Weather???
May 12th, 2004, 08:18 AM
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Weather???
Well, in three weeks I will be a married woman and travelling through Costa Rica!!! My question is what will the weather be like? I know it will be the end of the rainy season and will sporatically rain each day, but what about temp?
We will be there from June 1st to June 10th and traveling from:
San Jose to Arenal to Monteverde to Villas Calletas to MAKANDA! I want to pack as little as possible, but still be prepared for the weather.
Does it get cold? Any extremes? I am expecting the days to be warm (80's), sometimes rainy. Is this correct?
We will be driving ourselves for all of the vacation except the last day when we are bussed from Makanda to San Jose.
Can someone give me advise on weather please??
Thank you Thank You Thank You
We will be there from June 1st to June 10th and traveling from:
San Jose to Arenal to Monteverde to Villas Calletas to MAKANDA! I want to pack as little as possible, but still be prepared for the weather.
Does it get cold? Any extremes? I am expecting the days to be warm (80's), sometimes rainy. Is this correct?
We will be driving ourselves for all of the vacation except the last day when we are bussed from Makanda to San Jose.
Can someone give me advise on weather please??
Thank you Thank You Thank You
May 12th, 2004, 11:39 AM
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Temperature varies by elevation. Rainfall varies by season. Here's a good reference map:
http://costa-rica-guide.com/Weather/...rMap.html#rain
http://costa-rica-guide.com/Weather/...rMap.html#rain
May 12th, 2004, 12:37 PM
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Congrats on your wedding!! I am a newlywed myself.
You will absolutely love Villa Caletas! We just returned and it was wonderful (make sure you get a villa and tour Carara Reserve and see the crocdiles at the Tarcoles Bridge). Their gardens are amazing and the property is huge. Too bad I can't say the same about Makanda. Their grounds are quite small, along with tier pool area. There really isn't anything to do there and their location is not good, since it is at the top of a very steep hill. Save your $ and stay somewhere esle. After 1 disappointing night at Makanda we transfered to La Miraposa and loved it.
Since you will be there in June (off season), I would not pre pay for your hotels. We did and regreted it. Makanda would not refund our $407.00 which really sucked! We decided to leave anyway since they were so rude. None of the hotels will be sold out at that time because of the rainy season.
I am not sure what the weather will be like in June but when we were there last week, it rained a little bit in MA and a lot (almost the entire time!) at Arenal. We were there for 2 nights and never saw the volcano. The Tabacon Hotspring were wonderful, though! In hindsight, we would have skipped Arenal completely beacuse of the rain. Being wet for 2 days wasn't too much fun. Our hotel said the dry season is the best time to go. Also, the drive to Arenal is long and hard. Monteverde is even worse! (I drove there on my 1st CR trip)
After spending 10 days Villas Caletas, MA, Arenal and Tamaridno. We would have split our time between Villa Caletas and MA.
Good luck!
You will absolutely love Villa Caletas! We just returned and it was wonderful (make sure you get a villa and tour Carara Reserve and see the crocdiles at the Tarcoles Bridge). Their gardens are amazing and the property is huge. Too bad I can't say the same about Makanda. Their grounds are quite small, along with tier pool area. There really isn't anything to do there and their location is not good, since it is at the top of a very steep hill. Save your $ and stay somewhere esle. After 1 disappointing night at Makanda we transfered to La Miraposa and loved it.
Since you will be there in June (off season), I would not pre pay for your hotels. We did and regreted it. Makanda would not refund our $407.00 which really sucked! We decided to leave anyway since they were so rude. None of the hotels will be sold out at that time because of the rainy season.
I am not sure what the weather will be like in June but when we were there last week, it rained a little bit in MA and a lot (almost the entire time!) at Arenal. We were there for 2 nights and never saw the volcano. The Tabacon Hotspring were wonderful, though! In hindsight, we would have skipped Arenal completely beacuse of the rain. Being wet for 2 days wasn't too much fun. Our hotel said the dry season is the best time to go. Also, the drive to Arenal is long and hard. Monteverde is even worse! (I drove there on my 1st CR trip)
After spending 10 days Villas Caletas, MA, Arenal and Tamaridno. We would have split our time between Villa Caletas and MA.
Good luck!
May 12th, 2004, 01:02 PM
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Actually, you will be in CR during the beginning of the rainy season (since it rains from May through October or November). This won't cause you a problem as the mornings are usually quite sunny and warm and the afternoons sometimes (but not always) bring brief showers--which are refreshing!
I'm surprised to hear Makanda get an unfavorable review. I've read many reviews of the hotel on this board, and it has received raves from everyone except rmorwig. We haven't stayed there. Early June is very low season, however, and it is true that you should be able to get by quite nicely with no prepays or even reservations. These hotels are anxious to fill their rooms during low, and will probably negotiate with you for better rates. We've had that experience more than once.
About Arenal, there is so much to do there--I'm sorry rmorwig had to endure constant rain, but I assure you this is not the case most of the time. Although you may not get lucky enough to see the volcano (difficult to see even in the dry season sometimes), it is a beautiful area and there is much to do there. Arenal is not hard to get to. It is a lovely 3 hour (maybe two and a half) drive from San Jose through the Los Angeles cloud forest area--doesn't compare with the drive to Monteverde. Getting to Arenal is one of the nicer drives in the country, although from Arenal around the lake to Canas or Liberia takes a little patience (although it has improved). So many of us who travel there don't mind the slow travel because the scenery is so beautiful!
Have a great time and congratulations!
By the way, if I had to leave something out, it would be Monteverde. Four locations in 10 days is a bit much. Three would be much more relaxed! Or, if you really enjoy the Villas Caletas, stay there and enjoy a day trip or two to Manuel Antonio. Some of this you can decide once you get there--truly, there won't be a problem with getting a room anywhere.
I'm surprised to hear Makanda get an unfavorable review. I've read many reviews of the hotel on this board, and it has received raves from everyone except rmorwig. We haven't stayed there. Early June is very low season, however, and it is true that you should be able to get by quite nicely with no prepays or even reservations. These hotels are anxious to fill their rooms during low, and will probably negotiate with you for better rates. We've had that experience more than once.
About Arenal, there is so much to do there--I'm sorry rmorwig had to endure constant rain, but I assure you this is not the case most of the time. Although you may not get lucky enough to see the volcano (difficult to see even in the dry season sometimes), it is a beautiful area and there is much to do there. Arenal is not hard to get to. It is a lovely 3 hour (maybe two and a half) drive from San Jose through the Los Angeles cloud forest area--doesn't compare with the drive to Monteverde. Getting to Arenal is one of the nicer drives in the country, although from Arenal around the lake to Canas or Liberia takes a little patience (although it has improved). So many of us who travel there don't mind the slow travel because the scenery is so beautiful!
Have a great time and congratulations!
By the way, if I had to leave something out, it would be Monteverde. Four locations in 10 days is a bit much. Three would be much more relaxed! Or, if you really enjoy the Villas Caletas, stay there and enjoy a day trip or two to Manuel Antonio. Some of this you can decide once you get there--truly, there won't be a problem with getting a room anywhere.
May 13th, 2004, 11:16 AM
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Hello Shonda!! I will be in Costa Rica in three weeks as well!! Going from June 4-13th. I am also extremely worried about the rain, I've heard too many different stories about the weather patterns during June that I cannot base an opinion. But there is nothing we can do about the weather and I cannot get frustrated about it because in all reality I chose to come to Costa Rica in the rainy season. I wonder if I will run into you! Congrads on being married. I'm going from San Jose (Pacuare River)-Arenal-Monteverde-Tamarindo. I think we will have a blast, rain or no rain.
May 13th, 2004, 03:04 PM
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I will be in San Jose June 3rd & 4th, MA the 5th - 10th. Rain is one of things I'm definitely not worried about (getting my luggage to weigh 25 lbs? well, that's another story 
). I really wouldn't let it dampen 
your experience. Have a great trip!
btw, I pre-paid for my stay at Costa Verde but I asked for, and received, a nice discount.
). I really wouldn't let it dampen your experience. Have a great trip!btw, I pre-paid for my stay at Costa Verde but I asked for, and received, a nice discount.
May 17th, 2004, 12:08 PM
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Tully,
Are you keeping your bags at 25lbs for your own benefit, or are their restrictions? We are going to try and pack both our stuff in one suitcase, but I know it will be over 25 lbs.
We are driving ourselves everywhere, so we dont have to worry about dragging it on busses and ferries.
Are you keeping your bags at 25lbs for your own benefit, or are their restrictions? We are going to try and pack both our stuff in one suitcase, but I know it will be over 25 lbs.
We are driving ourselves everywhere, so we dont have to worry about dragging it on busses and ferries.
May 17th, 2004, 12:23 PM
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Green season is our favorite too - everything is so lush!
25lbs limit applies to in-country flights, if you are driving everywhere there is nothing to worry about.
We had the same experience at Arenal as rmorwig during our first visit there - it rained on and off for 2 days and it was extremely cloudy and foggy - we didn't even glimpse the volcano. That didn't really stop us from having a good time there. On the second visit we got lucky and were able to see the volcano although we had some rain in that area as well. It was on the cool side both times (we were glad that we had long pants and long sleeves).
25lbs limit applies to in-country flights, if you are driving everywhere there is nothing to worry about.
We had the same experience at Arenal as rmorwig during our first visit there - it rained on and off for 2 days and it was extremely cloudy and foggy - we didn't even glimpse the volcano. That didn't really stop us from having a good time there. On the second visit we got lucky and were able to see the volcano although we had some rain in that area as well. It was on the cool side both times (we were glad that we had long pants and long sleeves).
May 20th, 2004, 10:10 AM
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Hi Shonda,
Congratulations on your upcoming marriage. I too am getting married at the end of June and will be honeymooning in Costa Rica.
My fiance and I spent and extensive amount of time researching hotels in Costa Rica and finally decided on Villa Caletas. We wanted luxury because it is our honeymoon but also were in search of some good surf which many of our friends told us Jaco will be able to satisfy.
Please post a message and let me know what your thoughts are on Villa Caletas since you will be there several weeks before us.
I would appreciate any feedback on your experience and any suggestions of must see/to-do's that you may encounter while there.
Thanks and Happy Honeymoon
Congratulations on your upcoming marriage. I too am getting married at the end of June and will be honeymooning in Costa Rica.
My fiance and I spent and extensive amount of time researching hotels in Costa Rica and finally decided on Villa Caletas. We wanted luxury because it is our honeymoon but also were in search of some good surf which many of our friends told us Jaco will be able to satisfy.
Please post a message and let me know what your thoughts are on Villa Caletas since you will be there several weeks before us.
I would appreciate any feedback on your experience and any suggestions of must see/to-do's that you may encounter while there.
Thanks and Happy Honeymoon
May 21st, 2004, 09:59 AM
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Regarding Villa Caletas, I have a co-worker who got married there last year. Here are some of her impressions:
"The service and setting are both excellent. The owner, a Frenchman, raises orchids and was in the process of planting them on several trees.
The concierge always made sure we were happy and comfortable.
The private beach is much cleaner than nearby Jaco beach and was very relaxing and without a big crowd.
Both restaurants were excellent and the service was very good. The Amphitheatre Cafe is about the same cost as a Chili's or Applebys. The Mitador, which is reservation only, is quite expensive....but it is a 4 star place and the food was delicious.
Jaco has some grocery stores and we found a couple on small roads around, but these are all miles from the hotel, so stock up on snacks in Jaco. The mini bar at VC wanted about $2.50 for a Snickers.
Getting out of the hotel is tricky if you don't rent a car. They will not allow taxi's up without guest in it. A Small trick to make you use their shuttle service, which is $25 RT. (which is okay if you can manage to hook up with other people because it's the same price for 4 or 6 as it it 2)
In order to take a taxi to town (about 15 minutes) you need to hike downhill for about 20 minutes and then meet them on the highway, though on the return they can take you all the way back up.
Our villa was very nice. It was one of the suites with a private pool. They have local cable as well as CNN, HBO and Cinemax. We had no hot water in our room, but we never bothered to contact anyone about it as we were indifferent to such a trivial matter. I'm sure if we had complained they would have tried to rectify the issue.
The hotel uses Serenity Spa out of Jaco. They have an assortment of massages and treatments that, IMO, cost about the same as in the States. My fiance had an Aromathery massage the day of our wedding and he stated it was the best he ever had.
Overall...two thumbs up for Villas Caletas!"
"The service and setting are both excellent. The owner, a Frenchman, raises orchids and was in the process of planting them on several trees.
The concierge always made sure we were happy and comfortable.
The private beach is much cleaner than nearby Jaco beach and was very relaxing and without a big crowd.
Both restaurants were excellent and the service was very good. The Amphitheatre Cafe is about the same cost as a Chili's or Applebys. The Mitador, which is reservation only, is quite expensive....but it is a 4 star place and the food was delicious.
Jaco has some grocery stores and we found a couple on small roads around, but these are all miles from the hotel, so stock up on snacks in Jaco. The mini bar at VC wanted about $2.50 for a Snickers.
Getting out of the hotel is tricky if you don't rent a car. They will not allow taxi's up without guest in it. A Small trick to make you use their shuttle service, which is $25 RT. (which is okay if you can manage to hook up with other people because it's the same price for 4 or 6 as it it 2)
In order to take a taxi to town (about 15 minutes) you need to hike downhill for about 20 minutes and then meet them on the highway, though on the return they can take you all the way back up.
Our villa was very nice. It was one of the suites with a private pool. They have local cable as well as CNN, HBO and Cinemax. We had no hot water in our room, but we never bothered to contact anyone about it as we were indifferent to such a trivial matter. I'm sure if we had complained they would have tried to rectify the issue.
The hotel uses Serenity Spa out of Jaco. They have an assortment of massages and treatments that, IMO, cost about the same as in the States. My fiance had an Aromathery massage the day of our wedding and he stated it was the best he ever had.
Overall...two thumbs up for Villas Caletas!"
May 22nd, 2004, 01:38 PM
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Not to make you nervous but I have been reading AM costa rica(online) and they have been getting hammered by heavy rains there. Several road closures and one fatality. Hopefully it will clear up before your trip.
May 24th, 2004, 12:40 PM
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Dear Ally,
Thanks so much for the review of Villa Caletas. It sounds like the setting is great and the service outstanding. Did your friend happen to mention if all of the rooms had hotwater problems or just theirs? We have rented the Master Suite and it is alot of money to pay for no hotwater.
We rented a car and based on your comments it's probably a good thing. We thought it would allow for more freedom in where we wanted to go and when.
Once again, thanks for your response.
Avanti
Thanks so much for the review of Villa Caletas. It sounds like the setting is great and the service outstanding. Did your friend happen to mention if all of the rooms had hotwater problems or just theirs? We have rented the Master Suite and it is alot of money to pay for no hotwater.
We rented a car and based on your comments it's probably a good thing. We thought it would allow for more freedom in where we wanted to go and when.
Once again, thanks for your response.
Avanti
May 25th, 2004, 05:20 AM
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Hi Shonda! And congrats on your upcoming wedding. Koa is correct about the weather ... we were hit very hard this past week. However, weather reports indicate the storm has moved out so you shouldn't experience any problems in another week. It's generally in the 80's during the day here, 60's at night, and chilly if it's raining. Cotton sundresses are easy to pack,take up very little room, and are breezy and cool. BellaDonna boutique in Quepos Central sells great women's clothing, very tropical and at a nice price. For relaxing in your villa, pick up a few of the long beach wraps at the beach, pair it with a pretty tank top. The beach wrap will double for a cover at the beach and you'll have a nice souvenir from your trip! Drop a line if I can help further.
Lisa in Manuel Antonio
Lisa in Manuel Antonio
May 26th, 2004, 05:14 AM
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Hi,
I returned from my Costa Rica honeymoon on Sunday, May 23rd. We spent part of it up in Arenal. The areas is beautiful, but it did rain on us, and rain hard, both days we were there. When we asked if this was the standard, the guys there said it was. It really doesn't prevent you from doing anything or enjoying anything, but I would plan on rain and then be pleasantly surprised if it doesn't. For clothes, if you plan to do exploring in rain the best advice I can give is to bring something that will dry quickly and on its on (ie, synthetic materials). We had a hard time because once something got wet, the air was just too humid to dry it. Have a great time, Costa Rica is beautiful and exciting for a honeymoon!
I returned from my Costa Rica honeymoon on Sunday, May 23rd. We spent part of it up in Arenal. The areas is beautiful, but it did rain on us, and rain hard, both days we were there. When we asked if this was the standard, the guys there said it was. It really doesn't prevent you from doing anything or enjoying anything, but I would plan on rain and then be pleasantly surprised if it doesn't. For clothes, if you plan to do exploring in rain the best advice I can give is to bring something that will dry quickly and on its on (ie, synthetic materials). We had a hard time because once something got wet, the air was just too humid to dry it. Have a great time, Costa Rica is beautiful and exciting for a honeymoon!
May 26th, 2004, 06:04 AM
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Avantid,
No, my friend did not mention anyone else having problems with the hot water at Villas Caletas. I don't think they mentioned it to anyone, nor did anyone mention it to them. Keep in mind she did say that she didn't bother to even tell the hotel, but was sure if they did, the hotel would have fixed the problem or moved them to another room because they were very 'service' friendly.
No, my friend did not mention anyone else having problems with the hot water at Villas Caletas. I don't think they mentioned it to anyone, nor did anyone mention it to them. Keep in mind she did say that she didn't bother to even tell the hotel, but was sure if they did, the hotel would have fixed the problem or moved them to another room because they were very 'service' friendly.
May 26th, 2004, 10:19 AM
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Hi Ally,
Thanks for the response. I think we want to take our chances. We have heard to many great things about Villa Caletas to change our minds about our honeymoon destination.
I will post a trip report when I get back.
Avanti
Thanks for the response. I think we want to take our chances. We have heard to many great things about Villa Caletas to change our minds about our honeymoon destination.
I will post a trip report when I get back.
Avanti
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