First time in Costa Rica
 

We are in the beginning stages of planning a Costa Rica vacation for next winter. We are a couple in our 50's, in pretty good physical shape. We would have 5 or 6 nights. I'd love to spend some time in the rainforest (Monteverde?) and then some time on the coast as well, but without changing hotels too often (ideally limit it to two different hotels). What would you suggest as a good way to get an initial taste of Costa Rica without bouncing around too much. thanks

I agree--Arenal and Manuel Antonio. However, IF you go to Monteverde, you've got to to go zip lining. We did, and it was fantastic. We went back and forth over this HUGE valley, with glimpses of the ocean in the distance. It was breathtaking. The hiking between the zip lining posts was very strenuous (in my 50s, and not in good shape), but worth all of the panting. Monkeys in the trees above!

Monteverde is more cloud forest than rain forest; it was very cool when we were there. We even wore sweatshirts at night and had the fireplace going at the hotel. Lots of nice hiking and some good wildlife, especially if you want to see quetzals. We also like Arenal and Manuel Antonio. I agree with picking two destinations, whichever two are most appealing to you since your time is limited. We did the Arenal/MA combo for our first trip, and it was a nice overview. You can hire a private driver through your hotels to transport you between spots if you don't want to drive. There's also a Jeep Boat Jeep service that runs between the Arenal area and Monteverde that's pretty cheap - Desafio is a good company to go with. I think we paid about $30 each.

Thanks everyone for great advice. Are there hotels you would recommend for a "base camp?" we would probably want something in the mid-range to nice category (no more than $200/night).

and if we wanted to spend some time at the beach, what would be close to M.A. that you would recommend?

We love Tulemar Bungalows in Manuel Antonio. I wouldn't recommend using a hotel as a base camp for day trips. It works better to just get a hotel in each spot rather than waste time traveling back and forth.

Hi there! I live in Costa Rica and I agree with some opinions, you can enjoy a lot La fortuna's environment. There are a lot of good options of lodging. You could find for a nice fare some nice cabins, where you can find natural thermal water and a forest to explore. Also there is the Arenal volcano, which is one of the most liked by the tourists. But i think that you could find a better "beach place" than Manuel Antonio. What are you looking for exactly? a tourist beach? a more conserved, relax one? are you looking for party on the beach?

If I can help you with any information just let me know.

Pd. Sorry for any grammar mistakes, still trying to improve

Silencio del Campo in La Fortuna is pretty popular if you decide to go there. We love the Springs Resort and Spa but can only afford to stay there on a Groupon deal. Have also stayed at Nayara and the Lost Iguana.

I am also planning a first time trip! Folks have said Arenal, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio, but I'm wondering if that's the best plan. What about best place to snorkel? Isla Tortuga? Samara? Which beach area is less touristy? Where might we interact with more locals? Thanks!

I can't compare, because I've only been to Samara, but it was just a couple weeks ago...supposedly the height of the tourist season, and it is laid back, low key, and absolutely gorgeous. I can't comment on the snorkeling experience first-hand, although a couple we talked with on the beach said it was really not at all what they had hoped. But I can tell you that the water was warm and clear, with smooth sand bottom, and the waves enough to teach youngsters surfing, but not so strong as to keep old folks from getting out beyond the break and bobbing happily around or swimming. Really, it is one of the best beaches we've visited in the world. Nice places to stay, nice places on the beach to hang out for lunch, dinner or a drink, and if your hotel doesn't offer beach lounges under the palms/sea grape trees, you can rent from one of the casual restaurant "sport-clubs" (they also rent sea kayaks, surf boards, etc.)

Manuel Antonio has lots of nice open air restaurants with great sunset views. I liked that we could walk to them from our hotel. Tons of wildlife in the area as well, especially monkeys - we saw sloths, monkeys, and an aracari right on our hotel grounds. The beach inside the national park is beautiful.

Thank you, uhoh_busted & volcanogirl! :) Will people share opinions on renting a car, too, please? If we fly into San Jose, is it ok to drive to Samara or Manuel Antonio in your opinion?

The road to Manuel Antonio is in much better shape than it was a few years ago. The first time we went it had huge potholes, but it has recently been redone and is in good shape.