“Costa Rica Adventure” with National Geographic Expeditions

For any traveler who has wondered if the additional cost of a tour with National Geographic Expeditions (1145 17th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20036; 888/966-8687, www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com) over other tour operators is worth the expenditure, rest assured that it is.

On Dec. 31, 2007, my husband and I left the States and arrived in San José to begin an 8-day tour called “Costa Rica Adventure.” The ground operator was Global Adrenaline.

Our group of 25 was divided each day into two buses, each accompanied by either of the outstanding Costa Rican naturalist guides, Julio Madriz or Pedro Bolanos. Furthermore, the stops were augmented with local naturalists.

The days began with a 6 a.m. bird walk for anyone who was interested and ended usually with a lecture or slide show and a night walk after a delicious dinner. The early-morning and late-evening walks were extra bonuses that our three guides offered because of their desire to share with us their passion and interest in what Costa Rica has to offer.

Our tour provided options each day. We could decide whether to white-water raft down the Pacuare River or float down the Sarapiquí River, for example. Some participants went on a canopy walk while others had the thrill of a zip down a cable through the trees. We hiked in Manuel Antonio National Park and the Carara Biological Reserve while others went snorkeling and horseback riding.

We had a stay at the Arenal Observatory Lodge. While our rooms offered a view of the volcano, it was impossible to see it due to a rainstorm that came through. Our tour leader felt that since we had not been able to see the volcano, we should be given the chance to have another adventure; he was able to arrange a river trip later in our itinerary where we went looking for crocodiles.

Other highlights of the trip included a long soak at Tabacón Hot Springs, a hike in the Monteverde Cloud Forest and a visit to La Selva Biological Station.

We received great value for our time and money. The land-only cost of the trip was $4,290 per person in a double room. The single supplement was $1,600. (2009 prices are $4,390 and $1,600, respectively.)

The quality of the guides made this trip outstanding. Their professionalism, enthusiasm and attention to detail resulted in this being the best-organized tour we have taken. We have absolutely no negatives to report.

PATRICIA MASTROBUONO

Key West, FL