This report may be too detailed for some people. I am going to copy and paste from "Word" and sometimes weird things happen to some letters and comma's. 1 night near airport, 2 nights Arenal, 2 nights Monteverde, 4 nights Samara, 3 nights Osa Penninsula and last night by airport. Well here goes. I will have to break it up as responses.Costa Rica Adventure - 3/10/04 to 3/23/04

Wednesday 3/10 ? American flight to Dallas from Sacramento on time. 2 ? hour layover. Jim & Jan, my husband Ken and I set out for a vacation filled with relaxation and adventure. Flying over the airport I was surprised to see all the lights, knowing we were 45 minutes from San Jose I expected the area to be more rural. Rough windy landing at 9:30pm in San Jose. Long line to go through immigration & customs, took 45 minutes. Nice newer airport. 15 minute shuttle ride through the town of Alajuela to the Orquideaus Inn. Marilyn Monroe Bar was closed when we arrived at 11:20 pm. The Grounds were dimly lit and we couldn?t see what the area looked like. A guard with a rottwieler dog was walking around and another one tied up by a tree. It was breezy out but nice. Our room was simple it had 2 queen beds, tile floor and was clean. Fell asleep fast and being the light sleeper I am was awakened off and on by barking dogs. Then around 4:30am the sound of trucks on the nearby road was enough to keep me awake. No one else was bothered by the dogs or traffic noise.
Thursday 3/11 ? Beautiful sunny day. Took a peek outside to see we had a distant view of the mountains. The grounds were nice with many different flowers and plants. Breakfast was served between 8 and 9am at the Marilyn Monroe bar in the open air brightly colored outdoor patio area near the pool. There was also a nice indoor reception area, a short trail through a garden and some caged parrots nearby I had heard people rave about the breakfast here and they were right! The buffet full breakfast was delicious! Some of the menu items were Rice & black beans, Plantains fried in a orange and cinnamon sauce, yellow potatoes w/ beef and garlic, yucca root and cheese breaded and fried, sausage, omelet (made to order), banana leave mesa, assorted fresh fruits including pineapple, papaya, watermelon, mango, oranges and the best wonderful spicy green sauce (Linzano) that complimented everything. For the $69 + tax I would stay here again, just bring ear plugs if you?re a light sleeper.
Our driver was on time to pick us up at 9:00am. I asked his name and when he said Oscar it was like I already knew him. I had heard so many great things about him on Fodor?s travel talk and couldn?t believe we were lucky enough to get him. We were off for our 3 hour drive to Arenal in Oscar?s 2 year old van, with CD player, air conditioning and seatbelts. Hit the Pan American highway at first 4 lane non divided highway, then turned off onto another 2 laned paved road. Oscar could speak good English and drove very safe and slow. Drove through some small towns and as we got higher in elevation on the newly paved winding road we lost the sun to fog and mist. Green all around, coming out of the fog it was a more of a country side feel. Crossing over small rivers and one lane bridges we saw different kinds of agriculture including coffee, yucca, mango, and hardwood tree orchards and fields. We drove into La Fortuna a small town with a town square area some shops. Oscar recommended Lava Rocks for lunch. We all had typical Costa Rican meal with rice, beans, salad and either fish, chicken or beef. Very good food and large servings about $4.50 each. Also had a large foamy iced tea for $1. 425 colones to $1 US dollar. Tabacon Resort was only 15 minutes from La Fortuna. Light Rain was off and on and the Volcano could not be seen. Very nice place, open air lobby area with bar. Nice rooms with King bed, patio and tropical garden, cable TV, coffee pot, hair dryer and supposedly a view of Arenal Volcano. We walked 5 minutes to the Hot Springs area. The springs are free for guests and $29 for the day for non guests. What a magical place! Cascading water falls, streams and small pools with steam rising up meandering walkways through beautiful tropical gardens. There was a large tiered restaurant overlooking a huge hot spring pool with water slide and swim up bar area and a full spa building hidden in the gardens. After taking a look we rushed back to get our suits on. We were back in no time. The mineral pools were like a hot tub and the further up the stream you went the warmer the water got. To sit with a drink in the small pools with the water falls massaging your back surrounded by mist and tropical gardens was like paradise. We made our way down to the cooler large pool and one at a time went down the slide.
Had dinner at the open air restaurant at the Hotel. We had pasta, nothing special just so so. Had a good nights sleep after the hot springs. It really rained hard all night.
Friday 3/12 ? We decided not to do any tours today because of the off and on rain. Had a good buffet breakfast with fruit smoothies which was included in our stay.
We took a taxi into La Fortuna to do our shopping for Cervaza, wine and souvenirs. Had a good lunch in town and spent a couple hours shopping. Exchanged some traveler?s checks for Colones. The US dollar was readily accepted every where though. Free shuttle back to Tabacon.
We went back to hot springs in time for 2 for 1 happy hour. Had Guaro (a sugar cane liquor) and sweet and sour tropical drinks. We heard the Volcano rumble but still was unable to see it. I knew that?s the chance you take here, probably 50/50 to be able to see it. It rains over 200 inches a year here.
We had room service tonight on our patio. Eggplant ravioli and hearts of palm soup, I have to say they need a new cook. It was cooler today than yesterday about 68 degrees. Windy rainy night again.
Saturday 3/13 - Shuttle picked us up at 8:50 for the boat/van transfer across Arenal lake to Monteverde. $25 per person . Cloudy today with just occasion rain showers. Quick 15 minute ride to the lake where there was a 25 passenger ferry with cover waiting. With 20 people and luggage on board it seemed overloaded. As we headed out more toward the middle of the lake the water became rougher with white caps, I had my eye on the life vests. Very picturesque terrain, green mountains and an occasional house tucked into the trees. Not a pleasant 40 minute ride, however if it were better weather it would have been very enjoyable.
On the other side 2 vans were waiting. All luggage was put on top and we piled in like sardines for the rough, pot holed, up and down ride to Monteverde. As we went along seeing grassy hill sides and grazing cattle our driver moved over to let the other van pass and we slid into a ditch. They had to force the door open and we all had to get out so they could push the van out of the ditch. We laughed about it, it was so fitting for the ride. With the roads being muddy I think a 4X4 would have been safer. 2 hours 15 minutes later we were dropped off at our hotel The Belmar.
The Belmar was located up a hill from the main road. Our room was in the main building with a great distant view of the Nicoya Peninsula. The view also included a
tropical garden with a large pond and an enclosed hot tub house. Our room had 2 queen beds, vaulted ceilings, and hardwood floors and walls. Very nice reception area and restaurant & bar with balcony.
We headed for Johnny?s pizza for lunch. Johnny?s was not like our typical Straw Hat it was more than a pizza place it was very nice with a nice Italian menu and great prices. Ken and I ordered a med pizza $11 and chicken fettuccini $5, Jim and Jan ordered steak sandwich $4 and pork ribs $5. We all raved about the meal. We would be eating left over pizza for dinner. Taxi to Monteverde Cloud Forest just up the pot holed dirt road. $12 for a 2 hour self guided easy trail hike through the forest. Trails were made of bricks with holes in them for sure footing or log centers with wire on top of them. Very dense jungle with many kinds of trees, plants, flowers and Tarzan type vines hanging down. Did not see any wildlife only a few birds. We did go across a long hanging bridge that looked like a miniature Golden Gate especially with the wind and fog. About 65 degrees today. Stopped by the well known Stella?s Bakery and got pastries for breakfast. The Belmar was the only Hotel on the trip that did not include breakfast.
We had cocktails and pizza for dinner in Jim?s room. Very rainy and windy this evening. Being on the top floor the winds were really loud all night. I still got good nights sleep.
This town is very small and spread out in the hills with more trees than La Fortuna. Very hippy, Berkeley type feel here.
Sunday 3/14 - Rainy/Windy this morning. We had Selventura Zip lines scheduled for 10:00am and we canceled because of wind and rain. Come to find out they canceled all the tours that morning because of wind also.
Decided to go to the Frog Pond and took a guided tour of different types of frogs and toads. Very interesting that some toads eat mice. Saw very colorful poisonous frogs and the famous frog (the colorful frog you see in all the pictures & paintings.) Not a real frog pond they are all in glass enclosures. Took taxi to local co-op market and had great cup of local Monteverde coffee. Walked down the street to a very simple local open air place that is owned by a local Quaker. He was one of the original Quakers who came here 53 years ago to avoid the draft. The trip from Alabama took 3 ? months in 1951. He had numous pictures of the trip and when he first arrived. I had Sundays special Costa Rican Stew $4, it was good and filling.
After lunch the sun came out and we decided to try and get the last Canopy tour at Selventura. We grabbed an ice cream at the cheese factory and caught a taxi to Selventura about 25 minutes. Got on the last Zip line tour for $35 which included the ride back to the hotel.
Got strapped up, had helmet and gloves too. I was very hesitant because I?m scared of heights but I knew I was going to do it no matter what. We were driven 5 minutes, and then hiked up about a quarter mile to the starting point. Jan spotted a small snake curled up on the trail that some people had just walked over. It looked just like the ground and found out it was a common brown tree snake. After a short training session we were ready to go. I climbed the tree to the platform, they hooked me up and I was off! Wow! What a rush! The lines were very long and high off the ground. I zipped fast over the virgin cloud forest thru clouds, most of the time not seeing the other platform until you were almost there. I sailed over trees, canyons, and streams and came very close to some trees along the way. Some of the lines were as high as 300 feet and some as long as 300 yards. I would zip from tree to tree, at one point there were 20 of us on one tree platform and when the wind came up the whole tree started moving and creaking. The guide would help you get snapped onto the cable you would sit on your harness with your legs crossed in front of you. You would use your gloved hand as a brake on the cable to slow you down. If you stopped too soon before the platform you had to turn around and pull yourself up to it. After the first 5 platform zips you were able to concentrate on view. Could not believe the absolute beauty of the area it was like a misty adventure dream or a Disney ride. The most adventurous thing I?ve ever done. 2 ? hours and 19 platforms later it was over. Selventura is the longest and only canopy Zip tour in Costa Rica that is actually located inside the cloud forest. Selventura also has hanging bridges. It?s a must do for anyone going to Monteverde.
On the drive back the driver stopped after spotting a 2 toed sloth in a tree near the road. Soon all the cars were stopping and looking. It was a blond colored sloth about 20 feet up a tree. Very rare to see one moving around in the daylight. Got some good shots with the movie camera.
Had dinner at the Belmar, buffet style $12 pp. They let us bring our own wine to dinner without a corkage fee. What a great dinner, Chicken stroganoff, beef casserole, sea bass with garlic sauce, mashed potatoes, pasta plantains, green salad, bean salad and the best dessert I?ve ever had coconut tres les cake. What a great day we had.
Monday 3/15 - I woke up at 6:00am. I did not want to miss a minute of our vacation. Oscar was there early to pick us up for the ride to Samara. Sunny morning could see the ocean from our room this morning. I did some bird watching this morning saw 4 different types? one with a bright yellow breast. Left at 8:30 for the 4 hour ride. Stopped at the grocery store to get more wine, cervaza (Bavaria light & Imperial), rum, and some coffee and green Lizano sauce to take home. Oscar said he would take our souvenirs and any extra weight to our last Hotel, the Vista Del Valle. Oscar works for that hotel all the time, and it saved us from having to take it on the small plane ride.
The dirt pot rutted road down the hill was not as bad as people said it was. It heated up quick just a few miles down as the terrain changed to more open, dryer grassy rolling hills. Had great views of the ocean and surrounding foothills on the way down. After about 2 hours we hit nice paved road. The road would be paved the rest of the way. Oscar stopped at a road side place for lunch. I had a very good Sea Bass lunch served with a shrimp sauce on a banana leaf $5. Saw Iguanas and a dead monkey in the road. Drove through another small town, everyone seemed to dress well.
Warm now about 85 degree as we arrived at Las Brisas Hotel. Our rooms were on a hill with a great view of the ocean. Our Jr. sky room was very basic 2 beds, 1 queen & 1 single, tile floor, balcony with table and 2 chairs and ceiling fan. The air conditioner was a swamp cooler, but it did the job. This German owned place needed some maintenance and I could see that he skimped on some things like no wash rags, no blankets or bed spread in the room, no coffee maker, no clock, cheap thin toilet paper, no place in bathroom to set items and dim lighting. The upper pool area did not have enough lounge chairs and the upper bar and restaurant was closed. If you can?t do stairs this isn?t the place for you. Long stairway down to lower pool, restaurant and beach. All of this said, after looking in the area I?m glad we stayed there. It was the best location, you could walk to other restaurants along the beach and walk to town. The lower pool area was nice and had plenty of shade and tropical plants and the breakfast was good. You didn?t need blankets anyway.
Got on swim suits and headed down to beach. They had umbrellas and lounge chairs. A lot of coral in sand right in front of the Hotel, the sand got better 200 yards away and at low tide. The water was blue and warm and the surf was mild. Samara is a small beach town protected by a reef. Went swimming and relaxed the rest of the day. Made rum punches and watched pretty sunset.
Had drinks on balcony before dinner. Dinner at the Las Brias, everyone?s meal was blah, very bland and service was not good. Very quiet night, slept good, sheet was all we needed.
Tuesday 3/16 - Woke up early. Sat on balcony with binoculars watching parakeets and other birds. Then at about 7:00 am that sound I?ve heard before, Ken I both said Howler monkeys. Saw them from balcony then we walked just out side our door by the upper pool and they were very close in the trees. Black male Howler monkeys howling and mothers with their babies. So loud and unafraid of us they really put on a show for about 30 minutes. No one in the immediate area slept in that morning. Got some great pictures.
We went down for breakfast and coffee, we had our choice of 5 menu items. Had the Tico Breakfast, eggs, sausage, rice and beans and toast. Very good. The fruit plate was huge with 7 different fruits and the coffee was good.
Walked to town via beach. Bought a coconut belt for myself. We walked to end of the beach. Saw some very cute beach bungalows for $25 a night the Las Orcas. Had a nice bar area with pool tables, volley ball court and great view. Found out an American owned this place and it was the place to party until 2:30am every night. Not the quiet place it should have been. Booked horse ride for the morning at 10am for 3 of us and I did it in Spanish! Small quaint town. Spent the rest of the day by the pool.
Took our Chilean wine down the beach to a restaurant about a 5 minute walk. This owner was determined to teach us Spanish. We had to order and try and get by on our bad Spanish. We had a great dinner. We all had fish except for Ken he had beef. She served us very good garlic bread with pesto. Kens beef was excellent and very tender. We had no corkage fee here either.
Wednesday 3/17 ? Beautiful morning, no Howlers today. Saw more parakeets flying over. You could always hear them coming. Iguana?s around also. I had the fruit plate this morning.
The horses showed up at 10:00am. $5 per horse for about an hour ride down the beach, we were able to run the horse and go in the surf. Rode to the end of the beach on the South side. The horses were not skinny and were taken care of.
Caught taxi to Carrillo Beach area. Checked out the Guanacastle fishing resort. It looked like they were in the middle of a major overhaul. Had lunch overlooking Carrillo beach. What a beautiful beach, and only about 10 people enjoying it. I walked the Palm treed lined beach and felt the soft sand & surf at my feet. This was the prettiest Pacific Ocean beach I have ever seen.
We had dinner at our place on the beach again at the Las Oras. We all had the wonderful steak this time. We appreciated the owner speaking Spanish and forcing us to learn. Dinners were $7 each.
Thursday 3/18 - I got up early again, decided to do power walking early on the beach. On the way down the stairs saw the Howler monkeys up close again yelling. It felt good power walking down the beach in the early morning.
Got back in time to have breakfast with everyone. This was going to be the last lazy day here. Enjoyed the beach, pool and cervaza?s all day.
Booked a massage for 7:00pm in town. Decided to try a new place on the beach for dinner. A Caribbean place, I had chicken with curry and coconut sauce, rice and beans and a good Flan dessert. Ken walked me to my appointment. In the middle of town a shabby looking place. Then she led me to her garden where she had a covered area with mobiles hanging, birds in cages, candle and incense burning and soft relaxing music playing. She was recommended by 2 locals. $20 for a hour! A very good candle heated oil massage. Her husband took me back to the Hotel. I slept well that night.
Friday 3/18 ? Got up early to pack and enjoy our last morning here. Had breakfast and caught a taxi to the air strip right across the street from Carrillo beach. The best view from any airport I?ve ever been to. The runway was gravel and looked short.. Just a covered shack to wait under.
The single engine 12 seater was a little late. It was a bit breezy this morning. Took off over the beach, a little scary. We had to land in Norsara to pick up and drop off some people. The wind made the landing a little rough.
Small terminal for Sanza airline next to the international airport. Grabbed a taxi to go to lunch and he ended up driving us 15 minutes to a local place for lunch. He waited for us, I did not enjoy the ride through town. The food was good but should have gone to the Castrol gas station or the local place 4 blocks away that Oscar recommended. Had a 4 hour lay over, then our plane was 1 hour late. Met a lady from Chico who has lived in Quepos since 1989.
Landed in Puerto Jimenez in South Costa Rica near Panama, and we were greeted by Kevin and Phil in their air conditioned Land Rovers. Stopped at Grocery store for our usual and we were off. Headed for the tip of the Osa Peninsula. The road was dirt and gravel, had to cross over a couple of small creeks. The roads were better than in Monteverde. 45 minute drive to the Bosque Del Cabo though some cattle pasture land and jungle.
We were met with a tropical drink and led up to the open air restaurant for our orientation of the tours and property. All our meals were included here. We were led past the pool area though nice tropical garden to our Cabanas and were blown away with the view! Our wooden thatched roof Cabanas were on the edge of a cliff with a great view of the Pacific. The Cabana was hardwood, king bed with mosquito netting over bed, tiled bath and open air outdoor shower. Jim and Jan?s Cabana was stucco and tile had a concrete patio, and bath tub and set on the edge with jungle on one side. We had hot water showers, florescent lighting and fan near bed. No outlets or 120 powers here.
Dinner at 7:00 buffet style, Caribbean night. Phil blew his shell horn and all the guests arrived for dinner. Spicy good tuna, chicken Mole, fried Yucca, cabbage salad, potatoes, rice and beans guacamole and nice dessert. Fred was our waiter for the entire time. He worked 29 days then went home for 4. All the staff was very friendly and helpful.
Kept doors wide open to the ocean and put the netting over the bed with the fan on. It was warmer and more humid than Samara, although not as hot as I expected. Had beautiful linens on the bed. Very romantic and quiet except for the crashing waves below, slept great.
Saturday 3/19 - Woke up to see the sunrise over the ocean. Humming birds and butterflies in the nearby trees. Took an early hike by myself. Saw some white faced Capuchin Monkeys up close eating in the trees. Some mothers had babies on their backs. Saw giant blue, lavender Morphine butterflies that looked like birds flying in slow motion.
They had a special breakfast this morning, blackberry cheesecake French toast. It was great! Ken had Tico plate with eggs. Starter was always juice, coffee and plate of fruit.
Ken and I took walk on the creek trail along the ocean through the jungle. Saw the tropical garden area where Phil and Kim built a new open air 2 story restaurant for future plans. Saw a Toucan up in the tree, and some very large colorful spiders. I saw 2 Scarlet Macaws in the trees, just amazing seeing these colorful giants in the wild. I saw other parakeets too.
We booked a fishing trip for tomorrow since we heard the sail fishing was hot. Had a chicken burrito for lunch. We saw a Coatimundi (raccoon like animal) in the bird feeder. Ken took and a nap, and I relaxed for a while.
I checked out the rental house on the property Casa Blanca. Nice 2 bedroom place with great ocean view, separated bedrooms, kitchen and front room with large covered deck area. Located about 230 yards from the restaurant. I would enjoy staying there next time and the price is right, $1600 per week, $800 per couple, food not included.
We took an afternoon walk. Saw more flying macaws, a large rabbit rat type animal called an Agouti, rare squirrel monkey (the only monkey that can?t use its tail to grab things or to help climb), red tailed variegated squirrel, large black and brown bird that
looked like a peacock, grouse, more toucans, lizards and a large green parrot. I was so exited at every new sight!
Dinner was Chinese buffet tonight. Good, but too spicy even for me, too much going on with all the different flavors. After dinner there was a Latin dance class with about 7 young girls having fun.
While sitting on the deck at dark I saw a very bright small light flying from the garden between our Cabana?s. Jim and Jan saw it too. They saw the beetle type bug land, it closed its eyes and it went dark then opened its fluorescent green eyes. It lit up like fire as it flew an amazing sight. Found out it is called a lighting bug.
Sunday 3/21 -Woke up at 5:15, had breakfast and caught taxi to the boat. Met Bob and Kim from Detroit. 45 minutes to the boat, split the $20 taxi ride.
Darren the captain was waiting with his 30? center console, twin engine boat. We were on our way, big swells going out and huge waves breaking on the surfer beaches. Arrived at the first fishing site about 1 ? hours later. Swells were calmer now and we had some broken cloud cover.
We began trolling with teasers and had the live bait to put out when the sail fish got close. I was the first up. Heard the drag on the cheater, Jeffery got the live bait out and my fight was on! Had fishing belt on, my adrenaline was so high I couldn?t believe how hard it was reeling in. My arms were getting weak as the Sailfish jumped and gave a little show then dove deep. After 15 minutes I got it to the boat. I caught my first Billfish, about 95 pounds. They laid it across my lap for a picture. It was so beautiful with blue and purple florescent type coloring. Then they released it back to be caught again. No where else I?d rather be!
Kim was up next. After about an hour she had her fish hooked up on lighter tackle. Kim had a fight on her hands, and she only weighted about 110 pounds. She had a hard time but finally managed to get it in. A beautiful Sail about the same size as mine.
We decided to go further south where we heard boats were hooking up. We saw a pod of pilot whales surface twice and then they were gone. 30 minutes later Ken had his hooked up. Ken had a easier time with his 65lb Sail. Bob was up next, the captain yelled Marlin! The Marlin chased the bait, nailed it, jumped then took off and broke the line. Darren estimated about a 300 pounder. We started seeing a lot of birds going after bait. Sail fish were jumping and rolling all over the place. You could see fins sticking out of the water very close to the boat. We thought we were going to have double hook up but only one got hooked and Bob was up. Bob got his, about a 80 pounder. Time for a beer, chicken sandwiches and watermelon.
I was up again and this time more relaxed, got belt on, and the fight was on. This fish danced on the water, and pulled and tugged more than the other Sail did. Took 25 minutes to get in, Jeffery got a hold of his bill and the fish kept fighting jerking Jeffery back and forth for a couple of minutes. Finally it settled down enough to put on my lap for a picture. This one was big, about 110 pounds! Huge dorsal fin and beautiful coloring. After release, there were fish all over, the action was hot and heavy.
Darren tossed a spinning outfit with live bait at one in the front of the boat and it took it. Ken grabbed the pole and his fight was on! Ken fought fish for about 20 minutes it jumped about 10 feet from another boat that was also fighting a fish. This one was bigger than his first, about 90 lbs. Ken was smiling ear to ear.
Saw a Dorado jump in the distance. Kim and Bob got their next ones right away. Both were good size about 80 lbs each. It was time to go back at 3:30pm, if not for the time we could have kept catching them. 8 Sails for 4 people was a great day even with 8 misses.
1 ? hours back to Puerto Jimenez. We were 22 miles out and could see the Panama coast. Driver Kevin from Bosque Del Cabo was waiting. 5 min. over to Parrot Bay resort to pay, and get Ken a tee shirt. With tips price came to $2oo each for everything. 45 min back to Bosque just in time for shower, drink and dinner. Bob and Kim joined us for dinner tonight. Ready for bed early tonight.
Monday 3/22 ? Woke up at the crack on dawn again, it had rained hard last night. We had to leave today. Took a hike on trails to the tropical garden. Saw spider monkeys, howler monkeys and capuchin monkeys, toucans, scarlet macaws a large green parrot and others birds. Sunny misty morning with sunlight streaming down through the trees to find the jungle ground. What an incredible sight. Wanted to take everything in, I let my senses absorb all that they could so I wouldn?t forget this special place.
Everyone was waiting for me for breakfast. I had wheat banana pancakes. Time to pack. We all relaxed by the pool before lunch. I chose chicken burrito again and Ken had Taco salad. Time to go. I knew we would return.
Our Sanza flight was only 20 minutes late. Nice flight back to San Jose Airport. Unexpected, Oscar was waiting for us to take us to Vista Del Valle.
25 min from the airport we arrived at Vista Del Valle plantation. There were Japanese style bungalows throughout the beautiful gardens, some overlooking a deep canyon and the Rio Grand River. Our rooms were in the main house with a nice view of the pool and garden area, and full access to the huge deck and living room area. Had a drink at the pool then dinner, Mahi Mahi. Met the owner who was from Marin County. This was a very nice place, however putting this place to stay at the end of the trip, and after seeing everything else my enthusiasm for the place was not there. They were selling future condos and lots here. Condos were selling for $130,000 starting and lots starting at $65,000 for ? acre.
Tuesday 3/23 - Up at 6:00am, breakfast at 7:00. Good traditional breakfast with beef in a red sauce and eggs. Oscar was there to take us back to airport. Got to airport 1 ? before flight. Payed our $26 tax each to get out of the country. Did some shopping at the airport. I bought some Guaro liquor for $5 a bottle. Took off at 9:20am on time, and headed for Dallas. Quick customs at Dallas, had bite to eat, then loaded plane for home.
Our great trip was over. This was the best most adventurous trip I?ve ever taken. My mind was already spinning about when we could return and what parts of the Country we could see the next time.
Some thoughts: Costa Rica is about the size of South Carolina. People are very friendly and dress nice and care about their appearance. Real estate more expensive than I thought. More Americans living there than I thought. Some roads were bad but not as bad as I had heard. Some roads were very nice. Phone service to USA very expensive. Even in high season you could go down there without reservations and find a decent place to stay. A lot of families traveling with kids. Renting a house for a week would be a cheaper way to go with another couple. Government is a lot like ours. Better than Mexico as far as infrastructure and less poverty. Dim lighting in most places. High tax 17% on hotels and restaurants.

What a wonderfully detailed report of your vacation you have given all of us! Thanks!

Hoping to spend a couple of days in Samara in July. . .you gave me some good info!

Also enjoyed reading about Bosque Del Cabo since we are staying there in July as well!

Loved the fishing story. Must have been such a fun and exhausting day!

I am so glad you had such a great time. Bet you'll be back there before you know it!

I'm very curious about the zip line tour! Did you find this one after arriving or did you have it planned? I'm also curious about the cost (you mention $35 is that total cost)?

I found out about Selventura Zip line on this site. Yes $35 is total cost and includes the ride from your hotel and back. We did not have reservations, but would recommend them once you get there. What a great deal! You can add the hanging bridges for another $15.

Thanks for taking the time to post your trip report. It was very detailed and informative. Sounds like you had a great time.

Hi mind if I get the name and number of your fishing guide. We're going in June and would like to fish while there. Thanks!

Awesome trip report -- a million thanks for sharing so much great information. I would love to find out how you arranged for a driver ... how great to end up with the famous Oscar!! Did you book him thru the SJ hotel??

We used Darren at Parrot Bay Village. 011-506-735-5180 [email protected] Oscar Chavartria e-mail [email protected]
cell# 011-506-373-2736 Tell them Patty sent you! Have a great time!

Puckett,

Thanks for the detailed description of your trip! Two questions: 1.) Would you recommend not taking the boat/van transfer from Arenal to Monteverde? (We are deciding whether to use the shuttle or hire a private driver.) 2.)It seems like everyone ate a lot of fruit/fresh vegetables. Did anyone get food poisoning? I heard I should only eat cooked food.

Van/boat /van was a shorter ride, I would only do it again if it was dry. Unless they could guarantee me a 4X4 on the Monteverde side. No one got sick, the food there was great.

We used the van-boat-van transfer in January. Worked great and was an interesting experience.

Thank you for your amazing and detailed post! We are thinking about a similar itinerary in Aug. with special attention to the fishing portion. A couple of questions for you. Did you have any trouble with weight limitations on the private flights? Also I couldnt find the name of the accomadations you stayed in on the osa pennisula. Were you able to get a group rate on the fishing since other people were there to join you?
any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated. right now we are also stuck between skiping MA or Arenal as we do not have time to do both.

We stayed at Bosque Del Cabo in the Osa. Great place. Fishing with tips cost us $200 each for a full day which included everything (lunch, Beer). We used Parrot Bay. I knew about the 25 lb limit so we were ok. It ended up being 30lbs each not 25lbs. They did weigh all luggage. They will let it through if it is over 30 lbs. only if the total plane weight is under. I would wing it for your decision between Arenal and Manual Antonio. We were in Arenal in the high season and could have found a place to stay without reservations easy. If the volcano can be seen on the day you want to go I would go there, for sure. If you can't see the volcano I would go to Manual. If your going to the Osa,

Puckett, do you know anything about a new cabina/room at Bosque del Cabo just built under the owner's private office called Vista Mar?? Did you happen to see it when you were there or do you know where his office is located on the property?

The only office I saw was behind the kitchen area and it was on the ground. Nothing could be built under that office. Don't know about that name cabana. I do know that there is a new cabana that was almost complete in the tropical garden area.

a

Patty,
What a great report! It sounds like you had a wonderful time. Thanks for providing so much detail!!

Great report! We also stayed at Las Brisas in Samara and would agree with everything you said. Our room in the tower didn't have a swamp cooler (didn't need it in March) but we sure could hear the one next door. Great views from the balcony though.

ttt