Hi.... looking for some input. Girlfriend and I will be in CR from 11/7 thru 11/13. Was considering 3 nites in Arenal or MA then to Osa. Not sure if that would be a rush though. We would prefer jungle/beach vacation and thought Osa would be cool. A few questions..... If we arrive in San Jose early afternoon on 7th... any domestic flights leave that late? How much would it be to hire a decent driver such as Oscar to drive to say... MA. Are there any flights that leave from MA to Puerto Jiminez? Any lodging ideas? Looking into Bosque del Cabo but not sure if it's too pricey... any reasonable alternatives... maybe Iguana Lodge? Appreciate the help. Thanks...

Hi plc, You can look at the prices at Bosque del Cabo on their web site. It should be off season rates. They have two rates of cabinas and the standard ones also have ocean views. If you are looking for a place to hike this is it. You will see all types of animals right on their grounds;in fact, we saw more on their grounds than on a hike this summer in Corcovaco. We have been there twice and plan to return again next summer.You should be able to get a flight from Quepos to Puerto Jimenez. Check the two domestic airlines web sites. You will probably not see the animals at Iguana like you will at Bosque.

Generally the flights from Quepos to Puerto Jimenez only run during the high season. You can check with Sansa and Nature Air on their web sites to see what flights are available to any of your options for places. In my experience, private drivers are going to cost from around $100 and up depending on where you are going.

See your other posting under beach hotels for a little more info on what Iguana offers as well as one more option.

I have been to Bosque del Cabo several times also and planned our whole trip this year around our time there. As Karen mentioned, it is a wonderful place to see wildlife. It does come to you. Great trails that change daily just by the changes in birds and other things along them. Options for tours away from the grounds are pretty limited. You can go kayaking, horseback riding and other things but some of them will require a 45min bouncy ride back to Puerto Jimenez for a pretty good fee. Bring a flashlight if going here because Philip does a great night tour if he is around. His girlfriend and baby are up in Nicaragua and he may be up there with them at this time of year. Eduardo is a great guy and can show you lots of birds. Do take his boat tour. Jose (the bartender) is a wonderful person. We only just discovered that we have also known his daughter for several years but never put the two together. We first met him several years ago at Lapa Rios when he was working there. This is our favorite place in all of CR.

Jessie,
What nice memories you just brought back--right golondrina? Philip, Eduardo, and Jose were all a lot of fun. We thought the night hike with Phil was just phenomenal! We saw things we never dreamed were around--some good, some not!!
I hesitate to share this online, but what the heck. We were out birding with Eduardo early one morning. My husband and myself and a couple of ladies. In one of the quiet moments while we were concentrating (perhaps too hard!) on seeing a particular bird, one of the ladies accidentally omitted a bit of body sound. I thought my husband was going to have a stroke trying to contain himself. Nothing to do much with this thread, but definitely a memorable moment at BDC with Eduardo!

How are the beaches around Bosque? The grounds sound cool but the beach is a main selling point... I've heard of MA beaches but may be a bit touristy... my girl passes wind alot so this may be just the place for her... thank you

The beach at the Iguana is great. Nobody will hear your girlfriend pass wind. The wildlife is not as stunning as the Matapalo (SP?)lodges but you are close to lots of tours. We planned to stay in Carate and see the park but had so much fun at The Iguana we never made it past Matapolo. Another time soon hopefully. Certainly was very affordable .
I liked MA but I love the Osa. More of everything I wanted to see - far far less tourists. No resorts,no swim up bars, no pavement-more jungle.
The one drawback is I think the last fight in is around 1:00pm Sansa.