nikosk

Hi to all!
I’m working on a solo, low budget trip to Costa Rica, flying there after 3 weeks, and plan to travel around, about 10 days (before/ after I cross to Nicaragua, for a couple of weeks there also).
This is a revised plan, after an earlier question, so I limit the initial destinations, to make it more realistic.
After some initial research, it seems that CR is not generally a low budget paradise (!), but I’d still like to see something from it, so I’m looking for nice spots, to get a good and true feeling of the country (nature, people) without the expensive eco-lodges, river rafting agencies, taxis, packages of any kind…. These amenities could make a great trip also, no doubt, but cannot do it.
So, best would be, if possible, to get at places by public transport, hike around independently (where it is safe and have clearly marked trails), smell the forest, hear the birds, see the animals, ride (public) boats …
Adrenaline sports, adventure parks, clubbing and drinking are not my thing, anyway.
Some ideas I’d try, are: Poas, Sarapiqui, Tortugero, Manuel Antonio… so many others…
CR has obviously many superb destinations, and I’ve got recommendations from guidebook and forum, but many times, they involve obligatory use of expensive services (travel companies, guides, private transfers, resorts etc), and venturing solo, makes things even more expensive. So I’m looking for some more relaxed situations, backpacker friendly….
It goes without saying that the trip wouldn’t worth, if it was an exile to an insignificant place, just to achieve the low budget aim… The idea is to see some good stuff, yet the small budget.
Your recommendations would be … gold to me!!
Many thanks, happy travels !
Nikolaos

Jeff_Costa_Rica

No question that your money will go farther in Nicaragua than in Costa Rica.

Sarapiqui, Tortuguero, and Manuel Antonio all have budget accommodations. Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to stay at one of the big lodges up in Tortuguero. There are budget places in the village and you can get there by public transportation (a combo of bus and boat). The problem with Poas is that it's not so much a town as a region. You'll find a place to stay, but you won't be close to anything.

I think Puerto Viejo and Cahuita on the southern Caribbean coast would also offer what you're looking for.

volcanogirl

We really like the Manuel Antonio area - great beaches and tons of wildlife. The Arenal area is nice too - lots of good hiking- beautiful waterfall and volcano. In the Sarapiqui area, there's the La Selva biological station that offers lots of wildlife - I believe you can stay there pretty affordably. You might like Monteverde as well. Here are some links - can't vouch for any of these hostels, but there are reviews you can look at.

http://www.hostelworld.com/findabed....try.Costa-Rica

http://www.hostelworld.com/search?se..._to=2014-02-10

http://www.hostelworld.com/search?se..._to=2014-02-10

http://www.hostelworld.com/search?se...=374&type=city

nikosk

thanks for the great tips, and especially for commenting on the specific destinations!
this is most helpfull and if anybody would like to add such recommendations, about in which places I could do well with my limitations, it would be great help, so then I can focus my research to those and build the rest of the decisions around them.
The links above didn't work (they send to the main page of hostelworld) but I got the idea, I'll check the site for the destinations you mentioned above
Do you think that March is a good time of year to show up without reservations and still find budget accomodation on the spot?

volcanogirl

You might run into the Spring Break crowd in March; that's when a lot of people take vacation.

colibri

I think you might enjoy Posada Andrea Cristina in Sarapiqui. I haven't stayed there, but European friends have and loved it. Their rates are quite reasonable, breakfast included and they can give you excellent recommendations for hiking.

http://www.andreacristina.com/

I don't think that Interbus goes out to Puerto Viejo (de Sarapiqui) so you would need to take the public bus. I'm sure the owners can give you the best advice.

You can also find great hiking in the Monteverde area (Interbus goes there) and very reasonable cabins and B & B's. Since the MV area is quite spread out, you would have to arrange transport to the reserves.

nikosk

thanks for the tips guys!
i'll check those and will try to plan ahead as possible, for every stay and transport I might need, which is a little bit of a headache, when you travel low budget, without travel agencies, and have an open itinerary, evolving on the road...
let's hope for some luck too!
or I'll have to sleep next to the turtles or the crocks!

volcanogirl

Not sure why the links don't work, but that appears to be a pretty good site. For MA alone, it listed 12 different places and lists prices which seem affordable, as well as reviews. Good luck finding your spot.

nikosk

thanks for good luck, I'll need it!!!