Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Mexico & Central America
Reload this Page >

please criticue my itinerary for first time in Costa Rica 8 days in January

please criticue my itinerary for first time in Costa Rica 8 days in January

Old Dec 6th, 2011, 08:04 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
please criticue my itinerary for first time in Costa Rica 8 days in January

Arenal – 3 nights, MA – 4 nights, near airport last night
Travelers: couple in late forties with two 17 years old boys (don’t think they will want to wake up early everyday . We will not have a car. Will hire Oddysey driver for long drives, use taxis for short distances.
1/6 – Arrival to Liberia – 1:30PM, Oddysey’s private driver to Silencio Del Campo (La Fortuna) stop on the way for lunch, relax in a hotel’s hot spring
1/7- zipline (Ecoglide or Sky Track – I kind of scared that Sky Track - is very quick, never did zipline before). Lunch. La Fortuna waterfall hike/swim – if it’s not too late in the day consider that we have to get from one place to another and eat. Maybe do waterfall first in the morning and then zipline? Maybe drive at night to see lava?
1/8 – Not sure what to choose: Arenal hike (with whom as a guide?), Hanging Bridges? ½ day whitewater Rafting nearby?
1/9 - leave for MA. I’m thinking to stop by at Doka Estate for coffee tour and maybe lunch there. Hope it’s not a big detour? Is it also possible to visit Paz Waterfalls Garden or it’s way too far? Maybe see croc bridge on the way to MA (La Posada Jungle)
1/10 – 1/13 MA: beach, a few hours hike in MA with tour guide (recommended by hotel), maybe zipline if we will not do it in Arenal. Where zipline is better if we have to choose? Arenal or MA? Maybe whitewater rafting ½ day near by. Again where rafting is better? Arenal or MA? Maybe mangrove tour. But definetly beach everyday for let say ½ day.
1/13 – leave in the afternoon (as late as possible – what is reasonably late?) for Pura Vida hotel near airport.
1/14 – depart from SJO at 2:45PM, so we probably will have to leave hotel at something like 11:30am and I don’t think it’s realistic to do anything outside the hotel in the morning
Thansk a lot,
Mariya
mariya is offline  
Old Dec 6th, 2011, 08:50 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 24,832
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I don't think there's much happening in the way of lava lately. Sounds like it hasn't been visible for several months, so I wouldn't bother driving to try to see it unless something changes. The Hanging Bridges is a pretty hike, but we didn't see much wildlife there. I'd go rafting with Rios Tropicales. That would probably be more fun for the boys. We loved our trip with them. Definitely stop at the Rio Tarcoles bridge to see the crocs. You can zipline in either place, but Arenal has the advantage of having the volcano if it's visible at the time. Don't forget that MA park is closed on Mondays when you're figuring out your schedule.
volcanogirl is offline  
Old Dec 16th, 2011, 08:00 PM
  #3  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thank you!
Another ideas for Arenal
1/7 - La Fortuna waterfall maybe with hourses with Desafio 8am-1pm, thought maybe it's more interesting then just a taxi ride. lunch, not sure if we will still have time for zip line Ecoglide park is open until 4pm. How long ussualy zipline takes?
1/8 - whitewater rafting with Desafio - on Rio Balsa 1/2, it's only 1/2 hour drive vs I've read that Rios Tropicales is about 90 min to 2 hours drive. It's 2-3 class, first time rafting, hope it's not borring, but also not too scary
That will leave us without Arenal or Hanging bridges hikes. Am I missing something I have to do?
1/9 - Arenal to MA drive 2 choises on the way - we can go to La PAz Waterfalls, it's about 2:45 drive, at least 2 hours there, lunch, then to Doca estate 1/2 drive, at least 1 hour there and another 2:45 drive. We will have a private driver, but is it OK to drive when it's dark? Also do we realy HAVE to go to Waterfall Park, it's kind of expensive $35 pp? Plus it will be very long day. Another option just go to Espiritu Santo coffe tour. Which is only 25 min detour and skip Waterfalls. Is Doca much better then Espiritu?
Should we skip zipline in Arenal and do it in MA and istead do Arenal or HAnging Bridges hike? If there is no lava, is it interesting? Also we will have some hike in MA
Plesae help me to finalise thoe plans!
Mariya
mariya is offline  
Old Dec 17th, 2011, 02:57 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 12,268
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
You will be fine looks great just let Odysseytourscr.com guys
Al/Diego help you figure out what is best. Relax have fun!
Book Juan Brenes tripadvisor.com/members/natureguide for
best MA experience. Have fun!
qwovadis is offline  
Old Dec 18th, 2011, 02:52 PM
  #5  
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 24,832
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
When we've done ziplining, it's taken about 2 hours. You'll have to add in extra time for transport back and forth. If they pick you up, a lot of times they'll have to stop at multiple hotels.

We've only done the Doka coffee tour, but several guides have told us it's the best in the country.

Ziplining in Arenal has the benefit of having great lake and volcano views if the volcano is visible.
volcanogirl is offline  
Old Dec 18th, 2011, 02:59 PM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 24,530
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
There hasn't been any lava in over a year at Arenal. If you call Arenal Observatory Lodge they will at least be honest about that.

Doka estate is too big a detour between Arenal and Manuel Antonio!! It might be something you could do in the morning on the day you leave, it isn't that far from Pura Vida Hotel. Ask Berni if you have time that morning.

Croc bridge at Tarcoles is easy stop between Arenal and MA.
mlgb is offline  
Old Dec 18th, 2011, 03:49 PM
  #7  
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 24,832
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I was scared to do Sky Trek too, but we loved it. The views are amazing, and we felt very safe. The guides there are incredible. Much more thrilling than some of the other zips.
volcanogirl is offline  
Old Dec 28th, 2011, 07:48 AM
  #8  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Still can't make up my mind
Arenal first day: La Fortuna Water fall and El SAlto water hole to swim and Zip Line (Ecoglade or Sky Track). Should I do Zip line in the morning and not after lunch? Is this too much for one day? Should I make a reservation for Zip Line? My husband doesn't want to do Zip line, what he can do while we doing zip line? Just Sky tram and then wait for us? I contacted Silencio Del CAmpo and they said they can arrange driver for $40 for the whole day. It's probably better then wary about taxi from one place to another?
Is this too much for one day water fall and swim hall and Zip line?

second day: should we do Arenal Volcano NP hike (we will be later in MA and I plan to hike there to see rain forest). Is there something not to miss in Arenal NP or it's just rain forest hike? If there is no volcano activity I guess there is no cense to see lava in the evening? Another alternative for this day is Balsa river 1/2 day Whitewater rafting with Desafio. Hope it's not boring and enough water to have some excitement?
Silencio have their own hot water spring, but is Tabacon is not to be missed, even though it's very expensive?

third day: leave for MA. Should we do La Paz Waterfall and Doka estate or just Espiritu Santo coffe tour (which is more on the way). I don't want to leave Doka tour untill last morning before airport(don't believe it will work for us) My concern is that it could be very long day, plus it's pricey. $35 pp for Waterfall, Doka another $20 pp, plus $50 for detour. But maybe it's something we absolutely should not miss?
Please help me to sort out those question. It's getting closer and get nervous about planning.
Greatly appreciate help.
Mariya
mariya is offline  
Old Dec 28th, 2011, 02:50 PM
  #9  
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 24,832
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'd skip the swimming hole. You can swim right there at the waterfall so seems kind of redundant.

The rivers are flowing high right now because they've been getting a lot of rain. Rafting is a lot of fun. We really enjoyed it when we did it.

I'd zipline with Sky Trek - their team is amazing, and they have some of the longest, highest lines in the world. You take a tram up which is pretty cool in itself, very nice views of the lake.
volcanogirl is offline  
Old Dec 29th, 2011, 10:20 AM
  #10  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Volcanogirl,
thank you very much! Ok, I desided with Sky Trek, my husband doesn't want to do zip line, so I guess he just can do sky tram and maybe walk? or just sky tram and wait for us. I think I'll arrange transportation with Desafio. Afternoon can do La Fortuna Waterfall.
Ok, next day, new dilema, maybe I should do Arenal Volcano hike instead of Whitewater rafting? Do I need a guide or trails are easy to navigate, so I would only need a transportation? What is more exciting for boys hike or waterrafting? Not sure if Sky tram walking tour is same as Arenal Volcano hike, then maybe do it on first day instead of waterfall? And do waterfall on the day when we leave for MA? So if we do hiking on first day shoudl I do sky walk or drive to Arenal Volcano NP?
We will stay at Silencio, so we will have our ouw hot spring, but I know it simple should we also visit other hot spring? Can't find prices for Tabagon. Sorry, a lot of questions
Thanks,
Mariya
mariya is offline  
Old Dec 29th, 2011, 10:53 AM
  #11  
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 24,832
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The tram ride up is nice. There's some sort of walk he can do while you zip line, but I haven't heard much about it. I think there's maybe a series of elevated bridges he can walk on. Rafting is much more exciting than the volcano hike since the volcano isn't putting out any lava these days. I'd definitely go with rafting.

The volcano hike goes near the volcano, but you can't get that close because there's a danger zone that you're not allowed to enter. We have seen some wildlife on that hike though. The Hanging Bridges is a nice hike - are you guys interested in that one? If so, a guide can help you spot wildlife.

Tabacon is expensive. We thought it was overpriced, but it is very pretty. We prefer Eco Termales - they limit entry to 100 people so it doesn't get crowded, and they serve a good chicken dinner there. If I had hot springs at my hotel, I personally probably wouldn't pay to go somwhere else.
volcanogirl is offline  
Old Dec 29th, 2011, 12:15 PM
  #12  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Great, thank you so much,Hanging bridges? hmm, where I would feet it in? after zip line? I know I need to do it with guide otherwise I'll not see anything like animals, were you exosted after zipline if let ay it's in the morning let say by 10:30-1pm, we need lunch and then waterfalls or HAnging bridges?
Did you visited La PAz waterfalls, it's a detour from Arenal to MA, but is it worth it?
mariya is offline  
Old Dec 29th, 2011, 01:28 PM
  #13  
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 24,832
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I wasn't exhausted by the zipline. You ride up and zip down so there's very little exertion involved, just some stairs down at the end. I'd be comfortable doing that in the morning and something later in the afternoon. We've visited the La Paz Waterfall Gardens a few times since we stayed at the Peace Lodge. The waterfalls are beautiful, and my favorite thing is that twice a day they let you hand feed the hummingbirds. You'd have to check with them on timing. It's up to you if you think it's worth a detour or not. They also have an aviary and butterfly hatchery. Check out the reviews on tripadvisor and see what you think.
volcanogirl is offline  
Old Dec 30th, 2011, 07:15 AM
  #14  
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Just returned from CR and traveled with our teen son. I understnd your statement about the boys not wanting to wake up early but if you want to cover some territory and do activities the early am wake up is a must. Don' think I would do zip line and waterfall rappelling on the same day since they are both high adventure . If you can do one one day and the other the next with a hike to hanging bridges or sunset hike to lava fields that would be lots of fun for the boys. We used Desafino in La Fortuna for waterfall and they were great - Remember to bring a water proof camera and if not u can purchase their pic of you. You will always be moving and hiking thru the canyon and in water so no flip flops. We did not zip in LaFortuna but in Monteverde but it was this was loads of fun. In la Fortuna we enjoyed the hanging bridges hike and went with a naturalist who was very knowledgeable and kept everyone engaged from start to finish. We did stay at a hotel with hot springs but have to say our visit to Tobacon hot springs was well worth it . We did a sunset hike with a naturalist to lava fields and then ended up at Tobacon for soaking and dinner. Missing CR already
pnwtravelbug is offline  
Old Dec 30th, 2011, 09:16 AM
  #15  
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 24,832
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I don't think she's going waterfall rappelling. It sounded to me like they're just going to the La Fortuna waterfall which is a pretty easy hike.
volcanogirl is offline  
Old Dec 30th, 2011, 10:36 AM
  #16  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thank you so much! I think I finaly figure it out:
arrival afternoon/evening, next day:
1 day - sky treck+sky walk, so this will cover Hanging bridges (they also have Hanging bridges) and hike wirth naturalist and zip line in one place
2 day - 1/2 whitewater rafting on Balsa with Desafio
3 day La Fortuna waterfalls in the morning and then drive to MA (let say leave around 11-12). I guess it's enough 2 hours for driving from Silencio to waterfall, waterfall and back to hotel. On the way to MA stop for Espirusu coffee tour and maybe crocs bridge if it's not dark. We will have a driver from Odissey, so I don't worry much about driving.
Mariya
mariya is offline  
Old Dec 30th, 2011, 03:34 PM
  #17  
 
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 16,907
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Speaking of La Fortuna waterfall, how difficult is it? (Older, not currently "fit," but game?)
sylvia3 is offline  
Old Dec 30th, 2011, 04:00 PM
  #18  
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 24,832
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
It's a lot more developed than what we were expecting. We thought it would be sort of wild, but there's a big parking lot and a booth where you pay the entry fee. If I remember correctly the walk is steps set with pavers. Going down was pretty easy; coming back up several people had to stop and take a breather but it wasn't difficult, really just like climbing a bunch of stairs. I think it was about 10 minutes down and 15 back up.
volcanogirl is offline  
Old Dec 30th, 2011, 04:08 PM
  #19  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
would that be too cold for white waterrafting? temperature in January 6 is about 68 in Arenal area.
mariya is offline  
Old Dec 30th, 2011, 06:27 PM
  #20  
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 24,832
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'm not sure if that's accurate. The high could be in the 80s with lows in the 60s.
volcanogirl is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -