Annnd accidentally posted this message in the U.S. forum on the first try. Oops.

Anyway, I'm so excited. My husband and I decided we're going to Costa Rica and - based on great airfare deals - went ahead and bought our flights to SJO. Thanks to those who answered my questions a few weeks ago. I also read many, many old posts on this board for info. What a great resource! So far, we've booked part of our trip (May 11-14) at Bosque del Cabo, probably in Mariposa. My husband is really excited about this as he is a hiker/crazy adventurer guy and more into "roughing it." I'm happy because I don't think BdC quite qualifies as "roughing it," but I don't think he'll be disappointed . We still need to plan the other half of our trip. I'm thinking we'll go to Arenal, although I haven't decided whether to rent a car, and where to stay.

Thanks again for the advice, especially from the "regulars"! I'll be continuing to lurk around and gather ideas.

Yay, Quarters - BdC is awesome; it sounds like the perfect combination for the two of you. Mariposa is a very nice cabin too.

In Arenal, we loved the Lost Iguana; it's set outside of town a little, so it's quiet and has beautiful grounds and a great view of the volcano, also a nice small pool. We loved it. Our balcony even had a jacuzzi tub on it - not exactly roughing it, but really fun! Maybe check out Peace Lodge too.

Thanks, Volcanogirl. I looked at the Lost Iguana web site because I had read so many good reviews. It sounds great, but their 2008 prices are going up quite a bit. I think for LI (and Peace Lodge) we'll have to wait a few months and see how the finances are looking!

If you'll be in Mariposa then we'll be neighbors! Will your husband run over to Congo in the middle of the night if he hears a loud scream? I'll be there the 10th - 15th for sure, though I may change to 9th - 15th, we'll see. I think BDc is pretty luxe "roughing it" (though I do think I should carry around a pic of me 'normal' and say 'see I don't always looks this scary'!) I've got 8 or 9 more nights I'm still trying to figure out myself, Arenal (again) is on my list along with several dozen others. Well it'll be here before we know it, will be nice to meet you guys

oops forgot to say, I stayed at Arenal Pariso last year and enjoyed it, the standard was pretty cheap around $65 and I enjoyed it. They have a/c, tv, minifridge, hairdryers (!) etc. It's not snazzy but is a very good bargain for the money. hvc recently styaed in the area too but the name of the place she stayed (and liked) completely escapes me - hopefully she will chime in.

Another vote for Arenal Paraiso, although the "flow" is around toward Arenal Observatory Lodge now. Who knows, though, by that time. . .AP also has a little spa, a nice pool bar, on site ziplines (good reviews). It is in a great location, about halfway between La Fortuna and Tabacon Hot Springs, great volcano view.

Just be forewarned, taxis at Arenal are very expensive. You'd do well to have a rental car as nothing is within walking distance.

Yeah, I'm leaning toward the rental car. My husband will have to drive - I have never been able to figure out stick shift! Arenal Paraiso sounds like a great deal, thanks for the tips. I wonder how soon we should book the Arenal hotel and rental car?

Tully - what a coincidence that we'll be at BdC some of the same days! My husband is pretty brave with catching and relocating "creepy crawlies" outside, so give a yell if you have any unwanted visitors in your cabin

Hi Quarters,

One other hotel suggestion for the Arenal area; the Arenal Lodge. It's farther out from town just past the turn off for the Lost Iguana. We were perfectly comfortable and content there and enjoyed the lovely grounds and view of the volcano (when it wasn't completely obscured by clouds, lol). It may be a bit more expensive the Arenal Paraiso. I think we paid ~115 for a junior suite. Just another suggestion to mull over...

Arenal is definitely a worthy choice for the other half of your trip. Very cool that you and tully will be there at the same time!

Silencio del Campo gets good reviews. I think hvc stayed there if you have any questions about it.

Boo that LI is raising their prices - that's what I get for recommending them so much - LOL!

Quarters -- Lucky you! Is this your first time to CR? What a great choice staying at BDC! We were there near the end of May this year and it was just amazing! Super cool that you'll get to meet Tully too! Ladies night for sure. And you're getting the most in demand cabina...gold star.

It was El Campo del Silencio we stayed at in Arenal, and we loved it there. We didn't plan for a lava view, but had the most beautiful unobstructed volcano views. A super friendly Tico owned place. Lovely grounds with individual bungalows sprinkled about. Highly recommend it! Plus, I think it was around $90/night. I think there are actually quite a few great hotels in the area, depending on your preference and budget.

Tully -- Now, don't forget about Puerto Viejo! I think we may go visit the Bri-Bri reserve this next time.

Yup, this will be our first trip to CR. The only problem with this board is that I could plan 3 or 4 trips (at least!) based on the trip reports and recommendations! I'm sure we'll be going back, but I figured with Arenal and the Osa we'd hit two of the high points this time.

I'm making a list of all the hotel recs. Thanks!

Hi, Quarters - we've already been to CR twice and haven't come close yet to seeing everything we want to. You just have to keep going back! You are going to my two favorite spots, so excellent choice on your part! Have fun!

Yes very cool Quarters, hopefully I won't need your husband's emoval services (I'll warn you now! If my dad doesn't end up coming you may find me not so subtly inviting myself if you go on the 2 long trails I hate to do by myself - the Golfo Dulce & the Pacific. Just shoo me away if you want alone time )

You know it's funny about Lost Iguana. I found their website before they even opened, and thought wow it looks really nice and it was priced pretty decently. Then in the past 1-2 years it seems like their rates have taken a huge jump. Not saying it isn't worth it as I haven't stayed there, but I think their rates have gone up considerably compared to other places. Just like the Kioro which I think is lovely but way too much $$$ for the area.

hvc - there are just too many places to go! I know I will go thru several dozen variations before finding the one that clicks!

Quarters - Lucky you! We stayed in Mariposa in March. Same deal - my husband wanted the adventure feel, I wanted some comforts! It was perfect. We loved it!

Well then, you're in for a real treat! Osa will be a wonderful introductory to Costa Rica for sure! Arenal is great too.

Last May was our first trip, 17 days. It was a perfect vacation thanks to help of suggestions from fellow Fodorites. Love this Forum!

Next Spring we're returning for 17 days again. Even so, I can't see making it to every place we want to see...ever! Because of course, we also have to return to the areas we already fell in love with!

Happy planning!