davewojo

I have a tentative trip to CR for Easter week 2017 - right in the middle of their holy week - it coincides with school vacation for us so our choices are that or mid June 2017. I can already see that the hotel rates are much more expensive during that week which I'm willing to pay. However I don't want the trip to be disappointing because of the crowds.

We live in San Diego and spend a lot of time in Big Sur so beautiful beaches are not the primary reason to go. We'd like to see rainforests, wildlife and do some cool excursions.

I was thinking 3 days at either Samara or Manual Antonio, 3 days in La Fortuna and the last night at Peace Lodge.

What do you think of this itinerary? I've heard wonderful things about Samara as far as nice uncrowded beach where you can buy fresh fish literally off the boats. Would a place like Punta Islita be better? Is Manuel Antonio just too crowded even with the extra wildlife and beauty? (I went in 2000 and loved it then)

Would it be better just to reschedule our trip to either April of 2018 (which would not coincide with their Holy week) or June 2017??

Thanks

volcanogirl

Holy Week is crazy busy, not just with tourists, but with Ticos too, also much more expensive like you're finding. For me personally, I would avoid that week if you could go in June instead. We love Manuel Antonio; Tulemar Bungalows is our favorite - lots of wildlife, and they have their own beach. Also love La Fortuna and the Peace Lodge.

davewojo

Thanks volcanogirl - makes sense but I'm considering going anyways - hotel prices don't seem to be much different for the ones I'm looking at and it does work well with my schedule.

So is Peace Lodge worth the price? I think we're going to do Samara vice MA - crowds must be less right? Thx

volcanogirl

I really like the Peace Lodge; the rooms are over the top with waterfall showers, jacuzzis, and fireplaces that come on with the touch of a button. Lots of hummingbirds; you can even hand feed them at certain times of day. Also an aviary and ranarium. The waterfall hike is the best part - 5 beautiful waterfalls, very pretty. It's not the most authentic seeming place though. Take a look at pics and see if you think it's right for you. We like to get up early when we stay there and do the waterfall hike; you can have the whole place to yourselves before it opens to the public. I like to stay there at the end of a trip after we've done all the sweaty hiking spots.

Jeff_Costa_Rica

I also vote for June. As mentioned, there's the crowd factor at Easter, but March and April are also the hottest, dustiest times of year.