This was an exceptional trip and well worth the money and going on if you're around these areas. Our guide and driver for the day was Eithel, and we couldn't have asked for anyone better. Here's what we did & why we enjoyed it so much.
We went to Llanos del Cortes waterfall which Eithel chose to take us to first rather than last as shown on the itinerary, this was a good choice because it rained later in the day but it was nice & sunny when we got to the waterfall, it was also very quiet & we had the place almost to ourselves which meant we could have a nice peaceful swim and photos, the place is a real magical green paradise.
We then went onto Albergue Heliconias Lodge rainforest which was very tropical and green, we went on a 2 hour walk through the rainforest where there were about 4 hanging bridges we walked across, Eithel was very knowledgeable about the animal sounds we was hearing and told us what each sound was and pointed out loads of wildlife including, sloths, lizard, hummingbirds, glass-wing butterfly, frogs, tucan, leafcutter ants, spider monkeys which we saw playing in the trees. The hanging bridges enable you to walk through the canopy of the rainforest and see it from a different perspective, the paths aren't too physically demanding, if you have a fear of heights this soon goes because you're too busy looking at all the amazing scenery.
We then went to a restaurant with a butterfly sanctuary, ordered food which is included in the price of the trip, while we waited we walked around the butterfly sanctuary where there were loads of massive butterflies flying around (around 5-6 inches wide) . The food was amazing and had big portions.
Then we went to Finca Verde Lodge private nature reserve at the base of Tenorio volcano where we had a guide from the nature reserve who walked round with us for about 1 hour and pointed out all the animals to us that were hiding, because he worked here he knows where all the animals live, including sloths, porcupine, poisonous frogs, lots different birds, red eyed tree frog, termites (he eat some) leafcutter ants, howler monkeys, honey bees, loads of different plants and flowers. The guide was great, very friendly, funny and knowledgeable, unfortunately can't remember his name.
Overall the whole day was amazing, we was out for about 10 hours including the driving and it was well worth every penny. Make sure you tip Eithel well at the end he deserves it.
We had the most amazing time on our tour with Carlos Mendez! He was very knowledgeable about the rainforest and the many animals living there! Lunch was awesome in a local restaurant! Llanos de Cortez was beautiful and refreshing! Carlos took a lot of pictures of us and asked if we wanted to go anywhere else along the way for food or souvenirs! Definitely ask for Carlos on your next tour! Next time we are in Costa Rica we will tour with him again! Muchas Gracias para todos Carlos!