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Caribbean Adventure - Costa Rica and Panama

Pacuare River rafting
Pacuare River rafting
Pacuare River rafting; Rainforest adventure; Bocas del Toro; Panama City
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Xandari Spa

Jun 18, 2013
My room at Xandari Resort
My room at Xandari Resort (LAURIE ENGLEKING)
I arrived in San Jose by noon and was picked up at the airport and transferred to Xandari Resort and Spa. After a wonderful lunch on the terrace and walk around the grounds, it was time for my spa treatments. I had reserved a coconut body scrub treatment and a aromatic facial. Both were wonderful treatments and I highly recommend them both. Very unique and relaxing. You have you own little spa cabana with a view of the valley. The resort rooms were spectacular with great views of the valley below. After the spa it was raining hard so they came down to the spa with a golf cart and gave me a ride right to my room. Then it was time for supper and a Pisco Sour. Xandari raises their own fresh vegetables and they were very fresh. Rained during the night but by morning was clearing off for a beautiful day.

Pacuare River Rafting

Jun 19, 2013
Gordo our expert Guide
Gordo our expert Guide (LAURIE ENGLEKING)
This was by far the best day of the trip. I had not gone river rafting before and all of us were a little nervous. But, fear not! We had excellent instructions from Daniel on the ride to the outfitter. Each group of 5-6 were assigned to a guide. Our guide was Gordo and he had to be the best. He fitted us with helmets and life jackets and gave us more practice in the rafts before we started the float. We even practiced 'falling' out and rescue! Water is about 60 and very refreshing. Our trip down the river included paddling, floating, getting very wet, having a lot of laughs, lunch, and a great time. We were very tired at the end of the 4 hours. I would do this rafting experience again, I would have done it the next day! After rafting we transferred via bus and truck to the Selva Bananito Eco Lodge in the rainforest. We arrived at 5 pm and I had time to get settled in my cabin and try out my hammock before supper at 7 pm. Supper was excellent: beans, rice, beef, yucca, slaw, green beans and carrots with fresh papaya for dessert. The lodge manager/guide is Richard and he is going to be very helpful over the next couple of days. Back to the cabin for a good night rest. The only power is solar power and we do have lights and a warm shower. The cabin is very open. It is warm and humid and air circulation is essential. Under the mosquito net for the night!

Selva Bananito Lodge - Hiking and Horseback

Jun 20, 2013
Horses ready for riders
Horses ready for riders (LAURIE ENGLEKING)
After a restful night under my mosquito net, I awoke early to the sunlight and sounds of the rainforest. I headed to my hammock to enjoy the rainforest till time for breakfast. After a breakfast of fruits and eggs it was time to be fitted with rubbed boots for a rainforest hike. We went on a 3 hour hike in the rainforest in the morning and went horseback riding around the farm in the afternoon. The food at the lodge was locally grown and was all excellent. Very peaceful and I loved the sounds of the rainforest creatures.

Selva Bananito - Horseback riding and Bird watching

Jun 21, 2013
Warrior
Warrior (LAURIE ENGLEKING)
A rainy night in the early morning hours but the rain stopped in time for our daytime activities. Some guests took a bird watching walk before breakfast. I spent time in my hammock. After breakfast it was time for my 'adventure' horseback ride though the farm and up in the mountain rainforest. This was a great adventure - especially the rainforest. Steep and muddy terrain. I was riding Warrior again today and I trusted him 100%! After lunch, several of the guests climbed the giant kapok tree 75 feet high. Only one made it to the top. Following the tree climb we all loaded up in the pick up truck to go down the hill and watch the staff play soccer. They were slipping in the mud, falling down, playing in bare feet or socks and they were having the best time ever!

Sloth Sanctuary and Crossing the border

Jun 22, 2013
Sloth in rehab
Sloth in rehab (LAURIE ENGLEKING)
Time to say good bye to Richard and Gusto and head out to Panama. On the way to Panama we stopped at the Sloth Sanctuary. We made this stop per a pre-arranged special request. I highly recommend this. First we had a one hour canoe ride to look for sloth and other wildlife and we were not disappointed. We spotted a sloth first thing and he was awake and moving around. Go early in the morning to see the animals as they are waking up. We also saw lots of monkeys in the tress.

Isla Colon - Drago Beach and rain......

Jun 23, 2013
Bocas del Toro Isla Colon
Bocas del Toro Isla Colon (LAURIE ENGLEKING)
Woke up to rain

Panama City Tour

Jun 24, 2013
Miraflores Lock Panama Canal
Miraflores Lock Panama Canal (LAURIE ENGLEKING)
Early flight to Panama

Homeward Bound

Jun 25, 2013
Sunrise over San Jose
Sunrise over San Jose (LAURIE ENGLEKING)
Early flight to USA

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