ceilifinnigan

Please help us decide between Bali & CR for our 2 week vacation. I was so excited about Bali (for the snorkeling, hiking, temples, massages, new culture, and the reported friendliness of the locals) but then read that Jan. is the wettest month so am re-thinking our destination. I have always wanted to go to CR, as well, having read about the wildlife, rainforests, volcanos, river rafting, zip lines. How do the two compare in 'welcoming friendliness', crime, costs, transportation from one area of the country to another-drive, public transport, drivers? Is there a good snorkeling area? We are late 50's/early 60's, active, independant (enjoy guides trip for snorkeling, some hiking, history but not all-inclusive tours), try to be respectful visitors more than tourists, like to get off the beaten-down paths. Limited Spanish. Any input would be welcomed!
Ceili

Jeff_Costa_Rica

With all due respect, I think you're asking for an impossible comparison. Costa Rica has all the things you mention, but it can never be Bali, because it doesn't have the "knock your socks off" culture that Bali has. That's okay, and you can still enjoy Costa Rica for its fine qualities. If weather is a factor in your decision, you could save Bali for another year.

qwovadis

Agree with Jeff Bali unique exotic cultural experience

not to be missed still will not be fun with lots of rain

www.visitcostarica.com great Jan. weather most first timers

divide their time between

www.arenal.net

www.manuelantoniopark.com

Rent a car www.servicecarrental.com www.tricolorcarrental.com

Hotels based on budget on your way...

www.puravidahotel.com nice moderate for flight night.

www.tortugueroinfo.com pretty might be fun to add if time...

Have fun,

volcanogirl

I adore Costa Rica, but honestly I would love to go to Bali too! We are big fans of Hawaii, but it's so expensive and the distance is far for us, so we're hooked on CR now. I don't think CR could compete with Bali in terms of beaches and snorkeling, but the wildlife, rafting, ziplines, waterfalls, etc. are fabulous. Check out Arenal and the Osa to see what you think. We like

www.lostiguanaresort.com
www.bosquedelcabo.com

The second website has a great video you can watch to see if you think it's your style. Check it out and see what you think.

EmptyNest

I adore Costa Rica and plan to return. I went with my two boys who are in their early twenties. It as a great adventure - monkeys on the door step, the beaches in Manuel Antonio are stunning but the surrounding beaches less so. Snorkeling on the Pacific is not good - don't waste your time. Surfing and sailing are better choices.

It is an outdoor adventure trip - not a cultural trip.

We felt very welcome.

I'm going to Bali this spring and looking forward to a very different experience - but I will absolutely go back to Costa Rica!