Our farewell dinner was held in a private dining area and was another amazing meal.  After dinner we were treated to a show!

 Thanks go to Al for getting the group together for a photo.

Day 9 - February 6, 2019  We were transferred to the airport for our flight back to Florida. 

This was an incredible trip.  As always, Caravan Tours does a fantastic job.  Some final notes:

1.  We learned about "the power of the desk"...…….referring to the government 

2.  Don't put your bathing suit out on your balcony......it just might blow away!

3.  #1 and #2 - No # 2 on the bus!  Ever.

4.  Elevators can be complicated.

5.  Ladies - buddy system when going to restroom.  

6.  When referring to Costa Rican currency - say "colones"  not "cahones"

7.  Costa Rican Women's sizes are nowhere near US sizes.  Size 2XL was too small for all of us!

8.  All those who wander are not lost.  By the end of the trip we were starting to refer to Al as "Wandering Al"

9.  Don't count on  TSA Mobile Pass App to work in the airport.  

10.  Just because the hotel room # is 600 - it doesn't mean it will be on the 6th floor.

11.  Don't book hotels on 3rd party sites.  Hotels for Everyone ---  terrible.

12.  Diego explained that horses are not pets.  "Riding a horse is like riding your brother"

13.   A fold up cooler would be good to have.

14.   Small day pack instead of large back pack 

15.  When traveling with a group, be sure to book at the same time  and let Caravan know who is traveling together.  Then they try to keep rooms near each other. 

We had such a good time together that we are hoping to take Caravan's Panama Tour January 2020.