eicherfamily

Going to Costa Rica April 8th-17...Definitly doing Pacuare river rafting, and want to do Puerto Viejo/Cahuita and possibly Tortuguero depending on the turtles...this is the big question; I've just seen info on Bocas Del Toro... it's close and seems easy to get to from what I've read and most of all it looks like a lot of fun and possibly even better prices on lodging and food than Costa Rica. (What island is best to visit in the Boca Del Toro area.) If it seems like a good Itinerary in what order would you suggest. The sudden interest in Boca Del Toro is mostly the opportunity to see more culture. any help would be very appreciated...Have fun traveling!!! Bill

janenicole

We just returned yesterday from Costa Rica and Panama, and I will try to get a trip report posted soon. We rafted the Pacuare, spent two nights near Puerto Viejo, then headed to Bocas. We loved Bocas del Toro - friendly people, great beaches, good snorkeling, saw wildlife, and loved the colorful hotels and restaurants that are built over the water. We took the shuttle from Puerto Viejo, which was a fun experience, but flew back to San Jose on Nature Air. I would recommend flying back if you can swing it. We stayed on Isla Colon (the island with Bocas Town) in a rental house outside of town, so were away from town noise, but a short taxi ride into town. It's easy to visit other islands using water taxis, or as part of a snorkeling tour.

eicherfamily

Thanks Janenicole that's great news...can't wait to see your triptrip report...do you recommend staying in town or outside of town...did you set up lodging in bdt in advance or when you got there.

Jeff_Costa_Rica

April 8-17 puts you well into Holy Week. Wherever you plan to go, now is the time to decide and now is the time to make hotel reservations. That's the busiest week of the year for tourism.

janenicole

I like to plan ahead, so I booked the house a few months in advance. Staying in town or outside of town is really up to your personal preferences. We don't like staying in the heart of the action and noise, plus, we cooked our own dinners, so didn't need to taxi back and forth for meals, so being outside of town was ideal for us.

snorkelluvn

Bocas town is a place to stay if you want to party or be very close to the restaurants, bars and water taxis to outer islands and excursions, or wanna stay in a cheaper hostel. It is kind of gritty and noisier. We stayed at a B&B about 10-15 minute and $10 taxi ride near Bluff Beach, which is a 4-mile long, almost, wide surf beach that is backed by rainforest, with a couple chill restaurants/ beach bars. There are a few other places that are a bit closer to town, also. Look up reviews. Most of the places are $100/ night or less, a few more than that, but most pretty reasonable.