alg

We returned last night from a wonderful week in Costa Rica. I wanted to post a few highlights for anyone who may be interested.

We spent the first three nights at the Peace Lodge...a beautiful resort! The staff was top-notch, the setting was great, and the room was beyond terrific (fireplace, 2 jacuzzis, 2 showers, and a very comfortable bed). A return trip is definitely in order. From Peace Lodge, we visted Fortuna, the Tabacon Hot Springs (fantastic!), and did a combo canopy tour/river rafting trip with Hacienda Pozo Azul. I would certainly recommend this company...the staff was very professional and the two activities made for a great day.

From Peace Lodge, we drove to Manuel Antonio for four nights...driving was no problem, but definitely rent a car with more horse power than ours (a Kia SUV...we barely made it up some of the hills). We did get a suspicious flat tire, but were lucky enough to find a tire shop to patch it. One note of warning (this goes for just about anywhere, I suppose): always lock your car! My boyfriend's backpack was stolen while we were getting the tire changed. Thankfully, nothing of value was lost...I'm sure whoever took it was pretty disappointed to find toothpaste and wet clothes from our rafting trip.

In MA, we stayed at Costa Verde II: the rooms are spacious and the view from the balcony was amazing...such a treat to wake up to every morning. We were close to the adult pool and bar, which was nice in the afternoons after a day at the beach. One note: there is no tv or phone in the room, if this is important to you.

Each day, we rented 2 chairs and an umbrella for 3000 colones and also went into the park on three separate occassions (twice in one day...keep your ticket as you can come and go as you please with it). We hired a guide outside of MA National Park and were very happy we did. He brought along a scope and another guy to help spot wildlife and we were able to see a lot. Of course, we saw sloths and three types of monkeys at Costa Verde, too.

We ate very well the entire week. My list of must-try restaurants in MA includes Karola's (we had the seafood platter for 2 and it was AMAZING), Mar Luna, and Cafe Milagro for breakfast. Only disappointment of the week was the restaurant at La Colina; the food was alright, but the service was horrible...the worst I think I have experiened.

Overall, it was a truly great trip and we can't wait to return.

shillmac

So glad you had a good time. Sorry about the theft and the flat! Yep, ya gotta keep it locked even if you are nearby. Always, always, always. You were very lucky!

Agree about Karola's. Very nice restaurant! And those chairs on the beach can actually be had for much less. We found out because when we were there, we only had a couple thousand colones with us and managed to get them for 1000. Maybe he just felt sorry for us! It's an odd thing because the next time we were there, they were available there on the beach without having to rent them. Don't know why the difference.

We'll definitely have to try Peace Lodge next time--sounds just wonderful! So glad you enjoyed your time in CR--making plans to go back yet?

alg

I would love to back...maybe head north along the Pacific Coast to Tamarindo or Playa Conchal next time. We have a "beach week" reserved at the end of February (still deciding between Puerto Vallarta and the Dominican Republic), but CR may be a contender, too. I am encouraging everyone I know to buy a ticket and go!

hgraham

alg: Appreciated your report. My husband and I are going to Manuel Antonio for six nights (after three nights in the Arenal area)in less than two weeks. Can't wait! We'll also be staying at the Costa Verde II. We will not have a car, though. I know buses and taxis are plentiful, but are you close enough to walk to the park or restaurants from the Costa Verde? I've read a lot about the Cafe Milagro for breakfast. Could we walk there? This might be micro-managing, but breakfast is one of the hardest meals for my husband because he can't eat wheat, dairy, or eggs. Does Cafe Milagro have alternatives to those? I was excited to read Costa Ricans have beans and rice at every meal. He can eat those!! I'm thinking we may have to go to a market for breakfast stuff he can eat. I think our room has a kitchen.
What beach had the chairs for rent? I'm assuming it was just outside the park? Do we need to bring beach towels? Can you arrange for a tour guide when you get to M.A.Park and go on the tour right then, or do you have to make the arrangements in advance? Thanks so much.

shillmac

Yep, pack yourself a towel! And definitely pick up your guide when you enter the park. Much cheaper! We had a very nice young man (SO knowledgeable) whose name was Elias. His father is the older man who ferries people across the water to the park entrance when necessary (tide up).

The beach chairs we rented were at the beach just outside the park. They gave us a price, we offered less, they accepted. Since, I've regretted doing so. After all, if that is what someone does for a living. . .perhaps one should just pay what they ask unless it is exhorbitant!

faithie

I guess u could walk to Milagro from Costa Verde , but it would be quite a walk ! The beach is no problem , although with the steep , winding roads the .23 cents for the bus which passes every half hour is great ! Breakfasts at Costa Verde are great so u could eat a great lunch at Cafe Milagro .Also , the guides will approach you as you enter the park , you will see lots of animals without them, but a lot of people find it very informative . You will love it , the view from the adult pool is to die for , and Costa Verde does have great food , but do try a Manuel Antonio landmark , Karolas . Faith

hgraham

Thanks, all! I had read about Karola's so thought we would go there. Did you find it was necessary to get advance reservations for certain places, like Karola's or I heard the Sunspot was good?

shillmac

Don't forget the Macadamia Nut Pie at Karola's!

faithie

AHHHHH !!!! Macadamia Nut Pie at Karolas , now that is one great thought for a cold and blustery day in Montreal ! I ate it first time 10 yrs. ago , and still as good today !!! Love that place . The quiet walk down the slippery drive amongst tremendous tropical vegetation , with little lights lighting an arched bridge , terrific ambience . Anyone heard how Barba Roja is faring out with the new owner ? Wishing I was in C.R. ...... Faith

shillmac

Me, too! Wish I had THAT recipe!

alg

You may want to get a reservation at Karola's just to be on the safe side, but we didn't need one. Definitely go, it is great!

We also had no trouble renting chairs, even on the day that we didn't arrive until after 1 pm. We bought towels ($10) from one of the stands by the beach. Also, there's a woman who sells a plate of BBQ chicken, beans, rice, and veggies for 1000 colones among the stands. We ate lunch there twice...it was so good and reasonable.

As far as not having a car, we met three women who had been in MA for the week without a car and had managed just fine. The road is quite steep so the walk back to Costa Verde might be tough (especially after spending the day in the sun), but as has been mentioned, the bus will get you back without difficulty.

Have a wonderful time!

faithie

Some people also use the little side road from Costa Verde , where his OTHER airplane is stashed , then you can actually go just across the road and cut through Karahe , right to the beach . Or ..... just catch the bus !!! Faith