costa rica trip after semester abroad
May 29th, 2009, 03:07 AM
#21
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Cheryl,
We booked Tortuguero through Riverboat Francesca Tours with Modesto Watson and I highly recommend him. www.tortuguerocanals.com I think you are usually better off booking with a tour company because of the transportation issue - check out Volcanogirl's recent Tortuguero thread where you can learn about different companies and what they offer.
You have the option of flying in and out (which I would never do since you miss the canals!) or boat one way/fly one way or boat both ways.
Some tour companies will arrange your transportation directly to your next destination, while with others you return to San Jose area.
We loved Tortuguero, but hit it in dry season. I think July is much rainier, but the big draw then is turtle season along with the great wildlife.
We booked Tortuguero through Riverboat Francesca Tours with Modesto Watson and I highly recommend him. www.tortuguerocanals.com I think you are usually better off booking with a tour company because of the transportation issue - check out Volcanogirl's recent Tortuguero thread where you can learn about different companies and what they offer.
You have the option of flying in and out (which I would never do since you miss the canals!) or boat one way/fly one way or boat both ways.
Some tour companies will arrange your transportation directly to your next destination, while with others you return to San Jose area.
We loved Tortuguero, but hit it in dry season. I think July is much rainier, but the big draw then is turtle season along with the great wildlife.
Jul 9th, 2009, 02:12 PM
#22
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Ok intrepid travelers, our departure is fast approaching.
i feel comfortable and confident booking tortuguero independently with either the watsons or daryl loth. we would stay in the village. watsons are offering princesa, loth the casa marbella. has anyone toured with either or both guys? any opinions? we love the opportunity to experience a more intimate, private tour than the bigger lodge groups offer.
also, our flight arrives in san jose at 1:00 pm. i think i might rent a car to go to arenal until the 17th when we need to be back in san jose for our public bus trip to tortuguero. or should i skip the rental? should we head out immediately for arenal or stay over in san jose? is there a place just out of the city that would be worthwhile?
just trying to connect the dots at this point! thanks!
i feel comfortable and confident booking tortuguero independently with either the watsons or daryl loth. we would stay in the village. watsons are offering princesa, loth the casa marbella. has anyone toured with either or both guys? any opinions? we love the opportunity to experience a more intimate, private tour than the bigger lodge groups offer.
also, our flight arrives in san jose at 1:00 pm. i think i might rent a car to go to arenal until the 17th when we need to be back in san jose for our public bus trip to tortuguero. or should i skip the rental? should we head out immediately for arenal or stay over in san jose? is there a place just out of the city that would be worthwhile?
just trying to connect the dots at this point! thanks!
Jul 11th, 2009, 08:58 AM
#23
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It has been suggested by many of you that we stay put at AOL for our entire three night stay in Arenal. Do you think we will miss being on the other side or nearer to the town? I will have a car. Is it REALLY too horrible to drive down to town for a meal?
Jul 22nd, 2009, 06:23 PM
#24
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I would stay at AOL for 3 nights...good hiking , pool, Sky Trek nearby, great views of the lake from the observation deck, hummingbirds in the gardens.
The attraction in Arenal, for me, is the volcano and the lava flow at night is so awesome. We did not go to the hot springs, just used the hot tub at the hotel.
Yes the road, 9 or 10 km ( 6 miles) is terrible. Had my Mom with me for 2 nights in June and she had no interest in leaving the lodge no matter how how quaint La Fortuna is or how good the other restaurants might be.
I guess the road issue depends on how much you and your travelling partners are up for 4 wheelin.
Enjoy
The attraction in Arenal, for me, is the volcano and the lava flow at night is so awesome. We did not go to the hot springs, just used the hot tub at the hotel.
Yes the road, 9 or 10 km ( 6 miles) is terrible. Had my Mom with me for 2 nights in June and she had no interest in leaving the lodge no matter how how quaint La Fortuna is or how good the other restaurants might be.
I guess the road issue depends on how much you and your travelling partners are up for 4 wheelin.
Enjoy
Jul 22nd, 2009, 06:36 PM
#25
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It's a long, bumpy road. I don't think I'd want to do it too often. Plus the best thing about AOL is watching the volcano, and evening is the best time to catch the show. Hopefully you'll have a nice clear view. It was really cloudy on our most recent trip, but Arenal did make an appearance - gorgeous!
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