"Costa Rica: Great for Adventure,... " a Costa Rica Travel Page by VdV

I first went to Costa Rica in May 2003 with three girlfriends, each of us from different parts of the U.S. It was the first time for each of us to visit Costa Rica and we had a great time--hiking, shopping, seeing wildlife, zipping through the treetops in a cloud forest. I liked it so much that I returned again a few months later--in August 2003!

During both my trips to Costa Rica, I stayed at the Xandari Resort & Spa. It is located near Alajuela, just 20 minutes from San Jose International Airport, but feels like it's worlds away. It is a good place to spend a few days at the beginning or end of a longer trip, or also good for a quick 3-5 day getaway since there are many day trip opportunities you can take from Xandari (Poas Volcano, La Paz waterfalls, river rafting on the Pacuare or Revantazon, Saarchi Artisan Village, etc.)

The weather is always temperate in the Central Valley where Xandari is located, not too hot and humid nor too cold. It's always around mid 70's.

The resort has an intimate feeling, with spacious cabanas, each with its own private patio(s) overlooking the valley. Meals are served either on your private patio upon request or at the dining area, which also has a spectacular view of the Vally.

The spa is HEAVEN! More details posted on "Accomodation Tips."

Pay them a visit and enjoy "Paradise Found" at Xandari!

During my second trip to Costa Rica, my travelmate and I went rafting on the Rio Pacuare (my first time ever rafting.) What a great experience! We loved it so much that we went again two days later--again to raft the Pacuare! It has got to be one of the most stunningly beautiful places in the world, not to mention a sure place to get the adrenaline pumping while paddling hard through the Class III, IV and V rapids!....Rios Tropicales was a terrific outfitter which I highly recommend.