Review: Tour of Costa Rica, San Jose, Arenal, Tortuguero, Manuel Antonio Sailing & Snorkeling, La Paz Waterfalls, Cloud Forest

The air conditioned Manatus Hotel was 5 stars. The 3 meals/day included meals were the best we had anywhere, even in the States. The staff was superb. The guide we had on the Tortuguero Canals was the best--extremely knowledgeable and all around delightful. We saw more animals and birds on the Manatus property and on the canals than we saw anyplace else. One of our favorite activities was going to the Organic Farm at Arenal. We had a private tour of the fruits and vegetables grown on the plantation. Our guide was so knowledgeable and loved what he did. Grandchildren of the owners put on a dancing show in costumes which we enjoyed watching with another tour group that was there. We all participated in a fun game that is enjoyed at Costa Rica parties. We made tortillas from scratch and a delicious Costa Rican salad made with vegetables grown on the plantation. We were served a fabulous Costa Rica dinner, dessert & coffee grown and roasted on the plantation. We thoroughly enjoyed this evening. Also, we enjoyed an "insiders tour" of the La Paz Waterfalls. It was fun to have Tucans sit on our arms and hummingbirds feed from feeders we held--their little feet resting on our fingers. I enjoyed the Cloud Forest Lodge but my husband did not because it was too cold for him. However, I felt very lucky to meet the founder of the orchid garden and his wife who only visit once or twice a year. Also, their botanist who only comes 1 time a month. They took me on a private 2 hour tour of their beloved orchid garden giving me an appreciation of wild orchids. Their botanist even took a very tiny orchid that looked like a spec and put it under a microscope to look at. It was breathtakingly beautiful. This was very special and just a lucky thing for us to meet these knowledgeable people. Also, the various hikes along rushing rivers were lovely. The sunset "sailing" and snorkeling in Manuel Antonio was a nice way to end our trip on the last night.