Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Mexico & Central America
Reload this Page >

Costa Rica - First trip itinerary, jaguar rescue center visit

Costa Rica - First trip itinerary, jaguar rescue center visit

Old Nov 19th, 2015, 10:34 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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!!
etjordan7 is offline  
Old Nov 19th, 2015, 03:47 PM
  #2  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
How are the beaches around Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, Manzanillo areas?
etjordan7 is offline  
Old Nov 19th, 2015, 07:38 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,329
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
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.
MichelleY is offline  
Old Nov 20th, 2015, 09:23 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 24,827
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
There's also a nice rescue center in the Arenal area - Proyecto Asis if you're interested. And Toucan Rescue Ranch near SJO airport.
volcanogirl is offline  
Old Nov 20th, 2015, 02:13 PM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 608
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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.
janenicole is offline  
Old Nov 22nd, 2015, 07:42 AM
  #6  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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?
etjordan7 is offline  
Old Nov 22nd, 2015, 12:20 PM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,329
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
PV has more going on and would be a good base for the area.
MichelleY is offline  
Old Nov 23rd, 2015, 05:20 PM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 608
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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.
janenicole is offline  
Old Nov 25th, 2015, 04:02 PM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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.
geilf is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
okwdvc
Mexico & Central America
5
Jan 2nd, 2013 10:32 AM
uinen
Mexico & Central America
4
Apr 8th, 2011 03:25 AM
extravaganttraveller
Mexico & Central America
33
Jun 23rd, 2009 03:54 PM
emEve
Mexico & Central America
12
Mar 1st, 2009 03:57 PM
michelle763
Mexico & Central America
7
Jan 31st, 2007 01:31 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -