I have been reading many of your posts, which have been very informative! My husband and I are off to our first trip to Costa Rica August 11-18. We're in our thirties, are looking for a unique, active experience. The following itinerary is what we have so far:
-Arrive in San Jose- stay 2 nights in Peace Lodge - Explore Poas and Falls. Is doing this feasible without a car?
-Fly to Puerto Jimenez- Stay 4 nights in Bosque del Cabo (Maybe 2 nights in a garden cabana then 2 nights in standard--in efforts to save some money!)
-1 night someplace in Puerto Jimenez (Pearl of Osa, Parrot Bay Village)
-Take early am flight back to SanJose to catch 2pm flight back to states. (Is this too risky??)

Of course this is going a much 'higher end' route than we initally planned. Is it worth it? I would certainly appreciate anyones input and suggestions? Thanks in advance!

Definitely BdC is worth it! It acually ended up costing me less (as a single traveler) per day than any other place I stayed. I'd just keep in mind the Garden cabinas are really open, there really is only a back wall where the bathroom is, plus you're inland so it might get a little hot. I posted a pic of one in my trip report about a month ago. The Pearl has got good reviews too and I think the prices are pretty readonable. Peace Lodge gets rave reviews too, but it is expensive to me. Can't really advise about getting around without a car but I'm sure someone here can.

The Pearl is comfortable enough for me but it is pretty bare bones. I do like the beach there and everyone is very friendly.

Bosque.....worth every penny.

we stayed in casa teca once and weren't terribly comfortable there. Primarily because we felt so isolated from the main area. they have built a suspension bridge connecting the garden area to the main grounds by the dining/bar/pool area since then. They also put in lights along some of the trail but be sure to have a couple of flashlights. It can be hotter in the garden area but at the time you are going, temps are a little cooler. they have done a lot of work in the garden area over the last few years and it is very pretty. Glad you will have at least a couple of nights in a room with one of those wonderful garden showers. Not to be missed there!

The falls you can do from the Lodge while at Peace Lodge. Just walk out your door and you are there. Poas will take some wheels to get to. they offer tours to Poas from the Lodge.

La Paz and the Poas Volcano are about 30 minutes apart driving time. I know you won't have a car - but if you are looking for a cheaper alternative we just stayed at the Poas Volcano Lodge, which is a very pretty B&B about half way between the two - very comfortable and the best breakfast we had in CR. You would need a ride to both the Volcano and La Paz but could easily get a driver and make a day of it - Poas early in the AM so you have a better chance of it being clear and then La Paz for lunch and the garden/falls.

Oh by the way, we found being in the mountains to be much cooler than we anticipated - it is 5,000 feet - so we shouldn't have been surprised.

Just a thought for you.

Yours Aye

All the places you mention are fabulous. After visiting each, if I were going to cut some dollars somewhere it would be Peace Lodge.

I did enjoy PL very much, the rooms were quite impressive. However I would opt to stay somewhere else for these nights and go for at least the standard at Bosque.

If you are open to this idea, look at Poas Volcano Lodge, which has gotten some very good reviews. You can still go to La Paz, but not have the expense of PL.

The views from the Bosque standard and deluxe cabins is fabulous. And I would be a bit concerned about the heat in the garden cabins, this time of year.

After 4 trips to CR, Bosque del Cabo is a place I cannot wait to get back to!!

As for Pearl, we stayed at the Iquana Lodge (same owner, same grounds), ate a few meals over at Pearl. Try to get a corner, water front room.

And no I personally wouldn't chance flying from the Osa on the same day of departure, but that is me. You might consider flying back the day before, staying somewhere like Orchideas Inn for an inexpensive night.

Thanks for the great advice! It looks like our plans are coming together and we're getting really excited. We have decided to rent a car for the two days that we'll be in the Poas area. Can anyone recommend a good canopy tour somewhat near Peace Lodge? Thanks Again!

Hi
Just reiterating: Bosque del Cabo is fabulous! We stayed in the Congo Cabin (deluxe) and loved it - along with our entire stay. All meals are included which is nice. I think you'll be okay with an early flight (you'll find that you rise around 5:00 a.m. in CR) and things get started early!
Enjoy,
Leslee