Costa Rica--too much to see--need advice!

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Nov 15th, 2000, 07:26 AM

Sandy

Guest

Posts: n/a

Costa Rica--too much to see--need advice!

I am planning our honeymoon in Costa Rica (mid to end February) this year. I am overwhelmed with the possible activities, sites and areas to choose from. We're going for 8 or 9 days. My husband really wants to go to Arenal to see the volcano, so we'll spend a couple days there and do some hiking, but we're trying to decide between the Tamarindo area and Manual Antonio for beaches. My husband isn't crazy about flying, and Osa is too far to drive. We enjoy active stuff like fairly strenuous hikes, biking and kayaking. Any votes for either area? Is it a good idea to go to both places in the remaining time we have (5-6 days)? Not looking for big resorts.

Nov 15th, 2000, 08:21 AM

Ally

Guest

Posts: n/a

Sandy, Congrats on your Marriage! My vote would be for Manuel Antonio. It's a prettier, greener area. Tamarindo is dryer, so not as 'lush'. I think there is more to do in the Manuel Antonio area too, because it's close to Quepos which has some clubs/discos' too. Trying to do both in 5-6 days would be way too much. Keep in mind that the drive from Arenal to Manuel Antonio will take most of the day, so start out early so you won't have to find your way in the dark! Also, don't be too terribly dissapointed if you don't see the top of the volcano. Most people don't, because it's almost always in the clouds. But it's still impressive seeing the bottom, as it's a 'perfect' cone shape, and MASSIVE! You'll enjoy the hike to La Fortuna Falls, as well! Have a great trip!

Nov 15th, 2000, 09:05 AM

Guest

Posts: n/a

Wife & I just returned from CR, visited both La Fortuna (Arenal) and Quepos over 8-days. Like in previous message don't plan to see the whole volcano and you will not be disappointed, the surrounding land is still very pretty. La Fortuna folks were great, Desafio tours can set you up w/ some great things to do, we whitewater rafted, rode horses to the waterfalls, and did a canopy tour at Tabacon (without equal, the rudest most obnoxious folks we encountered in all of CR). There's an EcoTourist lodge & butterfly farm on the road from Fortuna to Lake Arenal worthy of a stop. Great, cheap lunch and a short tour of the facility run by a group of families that base their operation on conservation and eco-friendly endeavors. Like previous message, the drive from La Fortuna to Quepos is a long but what a way to see the country. We drove La Fortuna to San Ramon west to Puntarenas and down to Quepos, (likely longer than through San Jose, but a great drive). You need 2 sets of eyes for driving; one for the road and the other to catch site of elusive road signs (they appear 5-10 kms after you think you've made the wrong). Jaco is not worthy of a stop (unless you want to feel unsafe) the road gets interesting from here to Quepos. There are porous steel rail bridges over croc infested waters (so the signs say) that make the whole trip that much more interesting. In Quepos, we stayed at Villas Nicolas, I highly recommend the place. Beautiful grounds, close to the park, town, and good restaurants. It was easy to lose track of the days lounging, eating, and hiking through Quepos. HAve a great trip - JST.