FS and best place to see wildlife
Jul 3rd, 2005, 05:44 PM
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FS and best place to see wildlife
I am just starting planning a trip to Costa Rica and know that we want to stay at the FS for 5 nights at the end of our trip. Where would be the best place to stay for 3-4 nights prior to the FS? I would like to to go somewhere where there is a lot of wildlife. I was looking at the Osa Penisula but decided that it would be hard to get to and really don't want to worry about 25 lb weight limit (I love to overpack, lots of books, never know what to bring). We also are interested in a canopy tour and maybe some sort of boat trip. We can take some day trips from the FS for these activities too. What about the Peace Lodge?
Jul 4th, 2005, 08:27 PM
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Just posting again, since no response. I am trying to figure out the best place to stay to use as a base to explore the country. I know that 4 days isn't long so wanted to just pick one main area instead of hopping around too much. Also wanted an area that is not too far from the Four Seasons (meaning less than 6 hours or so, so we don't spend a whole day travelling). I will be buying a guide book tomorrow so maybe I can just figure it out on my own. I just thought someone would have a good suggestion. Maybe asking about seeing wildlife is a little too broad since I imagine CR has a lot of wildlife to offer anywhere you would go.
Jul 5th, 2005, 02:40 AM
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Since I "Hop" around the country all the time, I might throw in a word or two on this post:
Animals actually appear when they want to. Sometimes abundantly and sometimes hiding in the folage of the beautiful torpical vegetation!
I send people to Tortugero. In Tortugero, generally planned by the hotels in the jungle area, you stay in a hotel, like Pachira, for example, and they take you in boats into the small canals to see whomever will appear.
I have seen, howler monkeys, white faced monkeys, many lizzards, huge snakes, crocodiles,, caymen, bats, an abundant number of Tucans, parrots, hummingbirds, anhingas, etc.just to actually mention a few.
Rains sometimes put a damper on the animals sites, but a little sunshine even minutes after a rain will bring everyone out of hiding.
When in the mountains, occasionally you might find a Quetzal. One of the most beautiful birds inthe world. They are not easy to spot. Poas, Monteverde are likely locations. They do migrate.
Whenever looking for animals in Costa Rica, RIVERS are your best bet. They like to hang out where there is water.
Any of the river trips.... like ones from Arenal, for example, are always a good bet. Sarapiqui on a one day tour from San Jose/Alajuela like Fun Adventures is a good way to spot furry little things and lots of birds.
Inside Manuel Antonio National Park I have seen all types of Costa Rica monkeys... Titi, spider, congo and white faced. LOTS of Iguanas, many sloths, birds, lizzards, raccoon, etc.
It is a walking tour as well as great beaches once inside the park. Just hold onto your lunch! They know what is in a bag!
From Arenal, the Caño Negro river tour is awesome for birding and animals. You can book that from any hotel or from downtown La Fortuna on Tourist stip!
Congo monkeys are sometimes around hotels in Tamarindo, Tortugero, Samara, Manuel Antonio, Punta Leona.... and on the Caribbean side too. Just to mention a few places.
The National Parks are best viewed with a guide. They know the fruit each animal likes and what trees they feed from. Therefore, you spot a lot more.
Osa Peninsula is the wildest jungle that we have in Costa Rica. Unfortunately, it is generally wise to take a flight down there and unless you are staying in Puerto Jiminez, the hotels can be very expensive.
If that is not an issue, Costa Rica Expeditions has an awesome tent camp very close to the Natioal Park.
This should be at least 3 days there returning on the 4th day.
As for me, just out in the yard near the ZOO AVE in Alajuela, I have hummingbirds, tons of butterflys, lizzards and iguanas, beautiful birds and parrots.... with my morning coffee.
At Zoo Ave, they have captivated the audience and you might enjoy seeing all of the animals I have mentioned above and lots more in a tropical setting before returning home.
Hotel La Rosa de America, Martino, Orquedias, Xandari..... to mention a few are not far from Zoo Ave in La Garita. Here too are famous "typical food" restaurants for your enjoyment.
Good luck, there are plenty out there!
HOP
Animals actually appear when they want to. Sometimes abundantly and sometimes hiding in the folage of the beautiful torpical vegetation!
I send people to Tortugero. In Tortugero, generally planned by the hotels in the jungle area, you stay in a hotel, like Pachira, for example, and they take you in boats into the small canals to see whomever will appear.
I have seen, howler monkeys, white faced monkeys, many lizzards, huge snakes, crocodiles,, caymen, bats, an abundant number of Tucans, parrots, hummingbirds, anhingas, etc.just to actually mention a few.
Rains sometimes put a damper on the animals sites, but a little sunshine even minutes after a rain will bring everyone out of hiding.
When in the mountains, occasionally you might find a Quetzal. One of the most beautiful birds inthe world. They are not easy to spot. Poas, Monteverde are likely locations. They do migrate.
Whenever looking for animals in Costa Rica, RIVERS are your best bet. They like to hang out where there is water.
Any of the river trips.... like ones from Arenal, for example, are always a good bet. Sarapiqui on a one day tour from San Jose/Alajuela like Fun Adventures is a good way to spot furry little things and lots of birds.
Inside Manuel Antonio National Park I have seen all types of Costa Rica monkeys... Titi, spider, congo and white faced. LOTS of Iguanas, many sloths, birds, lizzards, raccoon, etc.
It is a walking tour as well as great beaches once inside the park. Just hold onto your lunch! They know what is in a bag!
From Arenal, the Caño Negro river tour is awesome for birding and animals. You can book that from any hotel or from downtown La Fortuna on Tourist stip!
Congo monkeys are sometimes around hotels in Tamarindo, Tortugero, Samara, Manuel Antonio, Punta Leona.... and on the Caribbean side too. Just to mention a few places.
The National Parks are best viewed with a guide. They know the fruit each animal likes and what trees they feed from. Therefore, you spot a lot more.
Osa Peninsula is the wildest jungle that we have in Costa Rica. Unfortunately, it is generally wise to take a flight down there and unless you are staying in Puerto Jiminez, the hotels can be very expensive.
If that is not an issue, Costa Rica Expeditions has an awesome tent camp very close to the Natioal Park.
This should be at least 3 days there returning on the 4th day.
As for me, just out in the yard near the ZOO AVE in Alajuela, I have hummingbirds, tons of butterflys, lizzards and iguanas, beautiful birds and parrots.... with my morning coffee.
At Zoo Ave, they have captivated the audience and you might enjoy seeing all of the animals I have mentioned above and lots more in a tropical setting before returning home.
Hotel La Rosa de America, Martino, Orquedias, Xandari..... to mention a few are not far from Zoo Ave in La Garita. Here too are famous "typical food" restaurants for your enjoyment.
Good luck, there are plenty out there!
HOP
Jul 5th, 2005, 06:22 AM
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You can do some things from Peace Lodge which would involve day trips over to the sarapiqui area. slow wildlife viewing on the sarapiqui river as well as white water rafting. Poas volcano is right there also. the grounds at Peace lodge are spectacular but if you are staying there, they are best seen early or late in the day. Otherwise it will get crowded with tourists. The rooms at Peace are quite unique also. some people love them, some people think they are a little too artificial. You can do the other things on your list while the tourists pour into the La Paz gardens.
Personally, seeing as you don't want to have to worry about luggage weight, I would head up to the arenal area. Just about everything you are interested in can be done from there as a day trip.
all of the things mentioned above in the sarapiqui area as well as an option to go up to cano negro for the day. several different types of canopy tours from walking along on the Hanging bridges as well as zipping along in other places. for a more relaxing canopy tour you can also do a tram. sky trek offers both at their facility. all this and hot springs, massages, and a live volcano!
Jul 8th, 2005, 03:03 PM
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Thanks for your responses. The more I read about the Osa Penisula, I think it would be worth the trip. Everyone says 25 lbs is more than you think. I also am thinking about the Arenal area or MA, definitely will take a river trip.
Jul 8th, 2005, 06:59 PM
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the Osa is definitely worth it. I spend about 10 days to 2wks down there every year. we are actually looking at some property to buy. Usually my husband and I go for a week at the end of our trip together to cr and then he leaves the country and I stay on the Osa for at least another week.
I only bring 25-30 lbs for my whole trip and I stay between 3-4 weeks every time. I learned the hard way not to bring more if I am flying. Had to leave stuff behind twice. It caught up eventually but was a pain.
as you have probably noticed, bosque del cabo is a favorite. we started staying there a few years ago after trying most of the other places in that area out. It is by far our favorite and is a given for at least 3-4days on every trip down. We also stay in another tiny little place that is primarily a birding lodge that is about 1/2 hr from Puerto Jimenez in the other direction.
I only bring 25-30 lbs for my whole trip and I stay between 3-4 weeks every time. I learned the hard way not to bring more if I am flying. Had to leave stuff behind twice. It caught up eventually but was a pain.
as you have probably noticed, bosque del cabo is a favorite. we started staying there a few years ago after trying most of the other places in that area out. It is by far our favorite and is a given for at least 3-4days on every trip down. We also stay in another tiny little place that is primarily a birding lodge that is about 1/2 hr from Puerto Jimenez in the other direction.
Jul 9th, 2005, 06:13 AM
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We went to Bosque del Cabo this past Feb on the recommendation of Suzie and others on this board. It is a fabulous place, I don't see how you could be disappointed.
25 lbs is really enough for your entire stay. Just remember to pack in a duffle bag and a backpack, those rolling bags tend to weigh alot even unpacked. Another thought, you are probably going to spend the night in or near SJ at the beginning of your trip, you can leave a bag at the hotel to be picked up once you return from the Osa.
If you decide against the Osa, spend first 1-2 nights at Peace Lodge, explore La Paz, Poas, etc. Next 2-3 nights Arenal, wildlife viewing, river floating, volcano, etc. Then drive on over to the coast for your final days at FS. You will certainly see alot of wildlife and beauty.
25 lbs is really enough for your entire stay. Just remember to pack in a duffle bag and a backpack, those rolling bags tend to weigh alot even unpacked. Another thought, you are probably going to spend the night in or near SJ at the beginning of your trip, you can leave a bag at the hotel to be picked up once you return from the Osa.
If you decide against the Osa, spend first 1-2 nights at Peace Lodge, explore La Paz, Poas, etc. Next 2-3 nights Arenal, wildlife viewing, river floating, volcano, etc. Then drive on over to the coast for your final days at FS. You will certainly see alot of wildlife and beauty.
Jul 9th, 2005, 08:42 AM
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From what I have read here outings from the Four Seasons- we do not want walking or horse trips-are limited to see a large amount of animal life.
If I went to Tortugera or Arenal as a base what is easiest way to get there after a stay at FS? We prefer not traveling all day on either end for 2 days of sights for we have to get back to Liberia since we are ticketed to depart from there to Atlanta. Also, in either area are there boutique hotels that are 4 star with A/C and if so how much per night in early Nov. for a 2 night stay? Also, about how much are the 1 day outings which from what I read here one should include a river trip. We generally prefer tours of 4-6 hours. With Ben's 90% DEET will be be fully protected?
If I went to Tortugera or Arenal as a base what is easiest way to get there after a stay at FS? We prefer not traveling all day on either end for 2 days of sights for we have to get back to Liberia since we are ticketed to depart from there to Atlanta. Also, in either area are there boutique hotels that are 4 star with A/C and if so how much per night in early Nov. for a 2 night stay? Also, about how much are the 1 day outings which from what I read here one should include a river trip. We generally prefer tours of 4-6 hours. With Ben's 90% DEET will be be fully protected?
Jul 10th, 2005, 08:40 AM
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Ok I have definitely decided on Osa and bosque del cabo. It looks fantastic!
Now I'm trying to decide between the four seasons and flor blanca. I am partial to FS because we spent our honeymoon there 3 years ago in Bali, but Flor Blanca looks pretty nice too. Cost isn't really much different except FB includes breakfast in their rates. Actually FS is cheaper (excluding breakfast) because they have a 5th night free package bringing the room rate down to 268/night for 5 nights on average where FB's lowest rate is 285. I still need to read more posts on FB. This leg of the trip we are looking to stay 4-5 nights and relax two days and take excursions two days.
About leaving a suitcase at a hotel in san juan. We will be staying there our first night but not when we return. It sounds like we would have to leave the airport upon arriving from puerto jimenez to pick up our extra bag(s), then back to the airport to fly to Liberia(FS) or Tambor (flor blanca). Oh - just realized we would have the weight limit on this leg of the trip too. Oh well.
Now I'm trying to decide between the four seasons and flor blanca. I am partial to FS because we spent our honeymoon there 3 years ago in Bali, but Flor Blanca looks pretty nice too. Cost isn't really much different except FB includes breakfast in their rates. Actually FS is cheaper (excluding breakfast) because they have a 5th night free package bringing the room rate down to 268/night for 5 nights on average where FB's lowest rate is 285. I still need to read more posts on FB. This leg of the trip we are looking to stay 4-5 nights and relax two days and take excursions two days.
About leaving a suitcase at a hotel in san juan. We will be staying there our first night but not when we return. It sounds like we would have to leave the airport upon arriving from puerto jimenez to pick up our extra bag(s), then back to the airport to fly to Liberia(FS) or Tambor (flor blanca). Oh - just realized we would have the weight limit on this leg of the trip too. Oh well.
Jul 10th, 2005, 01:54 PM
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Some suggestions about the Osa. We used an agency and they brought us to the airport and kept all our luggage until they picked us back up from the airport. I second the suggestion about the duffle bag. We brought one inside our suitcase and piled everyone's stuff in it. Those bags with wheels really put on extra weight.
I was very surprised about two things:
One, Costa Rica is known for having the most birds around but you really need to look for them. The animals really like to hide and the birds like to stay pretty high up in the canopy. It's a lot different than a zoo but quite exciting when you spot something. Two, I was really prepared for mosquitos but didn't find really any on my trip. I brought that 90% deet but never used it. We basically used the spray Repel with 29% deet and alot of sunscreen with insect repellant. Maybe we were just lucky but no one really had any bites at all. Have a great trip. I really miss it...I really loved watching and listening to the Tucans everyday!
I was very surprised about two things:
One, Costa Rica is known for having the most birds around but you really need to look for them. The animals really like to hide and the birds like to stay pretty high up in the canopy. It's a lot different than a zoo but quite exciting when you spot something. Two, I was really prepared for mosquitos but didn't find really any on my trip. I brought that 90% deet but never used it. We basically used the spray Repel with 29% deet and alot of sunscreen with insect repellant. Maybe we were just lucky but no one really had any bites at all. Have a great trip. I really miss it...I really loved watching and listening to the Tucans everyday!
Jul 13th, 2005, 08:07 AM
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Hi
I'm so glad you're staying at Bosque - it's awesome. This area will provide you with the most wildlife.
We've also stayed at both the FS and FB. They are both great but I would chose FB. It's beautiful and the rooms are more like personal villas. FS may be anti-climatic after leaving the Osa. It is a very nice resort but it feels like a resort (if that makes sense). The ocean at FB is (imo) far prettier. I'm leaving for CR in 3 days - yeah - (3rd trip)!
Enjoy!
Leslee
I'm so glad you're staying at Bosque - it's awesome. This area will provide you with the most wildlife.
We've also stayed at both the FS and FB. They are both great but I would chose FB. It's beautiful and the rooms are more like personal villas. FS may be anti-climatic after leaving the Osa. It is a very nice resort but it feels like a resort (if that makes sense). The ocean at FB is (imo) far prettier. I'm leaving for CR in 3 days - yeah - (3rd trip)!
Enjoy!
Leslee
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