kajuble

Hi folks, we want to go to Costa Rica in mid-May. We've heard this is the "green season" and wonder if it is worth it to go to Nicoya/Puntarenas area at this time. In light of rain, is it preferrable to go someplace else?

I'm working through guide books, it's all a bit overwhelming. Any and all advice about eco-lodging are also appreciated.

THANK YOU

Chris,

hipvirgochick

When I visited from mid-May through early June there were rain showers on some days, but usually short and not very heavy. Nothing to ruin the trip for sure. We visited several areas, Puerto Viejo, Arenal, Central Valley and Osa Peninsula. Happy planning! As far as eco-lodging I love Bosque del Cabo in Osa.

volcanogirl

Here's a good website for checking out the weather patterns www.costa-rica-guide.com. Check the rainfall map. You can mouse over the areas you're interested in to see rainfall patterns during certain months. I wouldn't have any problem going in May.

tully

May is my favourite month, it's a lovely time. What exactly are you looking for & your budget so we can give better suggestions on where to stay/go.

kajuble

Tully, Volcanogirl, hipvirgochick and others,

Thanks for advice.

More information on us: I think we've decided we want beach experience. We've had caribbean experience before in Venezuela, so we're inclined toward the Pacific Coast. We love nature, animals, hiking etc., and prefer non-corporate, independent type lodging. Our lodging budget, I think, can go up to 100$ a night, maybe a bit more (naturally, we're happy to go lower too!)

We are craving a quiet vacation. Going somewhere where we can relax and have a convenient base of operations for rewarding day trips.

I am completely fluent in Spanish because I grew up in Spain, the Dominican Republic and San Jose Costa Rica (but my parents never took me outside of the city when we lived there, and it has been so long that I might as well have never been to the country, especially outside of the city.) I know language is probably not a big issue in CR, but I thought I would mention this anyway.

Thanks for the insights and encouragement, we are curious to hear anything else you have to suggest.

Chris

JennaL

Hi Chris,

I am in the same boat as you, looking to go to Costa Rica in May. I've been checking out places to stay for our big extended family getaway where we can be together but yet have the space and privacy we need. I use the website VRBO.com - (Vacation Rental by Owner) It's perfect for planning a vacation anywhere with any number of guests! If you want a quite, private vacation, renting a private home is perfect, and better prices than almost any hotel. You said you wanted to stay within $100 a night, try $175 per/person for the week! That breaks down to $50/nt for a 7nt stay! And that includes a private pool most of the time. You can find any home to fit your needs, from small economy with decent amenities - to large luxury with more than you could imagine! Just have a price outline and a little patience- you'll find something that fits!

Tips for VRBO -

1. When checking the details of the house, scroll down to the rate info first, to make sure it's in your price range. Prices are different for times of year, # of guests, and if they have the option of renting out part/or whole house. You don't want to look at the features and pictures and get excited just to realize there was a catch in the price.

2. Most of the houses will have a discounted rate for "off peak/green season" which is exactly when you are going, but make sure they state the months which they consider "green season". Some houses don't start their "green season" rates till June.

Good luck!
Jenna

Eressea

Chris,

I went to CR for 2 weeks last year in May and the rains weren't an issue at all; the longest, sustained "downpour" (more than a light drizzle) we experienced was about an hour during our drive back to SJ from the Nicoya Peninsula after sunset and then about half an hour a day in the late afternoon for two days while in MA. We were expecting much more rain but didn't really have to deal with it. As vgirl suggests, the CR guide link above has a wealth of information about weather patterns by region (among others) and I've found it very helpful as I planned my itineraries.

One of my friends who currently lives in CR absolutely raves about Samara and Nosara for being budget-friendly and relaxing places. And there are a lot of beaches in the area to boot!

tropicalia2000

Check out www.malpais-beach-rentals.com, they helped us a lot for our stay. In the end we stayed at Frank's Place in Playa Carmen.
Because you go in May, if you rent a house in a remote place or high up on the hill, make sure that the road is still drivable because it can become an issue.
Frank's Place is under $100 per night with breakfast included in the restaurant, delicious with homemade bread and good strong espresso coffee. It is very central and close to everything so convenient at this time of the year when the roads are not so good.
May and June are actually great months to travel because you'll have the rain showers in the afternoon but in the morning the weather is perfect and it is very lush and green + car rental and accomodation prices are lower.