I have been working with Costa Rican Trails for the last months as part of my professional practice; my name is Myriam Bolt and I come from Switzerland; at the present time I work at the Reservations Department and recently I had the opportunity to travel with a couple of clients and I really enjoyed it very much.
The clients were from Switzerland and I travel with them as a Translator. First, we went to Tortuguero and we had to spend the night at Laguna Lodge. The rooms were very simple but comfortable. There is no TV, hair drier, or telephone, however clients can rest in the hammocks or relax in the beautiful swimming pool. There is a bar, which is open until 23:00 hours, and the food is excellent.
After that, we visited Sarapiquí and on Sunday we went to La Quinta Hotel. I really like this hotel because it has a patio outside every room with comfortable chairs. The rooms are spacious and they have a safety box, it also includes a small room with a table and a mirror. Also I have to say that dinner was delicious and the menu offered many different options.
During the trip, I also noticed that drivers have to work very hard; for instance we went from Sarapiquí to Arenal; and then directly to the Park. We arrived at the hotel at 4pm. The driver and I were very happy to have some free time to rest before dinner. However, after one hour, our clients came to our room asking if we could take them to town. We accompanied them to town, because it is very important for us to make them happy.
The Next day, we visited Arenal and we stayed at La Pradera Hotel. The rooms have a perfect view of the Arenal Volcano, and this view can also be enjoyed from the swimming pool. I did not like the restaurant in this hotel, even though I did not eat there, but I did not like its atmosphere. I also checked the menu and I think it was not so special, but rooms are fine. Afterwards, we returned to San José; and I left them at the hotel.
I have to say that it was not an easy work, especially because I am not used to it, Clients always need your attention from 6:00am in the morning up to 9:00pm at night. They always have questions, not only about tourism, but about culture and the Costa Ricans’ way of life, about insurance, laws and more. Also, it is very hard for drivers and guides as well.
Regarding Arenal, I consider that it would be better to spend some more time there. Arenal is a place where you can enjoy a lot of activities such as the park, visit the hanging bridges, la Fortuna waterfalls and also the spring waters. One day is not enough to do all activities you can do there and also I think that visitors do not have the energy to do all that.
I love to be a guide, because it allows you to know very interesting people, to listen to their stories and it gives you the opportunity to tell them how beautiful Costa Rica is.
Myriam Bolt
Costa Rican Trails
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