The mangrove tour was amazing, but the other tours I went on…not so much. But just because I didn’t enjoy them doesn’t mean other people won’t love them.
Horseback Riding
This horseback expedition will give you the opportunity to enjoy one of the most beautiful landscapes in the area while riding through primary rain forest and alongside waterfalls and a view of the valley. Discover the secrets of the forest and learn about exotic medicinal plants. To top off this unforgettable experience, the group will stop and take a dip in a natural pool, fed by the waterfalls of Quebrada Arroyo. Lunch or dinner is included.
The good:
I went on this trip with my dad. Our tour guide was an English-speaking native who was very friendly and knowledgeable about the area. He told us all about the local agriculture and plant-life and the way Costa Ricans use certain plants and flowers as herbal remedies. The horses were very calm and well-behaved. I had rode horses and ponies a few times before in my life, so it wasn’t a completely new experience. The scenery was beautiful and the stream that we swam in at the end was very refreshing
The bad:
The drive from our hotel to the horse ranch was VERY long, and to be honest I thought they were taking us to a remote location to kill us or sell us off into slavery. When we got there, the “restaurant” was a bit run down. They gave us some orange juice and some rice and beans. The orange juice was warm. However, the biggest problem for me was the bugs. Apparently my bug spray was not very effective because bugs kept landing all over me. I’m talking gigantic bugs and flies. Bugs are much bigger in Costa Rica. But I must give our guide credit for putting up with me every 2 seconds when I would start screaming.
My dad and I at the restaurant
Villa Vanilla
The Spice Plantation Tour is a half day tour and is available in the morning or afternoon. You will experience the sights, tastes, and aromas of vanilla, cinnamon, pepper and other tropical spices, essential oil plants, and a wide variety of tropical ornamental plants.
The good:
We had a nice American tour guide who told us all about the plantation and what they grow. He showed us the way that vanilla is grown, cultivated, and processed. He even taught us how to pollinate vanilla flowers. After walking through the plantation, they brought us to a tree house where we got to taste some drinks and cookies prepared from spices on the farm. The tour ended at their “Spice Shoppe”, which is filled with stuff that they grew on the plantation like vanilla beans, cinnamon, pepper, and other spices.
The bad:
It rained the whole day which isn’t really surprising for the rain forest in the middle of the rainy season. Also there were 3 rude Canadian women who were talking the whole time and hogging the tour guide.
Lovely view
Lets Go Explore! 