Dear Marco,

Nico and I just got home last night. We wanted to thank you for making our trip so wonderful. Arenal was wonderful. The hotel was beautiful and the service was great. Nico and I found a hidden jaccuzi that was pool warm, not hot at the hotel. We swam there for hours at night. We also zip-lined and went horse back riding and walked on those floppy bridges. The best part of that leg of the trip was the people we met. Our tour guide Jahaida, I think was her name, was so knowledgeable. She even showed me how to work my camera! Then there was Allan, the waiter at the Volcano Lodge. What a lovely lovely man. Our driver from El Sitio who drove us up to that hotel in Arenal was also wonderful. He stopped to let us buy things from the side of the road, stopped to let me take pictures, and stopped to show us a sloth.

Then there was Mauricio our second driver. I really liked him! I think I sucked that poor man's brain dry. Like the other driver, he also knew a lot about the politics in the country, and the nature that passed us by. I was worried that Nico would be bored with all the driving but he was as intrigued as I was by all the education we were getting. 

Probably the best part of the trip was Tortuguero. The hotel where we stayed was magical because of the people who work there. Julian is like a calm and just king. Sylvia (I think that was her name) was also wonderful and helpful in every way. Norton, our everything man....part body guard, part luggage retriever, part walking encyclopedia, part water driver, part tour guide.........what a sweet sweet wonderful man. Like Allan and Mauricio, I consider Norton to be my friend. Including Oscar. Oscar was our bar tender. He must have made 10 virgin pina coladas for nico and me. He made hot chocolate like I have never tasted before. He was wonderful to talk to. The woman who washed and dried our clothes also sticks out in my mind. Did you know that my child who is addicted to his Nintendo and television, never even asked why there was no television in Torguero and never even wanted his Nintendo in Tortuguero? We were so happy there. The wind blowing about, the 5 minute rain every few hours, it was a place unlike anything I have every seen. Then Nico got sick. For a whole 24 hours he was sick. I panicked. I always panic when my child gets sick. When you have your baby you too will panic every time he/she sneezes. And yet, in Torguero, I wasn't crazy panicked. I sensed that Julian wouldn't let anything bad happen to my child. And Norton, who rescued my child who had split off from our walking tour, I knew HE wouldn't let anything bad happen to my child either. What I'm trying to say is that Torguero really felt like home. Like family. When we finished our trip for the two days you weren't responsible for in Nosara because I said I would take care of that....because I said that my ex husband would be there, so all would be fine.....I was miserably disappointed. My ex husband booked the worst hotel with the worst service. Even the woman who cleaned our room seemed to have a bad attitude. I should have let you book those two days.

Anyway, this is my long winded way of saying thank you for everything. You were so helpful and kind and because of you and everyone who works with you, Nico and I had a great time. I think when we return to Costa Rica, hopefully in 6 months, we will stay in Tortuguero. I already miss those people there. Isn't it interesting that I miss the people who work at that hotel more than the hotel's clients who were staying there at the same time? Nico and I made friends with the other clients, but it's the hotel's staff we miss.

Ok, It's late. Be well, and again, thank you.

Feb. 2, 2010 Wonderful Time

Hello,

We had a wonderful time on our trip and felt that Costa Rica Expeditions lived up to and exceeded our expectations.  We sent a hard copy of the evaluation form back in the mail to your US office.  I'll answer the questions below.

Take care,
Bill

Feb. 2, 2010 We had a great experience

I am not going to answer all of your questions but….. We had a great experience to the point that instead of 2 of us returning, there will be 4 to 5 of us. The white glove trip was extraordinary and we will want to do it again as soon as the schedules of the participants can be arranged to do so. Our guide, Ricardo, was fantastic as were all the members of the support crew. The disc of photos was worth the extra cost as were all of the aspects of this trip. We will go white glove again.

Can you tell us the best time of year for rafting on the Pacuare river?

I am also going to write an evaluation for Trip Advisor.com

Feb. 2, 2010 Discover Costa Rica

Dear Michael,

Carole and I would like to thank you and your staff for a truely special day on the Pecuare.  Walter and Luis who picked us up at our hotel were friendly and knowledgeable, and our raft captain Seoul is a true professional.  They all gave us a little history of the area along with the plant and animal life. The scenic drive to the river was as enjoyable as the rafting itself as was the breakfast and lunch.  I mentioned to Walter that as a business person myself, the fact that you tour fee is all inclusive is "good business".    We cannot believe it took us this long to discover Costa Rica.  Being from Tampa, we had a hour and a half drive to Orlando then a two hour and forty minute flight to San Jose.  You come highly recommended, and we are planning on returning soon.



Feb. 1, 2010 thank you

We just completed a trip with the assistance of Luis Pablo  Cubero and wanted to say thank you to Luis and your entire staff—It was excellent!  My mistake not fly more but that allowed more time in country with your drivers and guides. All around a great job , wonderful people, attentive to our safety and needs .

Thanks you very much.

Jan. 30, 2010 A wonderful time on our trip to Costa Rica

Priscilla,

Liz and I just wanted to let you know that we had a wonderful time on our trip to Costa Rica.

Everything went very well - even the weather cooperated.  The locations and accommodations were very well chosen and the staff at all of our hotels were very friendly and courteous.

We especially wanted to commend our guides Geraldo in Tortuguero and Alex in Arenal and Monteverde, and our driver Fernando.  Geraldo and Alex were very good at finding and explaining the flora and fauna of Costa Rica, and there are lots of plants and animals we would not have been able to see if were not for them.  We even saw a Queztal in Monteverde!  Fernando kept the van very clean and was a very careful driver, especially on the roads around Monteverde which can be very difficult.

We would definitely recommend Costa Rica in general as a vacation destination and Costa Rica Expeditions in particular.

Regards.

Jan. 26, 2010 definitely go with CRE again

PLEASE GIVE US FEEDBACK  (Thanks in advance!) As you think about how we planned and fulfilled your Costa Rica vacation... What happened that fascinated, delighted, inspired, amazed or enlightened -- something that might become a lifetime memory? Seeing a Resp.Quetzal and njoying an authentic CR meal for lunch on the way to the airport-Vincent knew the owners and they introduced us to crevich(?) and were delightful people.  It was amzing to see how excited Charlie (GUide) got when he spotted a bird he rarely sees--that's enthusiam for your job.  Several times we heard from CR people--"This is your vacation so if you want to do .......... or not want to to do.......... That's OK.  We're here for you."  It was our agenda not yours to follow.  Since were more interested in nature and scenery and touring independently the tours were what we wanted and fit our needs.  The amazing staff at your places-the courtesy, friendliness was more than we have had in other caribbean nations so it was a pleasant surprise.  We had also commented to ourseld that CR appears to be kept up or cleaner than other place we've been. Rarely saw garbage, slum areas along the roads and poverty. It waw also surprising to see US dollars on  menus, souvenirs, and used everywhere. What surprised you by going beyond the hopes you had based on our site or what you read and heard before hand?... Drivers/pickup times were on time-if not early, but the drivers did not hurry us.  What the final agenda said is what we did. ...and what fell short of your expectations? Nothing really.  One one comment--the second to last day was spent traveling back up to San Jose and then the last day to the aiarport.  Perhaps if  I had more knowledge of the time frame or country I maya have paid alittle more to try and get a flight out near  our last stay that morning of our last day and go directly to the San Jose airport.  WE could have spent another day somewhere. But Douglas was staying within our budget.  Next time I'll know alittle more. Did the trip change your feelings about those you traveled with? Just the two of us as usual.  But we have conversations with other travelers at the places we stayed.  We even found a couple that grew up not far from our hometown in Indiana. What issue beforehand almost decided you to not travel with us? I guess not really knowing the company and it being in CR.    And CRE got good reviews in many sources I checked on. What were the few most important things that decided you to go with us? I figured if your are from there you know the ins and outs of the counrty first hand.  Plus you had your own guides and several hotels that also got good reviews. What Costa Rica Expeditions people exceeded or fell short of your expectations, and in what ways?  Exceeded the expections--again we did what you said we would do, the trip was within the budget we had set, the exceptional employees-they know their stuff. What would you say to a friend if you wanted to persuade them to choose us when they come to Costa Rica?  (Please type it as if you were talking to them.) Go with CRE because you tell them what kinds of things you want to do-they have an extensive checklist of activities.  You also give them your price range and they fit it to your lists.  THe drivers, guides, places to stay wee outstanding and things took place on time (unless weather became a problem for your safety) CRE haw their own guides and drivers who are very knowledgable of the areas, activities so you get great and accurate information.  We're ready to go back to see parts of the country we missed and would definitely go with CRE again.

Jan. 25, 2010 FEEDBACK

PLEASE GIVE US FEEDBACK  (Thanks in advance!)

As you think about how we planned and fulfilled your Costa Rica vacation...

What happened that fascinated, delighted, inspired, amazed or enlightened -- something that might become a lifetime memory?
Our objective in coming to Costa Rica was to get a general impression of the people and place where our daughter was going to school. Secondarily we had heard many positive things from various friends about the animal and bird life available for observation in Costa Rica. We were very pleased with our entire experience. Since our travel time was dictated by the academic calender requirements of our daughter, we did not investigate the typical weather to be expected in the three distinct geographic areas that we chose to see. I think that we did encounter some dramatic weather that probably affected what animal life we saw, but it also presented the local people as being very positive and lovely under challenging circumstances. I think that the balance of scheduled activities and free time was perfect and within our control. That was a very nice occurrence that I did not anticipate.

What surprised you by going beyond the hopes you had based on our site or what you read and heard before hand?...
Having the guides in addition to the transportation drivers, to explain culture and sites as we traveled between destination sites was more than I expected. I was ashamed to speak so little Spanish as to be useless and though my daughter and husband both spoke some, I was made to feel comfortable.

...and what fell short of your expectations?

Did the trip change your feelings about those you traveled with?

What issue beforehand almost decided you to not travel with us?
The cost almost made us reconsider the manner of our traveling. You were highly recommended to us though and we realized that you would take away all the stress and worry of logistical arrangements for us. We recognize that with more time to travel, some of those same explorations can lead to some delightful experiences. I guess just not our first trip to your country.

What were the few most important things that decided you to go with us?
 Your reputation.
What Costa Rica Expeditions people exceeded or fell short of your expectations, and in what ways?

I enjoyed all the guided tours and found their knowledge a tremendous asset to our experience. I really enjoyed the wonder of the Hummingbird Gallery in Monte Verde. The night guided trip was also more interesting than I would have imagined. We added this to our itinerary from options available at the lodge.

What would you say to a friend if you wanted to persuade them to choose us when they come to Costa Rica?  (Please type it as if you were talking to them.)

Everyone Associated with Costa Rica Expeditions was pleasant, positive, prompt and prepared at every stage of our experience. We chose to make one time change in our itinerary and with only one days notice. That poor gentlemen then had to get up at 3:00 am to drive to Manuel Antonio to get us and drive us back to San Jose. All of the accommodation were comfortable and attractive while still supporting an environmental awareness of tourism and their impact. The food was better than I expected too! We had a great time.
 

Jan. 19, 2010 Nine days in Costa Rica

January 19, 2010

Michael Kaye
President and CEO
Costa Rica Expeditions
#SJO 235
7979NW 21st St.
Doral, FL 33122-1616

Dear Mr. Kaye:

Though we suspect you get many positive comments on the trips that Costa Rica Expeditions arranges for its clients, we would like to add a few more.

We recently returned from nine days in Costa Rica but as you know the planning begins well ahead of the trip.  After a lot of research about what we were interested in, we contacted your offices and spoke with Marco Hernandez.  He was very responsive to our interests and helped us craft the right combination of accommodations and experiences.

For two legs of our trip, we were accompanied by a driver and guide.  It is the guide that has prompted this letter.  Sheyla Santamaria was a pleasure from the moment we met her.  She was able to provide the right combination of service, information, and humor that added greatly to our overall experience.  On the trip from San Jose to Monteverde she was able to convey many insights that she recognized were interesting and important and was able to respond with complete information to our questions about history, flora and fauna, food, customs, etc.  When in fact, she did not have an answer, she said so.  But when we saw her a few days later for our trip from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio, she had researched the unanswered questions and quickly provided us with the answers. 

You and your entire staff are to be congratulated on the level of service.  Thanks again.  When we plan a return trip, Costa Rica Expeditions will be our guide.

Sincerely,

Sally and Doug Taylor

c:         Marco Hernandez           
            Sheyla Santamaria
________________________________

What happened that fascinated, delighted, inspired, amazed or enlightened -- something that might become a lifetime memory?

Just a wonderful trip all around. Planning our next visit already.

What surprised you by going beyond the hopes you had based on our site or what you read and heard before hand?...

All of our guides were top notch.

...and what fell short of your expectations?

Nothing.

Did the trip change your feelings about those you traveled with?

It was nice to have a week to relax together.

What issue beforehand almost decided you to not travel with us?

None

What were the few most important things that decided you to go with us?

Recommendations from others. Responsiveness.

What Costa Rica Expeditions people exceeded or fell short of your expectations, and in what ways?

Sheyla was great. All of our drivers were good. Samuel and our other guide at Monteverde were particularly knowledgeable and friendly. (See attached letter.)

What would you say to a friend if you wanted to persuade them to choose us when they come to Costa Rica ?  (Please type it as if you were talking to them.)

If you want a trip with no hassles, let CRE plan it for you. We just relaxed and everything was well taken care of.

Jan. 15, 2010 CRE’s Connoisseur Expedition

Hi Michael:  My partner, Bill Badertscher, and I took CRE’s Connoisseur expedition that began on December 26, 2009.  We’ve travelled to the Amazon with International Expeditions and to the Galapagos with Lindblad.  On those trips, the staff treated us like gold.  Please know that everyone at CRE did the same. 

From the day we first contacted CRE, José Huertas’ professionalism put us at ease.  He was unfailingly supportive and answered our many emails within 24 hours.  Even after we’ve returned home, he has helped us with a number of things. 

We were with Mauricio for 5 days, and he contributed in a big way to making our trip memorable.  Safety was his first priority on the road.  He loves his country and was an exceptional teacher, guide and ambassador.  We shared many laughs, as well.  We were sorry to part with him at Caño Blanco.  Now I need to find someone else to help me with my Spanish.

At Tortuga Lodge, Heraldo was at the helm for our canal trips into the National Park.  In addition to his extensive knowledge of the fauna and flora, he shared things about his childhood and how he grew to become a guardian of the Park and everything around him.  For me and Bill, learning how local people think and feel is one of the wonders of travel.  Upon seeing another tour boat capture a frog, Heraldo reported them to the ranger on our way back to the Lodge. (If it’s permitted, it would be useful for the guides to carry a laser pointer.  This would make spotting wildlife easier and would save time.)

We commend Oscar for his attentive service in the dining room and at the bar at Tortuga Lodge.  I don’t eat red meat or chicken.  Oscar made certain I had fish or shrimp.  And always with a smile.  Finally, as we were leaving to fly back to San José, Sylvia, some kitchen staff and a gardener wished us farewell at the dock.  That was a very nice touch.

The folks at Britt were very accommodating, their Vaudeville skits were a blast and lunch was first rate.  The CRE website lists the tour as “Britt Coffee Plantation”.   We had hoped to see an operating plantation, but learned that Britt buys their coffee cherries elsewhere.  In retrospect, watching itinerant folks working the fields might not be something many tourists would enjoy. No problem.  

At Monteverde Lodge, we were intrigued by three pieces of pottery in the lobby.  Perhaps you can direct us to the artist, so we can commission some works by him or her.  The different-sized, bottle-shaped pieces are located on a shelf, by themselves, in a seating area in front of the reception desk.  They aren’t the typical tan, red ochre and black seen in Chorotega pottery.  The pieces are dark brown, have narrow necks and appear hand thrown.  They have a naturalistic, rough surface rather than a high glaze.  Each is decorated with impressed, vertical, S-shaped curves.  Any ideas?

National Geographic Magazine is right . . . Costa Rica Expeditions is one of the best outfitters on earth!

Jan. 13, 2010 Great itinerary

PLEASE GIVE US FEEDBACK  (Thanks in advance!)

As you think about how we planned and fulfilled your Costa Rica vacation...

What happened that fascinated, delighted, inspired, amazed or enlightened -- something that might become a lifetime memory?

The ability to see and interact with all of the beautiful wildlife in its natural environment.

What surprised you by going beyond the hopes you had based on our site or what you read and heard before hand?...

My husband had to join us a day later than the rest of us, due to a passport problem, but he was VERY impressed with Nadya's help in keeping up with him via email, and arranging a last minute (and late night!) driver to take him to meet us at the Volcano Lodge.  His driver was also great, and provided him with a lot of information, since he spoke very good English. (sorry, we don't remember his name)

...and what fell short of your expectations?

Monteverde Lodge had a beautiful setting and fabulous restaurant, but the inabilty to open windows and let in the gorgeously cool air was a real drawback.

What were the few most important things that decided you to go with us?

 Great itinerary, rapid response to emails, and having all the drivers set up ahead of time.

What Costa Rica Expeditions people exceeded or fell short of your expectations, and in what ways?

Nadya, as noted above, exceeded.

What would you say to a friend if you wanted to persuade them to choose us when they come to Costa Rica?  (Please type it as if you were talking to them.)

"They are pricey, but they are worth it, for the peace of mind in having everything taken care of, and the ease with which the voucher system works.  We had no questions, and no hassles the entire time we were in their beautiful country."