volcanogirl

T, I hope he has a great trip. We really liked the birding at Selva Verde. Also the Osa is particularly good. And Monteverde has those beautiful quetzals.

volcanogirl

shillmac, it's so good to see you back! Do you guys still have your place in CR? Glad you had fun reading my report; yes, we had an awesome time!

shenorock

Really enjoyed your detail report of your trip, but now I have so many questions about my own plan! We are a family of 6 traveling to CR for the first time with our 4 children 12/25-1/5. We are booked at Tulemar for 7 nights starting 12/28 which I feel really good about. I need some guidance in planning the first 3 nights. We will be arriving in San Jose at 7:30pm on Christmas, and after reading several posts, I have changed my reservation from a hotel near the airport to Peace Lodge-the Monarch Villa. It is Christmas after all and this place sounds like heaven! I booked the Lost Iguana for the next 2 nights. Now I am thinking I should spend 2 nights at Peace Lodge and 1 and Lost Iguana, since we are getting in so late, would probable need to chill post holiday, and relax and enjoy the gardens at a leisurely pace. I really want to take the kids to Finca Corsicana before heading over to the Arenal area. From what I can tell it is only a little out of the way. (Is that part of the road safe to travel?) The other must do on my list is the Hanging Bridges, which is why I picked the LI to stay (now I see they get great reviews), but is that too out of the way for us? Our friends are staying at the Springs and would love to catch up with them there for a day as well. I was also considering staying at the Springs as well, but was trying to give the kids a different kind of experience than a resort, but the tubing looks really fun and of course all the hot springs. Do you know what the travel time would be from LI to the Springs? After reading about your repelling experience and it being so close to LI it makes me want to do that as well. Since we will be having a lot of time in Manuel Antonio, I was planning on doing most of our activities and enjoying the wildlife there. Ugh so much too think about and anything you could help me with would be greatly appreciated. After I figure this part of the trip, I will ask you questions about MA.

frustrated

Volcanogirl, I am really glad that someone posted recently as it bumped your trip reports to the top. Somehow I missed it before. Well, that settles it, next trip is to La Selva! Muchas gracias for the posts.

volcanogirl

Con much gusto, frustrated. I'm glad it gave you some good ideas! We really enjoyed La Selva - good wildlife and that setting along the river is really nice. Hope you enjoy it.

volcanogirl

sheno, I wouldn't go all the way to Arenal for just one night. It's worth about three nights there. If you're getting in at 7:30 at night, I would stay closer to the airport than the Peace Lodge. You're going to be paying big bucks for the Monarch Villa that first night and not even get to really enjoy it. If you want to stay somewhere nice your first night, Xandari is wonderful and much closer to the airport. I'd stay there the first night and then go to either the Peace Lodge or to Arenal; if you're spending that much time in Manuel Antonio I don't think you have time to do both spots. The Peace Lodge is nice for about two nights. If you choose Arenal, I think most kids would pick the Springs Resort and Spa over the Lost Iguana; we love both spots, but the Springs has the tubing, hot springs, water slide, kayaking, horseback riding, rock wall and all those things a kid would love; plus the rooms are really elaborate. It's also closer to town, but off a long rough road. But like you said if you want to do the La Roca tour and do the Hanging Bridges, the Lost Iguana is very convenient for that and nice in a more rustic way. Between the two is probably about a half hour or a little less. It's really just up to you and what you think your family would enjoy. You can still do the Hanging Bridges and canyoneering if you stay at the Springs. Tulemar will definitely be a hit. I personally wouldn't stay that long in Manuel Antonio, but if you want a lot of time to chill on the beach then stick with it.

shenorock

I should have found your trip reports earlier! During the holidays they require you to spend 7 nights at Tulemar. 5 would have been fine and I could have fit what I wanted in in the other 5 days. Who knew such a small country could be so complicated to plan. My friends can't believe I am planning this trip so far in advance, but I will have you know that I was NOT able to secure the top private drivers most talked about here, I am on wait list for the Spring Resort's 2bedroom (would need to reserve 2 rooms and it is so $$$ during the holidays). Peace Lodge has no availability on 12/26 & 12/27 to accommodate my family again without booking 2 rooms with cots. The Lost Iguana can so my itinerary may be dictated on where my family of 6 can stay. I booked Tulemar a month ago and I didn't even get my top picks, but still very happy with my choice. I agree it's a lot of time in MA. Got any suggestions on day trips there?

volcanogirl

Ah, yes, travel at holiday time is complicated, and the rates really sky rocket. It's also the busiest time to go. MA has a lot of popular tours - Damas mangrove, snorkeling and sailing (although the snorkeling isn't great due to sediment in the water), Fica Valmy horseback riding, a guided tour of the park including the beautiful beach, the spice tour, the Rainmaker, ziplining, etc. Lots of easy access to fairly tame wildlife as well. Some people like to go to Dominical/Uvita for a side trip.

volcanogirl

I wanted to give a heads up to anyone interested in the Springs Resort and Spa. Their Groupon deal is back up again. Looks to be about half price. We can't afford their regular price, but half price is pretty good! Happy travels!

volcanogirl

Topping for Ashwini!

Ashwini_Karnik

Thanks so so much Volcanogirl..You know what I will be reading today!!

volcanogirl

Sure thing, A; this one has The Springs. I topped another that has Tulemar for you. The Springs part is in the middle if you don't want to wade through it all.

SeemaW

Hi, I loved all your reviews for Costa Rica. Infact you inspired me to register in Fodor. I am seriously looking for some advice. Its our first time to go to Costa Rica. We want to split our trip to see -Arenal, Manuel Antonio,Monte Verde and maybe Tamarindo( to relax ). Not sure of how many days to spend in each place. I have just posted my query in a forum. I hope you will able to help.

volcanogirl

Hi, S - that's great! I hope you'll love Costa Rica. I'll respond to your question in the forum.

glover

Enjoyed reading your report, VG. Brought back some nice Selva Verde memories.
Lenin (assuming it's the same Lenin) is one of the best bird guides we've ever had,
And by now we've had lots. It was amazing how quickly he could spot birds and slam the scope on them immediately. Nice to know he's still guiding. Can you post a link to that video you mentioned?

volcanogirl

Hi, glover! This report is 4 years old. I'll have to go back and try to see which video you're talking about. It's fun remembering what a great trip we had.

volcanogirl

Hi, g - here's the link to the puma video. I hope this is the one you wanted to see. The puma appears towards the end. Talk about a wow moment - those people were so lucky to catch it on video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaL4vXByVYs