LocalHero

Hi all,
Family members and I are heading to CR on Dec 11th to 20th. We'll go to Curu Reserve for birdwatching and we figure we'll likely only fit in one other major stop so we'll go for something in the mountains. Monteverde/Santa Elena and Turrialba are the two frontrunners at the moment.
My question is about the need or not for reservations. I was just in CR for two weeks with friends in Oct and we never had to worry about finding a place to stay. This time it'll be more into the high season and we'll be traveling with Mom. She's game at 79 but has her limits. We'll be looking for safe, clean places with hot water. We don't need the ritz but don't want a dive. How crowded is it likely to be dec 11th to 20th?

Also, any recs for where to stay around/in Curu?

In Oct friends and I went to Dominical, Sierpe/corcovado, San Gerado De Rivas, Montezuma, Santa Teresa. Any questions about those places I might be able to help with.

Thanks,
John

surfexec

Are you talking about the Curu reserve near the ferry in Paquera? If so, I don't remember any places in Paquera but it's very close to Tambor where there are a few
decent places to stay. Tambor Tropical is very nice. There is also the big Barcelo hotel. Maybe someone else remembers a few more...Lucky you, you'll be in Costa Rica in less than a month!!!

LocalHero

Yes surfexec,
Curu reserve near Paquera. I'm not sure we're going as far as Tambor. In Oct the roads were so rough it took a long time to get anywhere on Nicoya. I'll look into those places though.
yes, lucky me!

Thanks,
John

flycatcher06

Tambor is only about a 30 minute drive from Curu. I know it is not popular on these boards but i found the birdwatching and nature at the Barcelo in Tambor to be great. There i a nature reserve on the property where we really saw alot. I adored Curu those monkeys will have you howling watch out for your belongings some of them are thieves!

raderbarbarian

There IS a reason why the Barcelo Tambor is not very popular on these boards. It is world famous for being the first resort in Costa Rica to break every known environmental protection law in the book, including destroying rainforest, diverting rivers, re-designing the coastline, and then paying a hefty fine but continuing their land-rape.

There are plenty of other places in the Tambor region. Please avoid the Barcelo chain. They are a Spanish conglomerate who provides a few low-paying jobs to locals but primarily just takes FROM Costa Rica and returns very little.

surfexec

WOW! Sorry I mentioned Barcelo. I had no idea this was the case. I've never stayed there I just have driven past it on my way to and from Mal Pais many times. I do not like big resorts as a personal preference. I am definitely not in favor or interested in promoting anything that is harmful to the people or environment of Costa Rica. Sorry! There are several smaller places to stay in Tambor and it's close to Curu as flycatcher said. Maybe check www.tripadvisor.com for more choices.

LocalHero

Barcelo doesnt' look to be our style anyway. I'm looking for cheaper, more laid back, simpler. Tambor area is fine though.
We'd rather stay with the local tico run establishments too.
Anyone know anything about Playa Pochote on the other side of Bahia Ballena?