San Jose Tours and Trips

This was my fourth Collette Tour and was definitely a favorite. The wildlife and vegetation defy imagination and the tour allowed us closeup access to both. Our bus driver, Drew, expertly drove us for the many miles and did so with such a friendly manner. He also provided for our well-being by giving us each a bottle of water daily. Osvaldo Padilla was our tour manager. His knowledge of and love for Costa Rica shone as he constantly delivered educational information. He showed great enthusiasm when spotting and showing special wildlife to us. A favorite memory was when Ozzy, on his own time, took us on a nature walk around the grounds of the resort near Lake Arenal. I was so thankful that he was able to show us a sloth with a baby, toucans, a poison dart tree frog and other wildlife. The extra attention that he gave to us was very much appreciated. The two other spectacular memories are of being on the Cano ***** riverboat with howler monkeys calling across the river and of walking over the hanging bridges where a resplendent quetzal was perched at eye level, just off of the bridge. The vegetation in that cloud forest was amazing! I would like to again thank Ozzy and Drew for taking such great care of us and providing wonderfully memorable experiences.

A top trip for the nature and photography enthusiast. Excellent locations with some stunning nature in its natural setting. Well organised and expertly led by Explores team of driver and lead who’s sharp observation and intuition where to find what never ceased to amaze.

Amazing tour made perfect by a fabulously knowledgeable and attentive tour guide (Miguel Vasquez). Great itinerary and even tho we did the ‘reverse’ think it was the best way round. Antigua at the end was the icing on the cake. Great mixture of adventure, nature, history and local culture. Food and drink good too. Accommodation is good some exceeded my expectations but not enough to warrant ‘excellent’. ..

I had booked to go on a group tour but ended up being the only person travelling. I wondered if this would be a problem.. but it was brilliant. I had my own guide, transport and could decide what to do when I wanted. The trip itself was amazing, 5 different areas and all just as good as the next. Lovely accommodation, especially in Arenal, great food, fantastic wildlife and the most beautiful country. My guide was so nice, kind, respectful, amazing knowledge of the country and all the wildlife. The additional trips were really good and where necessary I just tagged on with other people so it was never a problem. The tour was full on, some early starts and at times not for the faint of heart, but for me it was perfect. I loved every single second of this trip. Thank you so much.

This was to be a trip of a lifetime and it truly delivered. With the first part into the national park to stay in the edge of the jungle this trip truly was very special. The itinerary was great with such a variety of things to do and see. The cycling took us through great landscapes showing Costa Rica at its best. Our Guides Carlos and Mos very informative and very attentive. On a personal note I asked them to come up with a special place that I could propose to my girlfriend, they more than delivered with a perfect setting with a perfect volcano as a back drop. Accommodation was mostly good with a couple of stays a little under par. Great country great people highly recommend.

This really was the trip of a lifetime and even better than what we expected after reading the brochure. Our guide Luis was excellent as he was super efficient and knowledgeable about his country nature and wildlife. Our driver Gus was great too and of course our group of 11. A perfect size where everyone was lovely. The accommodation was varied with some being truly amazing. I would definitely recommend this if you are looking for a wildlife adventure holiday.