In order for us to craft the ultimate once in a lifetime tailor-made holidays for our guests, it is important that we also experience the destinations for ourselves. This way we can match you with the perfect destinations, routes, experiences and accommodation. And of course share with you all our insider tips.
If you have seen our stories, you will know that Holly and Gemma travelled to Costa Rica and Panama to discover these Central American paradises. With friendly locals, beautiful beaches, breath-taking jungle views and plenty of activities to keep any guest happy, we know that you will love these destinations as much as they did.
We asked Gemma the all important questions post trip, read on to see what she discovered.
1. TELL US ABOUT YOUR OVERALL EXPERIENCE IN COSTA RICA & PANAMA. WHAT WERE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR TRIP?
We had a wonderful time. You can’t help but become encapsulated in the green lush landscapes of both countries. We knew that Costa Rica was going to be amazing and it of course delivered. I don’t think either of us knew what to expect for our time in Panama and it was a glorious surprise. Highlights included our flight into the Pacific islands of Islas Secas – we sat listening to the loud hum of the plane’s engines looking down at the glistening sun kissed waters, geographical meanders worthy of a text book, and lagoons providing the stage for dive bombing pelicans. The wildlife, flora and fauna of Costa Rica was a particular highlight. Hummingbirds with your morning coffee, monkeys at breakfast, toucans at lunch and glimpses of sloths whilst sipping our evening cocktails – you are very much immersed.
2. WHAT WERE SOME OF THE MOST MEMORABLE ACTIVITIES AND EXCURSIONS YOU PARTICIPATED IN?
Our most memorable activity has to be rafting in and out of Pacuare Lodge. Your stay at the lodge, tucked deep in the heart of Costa Rica’s most pristine rainforest and on the banks of the Pacuare River, begins with a journey of approximately an hour rafting through relatively easy rapids. What an entrance! You may arrive a little wet but the team at the lodge are there to greet you with towels and all your luggage… oh and also a delicious lunch!
3. HOW WAS THE FOOD? CAN YOU SHARE SOME OF THE STANDOUT DISHES OR DINING EXPERIENCES YOU HAD?
So fresh! The guidebooks would suggest that the food typically includes rice, beans, plantains, bread, and tortillas – initially I thought, wow that is a lot of carbs! In reality the locally sourced vegetables are so varied and so fresh… all of the places we stayed sourced their fresh food locally. I really enjoyed all the daily catches, it was tuna and mahi mahi season so this was on every menu and was delicious – you are spoilt for choice! I think breakfast had to be the most varied I ever had. Holly loved her Gallo Pinto in the morning – the spicier the better.
4. COSTA RICA IS KNOWN FOR ITS BIODIVERSITY. DID YOU HAVE ANY CLOSE ENCOUNTERS WITH WILDLIFE?
On some occasions closer than we would have liked! Holly nearly had to share her breakfast with the Cappucin monkeys in Manuel Antonio! We enjoyed watching the Hummingbirds busy at work whilst sipping our evening cocktails in Monteverde and the sloth sightings on the way to the pool at Nayara. Whilst we were staying at Pacuare Lodge we both became fanatical about watching the Toucans fly back and forth across the river.
We were chaperoned back to our villa by an army Halloween Crabs every evening on Isla Secas… I think we managed to navigate our way back with stepping on any of them!
5. WHAT TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE PLANNING A LUXURY TRIP TO COSTA RICA AND PANAMA?
Try and do a little bit of everything, enjoy the adventure and just say yes to every opportunity thrown at you!
6. ARE THERE ANY MUST-VISIT SPOTS OR HIDDEN GEMS THAT YOU DISCOVERED?
There are probably a lot more to be discovered! I think for us the hidden gem must be Pacuare Lodge, we really enjoyed the white water rafting adventure to get there and the raw nature that surrounds you. The hanging bridges in Arenal really give you the best view of the volcano.
You can’t beat Islas Secas in Panama for an all-round magical experience. It has everything from luxury to activities, wildlife and birds – you feel very spoilt!
7. WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND PACKING FOR A TRIP TO THESE DESTINATIONS? WHAT 3 THINGS SHOULD YOU TAKE TO COSTA RICA?
Binoculars and a good camera, and a water proof case for your iPhone. Reusable water bottle – you can drink the tap water in Costa Rica, and at least 3 swimming costumes… it is hard to dry them in the humidity!
8. WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY IF YOU WERE TO VISIT COSTA RICA AND PANAMA AGAIN?
Stay for longer on the Pacific coast to see the whales… we missed them by 5 days! There is so much more to see in both countries – we feel we have just scratched the surface – more time was definitely needed!
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