Alicia, November-December 2018

We had an absolutely wonderful time. We had so many fabulous experiences that it is hard to pick out highlights. The kids tell me their favorite activities were the zipline/pools experience we had near Arenal, the jungle cruise on the Sarapiqui, and the horseback ride we went on with Brigette’s horses in Cahuita. Finding animals and learning about plants and Costa Rican history, culture, and language from Luis really deepened our experience. We all enjoyed our time with Luis and my husband and I remarked on his tremendous professionalism, incredible knowledge, and fun, easy temperament. We just liked being around him. Any suggestions we have for improvement are around the Cahuita part of the trip. These should all be considered minor/nuisance level comments. Yes the road construction made for a lot of car time. For example yesterday we spent 6 hours to get from Cahuita to Hotel Buena Vista: good thing our kids are practiced at long car rides, they did fine and had to do homework anyway (pura vida). A heads up to future guests at the time of booking is definitely a good idea. Or perhaps find a place to stay at the halfway point to break it up. While in Cahuita there were sand flies on the beach that bugged us/itched us without mercy unless we were in the water – that occurred both on Playa Negra and the national park beach. Lastly some feedback on Playa Negro Guesthouse: the cottage and gardens were utterly delightful. I did also get a bout of traveler’s sickness from something I ate at a restaurant in Cahuita – I think it was some cooked vegetables. In the end I think I would suggest to all but the most seasoned travelers of my friends who inquire about this trip that they seek out a Pacific side beach adventure. I do expect some of my friends and neighbors to contact you over time – I will do a FB recommendation right now!

Many thanks for all of your help and expertise in setting my family up for a superb family trip.

Wildlife Boat Ride on Sarapiqui River

Arenal Volcano with pointsettias

Arenal Volcano on a clear day

Kitchen in cottage at Playa Negra Guesthouse