We're looking to book a trip sometime around January (2012) - but I'm lost. I know nothing about Costa Rica - where to stay, what to do, etc. I'm not sure about rainy seasons and weather either! I'd like someone to give me some advice on it..We'd like something a little more upscale, not wild, a place where we can relax without too much noise. Do most go all-inclusive? What about restaurants? I thought we might fly in through LIberia...but can change. Thanks!

A good guidebook to Costa Rica would be a wise investment at this point. I'll put in a plug for Fodor's, since this is Fodor's site, after all

Rainy season: May-mid December
Dry Season: Mid-December-April

... or thereabouts.

A lot of people like to do a combo of Arenal and Manuel Antonio for their first trip - both easy locations, and you'll get volcano time as well as beach time. You could throw in a couple of days at the Peace Lodge or Xandari for relaxation. We love the Lost Iguana in Arenal; check it out and see if it's your style. Maybe check out Buenva Vista Villas or Si Como No in Manuel Antonio. If you want really upscale in Arenal, you could look at The Springs.


Mouse over this map to get an idea of weather patterns. You should have to worry too much about rain in January, although you never know.
http://costa-rica-guide.com/Weather/WeatherMap.html

Start here -- www.govisitcostarica.com

There are really a lot of choices. You will need to do a little bit of homework to make it all work.

Decide what you want to do and the type of place you want to be - beach, mountains -- what kind of lodging you like and go from there. Spend some time with a good guidebook or Google.

You can also look here for information on distances and driving times: www.yourtravelmap.com

Go a lot always cheaper better to fly into SJO.

www.spirit.com first class for the price of coach

on the others best value for me.

Most do not do AI though

www.paradisus-playa-conchal.com is a good one

most travel around to

www.manuelantoniopark.com

www.arenasdelmar.com nice there

and

www.arenal.net for volcano springs

www.tabacon.com nice for me there

usually around flights stay at

www.hotelvillacaletas.com bout 1 hour from the airport

like to rent a car www.mapache.com for freedom flexibility.

www.bosquedelcabo.com Osa is nice for wildlife if more time

and/or www.tirtuguerinfo.com www.monteverdeindo.com

Careful research yields better experience.

Happy Hunting,