Hello. I am 57 years old and my wife is 55. We will be spending a week in CR next month. We are interested in a mixture of relaxation, nature and fairly mild adventure. My wife has an "iffy" neck at times from a whiplash injury. We will baically have one full day in Monteverde (from one afternoon to the next), 3 days near Manuel Antonio,and one full day at Peace Lodge. We have arranged our trip through Gailink Tours. My questions are:
1. What would be your "must do" for the one day at Monteverde?
2. What tours or activities would you suggest for Manuel Antonio?
3. Which would be the most tame zip line or canopy tour in the areas where we will be, or are all of them likely to be too much for us?
4. I seem to recall a dolphin tour near M.A. If so, who runs it and is it worth while?
5. Which is the best coffee tour near Peace Lodge?
6. Is there construction now at Orquideas, Fonda Vela, Tulemar, or Peace Lodge? If so, which buildings or rooms should we try to avoid?
7. Do we need any vaccinations?

Thank you in advance.

gumper

We have just got back from CR and my 52 year old husband had a really bad back as a consequence of a meniscus operation a week before leaving. He couldn't handle the zip lines in MA but just walking around the park is great. There are also benches and tables everywhere. He had lots of massages everywhere we went even on MA beach!

Hi there,

I hope you have a great time on your trip!

As of Dec. 11, there was quite a bit of construction going on at the Peace Lodge. They are building a new reception area, butterfly pavilion, and one other building, plus a sort of greenhouse building. If you are standing facing the Peace Lodge, our room was to the far left in the last set of rooms. Very noisy from the bulldozers and workmen. I do think the reception area is done by now though.

We did the Doka Coffee Plantation tour from the PL. They say it's one of the best in CR. It was really informative; you learned a lot by actually watching the process. They filmed a leg of the Amazing Race here too. I don't drink coffee, but my husband and all of the people we bought it for freaked out. They thought it was the best thing ever! My hubby also loved the coffee liqueur.

Only one day/night in Monteverde?

Many would say this is too short a stay and not worth traveling down the bumpy road for. Your wives neck might not like it either.

Anybody?

This is a really short time for Monteverde and the roads are extremely bumpy. You don't say if you are driving, but if you are then just taking it slow should be ok with the wife.

For just a day then certainly hiking around the cloud forest, watching the hummingbirds, a visit to the co-op, butterfly gardens, coffee factory, etc. Many think of Monteverde and zip lines and such, but I don't do the high flying acts. So hiking around and taking in all the beautiful surroundings is an adrenaline rush for me.

Of course you can do the zip lines, while your wife has pool time, reading time, a bird tour, whatever.

Yes there is a dolphin tour, been several years since we were in MA, but is it worth it? Well, being on the water is worth it to me. So I guess it really depends on what you want. A guarantee of seeing dolphins - or the hopes of seeing dolphins while enjoying the time on the water and the incredible views of the coastline.

Oh and in MA, other than the dolphins and park - have you looked at the Rainmaker tour? Suspensions bridges through the rainforest. There are hanging bridges in Monteverde also.

The best coffee tour - I have only been to Doka so I really can't compare the Doka and Britt tours - but the Doka is really close to Peace Lodge and is a very informative, educational tour. Whereas the Britt tour is more theatrical. So for me the history, growing, harvesting, roasting, etc is more important. Plus I like Doka brand over Britt brand.

No vaccinations are required, but it is always best to consult your physcian.