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Broyles Costa Rica Family Vacation With An Exceptional Guide
Broyles Costa Rica Family Vacation With An Exceptional Guide
Steve Broyles
October 10, 2007 |
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This was the best vacation of my short 42 year old life. It created lifetime memories for me and my family. I was initially hesitant about travel with a tour group (i.e., would the travel arrangements be dependable, would the cost be excessive). I was favorably impressed with all aspects of the trip planning and implementation. We felt very fortunate in having the continuity of a single driver and Costa Rica tour guide the entire trip.
We really appreciated the slow paced days at the beach in Manual Antonio to begin our trip. The pace of life at home in December is very fast paced so the first three days on the trip were important for relaxation and to catch our breath.
After a long tiring day of air travel with numerous delays, I was very appreciative to have Carlos greet us at the San Jose International Airport. I was in no mood to navigate the streets of San Jose or to explain to a taxi driver where the hotel was located. Carlos had called about our airline flight several times so he knew the changed arrival time. What a relief to have a driver waiting for us!
There were numerous small things that our guide (Leo Chavez) and our driver (Jose) did to allow our days to flow smoothly. Leo promptly approached hotel registrations, restaurants, snack stops, bathroom breaks, etc. to arrange accommodations. On several trips, we muddied our feet and inevitably tracked mud into the van. I wondered after the first day how the accumulating mud would detract from the mood of our trip over time. The morning after our first muddy excursion, we received a wonderful present. Jose had cleaned the internal and external surfaces of the van. Wow, this was great knowing that we would start each day with a clean van. I thanked Jose and Leo personally for this service.
Leo and Jose were patient and accommodating in every way. We made numerous stops to photograph or observe plants (oil palm, cassava, coffee, melanga, and banana plantations) and animals en route between locations. Jose was very safe in his driving. His skills and knowledge of the local driving was exceptional. We would frequently observe other drivers taking curves too fast or passing in unsafe manners. I felt both comfortable and safe with Jose as our driver.
We were well-prepared for the bumpy roads to Monteverde and Arenal. I actually expected worse. The slow bumpy drive added its own element of adventure to the trip. I perceived the slow drives as an important contributor for observing the beautiful wildlife. We would have missed the Golden-browed Chlorophonia, Keel-billed Toucan, Blue-crowned Mot-Mot, Howler Monkeys, Laughing Falcon, Bat Falcons, Baltimore and Black-cowled Orioles and Great-crested Caracara had the van traveled any faster!
Leo Chavez's natural history knowledge and keen eye were exceptional. I am a university educator and teach a number of field courses. Students frequently leave courses impressed with my ability to spot small warblers foraging among green leaves. Well, Leo left an impressive mark in my memory. I really don't know how he spotted the Laughing Falcon, the Bat Falcons, or the numerous sloths. I had the same vantage point in the van, was avidly looking for birds, but would have missed 50% of the animals that Leo found. Leo's experience and gesalt for finding items of interest was exceptional. He freely, willingly, and patiently answered our numerous questions and listened to our comments. Leo was very good with our children and it was clear that he enjoyed being around kids. Towards the end or the trip, Leo had really learned something about each of us and knew what we wanted to see. For my wife, he pointed out the large Mexican Elms in the valley leading to La Paz. For my children, he found tarantulas and cool insects. For me, he pointed out the song of every inconspicuous flycatcher. We were so impressed, that we tipped him beyond the amount recommended by Wildland Adventures.
[Special Note: In Manuel Antonio and Monteverde, I overhead three other guides stop their tours to introduce Leo Chavez as their mentor and the greatest ornithologist in Costa Rica. Leo has taught ornithology courses to guides in San Jose and he has a positive rapport with his former students. It was an honor to have him as a guide.]
My family viewed our first international excursion very favorably. My children have been asking where we will travel next year. My wife and I have actively been inquiring about other Wildland Adventure trips.
Thanks for the wonderful time.
The Broyles Family of Cortland New York
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