chichagof

So I've read that September is one of the rainiest months of the year in Costa Rica, but it also happens to be when my girlfriend has a break from school. She has traveled a lot in her life, I have not, so this is all pretty new to me.

We've looked at all of the airfare inclusive tour companies and seen some interesting things but I figured I'd ask some of the more experienced travelers here some questions and try to get some good tips.

What should we do? I know it's rainy, so what are our best options when it comes to outdoor activities.

Can we lay out on the beach during the mornings? My girlfriend loves laying out on the beach, its her relaxation time.

Is the rain really going to put a damper on the trip? It seems like people are split between "You're better off coming back during the dry season" or "Getting drenched is half the fun." Don't get me wrong I love the rain, but I can understand why most would want to visit during the dry season.

Some quick questions off the top of my head:

Where should we land? Liberia or San Jose?
Should we spend a few days on the pacific coast and then a few days on the Caribbean side?
Say we stay 8-9 days, would that be enough time to enjoy the country in a relaxing way (meaning not rushing around to fit stuff in?)

Thanks, hopefully I can elaborate in replies, I'm just really overwhelmed with all these questions it's hard to get them all sorted in my brain.

chichagof

I also know she would love to see the turtles breaching, so that is also something to keep in mind, there just seems to be so much to consider, any help is appreciated.

steckarrr

My fiance and I are taking our taking our honeymoon in Costa Rica in September. We'll be spending most of the time on the Caribbean side, where it's the dry season (though I hear it's never completely dry). We are starting out in the Central Valley, then off to Tortuguero and Puerto Viejo before heading back to SJO.

From what I've heard, the rains tend to come in the afternoons. So it's a good idea to pack in your activities in the morning and relax in your hotel room or in a hammock while you wait for the PM rain to pass.

The bonus of traveling in September is that you can get great deals. We're saving quite a bit of money with the help of low-season 3-nights-for-the-price-of-2 deals.

We won't hit up Arenal and Manuel Antonio, but we tend to shy away from the top tourist hotspots anyway. good luck planning!!

volcanogirl

If you want to see turtles, definitely go to Tortuguero. It's good for about two nights. Lots of lodges there that will arrange all your transportation for you. They'll usually pick you up in San Jose as part of your package. Check Laguna Lodge, Turtle Beach, Mawamba, and Tortuga Lodge; those are all popular spots. Since the area is isolated, most people eat all their meals at the lodges, and that's usually included in your package.

MichelleY

If you go to Tortuguero, spending time on the Carribean, around Puerto Viejo would work well. This area has no fancy resorts, but low key, boutique hotels, cabinas, etc.