Guest Comments: 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003

 

2005

 

January 1, Pacuare 2 days

This is a fantastic trip!!! The river is incredible + the canopy tour was breath-taking! The food was great + the lodge was beautiful! Despite the rain, the guides did a wonderful job of making the trip unforgetable. I would strongly recommend this tour to all of my friends.

H. Rohloff

Houston , TX

 

February 2, 6-day Package

Mr. Montalvo and I wanted to send you this note to thank you for all the arrangements you made for our recent visit to Costa Rica . Everything was perfect. There was not one problem. Henry picked us up at the airport even though he had to wait for 2 hours because we were delayed. The Hotel Don Carlos was very nice. Johnny did an excellent job driving us to Monteverde and was very informative. The canopy tour and accommodations in Montverde were both very good. We had another nice drive to the boat on Lake Arenal and Sergio (?) was very helpful when we got to Arenal. The Arenal Paraiso was very nice and close to everything. We also enjoyed Tabacon. We took a tour to Cano Negro on our own which we also enjoyed. And, we were very pleased that you assigned Johnny to drive us back from Arenal to San Jose on Sunday. He even offered to come very early the next morning to take us to the airport. Johnny is a real asset to your agency. Please tell him thank you for us.

We have recommended your services to our friends and family who are now very enthused about visiting Costa Rica . In fact, my cousin and his wife who go to Africa for 6 weeks every year are going to change their plans and go to Costa Rica . He wants to be a nature guide somewhere like the rain forest. Any suggestions for him?

Thank you again for all your efforts in our behalf. We hope to return again to your beautiful country.

Charles Smith

New York , NY

 

February, 4-day Package

Thanks Ana for your note.

I just wanted to extend a very gracious thank you. When we had a difficult problem while on vacation, you came to our rescue and assisted us with a situation that was very difficult for us to solve. There were language barriers, a very troubling situation and we were not sure what to expect in terms of resolution.

MJ tells me what a pleasure you were to work with. We wanted to acknowledge your extra effort, your charming personality, your dedication to your customers and your professionalism.

With much gratitude,

Brian Mell, PMP

Global Project Executive, Cisco GSD

IBM Global Services

San Francisco , CA

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Ana, We are back home in California now, but are forever changed from our travels to your amazing country. Costa Rica must be what the rest of the world was like before man messed it up.

Brian & I are very grateful to you for arranging our trip, transfers, and tours, but in particular for taking control of the situation of our unfortunate stay at Si Como No. The Hotel Parador was every bit as beautiful as Si Como No. We were just so glad that we had arranged the whole trip through your company rather than on our own, because in a situation like that, we probably would have been out of luck. Your compassion and understanding were such a relief.

The Sansa flight was invigorating‚ and makes for good travel stories. And please give the highest report to Henry, our driver from the private transfer service who took us out to Manuel Antonio on Tuesday night, and brought us back to the Intercontinental Friday‚ we were happy to see him at the Sansa terminal!

It was a pleasure doing business with you!

Kind regards,

Mary Jane & Brian Mell

 

January 9, Pacuare 2 days

All of the guides were excellent. Everyone was extremely friendly, especially Louis and George. Great trip and the food was wonderful. Many thanks to Thomas (Tommy) for the warm welcome and great food. The photographer was also very kind and took a lot of great pictures. Thanks to everyone for doing a wonderful job and giving us a wonderful trip. P.S. Is there anything Louis can not do?

Kurt Ross

Ladner B.C. Canada

 

January 12, Pacuare 2 days

This was one of the best days of my life. Mauricio was a fantastic guide. He was a great fun loving personality and very knowledgeable and professional. I am recommending this company and river to everyone at my company (America West Airlines). Thank you very much and I wish you a prosperous business!

Celeste Willford

Phoenix , AZ

 

February 10, Pacuare 1 day

Mauricio was a fantastic guide. Our raft had tons of fun. He made sure we were safe and enjoying the adventure. FANTASTIC!

Sandy Repic

Cochrane , AB

 

February 12, Pacuare 2 days

It was an incredible experience to stay at the Pacuare Lodge. It was more than I could ever immagine. I had a wonderful time and will definitely be back!

Wendy Mc Nally

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AMAZING! We are counting the days until our return!

!Hasta Luego!

Seam Mc Nally

Fredericksburg, VA

 

February 13, Pacuare 2 days

El cocinero del Campamento fue increible, su disponibilidad hizo la experiencia inolvidable para mi y mi amiga. En general, instalaciones y el resto del personal fueron muy profesionales y agradables. Muchas gracias por una experiencia increible.

Jofra Rosero

Miami, FL

 

February 22, Arenal Volcano 2 days

Hi Grettel,

Just to thank you for your help. My son phoned last night, and the

bike trip was wonderful! He had such a great time. He loves Costa Rica

and the kind and helpful people he is meeting there. Hope I get there

someday too!

Thanks again!

Sharon

California

 

February 23, Pacuare 3 days

The staff on the entire trip was excellent. The lodge was beautiful – like paradise. I would recommend it to everyone.

Angela Strong

Phoenix , AZ

 

February 24, Pacuare 2 days

More cerveza! For free!

Had a wonderful time. Such a great experience! The guides treated us like royalty – very helpful, knowledgeable, polite, funny ... Would recommend this to anyone. Thanks for the great time and memories that will last a lifetime!

Marylyn Rogers

St. Louis , M

 

March 4, Pacuare 2 days

Fantastic.

The crew was amazing, helpful, fun and full of information. Very knowledgeable about the river and area. I loved the facilities - so natural. I hope it always stays that way: very rustic. I can't say enough about the crew. Fantastic. I will definitely recommend the tour to others and will be back again.

Michelle Ulrich

North Vancouver , BC

 

March 8, Pacuare 3 days

I had an unbelievable time. My special dietary needs were handled very well, and the guides were exceptional with their knowledge & understanding of Costa Rica . I loved how I got to spend some time bonding with the guides and everyone else, and had an opportunity to share their sense of humor and good hospitality. Five stars. Thanks for everything !

Nate Curulla

West Haven , CT

 

March 10, Pacuare 3 days

Alex was a terrific guide - personable and fun. Thomas did a great job preparing our meals. Kurt was most helpful to find birds and tell us about them. Everyone made a difference. We loved our cabin and will whole heartedly recommend AN to our friends. Thanks to Andres for a memorable "water" hike ! I felt like a kid sliding down the big rock and painting my face with stone paint - and I'm 57 !

Jerry & Kathleen Sovell

Minneapolis

 

March 10, Pacuare 2 days

It exceeded all my expectations and was the highlight of my trip in Costa Rica . You do an excellent job, keep it up. There is nothing I can fault and I'll recommend this to many of my friends. Thank you for showing me this beautiful part of your country.

Gracias

Kelsey Wheeler

Whitehorse Yukon Territory , Canada

 

March 10, Pacuare 2 days

This was a perfect trip, the staff, the lodge and the river was everything and more than what we could have expected. Costa Rica is an amazing country and it is evident that its' citizens take great pride in it which makes experiencing it from an outside that much more impressive. Do what ever it takes to keep this beautiful river DAM FREE. I need to go back to work to save up vacation so I can come back and do this again !!! Cant wait to come back ! Thanks again for a great trip. The mark of a great company is it's employees, they are great - you should be very proud of the work the whole team does.

Colette D'Ambrosio

Boise , ID

 

March 15, Pacuare 2 days

It was amazing. It was like being transported to a fantasy land. The staff & facilities were excellent. We would love to come again.

Vicki Freede

Missouri City , TX

 

March 17, 18-day Itinerary

I just wanted to let you know how appreciative we are at the way our trip was handled. Except for one glitch (a late pick up on the river trip) our transfers were perfect with no waiting. All of your people were very courteous and friendly; they really made us feel welcome. All of the places we stayed were very nice - quite a diversity. However, we probably would look for other places in Tortuguero (Pachira was a little too touristy), Arenal (Montana del Fuego is changing the character to their lodge by their room additions), and Monteverde (again, beautiful rooms and views, but too touristy). Bahia Paraiso has changed ownership and plans to expand to a high end resort ($400/night was discussed); that would be a shame. Anyway, we loved your country (except for the road from Monteverde), and plan to travel again there real soon. Thanks for your help!

John & Sandra Ray

Littleton , CO

 

March 24, 5-day Itinerary

Hello Grettel,

Just a quick note to tell you how much we enjoyed the trip you organized for us to Costa Rica . It went off without a hitch (except our departure was delayed by Cayman Airways). All of our tours were excellent and right on time. Thanks so much for your help. We LOVED the Paquare Lodge and will be back again soon.

Best wishes,

Shawn Wilcox

Grand Cayman , Cayman Islands

 

March 28, Pacuare 2 days

We had an absolutely great time. Very pleasantly surprised by the excellent quality of meals at the lodge. The bungalows were great. Overall a great experience we will never forget. Thanks to Grettel for such prompt correspondence via e-mail.

Neal Kelly

Vancouver , Canada

 

March 31, 10-day Itinerary

Dear Grettel

I just wanted to let you know that we returned safely to Bermuda and that we had a great time in your country (although we couldn't see the volcano...). Everything turned out just perfect, and we greatly appreciated your flexibility and understanding in relation to our "special" requests. Especially I want to thank you, Illona and the river rafting guides - we will recommend you to everyone we can here in Bermuda ! We'll be back to check out the Pacific side!

Very best regards,

Fabian Schonenberg

Warwil, Bermuda

 

April 1, 10-day Itinerary

Hello Grettel,

Gusta and I and the Gerber party are safely back home after one of the most wonderful trips of our lives. This is due to wonders of Costa Rica , its people, culture, social calm, natural beauty and resources and pleasant attitude of the tour operators – like everybody in this office. We had a chance to meet the owner – Roberto – in Pacuare and we told him the same thing.

As I mentioned before – we’re travel agents ourselves – so watch out for many clients we’ll try to send your way, Grettel.

We appreciate again and again the work you’ve done.

Leonard Pickman

San Francisco , CA

 

April 2, Pacuare 3 days

I really loved this tour. Pacuare Lodge was beautiful - so wild + remote. yet clean + comfortable. The staff was very professional and friendly and the meals were healthy and delicious. I enjoyed the challenges of the canopy tour and rafting trip and appreciated their encouragement. It was also nice getting to know the other travelers. Thank you very much and keep up the great work !

P.S. I also really like the fact that your company supports the Cabecar people and educates visitors about them. Keep it up !

Arasmia Hanna

West Orange , NJ

 

April 2, Pacuare 3 days

I loved being so remote and so far removed from everything. The staff and guides were excellent and very helpful. The setting was beautiful and relaxing. The food was spectacular. I enjoyed every minute.

Alice Hanna

Parkside , Australia

 

April 3, Pacuare 2 days

I am so glad we began our trip in Costa Rica with the Pacuare Adventure. If we had to leave today I truly feel that I have experienced Costa Rica with the trip. What a TRIP !!

Jean Malay

New Dorham , NH

 

April 6, Pacuare 2 days

We enjoyed our entire experience with you. We really weren't informed about what the trip would entail - everything was a pleasant surprise even though we'd have liked being a little more prepared. We loved the lodge + grounds - food was great - We'd have loved to stay a few days ! Kurt is an excellent guide for flora + fauna - He knows a lot and has a perfect personality for sharing it - The hike was great + would have enjoyed birding if we'd brought binoculars - Didn't realize we could use them on a river trip -

Gary Jenkins

Woodlands, TX

 

April 11, Pacuare 2 days

Thank you very much to all of the crew. You spoiled us ! We fell in love with the Pacuare Lodge & river. Your services & crew are impossible to top !

Colin Waller & Dawn Sullivan

Seattle , WA

 

April 12, Pacuare 2 days

WOW! A paradise in the jungle ! The staff was friendly, the food was fabulous and you can't beat the natural beauty all around you. I will recommend this tour to anyone coming to Costa Rica .

Stephanie Bergsma

Tucson , AZ

 

Abril 16, 8-day Itinerary

Hi Grettel

Just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our trip to Costa Rica . I will certainly recommend your services to any of my friends who would like to visit. My grandson especially liked the monkeys, which came right down to the boat at Manuel Antonio. He also enjoyed the nature walks, and the hot springs and ATV trip at Arenal.

Best wishes.

George Hardman

Sherborn, Massachusettes , USA .

 

April 21, 4-day Itinerary

Grettel,

I just wanted to let you know what a great time we had on our trip to Quepos. You did a great job. Thank you! We will recommend you to

anyone we can.

Thanks again,

Theresa Davenport

Texas . USA

 

April 26, Pacuare 2 days

This has been the best tour I have taken in Costa Rica . I will be back again and I will recommend this tour to my friends. All of the employees of this company are friendly and helpful. 2 of the owners Roberto and Daniel were extremely accommodating and friendly also. I'm disappointed only in that I did not receive a picture while on the raft. The photographer never showed up.

Timothy A. Griese

Tustin , CA

 

April 26, Pacuare 2 days

This experience was incredible, the rafting, the lodge, the hikes and the guides and staff. Laura was a great guide in the river. The honeymoon lodge was lovely. Also, Ana María, at Aventuras Naturales was great handling the reservation for us. The only thing that was disappointing was not to have any pictures with the raft in the river. Thank you and the overall experience was excellent !

Barbara Echeverria

Los Angeles , CA

 

May 1, Pacuare 2 days

We felt very lucky to happen into this tour. Alex is very smart & capable. He took care of us & supported the Pacuare Lodge well. We were very happy with Pacuare Lodge, very clean & peaceful, and the cooking was world class chef. Outstanding !

Linda & John Rich

USA

 

May 1, Pacuare 2 days

This was a great adventure. The guides were very good explaining the trip. The lodge was fun and everyone went out of their way to make sure we had a great time. The hike to the waterfall at the lodge was really fun. We loved the swimming stop on day 1 and the waterfall stop on day 2 ! Excellent !!!

Susan Young

Fairport , NY

 

May 5, Pacuare 2 days

We initially spent 2 days at lodge - what a great experience. Good food, wonderful rooms. Don't ever change the lodge. We were rained out and had to land-transport out. The changes were handled professionally and everyone worked hard to ensure we were happy. The sales desk handled the refunds for tours and rafting very quickly and professionally. A well run operation!!

Terry Clayton

Vancouver , Canada

 

May 5. Pacuare 2 days

The entire tour far exceeded my expectations. The guides and the staff at Pacuare Lodge are all very friendly. The first-class service felt great. Thank you for being so professional and courteous. I love the guides; I love the Lodge; I love this trip.

Andres Moran

Miami , FL

 

May 6, Pacuare 1 day

First of all, the Holiday Inn Travel agent should have communicated about all the food ! I woke up extra early to eat a big breakfast...then we stop for breakfast ! That's OK...I ate again ! Trip was awesome !! Mauricio was great ! I enjoyed the whole experience. They made it a lot of fun battling between rafts, etc. The only thing Mauricio needs to remember is not everyone speaks Español - a couple times him & some of my fellow riders would be talking & talking - but I couldn't understand ! Otherwise, it was perfect ! Great having Alex the photographer capturing it all too ! Thanks !

Bryan Mitchell

Oakland Park , FL

 

May 17, Pacuare 3 days

Alex was an amazing guide ! He was full of energy, responsible, and great fun all at the same time. This is one of the best times I've had in my life. I also loved Jorge's cooking. And Luis was wonderful - sweet and much fun. Thank you so very much for this wonderful time.

Kia Mclean

Pittsburg , PA

 

May 21, Pacuare 2 days

The entire tour was great, I wouldn't change anything. I didn't know what to expect and what I got was the best experience ever ! The scenery and swimming was great as were the rapids and variety of levels. The guides pointed out many things that we wouldn't have seen or know, they were very helpful in that area too ! All together it was an amazing impression of Costa Rica !

Carolina Andrade

Halifax Nova Scotia, Canada

 

May 21, Pacuare 2 days

The guides were very helpful and knowledgeable. They were able to provide us with an exciting experience while maintaining a safe environment and provide us with interesting facts about the animals, jungle, etc. Overall this was an incredible experience. This will certainly not be the last time I visit Pacuare Lodge !

Sebastian Andrade

Halifax Nova Scotia , Canada

 

May 27, Pacuare 3 days

It was simply wonderful! The entire experience from booking with Grettel through the river take out, we were treated professionally and with care. We will be back and will recommend you to friends.

Katherine & Ken Andrews

Alpharetta , GA

 

May 30, Eternal Honeymoon Package

Hi Grettel! We just wanted to thank you and all of the staff at Aventuras Naturales for making our honeymoon such an amazing experience. It started when Marvin picked us up at the airport, he went above and beyond from that point forward suggesting fabulous places to eat and telling us all about Costa Rica . Our hotel in San Jose , the Grano de Oro was charming and the service was great. Probably the very best part of the entire trip was the Pacuare Lodge; the rafting was a blast, the canopy tour was exhilarating, the honeymoon suite was breathtaking, and the FOOD was beyond description. (George, the chef, outdid himself every meal). And last but not least our guides Chamo and Alex who made every day we were there so much fun we wanted to stay forever! From there we went on to Arenal and the Tabacon hot springs . What an experience, we loved every minute of the 2 days we stayed in La Fortuna. Monteverde was next on our itinerary and we are so glad you added this stop. Santa Elena is such a cute little town filled with the most genuinely friendly people you could meet. We also loved our hotel, the El Sapo Dorado where the food was excellent and our little cabin in the woods was great for relaxing. Finishing off the trip in Tamarindo on the beach was a perfect choice. The hotel Cala Luna was unforgettable, the pool, the hotel, the beach, all were spectacular. We had such an wonderful time and we owe it all to you. Every transfer from location to location was on time and all of the drivers were courteous and friendly. This trip was completely stress and complication free from beginning to end, just as a honeymoon should be. This was our first trip to Costa Rica and it will definitely not be our last! Thank you all so very much,

Mandi and Kenneth Mockler

Montreal , Quebec

kmockler@sympatico.ca

 

 

 

June 7, Pacuare 2 days

This trip was amazing. The staff was excellent, the food was amazing & the cabins were perfect. I enjoyed each second of this trip. And I’ll be back when I learn Spanish! And Alex was Awesome! Thank you.

Gillian Salvador

Indiana

Dartichick05@aol.com

 

June 11, Pacuare 1 day

This river trip exceeded my expectations in every way. Our guide was intelligent and helpful, and funny. We’ve gone rafting in the U.S. before and this trip was truly the most professionally operated, and the scenery incomparable. We will recommend this company again and again. Thank you.

Deborah k. Greenberg

M. Shores, FL

 

June 17, Pacuare 2 days

Please get this to the wonderful people at the Pacuare Lodge. My family and I spent 9 days in Costa Rica and the 2 days we spent rafting, and at your pristine bungalow hideaway were the highlight of our trip. Our guides were Mauricio and Harold (or Harrell). They were skilled at their jobs but a lot of fun to be around and they made our trip really great. Also, Cookie and his wife Rosita are an absolute priceless addition to your beautiful place. I have eaten in many outstanding restaurants around the world but their meals were “5 star” by any criteria! When we come back to Costa Rica , and we will, because it is a beautiful country with gracious people, we will come back and raft and extend our trip to 3 days with all of you. Again, thank you for the perfect experience. There just aren’t enough adjectives out there to describe what a great experience you all offer.

THANKS AGAIN,

Vivian Hasbrook

Oklahoma City , OK

vhasbrook@odmhsas.org

Forwarded by CentralAmerica.com Corp

 

June 19, Pacuare 2 days

The Pacuare River rafting trip is the best I have ever been on. The canyons we pass through & the mountains reaching above the river are enchanting. The Chef was amazing, serving four star restaurant dinners in the midst of a rainforest was surreal - I loved it!

Jacqueline Blais

Oakland