Costa Rica

Having been postponed from last year the holiday was perfectly timed. From start to finish all the arrangements went well. The itinerary was varied and the lodges were all very different but excellent in their own way. What made it very special was the group of people I travelled with who were incredibly nice and easy to get on with and our guide Paco was the star of the show! I have now travelled with Naturetrek twice in the last 5 months and both trips were very memorable. As a company, Naturetrek take a lot of trouble to liaise with their clients, making themselves very approachable and friendly if you need help with anything (ie the complex forms during the pandemic!). The wonderful online roadshows and webinars were an amazing idea and helped an enormous amount of people who love to travel and appreciate nature get through lockdown and also brought the staff closer to their clients.

S.E. Middlesex, Mar 22

It all ran remarkably smoothly particularly when seen against the backdrop of Covid 19 and its worldwide effect. Our holiday was essentially unaffected although hotels were clearly less full and we had to wear masks in the Hotel Bougainvillea on our final night in San Jose. Only guests were allowed in so unfortunately Erick could not attend our final dinner. The participants all got on well, helped each other in various ways, had fun and decided to stay in contact. We very much enjoyed all the bird and animal sightings particularly the hummingbirds, quetzal and owls. The flowers, trees and butterflies were an added bonus. Both the boat trips were very good.

D. & P. M. Surrey, Mar 20

Costa Rica is a very beautiful country and it was lovely to be able to see so much of its birdlife, wildlife, fauna and flora. Erick was an excellent guide and leader. He willingly shared his extensive experience and knowledge. Nothing was too much bother for him and he made our stay in his country very enjoyable and informative.

J.D. Inverness, Mar 20

The guide was excellent and worked hard to make sure we all had good sightings of the birds and animals.

R.C. Cambridgeshire, Jan 20

Our birding holiday to Costa Rica gave us everything we could have wished for in a holiday - not only over 400 species of the most stunning birds, but other amazing wildlife including mammals, insects, reptiles and plant life. Travelling to the different parts of Costa Rica was like visiting a mini country each time, the habitats were so varied - jungle paths in a rain forest, boat trips through mangrove waterways, trails round a vast wetland area teeming with birdlife, the cool lands of the Arenal volcano, Paramo highlands and towering cloud forest, and the sunny Caribbean forests. Truly unforgettable.

G.C. Bedfordshire, Apr 19

It was well organised, the hotels and lodges were clean and comfortable. The staff and locals were very helpful and friendly. The food was plentiful and delicious. Our guide, Mario, was the best, couldn't have asked him to do any more than he did. He certainly knew his birds, wildlife, plants and history. Our driver, Rodriguez, was more than just a driver, he helped as a guide (helping to find birds etc plus trying to get better views for photographers), he provided water and we admired his driving skills. Our group of 8, made friends within minutes of meeting each other and all this made our holiday exceptional.

S.T. Worcestershire, Feb 19

It was the best Naturetrek trip I have been on so far.

J.E. Norfolk

Chris Kehoe was an exceptional leader. Exceptional at bird identification and tireless in his efforts to make the trip go well. (I am not sure he ever slept). We will definitely use Naturetrek again.

R.P. Hampshire

This was an excellent trip. The Hacienda was a wonderful place, tranquil and a superb base to watch birds and wildlife while experiencing real Costa Rican hospitality. Our guide, Demitrio, was a very experienced man, and really knew his birds and was passionate about his job. All the local guides used were excellent, and I have to say a special word about Santiago, our driver, who was charming and charismatic, a good driver and skilled birdwatcher! The number and variety of birds we saw was amazing and I would have no hesitation in recommending this tour or this beautiful diverse country to anyone who wishes to experience Central America at its best.

T. & H.E. Buckinghamshire

Two weeks of touring in Costa Rica staying in lovely locations with a vast range of wildlife to see and photograph. Our guide / group leader was first rate, as was our driver. All was very well organised. Very good tasty and healthy food too!

O.S. Dorset

Naturetrek provided an excellent holiday for a small group of like minded birdwatchers. The guide was not only incredibly knowledgeable but also clearly loved his job and got as excited as we did when we saw some of the rarer sightings of birds. The accommodation in eco friendly lodges was excellent and the holiday relaxed and not too intense despite 6am starts. We saw over 360 different birds as well as sloths, peccaries and others. I will certainly consider going again to cover the south of the country.

V.E. Hampshire

The BA service was excellent. The Hacienda was particularly individual. All the areas chosen were particularly appropriate for wildlife and scenically beautiful. Chris was a personality I shall never forget; strong, humorous, knowledgeable and efficient.

M.W. Worcestershire

The Hacienda had a lovely atmosphere, very homely and real. Our leader Chris Kehoe was very knowledgeable, and experienced as a group leader. He was intelligent with an acerbic sense of humour and ran a tight and efficient ship.

G.W. Worcestershire

This was value for money, everyone got on, Chris was good and nice, and Costa Rica is a wonderful country and we are glad we have been. Thank for everything.

R. & D.S. West Yorkshire

I think it was a first class holiday. You couldn’t wish for a better guy to run the show out in Costa Rica, his bird knowledge, and the time he gave to all on the trip was second to none.

R.P. Kent

This was a most enjoyable holiday and Costa Rica, as a country and for it’s wildlife, exceeded all my expectations. It was well organised and superbly led by Chris Kehoe. The accommodation throughout was excellent and the ‘Hacienda’ was a bit special!

J.L. Dorset

Chris gave us a very well organised tour, he really knew his patch and made sure we all got the best out of the birds whatever our level of expertise. Santiago was a good driver and knew the birds, he and Chris made a good team. We saw a wide range of habitats and moved around Costa Rica, but never felt rushed…a great holiday. Thanks.

J.B. Northumberland

We thoroughly enjoyed the trip and Chris Kehoe and local guide Esteban Biamonte have superb knowledge of the birds we saw and were very willing to share it with first-time visitors to Costa Rica like ourselves. The hotels were excellent and the transport, and driver Alberto, meant we visited all the birding areas safely and in comfort.

P.C. East Sussex

Enjoyed the numerous lodges we stayed in which gave a good flavour of Costa Rica. Local guide Paco Madrigal was exceptional. He had tremendous knowledge and enthusiasm and was very personable. Dave also made this a very memorable and enjoyable trip for us.

J.D. Kent

Our local guide Paco Madrigal was superb – his spotting skills were outstanding; he had a wide knowledge of plants, trees, birds etc. His communication skills were excellent and above all he was a truly lovely person. Carlos our driver was also excellent. The lodges were all good and the location of some were stunning e.g. at Arenal. The varied habitats were brilliant too, each with their own particular charm and beauty, plus varied species of birds etc.

Mr & Mrs S. Devon

The locations and scenery were terrific and we saw all I had hoped for and more, such as 2 Resplendent Quetzal pairs and loads of hummingbirds. A morning of pelicans will live long in the memory. An outstanding trip with lots of variety which gave and gave and gave.

P.H. London