dodi66

My husband and I are thinking of a possible trip to Costa Rica next Feb or March. We will have 2-3 weeks and are mostly interested in rain forest, cloud forest, wildlife, and beaches. DO NOT want resort-type accomodations, but don't want to be too isolated from civilization, either. It was suggested that we go to the Oso peninsula and we are looking at that, but are confused as to how we get from one point to the other. Haven't locked anything in yet, so we are open to all suggestions. Perhaps flying to Drake's Bay and exploring that area first, then heading to Uvita/Dominical, but what is the best way to get to Uvita? Then what? We have traveled all over Europe and are used to the convenience of trains and rental cars....not sure of the logistics here, and we don't like complications! Any suggestions or help would be appreciated. For some reason, a trip to Costa Rica seems to be somewhat mind boggling, and we are confused!!!

volcanogirl

When we went to the Osa and stayed at Bosque del Cabo, we flew into SJO and then took Sansa airlines down to Puerto Jimenez. It's a pretty quick flight. Nature Air is another option. Our lodge picked us up in Puerto Jimenez and drove us the rest of the way. Most people fly because it takes less time and the roads aren't always in the greatest shape in that area. You might also like Tulemar Bungalows in Manuel Antonio. For cloud forest, we liked Monteverde; Fonda Vela has some nice junior suites that have nice views, a small frig, and a bathtub. If you're up for adventure activities, we really love the Arenal volcano area.

sylvia3

We've rented a car in the past for the convenience and financial savings over other options. Most roads are fine, although a small 4WD is best in case you want to drive unpaved roads or encounter steep areas (rainy season probably not an issue, given your dates).
You could rent a car in the Uvita/Dominical area (an easy enough distance from Drake Bay, but you'd probably have to take a bus or figure some way to get to Uvita, then pay a one-way drop-off fee at the airport you depart from).
I'd suggest getting your car at the arrival airport, then enjoying the drive to the Osa (maybe stopping at Manual Antonio on the way south for a day or so?)
You can drive to Drake Bay; it's just shorter to fly (and if you flew round trip, you'd be backtracking in a rental car; maybe worth the 3 hours from SJO? Or were you also visiting the beaches of Guanacoste, in which case LIR is better?) Lots of places to end up other than Drake Bay, also.

dodi66

Thanks, volcanogirl! Would Puerto Jimenez be a better base for Oso than Drake's Bay, do you think? I see that Sansa has flights to both. Then after that, how do you get to Uvita or Monteverde or Arenal...depending on what we choose? We have spent considerable time on the Big Island of Hawaii with the volcano and I heard that CR isn't doing anything right now, so we may skip that (although I am sure it is quite different from Kilauea!) I guess how to get from place to place is confusing me...other than the initial flight to PJ/DB. We are good with renting a car, if that works, but we need to narrow down our bases first and I'm aware that a car isn't always an option in CR!!

Cattail

It's actually not all that complicated, dod, once you get acquainted with the infra-structure. Some might even argue that it's getting TOO tourist friendly.

It might seem less overwhelming once you narrow down your choices of location, as folks here are tremendously helpful with advice.

Our first trip, and we don't enjoy resort spots either, was a combination Savegre Lodge for cloud forest alternative to Monteverde, Drake Bay, Tortugero with the Watsons, and Arenal.

Knowing what I know now, I would alter this somewhat; I'd go to Bosque del Cabo if I could afford it, if it wasn't in the budget, I'd still go to Drake Bay, but I would NOT drive, as we did from Savegre. Much better to return to San Jose and catch a jumper flight.

Cattail

There are shared shuttle buses that make going to the tourist spots very convenient. Check out Greyline and Interbus, among others. You can also hire a private driver, rent a car, take jumper flights, or take a bus.

dodi66

Thank you, Sylvia, the car is definitely an option. My husband would enjoy the challenge of unpaved roads!! Your idea of driving to Drake's Bay via Manuel Antonio is one we hadn't thought of. We were thinking of going to Oso first, but that is not set in stone. Actually nothing is yet!! It sounds like it is possible to, perhaps, fly to either Puerto Jimenez or Drake's Bay (do you have a favorite?) and THEN get to Uvita (HOW?), then pick up a car for the return trip and Manuel Antonio? Are the beaches at Guanacaste (sp?)better than Uvita?

volcanogirl

We flew to and from the Osa from SJO. We save flying for areas that are harder to get to like the Osa and Tortuguero. In the short drive from Puerto Jimenez, we encountered trees across the road, cows in the road, a few small streams to drive through, etc. Although I don't think you would encounter much water since March is the hottest time of the year and dry. For other areas, a lot of people like to drive, or if you don't want to, you can hire a private driver through your hotels when you book them. The roads in most areas are in pretty good shape, especially areas with good infrastructure like Manuel Antonio, the Arenal area, etc. The road to Monteverde is long and bumpy but doable. You're right that the volcano isn't currently active. We like all the other things to do in the area like the nice hiking at the waterfall and Hanging Bridges, the natural hot springs like Tabacon and Eco Termales, the Cano Negro tour, etc. along with all the great adventure activities. Totally okay to skip it if it isn't your thing. Puerto Jimenez is kind of a gritty little town. Most people stay at one of the lodges to get a more jungly experience and to see wildlife. At our cabin we saw all 4 kinds of monkeys, sloths, toucans, macaws, and even an anteater.

dodi66

Thank you, Cattail! I am trying to narrow down our destinations, but there are so many wonderful ones and I am just starting to work on this trip!! I know that Fodor's forum folks are tremendously helpful....I've used the forum many times for Europe...that is why I turned to them for this trip. I do appreciate the help from all of you. So, say, we flew into Drake's Bay or Puerto Jimenez (which one?), spent, 5 days there, then went to Uvita/Dominical for the beaches for 5 days, then rented a car and drove to Manuel Antonio for 5 days..does that sound good? We usually like at least 2 weeks+ for a holiday.

volcanogirl

I probably wouldn't do five days each in both Uvita and Manuel Antonio since they're close together and both beachy environments. I'd take a look at adding another area of the country since CR is so diverse - Arenal, Monteverde, etc.

RAC

I would ditch Manuel Antonio if you're doing the Osa plus Dominical or Uvita.

Also, you don't need a car in Manuel Antonio.

I'd take the car north from Dominical into the San Isidro/Chirripo/San Gerardo de Dota areas for more variety.

sylvia3

On two trips, we actually drove the "back" way (through the mountains on the Pan-American Highway past San Isidro el General) from San Jose to the Osa Peninsula (came out in the Sierpe area, the gateway to Corcovado National Park, which I assume is your destination, given Drake Bay) and really enjoyed the drive. After our visit in the Osa, we drove north along the (new) coastal highway, stayed in Uvita/Dominical, then went north to Guanacaste.
I would give Uvita 3 days, and if you really like the beach thing, maybe go to Flamingo or Conchal or similar in the north, where the scenery and water are different (you have the time). I agree that Manual Antonio would be more of the same.
BTW, we only encountered unpaved roads on side trips and when we stayed at Osa Mountain Village (http://osamountainecoresort.com/)

Cattail

I too would ditch Manual Antonio in favor of the Osa - or Drake Bay. What is your budget? Are beaches a priority?

dodi66

Wow!! So much information to digest and research...thank you, all, and keep those suggestions coming!!! Our budget would be midrange, which is vague, I know, but it's not worked out yet. We don't like high end, nor budget, properties, so we always make it work mid range, low key accomodations. Do a lot of cottage/condo/apt type in our other travels. Yes, Cattail, beaches are a definite priority for me!! We aren't looking for adventure, but wildlife, nature, beaches, and the flavor of Costa Rica! We also aren't adverse to some "just doing nothing" days! Puerto Jimenez was mentioned as a base for the Osa, which do you think would be a better base? We are not interested in totally primitive, I might add....would like some amenities and maybe a café or two!!! (Or meals at the accomodations, wherever that is!!) Again, thank you all for the suggestions!!!

volcanogirl

The Osa is pretty isolated, just mentioning it because you said you don't want to be too isolated or far from civilization. A lot of Osa travelers spend their entire trip at their lodge since there aren't a lot of restaurants or other infrastructure nearby. Great wildlife and hiking there, but where we stayed we didn't even have locks on the doors or enough power to run a blow dryer. It's a nice area if you really want to get away from it all. Manuel Antonio has beautiful beaches, a gorgeous national park full of wildlife, and lots of outdoor open air cafes with views of the water. The Osa is very off the grid, while MA is touristed. The wildlife in Manuel Antonio is very used to people so you can get very close to it - think monkeys who know how to open a bag of potato chips!

sylvia3

If you don't want to be too isolated, you can do day trips from the Uvita area; it's about an hour (or less) from Uvita to Sierpe, where lots of Corcovado day tours start. Boat trips through the mangroves, hiking, snorkel tours to Cano Island, there's plenty to do and see if you don't want to base yorself there.

dodi66

A few days of isolation would be fine, but not the entire 2+ weeks!! It sounds like flying to either Drake's Bay for a few days, using that as a base for Corcovado, then heading for Uvita would be good? Is Uvita more "civilized"..(meaning village or amenities)than Drake's Bay? I like the sound of Guanacaste, too...is it too similar to Uvita? Uvita is not set in stone....was just mentioned as having great beaches and I latched onto it. All the boat trips that you mentioned, Sylvia, sound wonderful. And some hiking in the Oso sounds nice, too. We don't enjoy MAJOR tourist spots as much as peaceful, calm places, but MA sounds good, too!! (I like what you said, volcanogirl, about "lots of outdoor cafes with views of the water"!!! I, myself, wouldn't even mind a "beach comparison" trip with some rain forest added!!!

sylvia3

Dominical and Uvita are small towns/stretches of coast along the ocean, south of the stretch that includes popular beaches and party spots such as Jaco down to Manual Antonio National Park. The area is less touristy (so far), but there is plenty of lodging, dining, activities (waterfalls, ziplines, etc.). It includes the Marino Ballena National Park and many beaches, such as Ventanas (some unnamed). From that area along the highway southward you head into the Osa Peninsula area proper, where Sierpe and Cocovado National Park are, plus more remote lodges.
You need to decide if you want to fly one way to a remote place for a few days, then arrange transport to a rental car office and do a one-way drop off at your final airport.

Or, you could easily get the car when you arrive, and transport yourself to your destination, perhaps with a stop along the way to break up the drive.
If you want drier/sunnier locales and the attendent different beaches, you could head north to Guanacaste before or after your visit to the south part of the country (the Osa Peninsula, Uvita/Dominical, etc.)
You can easily start to winnow your options by checking a driving-time Costa Rica site (such as http://www.yourtravelmap.com/costari...hp?&width=1280) while looking at a map.
There's a lot to see and do, and you won't be able to do it all; time to start deciding what's the most important to you on your first visit.
Note also that your trip to Corcavado needs a little refining; what exactly can you do from your lodging (some hikes are long and hot and humid; some boat rides are easy and interesting, or may be boring to you!) that's important to you? Can you get the experience (short hike, snorkel/mangrove tour) you're looking for by staying elsewhere and doing day trips?
Some here love the isolation and experience of the more remote ecolodges (food, virtually private beach, on-site hikes and nature viewing), but you might not want the same experience (because you can't leave).
Time to get out the maps and resources, and pick your passions!

karan1995007

Costa Rica has very beautiful beaches it is like a different place from the the beach cities and there are many wonderful and wide variety of wild animals. It is great place to go surfing if you know how to surf. This place is also very expensive so you should know make your budget accordingly. Get the latest maps and other information about the place before you go and have some fun. Good Luck And go to this link http://www.covomo.com

Cattail

Very expensive for a Central American country perhaps. If you're used to traveling around Europe, you won't bat an eye. I'll admit, I haven't been yet to manual Antonio, but from its description, you might enjoy it for a first -time visit. Tulemar gets great reviews.