Costa Rica - First trip itinerary, jaguar rescue center visit
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Costa Rica - First trip itinerary, jaguar rescue center visit
I am planning a first trip to Costa Rica in February for 10 nights. We will be flying into (and out of) San Jose and would like to see the Arenal area, as well as a beach location - this part is undecided so far. I would also like to make a trip to visit the Jaguar Rescue Center located near Puerto Viejo de Talamanca (30 mins south of Cahuita). What would be the "easiest" way to incorporate this into the trip? Also, do you recommend a beach location on the pacific side or Caribbean side for a first time visitor? Any suggestions? I have read mixed reviews of Manuel Antonio due to the crowds. Any help is greatly appreciated!!
#3
The beaches around Puerto Viejo are mixed. Some have darker sand and others, the softer, whiter sand. You could do Arenal, Manuel Antonio and the Carribean, but it would be pushing it. The drive from MA to PV is 9hours, so we did an over night mid way near Guapiles. Since you want to do the Jaguar rescue, use the PV are for your beach time.
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If you have any interest in white water rafting, you can book a transfer from Arenal to Puerto Viejo with a stop for a day of rafting the Pacuare River. Look into Exploradores Outdoors if that interests you. The beaches along the stretch from Puerto Viejo to Manzanillo are not crowded, and you can easily rent bicycles and visit more than one beach in a day. The Caribbean side of Costa Rica has a very laid back feeling. Cahuita National Park is a great spot for wildlife sightings.
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Thank you for the ideas! I am definitely looking into the white water trip as a way of transfer, as well as the other rescues. Do you recommend finding a place to stay in PV as the "central location" and taking day trips to the other beaches/Cahuito national park from there?
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Look at the website www.puertoviejosatellite.com. It will show you the locations of hotels and restaurants, as well as having a wealth of information about that area. I would recommend staying someplace between Playa Cocles and Punta Uva, just for easy access to everything. Easy to bike to the Jaguar Rescue Center from those areas. You can take the bus to Cahuita National Park.
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we stayed at Villas del Caribe its just across the road(literally)from the jaguar rescue center. its one of the few right on the beach. friendly staff and owner, super spot. The beaches have no crowds. Good 5 hr plus drive from Arenal.
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