My wife and I were last in Costa Rica in 2004 and drove from San Jose through Arenal and stayed at Playa Nosara. What a great trip and I thank all you Fodorites for helping to plan that wonderful adventure. Now we are returning with our 18yo son to celebrate his high school graduation! We will be staying in a time-share at Condovac La Costa in Playa Hermosa (Guanacaste) in early June. We fly into San Jose (I realize flying into Liberia would have been easier but this saved a lot of money and we loved driving around the country before) and will rent a car for the week.

I would like suggestions or specific recommendations on vendors for activities in this area. We are active and open to adventure but also willing to lounge. Some of the activites we would be interested in are sport fishing, surfing, white water rafting, ATVs, canopy tours, national parks, restaurants, etc.

Thus far I have researched Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Palo Verde National Park, and a few fishing outfits.

We know how to surf but would probably be considered beginners (or at least really rusty on my part). Where should we go to rent boards and have an easy time of it. I was reading about trips to Ollie Point, but am unsure if this is too expert or even necessary.

Any suggestions on a fishing charter company in the area that won't break the bank?

My wife loves spa treatments and would love any recommendations from those that have had good experiences.

What are the best beaches in the area to get away and just relax?

Restaurants?

Any good rental car recommendations from San Jose?

I'm sure I'll have more questions. Thanks for any help you can provide in planning our trip!!

Tim

www.vamos4X4.com for me best rent a car...

Read digest a good Fodors guide lots of options there.

www.ocotalfishing.com best for me in your area not cheap

Have fun,

I was in Costa Rica a week ago and the last two days were at Playa Hermosa. The beach was beautiful and the perfect place to relax. Coco beach is very close to Playa Hermosa and has a wide variety of restaurants, shops, etc.

We stayed in Guanacaste last year, did a trip up to Buena Vista Lodge near Rincon de la Vieja. Enjoyed their hanging bridges, themal pools and mud bath. Saw people doing their canopy tour, horseback riding and a water shoot through the forest. It was a good hour drive from Liberia, so a bit longer from the beach area.
We rented our car from Tricolor in Liberia, but most people use them out of San Jose, highly recommended on this forum. We had no problems with them, no hidden charges, exactly what they gave us as a quote.

Yo,
just got back and rented car through Maphace car rental(spelling?). $300us for a week. we drove from Hermosa along the dirt ocean road around the whole Nicoya pennisula back to San Jose. It would be a 2 day drive but well worth it and very easy to stay on track.

In Costa Rica are very good and reliable car rental, excellent treatment and prices! I recommend it

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