I’ve just completed my trip report on our first trip to CR (Dec 20-Jan 6). We stayed at Lost Iguana in Arenal area, Decary B & B at Lake Arenal, Manatus Lodge in Tortuguero, Aquila de Osa in Drake Bay and Bosque del Cabo, an hour south of Puerto Jimenez, also on the Osa Peninsula. This next trip we want to explore different areas.
What do you think of this plan:
fly into Liberia from Los Angeles stay at Hotel Javy Casa del Papel B & B (neither look thrilling) in Liberia 2 nts
rent car and drive to Blue River Rainforest Resort (1 hr from Liberia) or Borinquen Mountain Resort, 1 hr 15 from airport 2 to 3 nights
drive to Playa Hermosa Villa Belmar or Bosque del Mar 2-3 nights
turn in car in Tamarindo and fly to Montezuma (must fly thru San Jose & then to Tambor + shuttle down the coast) OR somehow drive to Montezuma (how?) & overnight on way if necessary
Montezuma: Ylang Ylang Beach Resort looks like it has everything I like 3 (or 4?) days
is Montezuma very different in flavor from the beaches at Playa Hermosa and Coco??? Is one area less hot and humid in high season? Which would you choose and why?
fly to San Jose or drive
2 nights splurge at Finca Rosa Blanca or Peace Lodge
fly home from San Jose
We can get away most easily over Christmas holiday or last two weeks in January.
All comments and suggestions greatly appreciated
Need Itinerary Help for 2nd Trip to Costa Rica
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We took a shuttle van from Montezuma to Tamarindo. That may be an option to consider.
So we could do the reverse. Take a shuttle van to Montezuma. Do you recall how long it took? Would we want a car down around Montezuma? Maybe we should just drive the whole way if the roads are OK , perhaps stop overnight en route?
Robbie, you've been back five minutes, and you're already planning the next trip, you're my kind of woman. I always hear good things about Ylang Ylang - will be fun to hear about your next trip.
Yes, volcanogirl, I'm planning this one very early and hoping dear friends will join us. This time I want to avoid the Christmas stampede and improve my chances of less rain by going the last two weeks in January.
I'm wondering if this new itinerary gives us enough wildlife without strenuous hiking and reasonable driving.
So what do you think about this itinerary? Are we close to national parks with rich bird life?
Robbie, I wish I could help. You hit all our favorite spots on your last trip. We have been to the Peace Lodge and that's a nice way to end the trip. Love the waterfall hike there and the nocturnal frog tour. Xandari is another spot that's nice for a couple of nights if you wanted to be closer to the airport.