Need help in planning a 2 week itinerary to Costa Rica. It's our first time there and we are looking for the less adventuress experience. Spas; hummingbird reserve; rainforest; etc. Where are those hidden gems; moderately priced; that are very special. We usually travel by ourselves but would consider a well-recommended tour agency for travel to certain places. Can you help us with suggestions for an outstanding trip.

Many thanks.

Joycers

What time of year?

Most people do a combination of Arenal (volcano) and Manuel Antonio (beach) for their first trip. The Peace Lodge is also very nice for a night or two, and very posh/indulgent - it has a hummingbird garden where you can hand feed the hummingbirds and also 5 gorgeous waterfalls on the property. The rooms are over the top with jacuzzi tubs and waterfall showers. The Osa is also very nice - BdC is very popular but may be a little too adventurous for you given your description of what you're looking for. It would help if you could give a more specific budget - CR has a wide range of hotel prices.

joycers,
I responded on your other post, but wanted to mention to you to Tabacon Resort at Arenal has a fabulous spa. A bit expensive, but man, is it ever good. Worth the splurge for sure.

As Volcanogirl mentioned, La Paz would delight you with it's herpetarium, ranarium (good Lord, I'm probably not saying that right--FROGS), aviario (birds), 5 waterfalls, trout pond trail, hummingbird gallery, butterfly observatory. $29 per person to get in (without a meal), but it's a GREAT way to spend a relaxing and enjoyable day---or part of one.

I have another suggestion for you as well. We have a friend, Humberto Brenes, who owns a B&B about 5 minutes from the airport. It's where we always stay first and last night and in between locations. $50 per night. Great breakfast. I mention this because I know that, if you were to e-mail him, he would help you plan your vacation and advise you on best value hotels, how to get around, which tours to take, etc. He and his wife, Carmen, are a young Tico couple and they are very kind and gracious. Tell him Jill said he would help you! As an "insider" (and not someone after your $$), he could provide some valuable information.

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joycers, one more thing and I'll leave you alone. . .

You mentioned that you hate touristy places. Well, Arenal and Manuel Antonio and Monteverde are all that. But for VERY good reason. They are really highlights! And the touristy-ness isn't like what you've probably encountered in other places. It's a little less overwhelming in CR.

That said, if you TRULY do NOT want to go to the places I've mentioned (because they are the most popular), Humberto will be able to help you with a more off the beaten path itinerary as well (and he might could reserve some hotel rooms for you, getting you a discount).

For example, a couple of years ago, we were looking for a low key, private place to stay, and he arranged for us to spend 2 nights in a little cabin on a private property near the little town of Fraijanes. It was about 45 minutes from his hotel, easy to drive to, and we had the best time just relaxing and exploring the area. Of course, we'd already seen the other "highlights", like Arenal and Manuel Antonio, so we were looking for something a little different. I just want you to know that Humberto is someone who might be able to help you find the kind of places you are interested in. There are a LOT of hidden gems--many that I don't know of--but a local might. Again, good luck!

You could definitely check out the Caribbean side for something more low key, less touristy and not adrenaline packed adventure, but a wonderful Costa Rica experience. We had a great time in and around Puerto Viejo (going back next March) and there are a lot of moderate accomodations there. We stayed at Banana Azul and highly recommend it. Great owners and lovely lodge and surroundings, just about 100 meters from the beach. We hired a guide (shillmac's recommendation) to hike us 4 hours through some primary and secondary forest which was a great experience. We also visited the sloth rescue center near Cahuita. The rest of the time we pretty much wandered around and played in the ocean. It's primarily a laidback town with good eats and people and an area much different than other parts of CR your considering. We took Interbus from our hotel in San Jose to Puerto Viejo for about $35, then from Puerto Viejo to Arenal. They offer hotel to hotel service.

Hi, joycers - I'd recommend traveling during the green season to help keep your costs down if you're looking for moderate prices. That's what we always do - you can save a lot.