elainegary

4 of us are going to costa rica on march 19-march 28. We are a couple (age 63 and 71) and two women friends (age 58 and 64)....one of us has been to costa rica 3 times but has been dreaming of going to the osa peninsula for the birding and the fantastic nature there. we are driving ourselves crazy with where to go ...finding planning this trip very challenging. Each time we think we have a place, we read something that makes us unsure. Really, we are all in great shape except Gary, the 71 year old..who is a bit slowed down but game....We have given up on the idea of driving down to Osa and are happy to take the plane. But to where would it be best? We have been thinking that staying right near Corcovado National Park, would be the best location for what we want, but are aware that you have to hike 30 minutes on the beach and have a horse-cart take your things...Then , we were enchanted by the looks of yellow coco lodge which is right near Puerto Jimenez, on a beach, and easier to get to...but far from Corcovado and from Cano Island. We were trying to do this trip on a sort of a budget but aren't doing so well thus far. we thought we'd go to Arenal and found what sounds like a lovely place in that area, villa de carey...but the logistics of getting to Osa from there seem so complicated. Now we're thinking we should go to Osa first, come back to San Jose, and then rent a car and drive up to Arenal for a couple of nights and then return the car to the airport on the same day we fly back home to NYC.
I'll stop this message now and hopefully will get a reply from someone who can help us sort this out. Elaine

volcanogirl

Did you check out Silencio del Campo in Arenal? It's really popular and gets great reviews. We love the Lost Iguana, but some of their walkways are steep.

It's not all that complicated to get around - just take Sansa or Nature Air between San Jose and the Osa. From San Jose to Arenal, you can drive up, or hire a private driver which would run you about $140. Interbus is another option, but since you have to pay per person, you'd probably be better off with the other options.

We loved Bosque del Cabo on the Osa - wonderful spot; they have some cabins with lofts that might work for you guys. The wildlife is so great that you wouldn't have to travel to Corcovado unless you wanted to.

Arenal and the Osa is a great combo - two of our favorite spots.

elainegary

Thank you so much for your quick response. I must say that we are still really confused about osa. We have been reading so many threads about so many different places and people splitting their stays for example between the beach at playa platanares (yellow coco and other places and then going to bdc or a place closer to corcovado. but if we don't have a car, that sounds complicated and expensive. or is it?

volcanogirl

I think the lodges could provide that transportation for you. I would just e-mail any lodges that you're interested in and ask them. Ours even booked our flights for us and arranged to pick us up at the "airport" - using the term loosely. I don't think it would be complicated, but I do think the costs could add up.

hipvirgochick

Generally speaking places in Osa can be a bit more expensive, usually because many of them are quite isolated, offer all meals and hopefully a very unique experience. As volcanogirl mentioned Bosque del Cabo is a favorite of many posters here, and it's absolutely wonderful. There are different grades of trails, but the cabinas aren't too far from the main lodge so walking back and forth to the pool or whatever is not an issue. For a bit lesser cost, you could also check out Cabinas Las Caletas.

I don't feel you need to be right at the edge of the Corcovado Park entrance to experience the glory of the Osa. There is a plethora of wildlife to see at Bosque del Cabo. They also offer amazing views, delicious meals, gracious staff and wonderful happy hours!

In Arenal I really love Silencio del Campo. It's smaller, locally owned, great little cabinas and super friendly staff. Hot springs on site.

shillmac

I agree with all of the above, particularly hip's comments regarding Bosque del Cabo. It's really something.

You mentionede Yellow Coco, and I'd like to encourage you to take a look at Iguana Lodge. We usually stay in the less expensive (but very nice) club rooms above the bar, facing the ocean. These used to be called Pearl of the Osa, and have been through some very nice renovations. It can be noisy, especially on Friday night (salsa dancing/pasta dinner below--lots of fun), so you might need ear plugs.

But I mention Iguana Lodge because they have (or did last July) a very excellent birding guide (book in advance). Steps from the ocean, good birding nearby, bicycles to ride (you game?), nice place. I'm thinking you'd really enjoy splitting your Osa time with a couple of nights here followed by a few nights at BdC (or vice versa). Also a good birding guide on staff there.

Don't get discouraged. The planning and booking isn't difficult, and the hotels on the Osa will take good care of you once you arrive with regard to getting you from one place to another. No worries. Your idea of flying back to SJO, then renting a car to get you to Arenal is a good one. It's an easy route. Leaving the Osa on one of the earlier flights should allow you to arrive at Arenal by 1:00 or so in the afternoon-easily. It's about a 3 hour drive from the airport.

Deb15July

Elaine,
I'm experiencing similar agony over planning my anniversary trip in May. I have 10 nights and want to stay in Monteverde, Arenal and Osa. The problem is the order of locations and the number of nights in each.

One comment I saw somewhere said that you should save the Osa for last unless you like to eat your dessert first. I'm hoping to save it for the end of my trip and plan to fly in and out. One night's lodging will need to be near the San Jose airport in order to make the flight home.

I'm pretty set on Hotel Silencio del Campo in Arenal. It does get great reviews on Trip Advisor and is right next door to Eco Termales Hot Springs. Eco is supposedly much more affordable than Tabacon and supposedly they have excellent food...so I'm thinking about a night visit.

I was totally convinced I wanted to stay at Bosque del Cabo, but now I'm a little confused as to whether somewhere in Drake Bay area might be more to my liking. Some of the decisions may be based on logistics and the amount of time we have.

Good luck with your planning...I feel your pain!!!

hipvirgochick

Deb - wanted to let you know we absolutely loved Silencio del Campo! EcoThermales is great but SDC has their own springs on site too .