Where is the best place to land LIB or SJO and is Vista Golfo for zipline and canopy tours a good place to start. I am free to go where ever so any suggestions would be appreciated. I have 14 days so I would like to see as much as time will allow so should I start at beach and work my way back or start in rainforest/cloudforest and work my way toward beaches. What is the best rain/cloudforest to visit for first time I know that ALL of CR is spectacular so where ever I go will be great so all advice will be appreciated. I would like to see a volcano and would like 1 day at a spa I have never done the spa thing and would like to do that as well as zipline, bird/butterfly's, wildlife in general. I want this first time out of the USA to leave me wanting more as I know this will be the case with CR... after reading volcano_girl's adventures. I want to come back and show my friends that you can afford to go to CR without breaking the bank and still have a fantastic time. I am not fancy and don't have a ton of money but this has been my dream since ..hmmmm for as long as I can remember Toucan Sam (lol no joke..O) ) and then I am reading Fodors forum and VG's trips and I decided that just because you don't make $65.000 a year does NOT mean you can't travel to a special place like Costa Rica You don't need to be wealthy to make your dreams come true..you just a will to go make it happen.
Best Place To Land
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Here are two ideas based on your list:
If you started in LIR, Ricon del Viejo is a nearby beautiful national park, a good bet for volcanic action (not lava flows, but other: hot springs, bubbling mud pots, etc.) chttp://www.govisitcostarica.com/region/city.asp?cID=372
You could then south down the coast to lush areas of Quepos, Manual Antonio N.P., Dominical, Uvita, etc. all the way to the Osa Peninsula, and visit that area (Corcovado National Park). Spending a few (more?) days on the beach up near LIR before you leave(Guanacaste; Tamarindo, Flamingo, Conchal, Hermosa etc. beaches); there are some 1/2 hour from the airport.
If you fly via SJO, sounds like north to Arenal is a good place to start; you won't see any lava flow action, but there's a bit of venting from the top, and lots of hot springs (a couple are actually affordable). Lots to do in and from the area, and you CAN do it on a budget. From there, Monteverde cloud forest, then down the coast to Manual Antonio and the Osa.
All that is predicated on a car; sounds like you really want to go and do, and that would probably be your best bet to make good use of your time.
Okay then it is SJO for sure this trip with car lol thank you I have had a lot of good advice on driving verses interbus etc at first I was inclined to do public/private driver but I am going to rent a car. Now when flying into SJO is there a reasonable place to stay the night that will pick me up at airport. I would love to get my bearings and start off fresh.Also is there a car rental recommendation from anyone and suggestions on what I should know and or need..Liscense insur. etc... Lol sorry to be a pain but I am sooo excited and appreciate all the help...O)
Hotel Orchideas is popular for airport travel, and reasonable: http://www.orquideasinn.com/
They charge a nominal fee to be picked up, but it's a good idea and well worth it (SJO is in Alajuela; at night it is confusing). There are closer motels, too; but leaving for Arenal from Ochideas is scenic and pretty easy (they'll help you at the desk).
Europcar delivered in the morning to us there, no extra charge, no problem.
Lots of info on car rental in this forum, but you should know that:
1.a major credit card will cover your liability insurance, but NOT your collision. Bring a letter from your cc company to prove that you have liability, so you don't have to pay for both.
2. You need a 4WD; a small one (Jimny is fine) will do.
3. Check for dents, paint, etc. inside and out with the agent, and maybe even take photos of preexsisting stuff; make sure everything is noted. Be sure there's a jack and spare.
4. Be sure to shop around, get quotes (be sure that the insurance coverage is correct) via email, CONFIRM, and print it all out.
5. It's much cheaper to have your own GPS, if you think you want one, than renting one (note that tom tom doesn't have Costa Rica yet).
Get a map! http://mapcr.com/ is a good one.
Gorgeous scenery, driving is fairly easy, you will have a great time! (Check out Groupon for current CR deals.)
Lots of the faithful lurk here and can help with more details and specifics as you think of them.
A couple of "budget" suggestions:
Arenal Volcano area: Volcano Observatory Lodge has great views, very nice pool area, grounds (hiking, waterfalls). Very close to zipline, hanging bridges, lake, but 20 minutes from town. http://www.arenalobservatorylodge.com/index.php
Monteverde cloud forest: hiking in Selvatura and National park (hanging bridges and zips). A cabin at Cabinas Pinos outside the park (above town of Santa Elena) (rustic but cheap and great grounds, nice people): http://www.lospinos.net/
There are many many other options that are inexpensive, including hostels.
you are awesome Miss Sylvia am taking notes and solidifing plans. I know it is rainy season now..correct?? will mid Nov be better I am pretty flexible Thanks
November is the very end of the rainy season; for many hotels, etc., it's still low season, so prices are better. (I liked the rainy season; mornings were usually fine.)
Guanacaste will probably be dry regardless.
http://www.govisitcostarica.com/travelInfo/climate.asp
h, I'm glad you're having fun reading my report! I don't think the weather in Arenal is all that predictable. We went last December, and it poured on us almost every day of our entire trip. We've been in July which is rainy season and not gotten much rain. We do like the rainy season though for the great deals. I've heard that Tabacon has a very nice spa if you want to check that one out. Sky Trek is great for ziplining.
Do double check with your credit card compnany and don't assume coverage. For some reason my (Canandian) card covers insurance for rental cars anywhere, but not Costa Rica.
h, do not leave anything in your car unattended if you drive. Breakins aren't uncommon.
"Bring a letter from your cc company to prove that you have liability"
As I stated above; and if your cc doesn't cover CL, the price per day can start to add up.
You've mentioned that you want to do this on a budget; for example, we had a small 4WD for ~$480 for 16 days in January: to us this seemed like a real bargain (for Costa Rica), but we didn't have to pay CLI.