My wife and I traveled to Guancaste the last week of April 2009. Being a planner I did a lot of research for this trip to make sure we could both explore the country and do some relaxing while away from home.
After many hours of reading other reviews and checking out the Avispas website I was sold on using them for our getaways from the resort. I prefer not be tied to a large group and missing the out of the way things a country has to offer so selecting a small independent company was great for us. After a couple of email and telephone calls to Amy we arranged for Avispas to pick us up at the airport in Liberia and transport us to our hotel. Amy and I had also set up two tentative tours to be confirmed on our arrival. On the drive to our resort Amy called the driver who put me on the phone with her. We set up tours for the next two days with plans to talk later for other adventurers.
Our first tour was the Palo Verde River Adventure. We were meet at our resort by Mario, our guide, and Hugo our driver. After loading into the minivan (just my wife and I) we headed out. Mario described the area as we drove; briefed us on our tour for the day; and answered all of our questions as they came up. Getting to the river was an adventure in itself as we stopped to look at the wildlife and take pictures. On the river we had the opportunity to see more crocodiles than a National Geographic special. We also had a great time watching the monkeys play along the bank and try to get into our boat. On the way back we stopped for a "typical Costa Rican lunch" and a bathroom break. While we were in this part of the country I told Mario that we would like to stop in the town of Quaitil to see some pottery. Mario made a phone call and 30 minutes later we pulled into the shop of some local artisans who gave us a demonstration of how they make their pottery; before letting us browse through their shop. We bought several wonderful pieces of native art.
The following day Mario and Hugo showed up and we headed out on the Miravailes Volcano Adventure. First stop Zip Lining with Papagayo Float and Canopy (PFC). We have been on many zip line tours before and this is one of the best. My wife, myself and Mario joined the PFC crew, had our safety briefing and started off. We were the only ones there at the time so it was just the five of us. We started with a couple of short zips and then hit the big ones; the last few back and forth across the river. When we finished we were shown the new restaurant and facilites that were under construction, PFC is a fairly new company and the facilities and personnel were great. Afterwards we headed out for Miravailes Volcano with a stop for lunch. Along the way Mario told us all about the local areas as we drove. At the volcano we took the tractor up to the rain forest for a beautiful hike to a waterfall. After returning to the main site we toured the hot spots with the mud pots and fumerals (think Yellowstone) and settled in for a mud bath, shower and hot tub. We were pleasently surprised while in the hot tub when Mario showed up with a bottle of local wine - an excellent treat on a great day of adventure. On the way back to our resort Mario had Hugo stop at a couple of local souvenior shops so we could pick up gifts for the family; we also found some great hand carved wood products for ourselves. On the way back to the resort Amy called and we booked two more tours, after taking a day of rest, for later in the week.
On day 4 we took the Beach Tour. Not so much to lay in the sun as to see the country. We took back roads from Playa Hermosa down to Tamarindo. The trip was relaxing and allowed us to see a lot of the countryside and some beautiful, quiet, beaches. In Tamarindo we were dropped off to explore for a few hours and have lunch. On the return Mario again stopped at a local market so we could stock up on water and munchies for the room. Our last tour was the Class III/IV White Water Rafting on the Tenorio River with Rios Tropicales. We had never been white water rafting before and we now say it is a must do activity! After a short ride to the river we paired up for rafts, being the odd couple out we got a raft to ourselves with our guide Jorge. The water was cool, clear and moving briskly. As the last raft in the tour we got to take our time so we could trail behind the others. The rapids were evenly spaced and a blast to shoot through - all culminating in a 2 meter drop in fast water at the end. We recovered our rafts, stowed all the gear, had a refreshing beverage and drove back to the start point for a great lunch in the restaurant. On the way back we stopped in Liberia so I could get a Casino Chip (just another one of my collecting passions) but we struck out. All the casino table games were closed until later in the evening. Mario and Hugo dropped us off back at the resort and we had a hearty farewell with our new found Amigos.
We had scheduled with Amy for a ride to the airport on our last day. Hugo showed up to get us and our luggage. After loading up he handed me a small envelope. Inside were a couple of casino chips! Mario had went to a local casino in Liberia after work to pick them up for me. I was totally surprised and overjoyed to get them.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Avispas Tours to anyone traveling to the Province of Guancaste. Amy and crew take great care of their customers who are all treated more like old friends. They might be a little tough to get ahold off and a little more expensive that the Big Group companies, but keep trying. The one-on-one experience and the latitude to go at your own pace truly enhances your Costa Rica adventure. And if you happen to run into Mario be sure and say Hola for us.
PURA VIDA!
