South America Cultural, religious historic sites Trips

Our leaded Gustavo Valderrama was brilliant. He was very efficient and clear, organising a large group (16) effortlessly and always cheerfully. He also dealt calmly and patiently with a group of 4 ladies who were very quick to find fault with arrangements (quite unjustifiably).

Gustavo was a great guide. He was knowledgeable and supportive, always checking that we were OK and his passion for his job and country were very clear. A great photographer too and it was great when he shared his bird photos. The tour really showed off the colour and vibrancy of the country.

The Guide Allan wax exceptionally good. His knowledge of the natural enviroment was excellent and he was always interesting and found us many things to look at. But additionally he handled all aspects of the group well and was sensitive to us each as individuals. He should be given a special award. Out bus driver Jimmy was also very helpful and supportive. He was always smiling .

Cycle Costa Rica was exceptional, from our guide Carlos, our driver Darwing and to the amazing people joining us as we explored CR by bike. The accommodation was mixed which our guide prepared us for, all included WIFI, and breakfast in the main was good, invariably we were in bed early (following early starts and cycling) and the beds were comfy. I did struggle with cold water only at one hotel and no hair dryer at a couple hence 4/5 for accommodation. Plenty of wildlife and photo opportunities, we enjoyed the nighttime guided walk and early morning river /canal cruise. Husband did high bridges and zip wire, we both enjoyed hot springs and mud baths. We experienced local dancing and musicians, the people were friendly, helpful and seemed to be smiling all of the time. I am not an expert cyclist so I found it tough initially, Carlos and the group were helpful and kind as I got to grips with it. I had to be rescued (and continued by bus) by Darwing on one ride as I found the wind too difficult - I was being pushed sideways on a busy road and couldn’t manage the steeper gradient as a consequence. I think the wind (upto 47mph) made the cycling (for my small 52kg frame) difficult (not moderate) on 2 of the days but this was part of the adventure and did not impact my enjoyment. Overall an adventure of a lifetime, exceptional guide (Carlos) and driver (Darwing) and we made some good friends. Would not hesitate to recommend the holiday or to join Explore again for future trips

A wonderful tour and intro to Costa Rica. Guide (Carlos) was knowledgeable and passionate about his country, its ecology, its flora and fauna, its culture. Very attentive and upbeat. Itinerary was fairly busy and we covered varied regions of the country. Awesome natural beauty. Birdlife, monkeys, sloths, crocs, iguanas & lizards, aguiti, deer, Macaws, Toucan, an otter, frogs, spiders / tarantulas, snakes … bring binoculars. Cycling was moderately difficult at times. Around Miravalles the wind conditions became too difficult for me, but having support vehicle there was great. Guide allowed for more competent riders to continue. Cultural highlights included Costa Rican music and dancer - genuine. Hot spring baths and mud bath were a special pleasure. Our support driver (Darwin) was modest but ever-attentive, and an excellent driver. The itinerary mandates a bit of shuttle bus transport time. It’s a little cramped but tolerable for the distances covered. Hotels ranged from excellent (Tortuguero Beach, Hacienda La Pacifica / Cañas) to ‘just tolerable for a night’ (Hotel Guadalupe / Tilarán). Most quite pleasant, if quirky. Highly recommended.

The tour was for 2 weeks. We found it to be extremely well organised and Tayron, our guide, was so knowledgeable about every bit of flora and fauna we came across. He was also extremely well mannered, polite and helpful. Nothing was too much trouble for him and he organised the extra activities which were not pre organised with great efficiency. He kept us informed and up to date with the itinerary. His commentary on the journey's from place to place were always interesting and informative.