The Red Sunset of Guanacaste

Every hotel doing business in Costa Rica has access to a canopy tour, every hotel can recommend a fine and safe company for a white water tour, every hotel can "sell you" each and every tour offered by Adventure hotels of Costa Rica. So what's the difference in using a AHCR member hotel and any of the chain hotels that dot this beautiful land? One simple word, experience, AHCR affiliate hotels go the extra mile and have actually participated in the tours they offer. They know what to expect and if the tour your interested in would be suitable for your group. On more than one occasion we have downplayed a certain tour available here at "The Sunset" not because it wasn't a great tour but because it did not suit the group wanting to participate. In exchange we will offer something that might suit the group and guarantee a fantastic trip.
As much as Mom and Dad might think their two year old would really enjoy rappelling down waterfalls at, Desafio's Lost Canyon Adventure, we can't recommend it to them because even though it is a safe and fantastic adventure. It takes all your facilities to make sure you enjoy it safely and completely. If Mom and Dad really want to go, we have experienced babysitting staff on hand to see to the little ones needs, so the bigger kids can go play. If the family wants to stay together for the entire trip there are still so many activities that suit the very young to the very not so young. Choosing what to do can be the most difficult part. So instead of the Lost Canyon, might I suggest the Las Pumas, injured big cat reserve. Where you and your family can see in one place, every big to small cat that thrives in Costa Rica. Then you could follow that up with a float trip down the Rio Corobici with Safari's Corobici. A leisurely float down the river that promises a view of crocodiles, bats, monkeys and more birds than you have space on your memory card to photograph! If there is still time in the day and adventure in your heart another twenty minute drive puts you at the Cataratas de llenos Cortez, a sixty foot wide waterfall with a 50 foot drop and a pool just right for swimming at the base. It's not in the guidebooks and it will leave you in awe.
So, when you choose an Adventure Hotel of Costa Rica hotel. Your not just receiving a great deal on a clean room in a gorgeous natural setting your getting the experience that comes with staying with people that have your interests and good times at heart. That have walked the same trails, swam the same rivers. To give you advice that you can count on.

Just do it. Make it happen. Go. Try it you will not regret it. These are quickly becoming some of my most used phases, to our guests here at "The Sunset" As time has passed and we have learned you can convince somebody to hurl themselves across a thin steel cable on a canopy tour at 90 kmph and 99.99% of the time they will return grinning and thanking you for the recommendation. However trying to convince that same person to go for a hike on the hanging bridges or that same canopy tour in the rain and you may very well be met by astonished bewilderment akin to having had asked them to throw themselves off of a cliff sans equipment or belay (as we often suggest people to do at Desafio Adventure companies Lost Canyon Adventure, with great results). Point being, seems alot of folks have a real aversion to a little bit of wet weather. Of course you can explain that "it is after all a rain forest", "wait a bit, the weather may change", "well if it were not for all the precipitation the lush tropics that surrounds us would not exist" but unfortunately these logical explanations can often fall on deaf ears. The newest strategy at "The Sunset Luxury Guesthouse" is JUST DO IT. It seems that this aversion can be conquered with a lot of positive energy from the host and a reminder that life is short and going on, rain or shine. That in fact some of these experiences can be better in the rain, as monkeys will huddle under protecting branches as you whizz by in your canopy gear, the hanging bridges of La Fortuna become an absolute primordial vision of peace and tranquility in the fog and rain. To see Lake Arenal cover over in mist from the hike at the base of Arenal Volcano is a site that you will never forget.
Make it happen, because vacations and life are to short to be put aside by a little inclement weather. If it gets to bad, I mean sideways rain bad, you can always spend the afternoon in the covered pool house here at "The Sunset". After all who wants to get wet, when you are swimming..... ; )

When you take a vacation to Costa Rica, quite a few images and expectations might pop into your mind. Incredible, rich biodiversity, lush jungle landscapes, flora and fauna that defies belief as well as overwhelming the senses and of course adventure. Oh yes, adventure. Costa Rica has become famous in recent years for its' canopy/zip line tours, world class white water rafting, spelunking, quad tours, mountain biking and on Lake Arenal specifically kite boarding and windsurfing equal to none. A more recent trend in the La Fortuna area, a quick 50 minute drive from the "The Sunset Luxury Guesthouse", is Canyoning. Canyoning first appeared in the La Fortuna area in 2004, when a guide at Desafio adventure company decieded to share a vision of natural splendor with his employers and the rest of the world. Canyoning in it's essence is a combination of rappeling down raging waterfalls, hiking, rock scrambling and swimming. It is a challenge to the body and food for the soul. Imagine yourself geared up and preparing for your first descent, 185 feet straight down, pristine waters rushing by you and extremely well trained, proffesional guides at your belay, above and below. NOW GO!!!
Guests at "The Sunset" have been partaking in this incredible activity for almost three years now and the most commonly shared sentiments are that it was the perfect close to a perfect week and that nothing they have ever done can compare to it, more than a few have claimed it "changed their life" and their perceptions of themselves. Many a guest has come back to relax at "The Sunset" after this activity and spent the rest of the evening hours "telling the tales" and going over and over their photos with family and friends till the wee hours.
One of the fantastic things about "The Sunset" in fact all "Adventure Hotels of Costa Rica" participating hotels. Is that large travelling groups can share in these activities together. If any members of the group are unable due to physical or personal reasons participate, there is no sense of exclusion as there is still so much for them to do in and around our partner hotels. Upon the return of the participant groups they can all get together and share the days activities. That's one of the differences between a standard hotel and a AHCR member hotel. AHCR hotels have room for the entire group to share in the adventure. Making life affirming, unforgettable family and group vacations a reality.