jules39

I don't know if we are leaving it a bit late to plan a trip to Costa Rica for January but.....
Thinking of going to CR the first week of Jan. Would potentially fly in Dec 31st and out Jan 8th so would have 7 full days.
I am backwards and forwards in how to split our time.
Do not want to just spend one night in each place. Would prefer to see fewer places rather than doing that.
Not lay on the beach people but definitely want to see the beach/coast.
Volcano/eco lodge a definite.
Rainforest.

I am thinking of using a local op to schedule transfers between places. Suggestions? I have found the name of a few to look at.
Hotels ....book independently or use an op to do that so it is all tied together.
Activities, hikes etc are these easy enough to arrange once you get there?

Thanks so much for your help and advice.

J

volcanogirl

We always book everything ourselves and found that easy to do. The Arenal area is our favorite - Arenal Observatory Lodge is good for an ecolodge experience - very close to the volcano and lots of wildlife on site. We saw monkeys, toucans, coatis, etc. there. Lots of trails and a waterfall on the property. It's set off a long, bumpy road out by the lake. Manuel Antonio is nice for beach. We love Tulemar Bungalows. I suspect a lot of places may be full already due to Christmas/New Year bookings though. If you can go later in January it might be easier to find things that aren't booked already. We just hire private drivers through our hotels when we reserve them. There's also an Interbus shuttle that's popular. If there's something we have our heart set on doing, we reserve it ahead. You're going at a busy time so you might want to do the same.

jules39

Thanks volcanogirl. Do you think the first week in Jan will be crazy? Hoping most people will be done with their Christmas holidays by then! Do you just book the hotels through their own websites and then ask for them to pick you up at the place you are coming from and take you there? Have you heard of Pacuare Lodge??

volcanogirl

Yep, we just book through the websites. I have heard of Pacuare Lodge - it gets great reviews. White water rafting right? Yes, they'll pick you up at your hotel and take you to the next.

volcanogirl

Azmil, where did you go in Costa Rica? Seeing Costa Rica covered in snow would indeed be something!

morettixlx

@volcanogirl I agree! I think he might be confused????

jules39

Thanks everyone. Over the weekend we had a major change in plans and are now heading to another continent. I do appreciate your help though