Author: heyjude21919
Date: 10/28/2005, 12:20 pm
I have seen an all inclusive 9 day Costa Rican tour from Gate 1. It has 2 nights in San Jose, 2 in Arenal, 3 in Monteverde, and 3 nights in Guanacaste. Has anyone had a tour like this or know of Gate 1 or could recommend another company. We have never been in Latin America and really are not comfortable doing this on our own. (Unless someone has an itinerary that we could duplicate.) Thanks for any help. PS We are close to sixty but enjoy hiking and outdoor activities

In my opinion, if you speak even a bit of spanish, Costa Rica is a country that is very easy to visit on your own.

Their are loads of people that could help you on this board and several good travel agencies you can use.

Jerry

Hi--

I've just finalized our 9 day trip to CR for Feb 06. I did a TON of research on existing tours, custom tours, and booking everything on my own (including renting a car). This forum has been great for gathering information!

I've decided to do a custom tour with Sonia, owner of costaricantreasures.com. (I got her name from another Fodor's member.)

Since I did so much research, I already knew exactly what I wanted to do, where I wanted to go, and what hotels I wanted to stay at. It seems to be working out well, and Sonia's total price was better than what I could have gotten booking everything myself.

Also, with the cost of renting a car (4x4), the insurance, gas, etc, it worked out to be about the same cost to have Sonja arrange private transfers to each destination and activity. (And we don't have to worry about getting lost, being responsible for a vehicle, etc.)

I recommend starting your planning EARLY. We lost out on a couple hotel choices, and we started planning 5 months before out trip!

Below is a general outline of our upcoming itinerary (Turriabla, Arenal, Manuel Antonio and Alajuela). The in-country price is about $1500 ea for 2 of us (most meals are included). Our hotel choices were mid-range.

Day one: Upon arrival, private transportation to Casa Turire Hotel in Turrialba
http://www.hotelcasaturire.com/

Day two: Overnight rafting tour on the Pacuare River offered by Aventuras Naturales. Overnight in Pacuare Lodge.
http://www.crica.com/tours/av_3.html
http://www.crica.com/tours/avlodge.html

Day three: Pick up in Guapiles Transfer to Arenal Volcano Area. Overnight a one of the Volcano Lodge.
http://www.arenal.net/hotel/arenal-springs-resort.htm
(Also consider Arenal Paraiso, Arenal Springs Hotels. Both were already booked full.)

Day four: Guided hiking tour to Arenal Volcano. Pure Trek Waterfall Rappelling tour. In the evening visit to Tabacon Resort and dinner.
http://www.puretrekcostarica.com/canyoning.html
http://www.tabacon.com/

Day five: 12:40 p.m. domestic flight from Fortuna to Quepo. Lodging at Villas Nicolas upper room type 3.
http://www.natureair.com/
http://www.villasnicolas.com

Day six: Guided hiking tour at Manuel Antonio National Park and Sea kayaking
http://www.costarica-nationalparks.c...ionalpark.html
http://www.manuelantoniopark.com/mapk/default.asp

Day seven: Horseback riding tour to Waterfall (breakfast or lunch included depending on time of the tour)
Around 4:00 p.m. Sunset sail boat (dinner included)

Day eight: Private transportation to San Jose at noon, stopping in Sarchi for shopping. Lodging at Buena Vista in Alajuela.
http://www.1costaricalink.com/eng/to...mpt-sarchi.htm
Also, try these hotels in Alajuela:
http://www.orquideasinn.com/
http://www.costaricatours.cc/hotel_buena_vista.htm
http://www.camposverdeslodge.com/map.html

Day nine: Transfer to airport for morning flight.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at [email protected].

Sproketz - I just wanted to compliment you on your explanation of how and why you opted for a professional to finalize your plans.

Sometimes I think people feel they have to give up the fun and challenge of researching their trip, and then feel they are caving in when giving it over to a professional.

As you have summed up - you still have to do the research - run the numbers - consider logistics - in order to choose the right combination for your particular taste.

As for the type trip Heyjude is considering - this trip is a package preplanned guided tour. If this is what makes you more comfortable - then go for it - there is certainly nothing wrong with your desired means of travel. Everyone has a different comfort level, and you may find that once you have taken this trip you will want to return, making all the arrangements yourself. We have friends that used Caravan Tours who were quite pleased with the trip and the professional level of service they received, you might also check their intinerary.

Thanks so much for your advice. I am still doing the research so I'm not sure what all I'll include. I have seen caravan tour brochure and it did look well planned, but I do speak a little spanish and may try to book everything myself. I think the distances between locations is what throws me. I need an order of places to travel. Your trip sounded exciting. Thanks

Jude - My opinion is that it all depends on whether you like being part of a group. There are pros, but also cons. Personally, I would not enjoy the group tour thing. And another responder was right: it's really easy to get around. My husband and I know practically zero Spanish and it wasn't a problem. You learn a few basics and most people know some English. We planned every night of our trip except for two. Booked everything ahead of time and it was stress free...(pretty much)...

On the other hand, going with a group means you don't have to worry about anything (like whether your rental car will survive the roads, whether the soda you stopped at serves good food or not...) but sometimes these mishaps make for great memories (and laughs after the fact).

ajb123, Thanks for you input. Have you posted your itinerary anywhere? I would like to read your trip route. I have decided not to do the tour group and would like to hear any itineraries out there for Costa Rica in 7- 10 days. Thanks.

We went Jan 04- used CR Expeditions. We discovered that many of the hotels offer day trips and can arrange transportation, so you probably don't need it- although it was our first time in CR, no Spanish, and our 10th anniversary (my husband is a stressed out traveler, esp if things go wrong, so it was in our best interest to plan everything in advance and avoid glitches!!!) We loved Hotel Xandari in Alejuela, and Makanda in Manuel Antonio (no kids allowed at latter). Enjoy and good luck.

I know the country very well and it is fine to travel to places on your own, just common and sense. Here is an address to check a couple of ideas on itinerary: http://home.austin.rr.com/ticopage/plan1.htm - Good sound tour companies: Costa Rica Expeditions, Agencia de Viajes Discovery Travel, agencia de Viajes Otec and Fantasy Tours (Grayline CR).

AAguilar- if we have 5 days in January, do you think we should use one place and do day trips or try to jet down to MA for a couple of days? We loved the zip line and canopy tour from there.

What did you think of Volcano Lodge with kids - I'm having a hard time too. The Arenal springs is available too.
Doreen