trevorjoyce

We (parents and now 21yr old son) were in CR 2004 and enjoyed Arenal, Samara, & MA. You all helped us plan a trip of a lifetime!!
Would like wildlife & beach again, not too expensive. Plane arrives Sat. mid am and leaves Sat. afternoon.
Looks like we'd have to go to Tortuguero early am so would need nites in SJ as well.
Is this realistic/good combination?
Do package to Tortuguero/shuttle or plane to Uvita & then rent car?? Last time used private driver.
Thanks for your suggestions!

plumboy

Why don't you head down the coast to the southern Caribbean coast after Tortuguero for your beach time, rather than going across the country to the Pacific side? I think that's what I'd do if I were headed to Tortuguero.

volcanogirl

Be prepared for the potential for lots of rain in July in Tortuguero, but it's also the beginning of turtle time. We went in July and had some pretty heavy downpours; they didn't last all day though. It's easiest to do a package with one of the lodges there. We adore the Tortuga Lodge - it's pricier than some of the other lodges, but awesome. Seeing the turtles is amazing.

incabod

Good time to go to Tortuguero for turtle nesting. You can do it, flight from Tortuguero to Pavas and then a flight to Manuel Antonio or Dominical. Rent a car and head down the coast. It's an adventure, doable.

As plumboy mentions staying on the Carib side will make for an easier trip, but if you have your heart set on Uvita, go for it, it's a nice area.
Cheers

trevorjoyce

I had thought about staying on the Carribean coast, but thought the Pacific might have a little less rain. Would there be enough to do if we just went to Uvita?? I thought seeing the turtles would be as you said, amazing, though.

volcanogirl

http://costa-rica-guide.com/Weather/WeatherMap.html is a good weather map to mouse over. I loved Tortuguero in July. I'd do it again even though it rained. If you want to see the turtles, go for it.

hsmithcr

You can take a package deal in Tortuguero or independent travel.

For independent - www.tortuguerovillage.com
For package - www.tortugueroinfo.com

I like the idea of the "loop" of Tortuguero, Caribbean coast and back to Alajuela. It will take you all day to get from Tortuguero to Uvita so it is really up to you.

Check the excellent weather site posted by volcanogirl to see about the rainfall.

Also look here for travel times and distances - www.yourtravelmap.com

shillmac

Hi trevorjoyce!

I can't believe that kid is 21 years old! Wow. It's been 8 years since we both were newbies on Fodors! So good to "see" you again!! Shoot me an e-mail to brag on him--I know he's been up to great things! [email protected]

We have been to Tortuguero twice--end of June and again middle of July. Perfect trip both times. We did both trips with Fran and Modesto Watson (Riverboat Francesca) and would go with them again in a heartbeat. One of the most fascinating couples I've ever met. He's a great guide. Go for 2 nights if you go. They work with Laguna Lodge, which is nice, perhaps more basic, but we really like it there. Very little time spent in the room. The turtles are an indescribable experience and Tortuguero town very interesting. You'd all love it!

Agree with plumboy's suggestion. We've visited Puerto Viejo numerous times, usually in July, once in October, once in January. It can rain over there time, not really "weather rules for rain" on that side. Sept./Oct. tend to be drier and December/January tend to be wetter. We've always enjoyed our July trips. All of you would really enjoy the Sloth Rescue Center near Cahuita and the Jaguar Rescue Center (I think that is the name) right there in Puerto Viejo. Amazing places--as is Cahuita Parque Nacional.

Lots of excellent restaurants in Puerto Viejo, Manzanillo, and that area. We love it there. Guide Abel Bustamante is outstanding and can do anything you'd like to do from birding to dolphin watching in and around Gandoca/Manzanillo Refuge. And bike riding between these areas is fun. I'd recommend Azania Bungalows, Almonds & Corals Tent Camp, Tree House, and Aguas Claras. Hipvirgochick recommends Banana Azul. This time of year I think the rain will be about the same here as the Uvita area. Generally cooler temps on the Caribbean, though. It would be a good choice for you guys, sort of "knowing" you as I imagine I do!

We'll be there sometime in later July (Puerto Viejo)--would be fun to meet up!!

trevorjoyce

Almost midnight and just home from work but so excited to hear from you all! Shillmac, we just attended college graduation!! Magna Cum Laude!! Remember, he wrote our trip report way back then! After he realized it was you all that made the trip great he felt he owed you that! Anyway, I think the Puerto Viejo is the better plan vs. Pacific coast. I'll write more over the weekend. But, once again, thanks to you all!

shillmac

Good choice on PV, don't think you'll regret it! And tell that young man the old Fodor's crew is very proud of him!