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Client Q&A: Costa Rica with the Crawford Family

With incredible wildlife encounters, volcanoes, rainforests, beaches and adrenaline-fuelled adventures, it’s no wonder Costa Rica is our most popular long-haul destination! The Crawford family share their holiday highlights and give an insight into what to expect.

Q. Did you see any wildlife on your holiday?

A. We saw so much wildlife, it was incredible! We saw sloths, spider monkeys, howler monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, colourful frogs, iguanas, snakes (at a safe distance!), coati, agouti, toucans, cayman and a crocodile – to list just a few! Many of these were in the grounds of our hotels, so we didn’t even have to travel to see them. The opportunities for wildlife spotting were one of the main reasons we chose Costa Rica as a destination, and we certainly weren’t disappointed. Toucan in Costa Rica

Q. What were your children’s holiday highlights?

A. My youngest son, aged 10, says the ziplines in Monteverde were his favourite. He’s scared of heights and was very nervous, but the staff were super patient and supportive and helped him find the courage to give it a go. Once he got started, he absolutely loved it. My eldest son, aged 15, had two main highlights: turtle nesting and Venado Caves. Watching a giant green sea turtle lay her eggs under a blanket of stars while fireflies danced nearby was magical, while exploring Venado Caves appealed to his more adventurous side. Wading through Venado Caves in Costa Rica

Q. What other activities did you do?

A. We did a huge range of activities. In Monteverde, we did night and morning hikes through the rainforest, went on the ziplines and walked across the hanging bridges. In La Fortuna, we visited the amazing Venado Caves and relaxed at the hot springs. We then went to Tortuguero, where we took an early morning boat ride, kayaked and had the most incredible wildlife spotting experience when we visited the nesting green sea turtles. Our final stop was Puerto Viejo, where we enjoyed the beaches along the Caribbean Coast, visited the Jaguar Rescue Centre and took a snorkelling trip. Tranquil beach at Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

Q. What was the food like?

A. We all really enjoyed the food in Costa Rica. There’s a good mix of food available, so it’s never difficult to find something for everyone to eat. My children really enjoyed the buffet breakfasts that we had at most of the hotels, which were a great way to start the day. The fresh fruit, especially the melon and pineapple, were particular favourites. For our other meals, we did a mixture of eating in the hotels and out at local restaurants. It’s easy to find local cuisine or more familiar favourites, depending on your preference. Fresh pineapple

Q. Would you recommend Costa Rica to your friends?

A. Absolutely! I recommend Costa Rica as a destination every chance I get. Costa Rica has something for everyone. The wildlife is incredible and the countryside is beautiful, with amazing views and sights everywhere. There are plenty of activities for those who like a helping of adrenaline with their holidays, both water and land-based, as well as opportunities to relax on a gentle boat ride, at the thermal springs, by a pool or on the beach. It’s great for families as everyone is so friendly and welcoming. The biggest challenge is narrowing down the list of possible things to do!

If you'd like to experience our Costa Rica Family Adventure trip for yourself or visit Costa Rica, call 01962 302 062 to speak with one of our knowledgeable travel consultants or complete our contact form.