sylvia3

p.s. Not to overwork the topic anymore BBgt, but make sure you get a good map in hand BEFORE you go (you can order a great one from http://mapcr.com/information/8673/2/...ica-Maps.html; they also have free searchable maps online). Just once more, you really might want to rethink the time spent going in the opposite direction to Poas/LaPaz (given part of the road conditions; just remembering our trip this January), and that there's so much for you to see and do at your destination.
Have a wonderful time!
And, if you have any more specific questions, you could start a new thread; I'm sure there are many here who are happy to help!

volcanogirl

I found Shell's report! Looks like you're going to different areas, but here's her take on the Peace Lodge:

So, we arrived at the Peace Lodge around lunch time and our room, the Monarch Villa wasn't quite ready. No problem...we went to the Trout Bar for lunch. It was pretty much as some others had mentioned, ok. I remembered it as being a little bit better, but it wasn't what we'd call bad either. After luch we headed to the exhibits and my kids were just WOWED!!!! First to the aviary and the birds were just fabulous. Then to the butterflies and my son was having the blue morpho's land all over him! He'd stick his hand out and they'd land right on him! We all enjoyed watching them in the cocoon stage and emerging into butterflies. We spent a great amount of time there. When we were there last year they didn't yet have the monkey's so that was new for us. We talked to the man working there and he told us all about the different monkey's and how they all were rescued, some were pets, some were kept as show monkey's at places like restaurants, some were injured. He really enjoyed telling us about each monkey and their individual personality traits. One of the white faced actually liked to play hide and seek and played with my daughter for a good 10 minutes! It was really clear that he was actually interacting with her and wanted her to play with him!

We visited the snakes, which my son loved and a quick walk through the frogs, we'd be back later that night for the night tour. We also checked out the traditional farm house and had a ride in the oxcart. About then we had a major, major downpour....it didn't last long and then we went to the new cat exhibit. Again, the man working there told us all about each cat with such enthusiasm!

We went back to our room and all enjoyed soaks in our hot tubs...the Monarch Villa --- it's huge! Can't say enough about that place. It's definitely a splurge, but we thoroughly enjoyed the pampered feeling. My daugher loved the aroma machine in the bathroom. The bathroom downstairs even has it's own fireplace! Good news there, no sharing of beds for the kids either! So, the room is beautiful, plenty of room for us parents to have some much needed space from the kids and the kids to have their own space as well. While the kids soaked in the hot tub on the balcony I brewed a pot of great Costa Rican coffee and we sat on our balcony watching the hummingbirds as the clouds rolled in and out. It's just so magical there! Next decision...dinner. This was tough for us because both my husband and I really did enjoy the onsite restaurant there, but didn't want to pay the prices for a full meal for our kids, even the a la carte prices were a lot for them! Especially my picky eater son! The room service menu wasn't too appealing and we didn't want the Trout Bar again! So, we convinced the kids to get the spaghetti from the "nice" restaurant and share it - it's a big portion! I know there's been mixed reviews on the restaurant there, but we felt for the price, I think it's $35? for soup, salad, entree and dessert it's a pretty good deal! And our meals have been really quite good each time. We were pleasantly surprised to find out they only charged the kids $14 instead of the standard a la carte price for the entree, so that was nice.

After dinner we had our night frog tour. As volcanogirl mentioned in her report, you can no longer hold the frogs, but we still really enjoyed it. Our guide was so enthusiastic about finding the frogs and we were the only people on our tour so we had him all to ourself. My kids were so into the whole experience, finding frogs everywhere and asking him so many questions. He was really patient with them.

The next morning we got up and after breakfast we did the hummingbird feeding. That's the one thing we missed last year and it was so cool! My daughter was a bit skittish when they'd fly by her, but the rest of us loved it! Especially when they'd land right on our fingers on top of the feeders! After doing that for a long time we did the hike down to the waterfalls and the kids enjoyed that as well. My son kept saying that each hotel we'd stayed at kept getting better! It's amazing because even being there last year, the size of those falls is still just so amazing!

If you go, definitely try to be there when they do the handfeeding of the hummingbirds. That's just a really amazing experience. When we were there, they did it twice a day.

sylvia3

Wondering about the date on that report, Volcanogirl? Peace Lodge is nice, and La Paz, but until they get that road repaired, it's a very slow and bumpy ride (that's why I've stressed twice the "get going early" part).
All this CR stuff is making me want a big air sale (last time I got $236 R/T from Denver to LIR!)

volcanogirl

We have plans for a trip coming up, and we're going to hit the Peace Lodge again. Just for a night. I can give an update when we get back. I remember Shell also saying that their GPS didn't work a lot of the time. And they got a lot of rain. All part of the CR experience I guess!

BBgt

Thanks for finding that trip report, Volcanogirl - I hadn't gotten around to it yet. What a great time for the kids! I know my son would love La Paz as well, which is why we're planning on it, in spite of the time it will take.

Sylvia - we are thinking of arranging a tour or private transportation to go to La Paz, so at least any potential aggravations will be on someone else, rather than on my husband. Does that make it seem a little less of a logistical problem in your mind?

I think we're going to use private transportation to get to Dominical, as well, since we will really only need a car for a few of the days we are there. My best estimates show comparable costs for renting a car the whole trip vs. a combination of private transport and car rental.

Thanks again to each of you for your unique perspectives and invaluable help! You're right, Sylvia - I will start a new thread if I have more specific questions. But this conversation has really helped - you are all awesome

sylvia3

I would say that the round-trip airport-La Paz private driver is a good idea, but the rest of the trip not. Of course, once you get to the Dominical area you can certainly rent a car; I'm picturing all the little side trips and jaunts to the beach, and Sierpe, and doing what you want when you want, and a car was vital for us. The driving is extremely easy once you reach the Dominical area; it's mostly on/off the main highway. Basically, if you are a busy and/or adventurous family at all, a car is your best idea for maximizing your time and comfort. (We rented a 4WD for 16 days for less than $500 in high season; are your comparisons really better?)
If you decide to get a car once you get there, we've had good luck with Solid: they will give you a quote that includes removing the charge for the insurance coverage provided by your credit card (so you only need pay for 1 type of mandatory coverage above the daily rate); you probably could get by with a cheaper sedan instead of 4WD, also: http://www.solidcarrental.com/

BBgt

We were thinking of overnighting at San Gerardo de Dota on the way to or from Dominical, and that particular route sounds a little daunting. Otherwise, it does sound as though the driving along the coastal route and in Dominical is pretty simple, so maybe we need to rethink the transportation piece.

Good to know about Solid. My quotes for car rental may have included extra insurance. I actually had a quote from a company (I thought it was Solid, but could be wrong) that was more like $750 for 10 days. With the rates you have had, no, my comparisons are definitely not better!

sylvia3

The LNR (liability) you must have. However, CNR (collision) that is added to your quotes is usually covered by your credit card company, so get quotes (print our the emails, and confirm) without CNR (we've needed proof in the form of letter from the cc co. only once). That price is ridiculous, unless you're looking at some really fancy vehicle!
If you are leaving for Dominical from the airport area and driving yourselves (if your driver has taken you back there to get a car), you could easily take the main highways to Dominical (from the airport, allow 4 hours, including a stop to see the crocodiles from the bridge at Tarcoles; a must on that route, IMO!).
However, if you are going via San Gerardo, it's an entirely different route; that's about 2 hours from SJO (Alajuela; once you're down from Poas/La Paz); from there, it's a 1.5 hour drive (from the highway) to Dominical (that part is not daunting per se, but lots of turns and often slow truck traffic. If you are not impatient, it's a beautiful drive, I think. I assume you will turn east onto 243 at San Isidro del General?)
So, depending on where/if you get a car, either route is fine; you might want to do both, just to experience the different scenery.
My primary caveat has been the San Jose area traffic; the signs are not as good as they could be, and getting through the city onto Hwy 2 (near Cartago) can be...irksome If you have a car at La Paz, and have come down to Alajuela and want to go through the city, you'll be on the main highway.
Here's a list of general travel times:
http://www.govisitcostarica.com/trav...elTime.asp#407
Here's a general map (of the central area; it doesn't include the main routes from SJO):
http://www.anywherecostarica.com/map...ral-costa-rica
Be sure not to confuse place names; lots of them are similar!

volcanogirl

B, someone else may have already mentioned this, but be sure not to leave anything in your car unattended if you guys drive. Break-ins are pretty common.

BBgt

Great info on the routes, Sylvia. I think we will try to do the two different routes just to see the scenery. And I will definitely keep in mind the possibility of break-ins. I've heard that from other sources as well, enough to make me pretty paranoid!

volcanogirl

Yes, you have to be. We've met multiple couples who have had all their stuff stolen. One even while they were keeping an eye on their car from the restaurant at lunch. As long as you're smart about it, you should be fine.

sylvia3

Wow, never had a car break-in; never met anyone who had (private condo, yes); was this all the Arenal area, volcanogirl, or somewhere else specific? (Of course, I hear that same advice, and read the same signs in the parking lots, for Rocky Mountain National Park, near my home.)
Caution is wise everywhere; paranoia will spoil a trip. Don't leave valuables, take turns using restrooms on the road, etc. But wouldn't that go for anywhere?
We were in a pickle on the road once, stopped at a small waterfall, one wheel hanging over into space; a beaten-up car came zooming up, stopped behind us, and 3 young guys jumped out, pushed our car onto terra firma, waved, and jumped back in their car. That was our first impression of tico kindness.
BTW, a handy waterproof case for keys and cash is helpful for impromptu swims: http://www.amazon.com/Waterproof-Con.../dp/B002EDCS06
I got mine at Target for $1

sylvia3

Volcanogirl's comment reminds me, viewing crocodiles from Tarcoles Bridge is much better than it used to be (it used to be notorious), but that might be a place to take turns looking over the bridge while you're parked!

volcanogirl

We've met a lot of people that it's happened to. We met one couple who was traveling and had stopped for lunch and while their car was in view someone broke in. We met another couple dressed head to toe in clothes that said things like "I love Monteverde!" etc. which we though was so funny, but then they explained that all their luggage had been stolen, so they had to buy all new clothes. Another couple had had their camera stolen along with all the photos so that was another bummer. Friends of ours had their VRBO place broken into while they were there and asleep. It definitely is something to keep in mind. I don't leave valuables in my car anywhere even back home. I just think it's a good idea to have a heads up since some people don't think twice about leaving luggage in the car.

Cattail

"But wouldn't that go for anywhere?" Well, some spots in the world are simply more risky in terms of theft than others. Much of CR is still pretty poor, so theft is a bigger concern in general than in geographical areas with more wealth. On the other hand, I read somewhere that violent crime is relatively low in CR, and I have met many, many super-kind ticos.

volcanogirl

I totally agree with you, Cat. Our friends whose place was broken into was in Manuel Antonio; the only thing they took was iPad, camera, etc. Things that may not be as common in CR. In the case of the car thefts, they usually just take the entire suitcase. Some people chain them together to make it a little more difficult or chain them to something in the car. Petty theft is really all we worry about in CR. For the most part, the people are warm and friendly and amazing.

RAC

Petty criminals prey on tourists across the globe. It can't be avoided.

In richer countries like Europe, the main crime are purse snatchers and pick-pockets--some even carry razor blades so they can slash the handles of a woman's bag so they can run off with it.

At one point, the government of Japan (IIRC) filed an official complain with the government of Spain because the crime directed against Japanese tourists in Barcelona was so rampant.