Your best Costa Rica advice please! First timers for December 7-16
Nov 6th, 2011, 05:31 PM
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Your best Costa Rica advice please! First timers for December 7-16
Hi All,
My husband and I are headed to (finally!) Costa Rica for a 10-day tour. We're looking forward to unwinding, moderate hiking, seeing all kinds of wildlife, volcanoes, snorkeling, maybe whale watching, and exploring. Like rustic, but not really to the point of camping in a tent. Also like to be comfy at the end of a long day.
I'd love help planning hotels and/or sights to see, guides/tours, must-eats, and any other pieces of your wise advice. Flying in to San J and out of Liberia. Moderate budget - would like to stay for well under $150/night, but can splurge if something is a must.
Thanks in advance!
Itinerary:
- Fly in to San Jose, stay over one night (or in Central Valley?), rent car - do we really need a 4 wheel drive? I was thinking for any serious driving, we could take public or taxi.
- Drive to Manuel Antonio area. Stay for 3 nights (hotels? towns? I'd love somewhere where we can get to restaurants for evening meals, but we're definitely not "nightlife" folks). Daytrip recommendations welcome - especially for beginner snorkeling.
- Drive to Arenal/La Fortuna area. Stay 3 nights. Again, looking for access to food for evenings, wondering about day trips to monteverde?
- 2 nights following in Guancanaste (sp?), then fly out of Liberia the 3rd morning.
Thanks again!
My husband and I are headed to (finally!) Costa Rica for a 10-day tour. We're looking forward to unwinding, moderate hiking, seeing all kinds of wildlife, volcanoes, snorkeling, maybe whale watching, and exploring. Like rustic, but not really to the point of camping in a tent. Also like to be comfy at the end of a long day.
I'd love help planning hotels and/or sights to see, guides/tours, must-eats, and any other pieces of your wise advice. Flying in to San J and out of Liberia. Moderate budget - would like to stay for well under $150/night, but can splurge if something is a must.
Thanks in advance!
Itinerary:
- Fly in to San Jose, stay over one night (or in Central Valley?), rent car - do we really need a 4 wheel drive? I was thinking for any serious driving, we could take public or taxi.
- Drive to Manuel Antonio area. Stay for 3 nights (hotels? towns? I'd love somewhere where we can get to restaurants for evening meals, but we're definitely not "nightlife" folks). Daytrip recommendations welcome - especially for beginner snorkeling.
- Drive to Arenal/La Fortuna area. Stay 3 nights. Again, looking for access to food for evenings, wondering about day trips to monteverde?
- 2 nights following in Guancanaste (sp?), then fly out of Liberia the 3rd morning.
Thanks again!
Nov 6th, 2011, 08:33 PM
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I'm planning my honeymoon for July 2012, and have worked out somewhat of an itineray, but would love some input from those who are familiar with the areas, as i've never been to Costa Rica.
I'm also a little worried that i may have too much going on, as my fiance wants to relax some, but i prefer to be on the go more.
I've looked at some hotels in the Manuel Antonio & La Fortuna / Arenal area, but would love some feed back on these, as well as a nice / reasonable hotel in San Jose for 1 night Here's what i'm thinking:
SJO to San Jose Hotel –
Sunday AM -- Shuttle to Pavas Airport
Sunday – San Jose to Manuel Antonio / Quepos via Nature Air – 9am – 9:30am or 11am – 11:30am
Manuel Antonio - Issimo suites – penthouse suite - 4 nights
Sunday / night – Quepos (see towns and relax)
Monday – canopy / zip line tour – ½ day (5 hours)
Tuesday – Man Ant. National Park / Beaches (all day)
Wednesday – ATV tour in am & catamaran / sunset sail in pm
Thursday – Manuel Antonio to Arenal / La Fortuna via Nature Air – 11am flight
Hotel Arenal Nayara – deluxe room - 3 nights
Thursday – arrive, see towns, relax – massages / spa
Friday – horseback ride to waterfalls (8am or 1pm – 5 hours)
Saturday – volcano tour / hike (8am or 3pm – 4 hours) and Hot Springs
Sunday – check out / leave La Fortuna to Liberia – morning private shuttle to airport (Flight leaves at 2pm)
Thanks in advance!!
I'm also a little worried that i may have too much going on, as my fiance wants to relax some, but i prefer to be on the go more.
I've looked at some hotels in the Manuel Antonio & La Fortuna / Arenal area, but would love some feed back on these, as well as a nice / reasonable hotel in San Jose for 1 night Here's what i'm thinking:
SJO to San Jose Hotel –
Sunday AM -- Shuttle to Pavas Airport
Sunday – San Jose to Manuel Antonio / Quepos via Nature Air – 9am – 9:30am or 11am – 11:30am
Manuel Antonio - Issimo suites – penthouse suite - 4 nights
Sunday / night – Quepos (see towns and relax)
Monday – canopy / zip line tour – ½ day (5 hours)
Tuesday – Man Ant. National Park / Beaches (all day)
Wednesday – ATV tour in am & catamaran / sunset sail in pm
Thursday – Manuel Antonio to Arenal / La Fortuna via Nature Air – 11am flight
Hotel Arenal Nayara – deluxe room - 3 nights
Thursday – arrive, see towns, relax – massages / spa
Friday – horseback ride to waterfalls (8am or 1pm – 5 hours)
Saturday – volcano tour / hike (8am or 3pm – 4 hours) and Hot Springs
Sunday – check out / leave La Fortuna to Liberia – morning private shuttle to airport (Flight leaves at 2pm)
Thanks in advance!!
Nov 7th, 2011, 04:07 AM
#3
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Hi Jel congrats
For me
servicecarrental.com wild-rider.com for rental
tabacon.com best FREE hot springs lava view
hotelvillacaletas.com
arenasdelmar.com or costaverde.com Penthouse CV2
My favs for your trip...
#2 Congrats might make your own post for best response
rather than "hijacking" the thread of another
Ignore #3 apparently touting his "eco cabins" contrary
to posting guidelines on all his posts spam/tout reported.
Have fun!
For me
servicecarrental.com wild-rider.com for rental
tabacon.com best FREE hot springs lava view
hotelvillacaletas.com
arenasdelmar.com or costaverde.com Penthouse CV2
My favs for your trip...
#2 Congrats might make your own post for best response
rather than "hijacking" the thread of another
Ignore #3 apparently touting his "eco cabins" contrary
to posting guidelines on all his posts spam/tout reported.
Have fun!
Nov 7th, 2011, 05:30 AM
#4
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Loved both Monteverde and Arenal, but the map is deceiving. The roads are bad between the two and it's a 3-4 hour drive each way...you would get there and have to turn around and go back. Not a day trip!
Nov 7th, 2011, 09:31 AM
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If you are driving yourself around the country, you absolutely need a 4x4. Most roads are not paved and can be quite bumpy.
On our honeymoon we basically figured out what areas of the country we wanted to visit (like you, Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio) and booked out hotels. We then booked our tours once we got there. Likely there will be a tour guide or concierge at the hotels you're staying at that will help arrange and book your activities.
We would usually try to do one major tour a day. That didn't make things too crazy. The sun sets around the 6pm hour, so that's about when we'd get dinner and relax for the evening.
On our honeymoon we basically figured out what areas of the country we wanted to visit (like you, Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio) and booked out hotels. We then booked our tours once we got there. Likely there will be a tour guide or concierge at the hotels you're staying at that will help arrange and book your activities.
We would usually try to do one major tour a day. That didn't make things too crazy. The sun sets around the 6pm hour, so that's about when we'd get dinner and relax for the evening.
Nov 7th, 2011, 03:03 PM
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Agree - don't try to do Monteverde as a day trip. It's a long bumpy road to get there and not worth it unless you can spend at least two nights. Grano de Oro is a nice city hotel for your first night - good restaurant on site and a rooftop garden with hot tubs. Neat architecture and good service. We stayed at Mango Moon in Manuel Antonio and were able to walk to several restaurants from there. You do have to be careful along the road there. Snorkeling for us was a dud due to all the sediment in the water. I wouldn't waste my time doing it again. The beach inside the park is beautiful though. The guided tour is a great way to see wildlife. Tulemar Bungalows is another popular place to stay. The Lost Iguana is very nice in the Arenal area, and they're running a 40% off special right now. It's out by the lake though, so not in walking distance to restaurants. You might take a look at Silencio del Campo; it's very popular and always gets good reviews.
Nov 7th, 2011, 05:43 PM
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No worries VG...just wanted to clarify. We only went into town twice so the cost of a taxi was no big deal!
Although we walked around the little square around dusk one day and really enjoyed it. There were a lot of the locals there just hanging out with their kids and I got some great pics!
Although we walked around the little square around dusk one day and really enjoyed it. There were a lot of the locals there just hanging out with their kids and I got some great pics!
Nov 7th, 2011, 06:33 PM
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Thank you so much, everyone! So helpful.
What did you do for meals after the long day, then, if you couldn't walk to restaurants? Is hotel food decent enough that it was a good way to end the day (we're a little bit foodies, and for me experiencing an area is...probably 50% through dining).
What did you do for meals after the long day, then, if you couldn't walk to restaurants? Is hotel food decent enough that it was a good way to end the day (we're a little bit foodies, and for me experiencing an area is...probably 50% through dining).
Nov 7th, 2011, 07:15 PM
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We did go into town, but we didn't walk. We did the taxi thing like Deb did. We're foodies too, and we love Costa Rica, but for the most part the food is pretty simple. We eat some meals at the hotel and sometimes go into town. Don Rufino is a good little restaurant. Also like La Choza de Laurel. We like El Novillo for steaks. Soda la Parada is good for cheap local casados. I would say the food is good and satisfying, but not foodieish if that makes sense. The town is a cute little park, a church, one disco, some restaurants, hot springs, a few shops. I always kind of giggle when I read people saying that they're going to spend the day exploring the town because we thought the same thing before we went. It's really one main road with shops and restaurants scattered along each side. Some of the restaurants don't have walls.
In Manuel Antonio, we really liked Ronny's Place/Mi Lugar and Cafe Agua Azul. Salsipuedes and Barba Roja were good, and Cafe Milagro has good coffee drinks. We like Grano de Oro in the San Jose area. That's probably the most sophisticated place we've been. A lot of places in MA have nice sunset views.
Imperial beer is good. Batidos are fresh local fruit "shakes" that are nice. We were really wowed by the food in Belize, but if you're looking to be wowed in CR that's a little harder. It's a lot of grilled meats with sides of rice and beans and plantains and salad. Some of the beef can be a little chewier than what we're used to. Breakfast is pretty similar to U.S. breakfasts, but you'll see rice and beans with it. And yummy Linzano sauce.
In Manuel Antonio, we really liked Ronny's Place/Mi Lugar and Cafe Agua Azul. Salsipuedes and Barba Roja were good, and Cafe Milagro has good coffee drinks. We like Grano de Oro in the San Jose area. That's probably the most sophisticated place we've been. A lot of places in MA have nice sunset views.
Imperial beer is good. Batidos are fresh local fruit "shakes" that are nice. We were really wowed by the food in Belize, but if you're looking to be wowed in CR that's a little harder. It's a lot of grilled meats with sides of rice and beans and plantains and salad. Some of the beef can be a little chewier than what we're used to. Breakfast is pretty similar to U.S. breakfasts, but you'll see rice and beans with it. And yummy Linzano sauce.
Nov 8th, 2011, 04:59 PM
#14
Costa Rica isn't a "foodie" destination. Food is on the bland side and kind of expensive for what you get.
Don't put too much effort into looking for restaurants.
If you are driving and happen upon a fruit stand then that might perk you up. You should see rambutan (mamon chinos) and possibly even mangosteen (very short season but January is a possibility).
In the San Jose central market there is an interesting traditional ice cream at La Sorbetera de Lolo Mora (kind of spice/vanilla flavor and crunchy icy texture).
Other than that the best food I had was the ceviche I made for myself from some tuna from the fish store at soda La Macha in Dominical.
Don't put too much effort into looking for restaurants.
If you are driving and happen upon a fruit stand then that might perk you up. You should see rambutan (mamon chinos) and possibly even mangosteen (very short season but January is a possibility).
In the San Jose central market there is an interesting traditional ice cream at La Sorbetera de Lolo Mora (kind of spice/vanilla flavor and crunchy icy texture).
Other than that the best food I had was the ceviche I made for myself from some tuna from the fish store at soda La Macha in Dominical.
Nov 10th, 2011, 04:45 AM
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My husband & I went to Costa Rica in March 2010 and really enjoyed our stay.
We did 8 total days including travel time. 3 nights 2 full days in Arenal and 4 nights 3 full days in Manuel Antonio and 1 night San Jose before departure.
I really thought that this was a great itinerary and wouldn't have added much more. We enjoyed the mix of adventurous activites in Arenal with some relaxation and animal-spotting in Manuel Antonio. IF I were you I wouldn't try to pack in too much driving - the distance between destinations can be very long and eat up most of a day (The drive between Arenal & Manuel Antonio was about 5 hours I think - and with a lunch stop was really a whole day). The only additional thing I wished we had time for was a daytrip to Cano Negro from Arenal which came highly recommended. But we really only had 2 days in Arenal and I didn't want to spend one of them driving up to the park all day.
Anyway, check out my trip report if you're interested:
http://www.fodors.com/community/mexi...costa-rica.cfm
We did 8 total days including travel time. 3 nights 2 full days in Arenal and 4 nights 3 full days in Manuel Antonio and 1 night San Jose before departure.
I really thought that this was a great itinerary and wouldn't have added much more. We enjoyed the mix of adventurous activites in Arenal with some relaxation and animal-spotting in Manuel Antonio. IF I were you I wouldn't try to pack in too much driving - the distance between destinations can be very long and eat up most of a day (The drive between Arenal & Manuel Antonio was about 5 hours I think - and with a lunch stop was really a whole day). The only additional thing I wished we had time for was a daytrip to Cano Negro from Arenal which came highly recommended. But we really only had 2 days in Arenal and I didn't want to spend one of them driving up to the park all day.
Anyway, check out my trip report if you're interested:
http://www.fodors.com/community/mexi...costa-rica.cfm
Nov 14th, 2011, 03:11 PM
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Hey there - now I sheepishly need a bit more help! Unsure about itinerary, now that know Monteverde isn't a day trip.
Flying in to San Jose, out of Liberia. We don't want to do any zip lining or white water rafting. More hiking, nature, and snorkeling if at all possible.
Does it make sense to do 3 nights each in Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio? Would it make sense to do 2 nights in one of those areas and then one night around Guantecaste (sp?) and/or beaches? We don't need a day laying out on the beach, but like beachy hiking.
And...if Monteverde is in the middle of that all and the road are so bad, should we not rent a car?
Finally, one odd thing - if we fly in to San Jose and arrive at 10pm, it seems the car rental places are closed. Does it make sense to stay in San Jose and get a car in the morning, if we do that?
Thanks again for your helpful, thoughtful advice!
Flying in to San Jose, out of Liberia. We don't want to do any zip lining or white water rafting. More hiking, nature, and snorkeling if at all possible.
Does it make sense to do 3 nights each in Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio? Would it make sense to do 2 nights in one of those areas and then one night around Guantecaste (sp?) and/or beaches? We don't need a day laying out on the beach, but like beachy hiking.
And...if Monteverde is in the middle of that all and the road are so bad, should we not rent a car?
Finally, one odd thing - if we fly in to San Jose and arrive at 10pm, it seems the car rental places are closed. Does it make sense to stay in San Jose and get a car in the morning, if we do that?
Thanks again for your helpful, thoughtful advice!
Nov 14th, 2011, 04:59 PM
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I'm a little confused about your current plans regarding flights. If you are still flying into SJO and out of Liberia, Manual Antonio is in the opposite direction of Arenal and Monteverde.
There are many nice places to stay close to the SJO airport if you have a late arrival and I would certainly recommend doing that. Have you thought about using a private driver instead of renting a car? It will limit your flexibility somewhat, but the advantage is that the driver will know where they are going and you can enjoy the scenery instead of having to watch the road! You can also take a jeep boat jeep between Monteverde and Arenal (or vice versa) and that was one of my husband's favorite things about our trip!
Three nights in Arenal and Monteverde are reasonable, although I could have stayed longer in each location on my visit (we did 2 nights in Monteverde and 3 in Arenal). I've never been to Manual Antonio, so I can't help there.
There are many nice places to stay close to the SJO airport if you have a late arrival and I would certainly recommend doing that. Have you thought about using a private driver instead of renting a car? It will limit your flexibility somewhat, but the advantage is that the driver will know where they are going and you can enjoy the scenery instead of having to watch the road! You can also take a jeep boat jeep between Monteverde and Arenal (or vice versa) and that was one of my husband's favorite things about our trip!
Three nights in Arenal and Monteverde are reasonable, although I could have stayed longer in each location on my visit (we did 2 nights in Monteverde and 3 in Arenal). I've never been to Manual Antonio, so I can't help there.
