dfarmer

"I have read the posts on this board over the past few months, and must say it is the most informative that I have personally found. Thank you to all that are so helpful. For some reason, I have never been able to get on to ask questions. However most times my questions were answered anyway! But today it worked!!"

We will be traveling to Costa Rica for our 3rd trip, in early Feb and cannot wait to get there. I am including our itinerary, which is already set, but if anyone has any advice or first hand knowledge, I appreciate your comments. By the way I read were Suzie had mentioned Pat Hewitt, Costa Rica Travel Exchange - well just had to add - he was super to work with on this trip!

1st & 2nd night - Hotel Brittania San Jose get in at 1:30PM
2nd day rafting Pacuare River
3rd day - river into Tortuguero, Mawamba Lodge
4th day - Tortuguero
5th day - fly Sansa from Tortuguero to SJ, and then fly to Tambor
5th, 6th, 7th, 8th nights at El Sano Banano in a Beach Bungalow
Planning to horseback ride, snorkle Tortuga and just hang out and relax
9th day - fly back to SJ and pick up vehicle
9th and 10th nights AHHHHHH! Peace Lodge
Waterfalls, Doka Plantation and Poas
11th day - home bummer!

Any words of wisdom?
Thanks
Donna

TAGriffin

Hi Donna, I will also be returning for my 3rd trip this July. I haven't stayed at Brittania or Mawamba, so I can't comment on those, but I have stayed at El Sano Banano. I stayed one night in their rooms over the restaurant in town (nice, but too noisy), then moved to Amor de Mar (wonderful!). I did walk down the beach to check out the bungalows and use the pool, and the bungalows were beautiful - right on the beach! The pool, likewise, is awesome. The bungalows are quite a hike from town, but if you don't mind the walk, it's a great choice. Be sure to check out Cabo Blanco. You can catch a bus from town, then it's a short beautiful hike to the ranger station.

I haven't stayed at the Peace Lodge, but toured the rooms when I was there last July. They are breathtaking. I so envy you (and Suzie2) getting to stay there! I would have included it in this next trip, but it really is a place for couples. (I'll be traveling with my son.)

I hiked to the Doka Plantation from Xandari. They have a lovely B&B called Siempre Verde. I wished I had done the Doka tour instead of Cafe Britt (way overpriced IMHO).

Sounds like you have a great trip planned. I hope you'll post a trip report when you return.

Terri

dfarmer

Thanks Terri, I am really excited about this trip. In our past trips, we have seen Arenal, Monteverde, Manual Antonio but will definately include Cabo Blanco, while in Montezuma.
I am not at all concerned about the walk into town from Sano Banano, actually considering it part of the adventure.
Not real sure about the Tortuguero Canals, but feel it is a must do at some point.
And Peace Lodge, I feel so fortunate to be able to include this in our trip.
Thanks for your response.
Would love to hear from anyone else.
Thanks
Donna

tbelgian

We stayed at the Mawamba Lodge a few years ago. It's great! We were a bit shocked when we got there but soon got into it. The canals and rivers were fascinating.

Went to Montezuma briefly. I found many hippies from the 60's there, still stoned. While in Montezuma we went to the waterfall, not terribly impressed. There was a big crowd of youngsters there and we felt uncomfortable.

Fortuna Falls around Arenal is a totally different experience, one not to be missed.

Suzie2

Hi Donna,
Sorry I didn't get back to you from your email to me. I had over 400 junk with a few good emails to wade through and didn't see yours in a timely manner. Saw your postings on the other board.
Pat is a great guy and he is working on some time for me this year also. Hoping to get to meet him. I can and have made arrangements myself but find it much easier and less frustrating to have one person coordinate it all.
I'll be down there the same time as you for the whole month of Feb. and just a few days later than you at Peace Lodge before my husband heads home. Then I will have my own adventure thanks to Pat.
Tortuguero is a different kind of place. As you know, most sight seeing is done by boat. We saw tons of stuff. You will have a good amount of time on the canals. We went for 3 full days and by the third day had had enough. Still enjoyed seeing stuff but were ready to stretch our legs again. A place worth seeing at least once.
As you have most likely read, I am a big fan of the Pacuare. You will have a wonderful time!
Have a good trip.
Hoping to talk to Pat today....will say hi for you.

dfarmer

Thanks Suzie, I wondered if you were the same Suzie as on another board!
Looking forward to this trip, feel it meets are individual desires better than our previous trips.
Actually I believe it may have been one of your post that sent me to the Doka Plantation, seems much more interesting than the Britt tour. Not as theatrical and more hands on.
And yes, I have read everything you wrote and others about the Pacuare Rafting. Was a bit fearful, but feel very much better now.
I am so excited about staying at the Peace Lodge and having all the falls, and gardens right at our finger tips. But I may not making past that glorious bathroom and balcony whirlpool.
Thanks for all your advice.
Donna

Suzie2

Hi Donna,
I have already warned my husband that I plan on spending a good bit of time in that jacuzzi. They will be our last two nights together before he leaves. If our past trips are any indication, I will need the jacuzzi by then. I am almost hoping it rains at night so I can sit in it and listen to the rainfall. Already designing my next home based on some places I have seen down there. Have a feeling a little of Peace Lodge will make it into any plans I draw up.
I believe there is another person on this board who is planning on being at Peace sometime in the first two weeks of Feb also.