Hey guys. I am new here to the Fodor community and would love some Fodor advice for my upcoming trip to Costa Rica and Panama. My husband and I are both teachers, so we want to NOT spend oodles of cash, but want to have a relaxing and fun filled adventure. We have a lot of time here (19 days total), so we would actually like to do some off the beaten track sort of stuff. We are both backpacker type travelers, so we really are not the resort sort of type. Any suggestions?

This is actually my second trip to Costa Rica & Panama, but I stayed mostly in Corcovado camping and went to Panama City (which I didn't like at all) with the land owners of the finca I camped on. I wouldn't mind in the least going back to Corcovado either, cause it really is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been and my husband has never been. We also wanted to see if anyone knew of any volunteer opportunities, like working on a farm or something like that. I really appreciate the advice from you all. We leave in about 2 weeks from now, so all the advice I can get will be helpful as we try to plan this last minute trip.

THANK YOU GUYS!

www.spiritair.com usually cheapest into SJ

www.ruralcostarica.com Rio Celeste area is nice

www.hostelpangea.com good backpacker lodging...

public xport cheap watch your stuff

www.ticabus.com good xport between countries

for Panama

www.mamallena.com head for Kuna Yala very interesting

do not know of any decent 2 week volunteering too short a time

have fun,

Thanks for the quick response! I really appreciate it!

You might like Arenal - it has the active volcano, Cano Negro tour to see wildlife, the waterfall, Hanging Bridges, and natural hot springs like Eco Termales. Silencio del Campo gets good reviews.

It is the rainy season here in Costa Rica right now.

Look up Bahia Salinas near La Cruz Guanacaste.

Beautiful Playa Rajada and Playa Jobo are worth visiting during the green months; during the sunny months its too dry, windy and the water too cold.

These beaches hardly receive any visitors so for accommodations I recommend in La Cruz.

Cheers

Jason

www.Farms.cr (for when you decide to buy Costa Rican land)