Costa Rica in January
 

Hi. Hope you may help us plan a trip to Costa Rica this January. Although we have heard so many great things about Costa Rica, we are unfamiliar with the country. My wife and I, late 50's/early 60's love scenery, modest hiking, wildlife, great food, and a nice resort to lie by a pool with a beautiful view after a day of exploring. I realize there are two major airports, i.e., Liberia and San Jose. We plan on staying anywhere between 5-7 nights. Although we do plan on renting a car ,our goal is not not travel around the whole country since we do want time to just sit and relax and enjoy the scenery (although wish we did have the time to explore the whole country!). We would really appreciate if you could advise us where we should fly in and out of as well as where to stay. Also want to see sloths, monkeys, and enjoy some fresh fruit as well if possible. Again, if you could advise for the following:
1. Where to fly in and out from?
2. What part of the country to stay?
3. Recommended resorts.
4. Must do's/see's.
5. Anything else you would recommend.
6. What should we expect for weather in January?

We would greatly appreciate it. Thanks, W

The most popular combo for first timers is the Arenal area and Manuel Antonio. That's what we did for our first trip, and it was fantastic. You can fly into and out of SJO. For us, that's usually cheaper as well. The Arenal area has a beautiful waterfall hike you can do, Hanging Bridges, a volcano (not currently flowing), and lots of adventure activities. It also has the Cano Negro tour to see wildlife, the Penas Blancas safari float, and the Proyecto Asis animal rescue center. At night you can visit the gorgeous natural hot springs like Tabacon or Eco Termales. We've stayed at Nayara, The Arenal Observatory Lodge, the Lost Iguana, and The Springs Resort and Spa (on a Groupon, otherwise pricey) and have enjoyed all of those.

Manuel Antonio has a beautiful beach inside the national park, tons of wildlife like monkeys and sloths, a nice Damas mangrove tour, and the Villa Vanilla Spice tour. Tulemar Bungalows is a great place to stay, and they have their own beach.

I agree with volcanogirl. La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio are great spots for your first time and she has great suggestions for places to stay. Another nice spot in Manuel Antonio to stay is the Parador resort.

The weather at that time of year will be perfect! It's the start of dry season and so you won't have any rain. That also means that tourism is more popular at that time so I'd suggest booking stuff as soon as possible.

If you need, I have a car rental discount of 10% on my Costa Rica blog with the company Adobe. They are the only company I fully trust here. A lot of the companies seem really cheap but they don't quote you the mandatory rental car insurance and then you get hit with high charges when you go to pick up your car. https://www.costaricavibes.com/resou...in-costa-rica/

Let me know if you need more tips! Im happy to help. :)

Sounds fantastic!! If you don't mind, just a couple of more questions. Since we will now be considering flying into and out of SJO, are you suggesting that we may stay at one resort or are you suggesting that we should be staying at two resorts one in or near each of the locations you recommended? Also, how many nights should we plan? Should I be concerned with staying near the hotel for the departure flight?
Special thanks, W.

Yes, two different locations. You would fly into SJO and drive about three hours to reach the Arenal/La Fortuna area. Stay there three or four nights; we usually stay four. Then drive about five hours from there to get to Manuel Antonio. Stay about three nights. It's a three hour drive from MA back to SJO, so you can either get up super early if you have a late flight and do the drive back or if you have an early flight, stay near the airport the night before. I think those two locations would fit just about everything you're looking for.

Thanks again. What do you think about this...
Fly into SJO. Flight arrives 1:07pm. Drive to Arenal/La Fortuna
Stay at the Springs Resort and Spa for 3 nights
Drive to Manual Antonio
Stay 3 nights at the Arenus Del Mar Beach and Nature (Hotel Parador did not have the nights we needed)
Stay one night near the airport (any recommendations?) since the return flight is 7:55am.
The hotel in Arenal/La Fortuna looks great.
Is this the order you would do things or should we consider Manual Antonio First and then Arenal/La Fortuna. I only ask because based on the pictures of the two locations Arenal/La Fortuna looks so nice!!!

I personally like to do the beach second just because I view that as the "relaxing" portion of the vacation. We've stayed at a few places that we like Xandari and Grano de Oro are both very nice. Have also stayed at the Marriott on points, and it was great as well. If you want something more basic, there are some American chains like Holiday Inn, Hampton, etc. by the airport. Have not stayed at those.

Thank you so much for all of your help. This is just what we needed for info for our first trip. Thanks again! W

Happy to help; we've been there several times and just love it. Hope you have a great trip!

Hi again volcanogirl. I am really sorry to bother you again but really need your help. You have been great with your advice and we are trying to finalize our trip. We love your idea of going to the Arenal/LaFortuna and then Manual Antonio. We have decided to go for 7 nights. We actually can get better pricing if we fly to Liberia. With that said, does that make any sense to fly there, stay in Arenal/LaFortuna and then drive to Manual Antonio. Then of course I must ask, does it make any sense to drive back to Liberia for our flight home or do you think we should fly out of SJO? Or do you think we should fly in/out of SJO? Also, regarding hotels, prices are high and availability is slim. You mentioned several places you stayed in Arenal/LaFortuna, i.e., Nayara, The Arenal Observatory, Lost Iguana, and Springs Resort. Which ones do you think we would like best? It appears that Nayara is sold out. Springs looks really nice but very expensive. Looking for a place that has great atmosphere, nice location, views, nice pool etc. Also, if you wouldn't mind, do you also have preferences in Manual Antonio? I know I am asking for alot.
Just trying to book our flights and hotels and want to make sure we do it right. Thank you so much, W

Most people who fly into Liberia just go to the Guanacaste beaches, not to Manuel Antonio. If you go to MA, you're going to want to fly out of SJO. I liked all those places in the Arenal area, check out Tripadvisor and see which appeals to you most. In, Manuel Antonio, we love Tulemar Bungalows.

Thanks Volcanogirl. I hear you regarding flying out of SJO after MA. But does it make any sense to fly into Liberia and drive to the Arenal area first. From there, per your advice, we would drive 5 hours to MA and then fly home from SJO. Or do you still think we are better off flying into and out of SJO?
Thanks, W.

Sorry, W, I've never flown in and out of Liberia so maybe someone else can chime in on that. Regarding the hotels in the Arenal area, the Arenal Observatory Lodge is more basic than the others. It's got the most in the way of wildlife and hiking trails though because it's set far from town. The Lost Iguana is more upscale rustic, also set away from town, small pool area but mostly shaded. The Springs Resort and Spa is amazing; they have several restaurants on site and wonderful hot springs, also their Club Rio area on the pretty river that runs through the property where you can go tubing and kayaking. Since you used the term nice resort, this would probably be your best bet if it's in your budget. Like I mentioned, we went on a Groupon so we got a really good deal. Sorry Nayara is sold out; it's very nice as well. We had our own jacuzzi tub and outdoor shower there. Not much in the way of grounds though, very small. There's also a Nayara Springs, not sure if you've checked that one. You might also check Tabacon - have not stayed there, but we've used their springs, and they're really beautiful. If you can go more basic, Silencio del Campo is another popular spot. Friends of ours have stayed there and enjoyed it.

Thanks once again! Is it true that it is a much shorter distance to drive to the Arenal/LaFortuna area from Liberia airport as opposed to the SJO airport? A friend told me it was only about 40 miles away. However, the car rental may be more expensive since I will be picking it up from Liberia and dropping off at SJO! FYI, I checked Groupon, unfortunately nothing for the Springs. Thanks, W

Interesting change of thought. I just called the Springs Resort to book a room and they tell me that it is a shorter drive from SJO than Liberia airport. Now I am all confused. I guess I will trust them since they are there. And in fact, in goes back to your original thought of flying in and out of SJO. W

With your plan for MA and Arenal, fly in/out of San Jose.

You can't really go by mileage, what you want to ask is how many hours drive. Things can be very close on the map and take forever to get there due to routes, bad roads, etc. The drive from SJO is relatively smooth. If you have any propensity to get car sick, you might take Dramamine. I never get sick in the States, but those twisting, turning ups and downs in CR make me queasy. Sorry no deals at the Springs - we felt very lucky to get that!

Well, it's done. We are flying in and out of SJO and staying at the Springs and Arenas del Mar. Can't thank you all enough. Had to change to February but that's ok. One thing I didn't think of was does it matter what kind of car I should rent? Does it have to be a 4x4 or can it be a sedan. No plans to do off roading or adventuring off of the main roads. Hopefully that's the last question I bother you all with.

Thanks, W

Sedan is fine for those two areas - can't wait to hear how it goes!

Your the best volcanogirl!! I'll make sure I let you know. Thanks!!!

No need for a 4X4 with your itinerary.

Thanks, Warren - I hope you love it!

Thank you.
Well I guess there is always one more question. This is about renting a car.
We arrive at SJO airport in the afternoon. I know we have to go through customs and then pick up our rental car.
Should I be concerned driving from SJO to La Fortuna considering we probably won't be leaving until almost 4pm? We are already booked for the hotel so I don't have any choice at this point other than to drive there. I prefer to rent a car as opposed to be picked up since as you may see we have other destinations that we must drive to.
What time does it get dark there?
Are the roads well lit?
Also, is it mandatory to purchase insurance even though we have car insurance in the US?
I was surprised at how low the car rentals are but now I am learning that I may have to purchase insurance which is very high. Is that true?

Thanks, Warren.

No the roads are not well lit at all; some of them are pitch black with very little signage. It usually gets dark around 5:30-6:00ish when we've been there. You don't want to drive between cities after dark.

Thanks! It's interesting because I just called the Springs resort and they assured me the driving at night will not be an issue. They say the roads are well lit and in good condition. They say the only issue is the lack of signage so they recommend a GPS but I assume I could use my phone. I'm assuming I may trust them. What is also interesting is that I learn something everyday. By the time I am done with all of this I may be as good as Volcanogirl with her help. Actually, I doubt I will ever be that good. My insurance agent mentioned that I should make sure I have money when we leave because there is a departure tax! Any other surprises? Should I be taking some Costa Rican money with me? Thanks once again. W

Also, are there places on the way from SJO to The Springs resort that we may stop and buy some snacks, wine, and beer?
I realize by now we could have written our own book! W

Well the roads are not well lit, so I'm not sure why they would say that. Also The Springs is not on the main road, so once you get to La Fortuna you'll have to take a side road for quite a ways. GPS is a good idea. Yes, there is a departure tax. You'll see the desk when you come into the airport. You have to stand in line to pay, and they'll give you a little stub that you have to have when you check in with your airline so pay the departure tax first. It's around $30 per person. You can pay it with a credit card, but they count it as a cash advance so better to have cash. U.S. dollars are widely accepted; we never exchange our money, but you'll get chance back in colones.

If I were you, I'd just wait and buy everything when you get to La Fortuna. There's a grocery store there - I think the name is Super Christian, but may have changed. We were surprised how many American brands we saw in CR - cereal, yogurt, soft drinks, juices, etc. Saw Yoplait, Coke, Minute Maid among others. If you're in a restaurant and don't know what to order, a casado is the go to meal in CR; it consists of a meat like chicken or fish paired with rice, beans, plantains, salad, etc. Most of the food is good and very simple. Beef can be tougher and chewier than what Americans are used to. The go to beer is Imperial. And we also really like batidos - yummy fruit milkshakes made with mango and other tropical flavors. Try one if you get a chance.

I think you have covered it quite well Volcanogirl. I will let you know how things turn out. Thanks so much. Talk soon. W

Great, have an excellent trip!

Hi everybody. Well, we did it and thanks to all (especially Volcano Girl!!). Ok, let's start by saying it was wonderful and YES we would go back next year. But there were some specific issues I want to warn any future visitor about.
The flights were great, everything either on time or arrived early. We flew from Boston to Atlanta to San Jose and then vice-versa on the way back. We stayed a total of 7 nights, 3 at the Springs and Spa Resort in Arenal/La Fortuna, 3 at the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort in Manuel Antonio, and 1 at the Hampton Inn and Suites near the San Jose airport. All the resorts were wonderful. The most impressive thing we took away from this trip besides the beautiful scenery was how friendly the people were and how very proud they are of their country.
So, in summary, when we arrived at the airport in San Jose there were very long lines for both Immigrations and then Customs. Although they were very long they didn't take as long as they looked but still long enough. Then to the car rental. Even though the specific car rental company Alamo (other say the same thing) say they are located at the terminal that is not true. They have a counter at the terminal but no matter which car rental you choose you must shuttle to the actual location. At the car rental location even though we had made a reservation for a SUV with automatic there apparently weren't any and we were told to wait and one may be coming soon. While waiting they tried to talk us into a regular sedan based on where we were going but not in a bad way. We were firm with wanting the SUV. Well then they decided to offer us an SUV that was there and automatic. Oh, make sure you get a GPS. An SUV and a GPS is a must. You will not get cell reception in most if not all areas. By the time we left it was getting late. This next part was the ride from hell. Don't ever attempt to drive somewhere that you are unfamiliar with (even if you are familiar with) in Costa Rica at night. Everything that we were told and feared was true, in that the roads are very narrow, not well lit (if lit at all), very windy uphill and downhill, and you drive through cloud forests where you can only see about 10 feet in front of you. Picture going up the steepest narrowest windiest room without good visibility. Now, most of the driving was not like that but there were several times that we did. It took us 3.5 hours to get to the Springs resort in La Fortuna. We kissed the ground when we arrived. We had a fantastic tour/hike on the hanging bridges. Absolutely recommend a tour guide. Ours was Jihada. She was fantastic. They know the area and bring a scope with them where you may use your iPhone and get fantastic closeups. Other than the first night we went out to dinner in the town of La Fortuna. We went to highly recommended Don Rufino and Nene's. Both were outstanding! The resort was amazing. Had so much to offer. We watched the Patriots beat the Jaguars at the beach pool one afternoon and hit their private hot springs during the early evening. Those were amazing. They have several all with different temperatures. Then we were off for a 6.5 hour drive to Manual Antonio. At least this time we were driving during the daylight although there were a few scary turns (well ok maybe more than just a few). The Arenas Del Mar Beachfront was also amazing. Although the view of the volcano at the Springs was great this view was more so. They were able to hook us up with a tour guide for Manual Antonio National Park even though they were all sold out. The park is amazing. We saw plenty of wildlife, exotic birds, monkeys, sloths, and more. I have 365 pictures. Oh, forgot to mention the bridge over all the wild alligators. That was something to see. One day on our balcony a monkey climbed up the side of it. We saw plenty of monkeys in and about the trees at this resort. We saw a monkey run into kitchen at a restaurant and steal a banana. It was the coolest thing! We also went off the resort at night for dinner at Cafe Milagro, Ronny's Place, and El Aredo. All three were likewise fantastic. Had great Margaritas. One thing about this resort, you would not believe the road you take to get to it. It is short but not in good shape. On the last night we stayed at the Hampton Inn & Suites and although they are not a resort like the other two, they were extremely helpful by calling the car rental company and had them pick up my car rental so that the next morning all we had to do was take their free shuttle to the airport.
So, I realize I gave a long summary but please believe me it was very brief to what I could have written. As I mentioned in the very beginning the things we will take away from this trip more than anything are how friendly the people are, how beautiful their country is and how delicious their food including fruits and vegetables are. And yes of course a few driving experiences.
Again, thank you all and Volcano Girl, you were right about everything!
Warren.

That's awesome, Warren. See I told you they were lying about the roads! I'm so glad you had such a great time. We're headed back again for another trip soon. Can't wait! Glad you had so many great sightings. I forgot to tell you about the bridge over the Rio Tarcoles - happy you got to see it!

Thanks for the report. Always trust Volcanogirl when it comes to Arenal information! If it makes you feel any better, that route is foggy and stressful during the day too.