Thanks Jean - I'll ask my agent about it. It would be perfect!

You said some great things about Aguila - if you went back would you stay there again? or would you try another place like CC or Paloma ? Just curious.

Also, I think it was you who posted concerns about your overnight in Xandari (it sounds like we have the exact itinerary) - in terms of guards, security. I'm having second thoughts on this -- maybe I'll wait awhile to see if that was an isolated incident or whether that's what we can expect from now on...a little disturbing.

Did you ever make it up to Arenal - or did you just do Xandari, Aguila and Makanda? Anything you would change next time?

Thanks again...!

When we return to the Osa Peninsula we'll probably stay somewhere other than Aguila de Osa. Not that we didn't have a great time there. We just like to try different places. I certainly wouldn't hesitate to recommend the place. Our luggage didn't make the plane from San Jose to Palmar Sur and the staff at Aguila were on the radios as soon as we arrived looking for it. That was certaily a relief as my Spanish speaking is pretty limited.

Yes, that was us who didn't care for the feel at Xandari. I really think there was something going on while we were there. People were actually out in the dark with flashlights looking for 'something'. Gave me the creeps. Not to mention the fact that the gardeners were carrying pistols. Also, the bar and restaurant were just plain badly run. Seemed as though a bunch of young kids were in charge and really didn't know what they were doing. The rooms were drop dead gorgeous though.

We were at La Fortuna and Arenal the year before. We stayed at Tabacon, and visited the hot springs. For whatever reason, it wasn't at all crowded when we were there. I have to admit many of hte pools were too hot for me to be comfortable sitting in. The hike in the park over the 10 year old lava flows is a lot of fun. And the views of the volcano are awesome from there. We didn't see a lot of lava, but did see lots of steam and boulders rolling down the side. From the park we could also hear it rumbling.

On that trip we also went to Monteverde. Once again a completely different experience than either Osa or Manual Antonio. I have never seen so many shades of green. Pretty awesome. We had a pretty good guide there and saw lots of birds, including the quetzal.

With only a week, I'd stick with Osa and Manaul Antonio.

Thanks Jean -- once again great info! This has really helped get my itinerary in check. I think we'll do as you suggest and stick w/ Osa and MA this trip...

Next time maybe Arenal/Monteverde and Tamarindo -- already planning my second trip :)

Okay -- one last question to you if you don't mind (since you went the same time and place...) Were mosquitos/bugs bad that time of year in Osa? And how in the world do you travel w/ only 25lbs of luggage?? :) Hints for packing at the time of year and type of dress for the locations (xandari, aguila de osa and makanda) - all casual dress I'm assuming.

I travel down there with about 20lbs for 3-4 weeks for myself. My husband throws camera stuff in my pack and I end up with about 30. I usually have a couple of sun dresses, two pairs of zip off pants and one pair of shorts plus a few shirts, a rain hat and jacket, bug spray etc., lots of socks. It has taken a few years to accumulate the right kind of things that don't weigh much. I also usually have 2 or 3 books.
Regarding bugs, they are fickle things. Have spray handy.
This last year I sat at the bar at the Pearl of the Osa many times a day/night and had no problem. One evening I got bit like crazy. Never did figure out why that night was any different than the others. The same thing has happened in other places.

Suzie2 - you are our hero!! 20 lbs for 3-4 weeks ..awesome! I've been doing some research today re: the gear and came across a few websites that offer great travel/adventure/hiking clothes (like the zip offs that you mentioned) Exofficio, Travel Smith etc..-
even found "light" (30% lighter) luggage.
Way cool...

The first thing we had to do to get our luggage lightened was buy some light weight duffel bags. Our regular suitcases weighed almost half the allotted weight all by themselves.

Part of the reason it's easy for us to travel light is that I don't wear makeup, my hair is 'wash and wear', and our taste in clothing is simple. I spent a weekend at a meeting with a friend of mine, and her makeup, hair whatever bag probably weighed close to 20 pounds. Of course, when she leaves the room, she looks a lot better than I do....

The other thing we did was wear our heaviest clothes, such as tennis shoes and leave the lighter weight sandals in the suitcase. This did sort of backfire when our luggage got lost and I ended up cutting off a pair of pants so I didn't die of heat stroke. Some nice guys in the room next to us gave my husband a pair of shorts, otherwise his pants would have been history too.

Wish I was planning another trip to Costa Rice, all this talk is making me yearn for a return trip.

Jean -- what a riot! Loved your story.

Thanks for the packing tips! I will definitely leave the blow dryer at home and go w/ the "poney-tail" look for the week. Sounds v. romantic :)

Plus, my clothes should weigh less because I am determined to get my weight down to some number that I'll be comfortable enough to tell the SANSA crew when boarding! That means smaller sizes of clothes! :))