vic_jola

From reading through some of the trip reports and comments in this forum we decided to make our own arrangements directly with the lodges rather than a tour agency for a Feb. or Mar. 2016 (approx. 17 day trip since its a long way from West Coast of Canada). We are experienced travelers to Africa but this would be our first CR trip. We targeted the areas of Tortuguero, Arenal, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio in this order. We ran into problems with availability in the different areas that would make a logical itinerary difficult. Since two of the lodges are owned by Costa Rica Expeditions (in Tortuguero and Monteverde) we decided to try to use them to organize this trip. When checking their website we found exactly the trip that we wanted and so wrote to them.

The response we got was "Unfortunately, the package you found is one off our old website. I thought we had it set up so that all visitors to those old pages would be redirected to our more current site, but it looks like we may have missed somewhere".

We are somewhat taken aback that they have been so lax in how they have set up their website and will probably have to go back to scratch since we suspect that what they will will propose will no doubt be much more expensive (and likely over our budge) than they posted on the website. We find most of the hotel/lodge websites don't show which dates are available, they only show dates that you input to be available or not available so this is a frustrating exercise. We hope to hear from experienced CR travelers with suggestions on their experiences in making direct arrangements. For example, would it be more efficient to phone the lodges/hotels? I should add that we do not want to do self drive. Thanks to all for input.

volcanogirl

We always just do everything by email, but sometimes it takes a few days for people to get back to you. We've stayed at Tortuga Lodge owned by CRE, and we loved it. Their service was excellent. Sorry that happened to you. I've found it frustrating in the past to ask, "Can we stay Feb. 13-16?" No. "Feb. 12-14?" No. Until we hit a date. Now I'll ask, "What dates do you have available for these two weeks in February?" I've found that to be easier than all the back and forth.

We rarely self drive either; we reserve drivers through the hotels when we book them, and that's always worked great for us.

vic_jola

volcanogirl: As an alternate to Tortuguero/Tortuga Lodge, in case they are booked, I have also written to Bosque del Campo and Finca Exotica in Osa area. Your comments motivated me to keep trying. Thanks.

MichelleY

You may also want to consider the Puerto Viejo area along the Caribbean. Would work in well with Tortuguero.

vic_jola

Michelle, Thanks for your suggestion, any accommodation in the Puerto Viejo that is recommended?

volcanogirl

Good luck, vic - we love Bosque del Cabo on the Osa.

MichelleY

When we were in this area, we stayed with friends. However, others in the past have given high marks to Banana Azul.

volcanogirl

I've always heard raves about Banana Azul as well.