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Costa Rica – a very special place

May 18, 2007 Sam | Comment (0)

My first visit to Costa Rica had a lot to live up to. Working with, and being friends with Fiona, I constantly heard how wonderful this country was and as soon as we arrived, Costa Rica slowly got under my skin.

Our first stop was the Xandari Plantation in San Jose. A welcome stop after travelling from London with lovely large rooms and a verandah which overlooks the city of San Jose. You immediately get a sense that the Costa Rican people are very proud of their country as both our driver and the hotel manager kept insisting I admire the view from the hotel!

The following day we left for the Osa Pennisula and Corcovado National Park. After a 90 minute boat ride through some stunning countryside, you alight the boat on a sandy beach and take the ‘jungle limo’ (a rather stylish tractor) up the steep hillside to the small collection of bungalows, restaurant and bar that make up Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge.

During the three days there we snorkelled, saw wild dolphins, monkeys, swam in warm seas, walked through virgin jungle and saw the most stunning sunsets accompanied by a rather tasty Margarita!

Our next stop was Manuel Antonio National Park. Here we stayed at El Parador, a lovely hotel with the most stunning views across the Pacific Ocean. The beaches here are what I call ‘movie set beaches’ – green jungle, white sand and clear blue ocean. Beware though, if you leave any food in your bag on the beach whilst you take a swim, the monkey’s will come down from the trees and help themselves!

View from El Parador

A highlight of the trip was the Arenal Volcano. This stunning natural phenomenon erupts during the day and nights. We sat in hot volcanic springs whilst the lava and rocks tumbled down the side of the Volcano. It is like having your own personal firework display.

The following day I took a cable lift to the treetop canopy and found the quick way down via zip wire. The most amazing experience as you whizz above the tree canopy at speeds of up to 40 miles an hour – although the wildlife may have been scared as I wasn’t the quietest in my descent!

Sam on the Zip Wire!

All in all, a wonderful, memorable trip and a country that certainly lived up to my expectations!

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