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Help with excursions from San José
I have an opportunity to attend a conference at the Ramada Herradura in San José in July. I would pay for the airfare, hotel and excursions, so I'm trying to figure out what I can afford before signing up. There are two opportunities for excursions during the conference. I know I'd like to go on the Poás/La Paz Waterfall Gardens side trip (rather than a coffee finca or a tour of San José). The other opportunity is to go to Volcán Arenal and Baldi Hot Springs on a day trip (9AM-11PM), Volcán Arenal overnight (not sure which hotel) or a day trip to Carara National Park and a resort on Jaco Beach. Since I already am seeing Poás, should I go to Carara instead? If Arenal is the better bet, is it worth the extra $125 to stay there overnight? What would you do? Thanks in advance!
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Hi clendri,
The Poas/La Paz option is an excellent choice. I take it this is your first visit to Costa Rica?? I have not been to Carara or Jaco but I know that Carara is a good place to see some wildlife. It's a good area for folks interested in birding and one of only a few places in CR where you'd have a good shot at seeing wild Scarlet Macaws. The Rio Tarcoles flows through the park and is home to huge crocodiles. You'd also have a good chance of seeing monkeys and sloths here. If you're into wildlife viewing, this sounds like a great excursion. Jaco is a popular surfing town. It generally tends to get mixed reviews from travelers. Some have referred to it as a rather 'seedy' place, but others have been pleasantly surprised. Hopefully someone that's actually been there will weigh in for you. If you've perused any posts here at all, you'll know that Arenal is an extremely popular destination in Costa Rica (and with good reason!). The volcano is an impressive sight and really dominates the entire area. It's also a very active volcano that puts on frequent pyroclastic displays. The lava flows are really only visible at night, so choosing the overnight option would be best if you want a shot at viewing the lava. Unfortunately, due the climate patterns in that region, the volcano is frequently shrouded in clouds so there's no guarantee that you'll get a good view of it. We spent three nights there and never got to see the lava flow. We did get one clear afternoon to view the cone during the day and it was awesome! We really loved the entire Arenal area. A day trip is sort of a tough option because there is a <i>lot</i> to see and do in the area and you'll have very little time. Visiting Volcan Arenal is definitely a difference experience than visiting Volcan Poas and both are worthwhile. So it sort of depends on what you are most interested in. It sounds like all of your options have merit! Hopefully shillmac will respond to your post, because I'm pretty sure she's been to Carara. I think she's visited Baldi in Arenal as well (we went to Tabacon Hot Springs when we were there...). She can give you better firsthand advice. |
I think it depends on what you prefer to do with your downtime. Arenal is a beautiful, unique area, but Carrara Park and the Beach sound good as I look at the snow melting outside!
OTH I love Arenal, this area is all about outdoor adventures to me. If you choose Arenal go overnight, this will really increase your chance of seeing the volcano- a once in a lifetime experience. Check what the hotel and hotspring would be. Baldi has been getting bad reviews lately |
You might look into Ecoscape's "highlights of Costa Rica" tour. It is very comprehensive and includes Poas as well as the outer falls of La Paz, a coffee tour, a hummingbird gallery, lunch on the Caribbean lowlands at Selva Verde and a jungle float down the Sarapiqui River. Returns to SJO through Braulio Carillo National Park. You get to see a LOT of the country.
Arenal long day trip would be okay, I think, if you want to save the $125. I have friends who have done that, and while it is a long day, they loved every second of it. I think these are your best 2 options. Good luck and have a great time! www.ecoscape.com |
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There is a huge difference in Poas and Arenal. Both totally worth the trip. Actually my daughter is studying in CR this summer and I am sending her down a couple of days early just so she can visit Poas and La Paz. (Arenal weekend is already included in her study.) And yes IMHO the $125 is totally worth it.
Now if you want to see the beach certainly opt for the Jaco\Carara trip. Can you possibly add a few days and maybe end your confernece with a few days at Manuel Antonio (rainforest, beach, wildlife, awesome sunsets and views)? If so I would do Poas, Arenal and your extra time at MA, Think that would give you a really good feel of the country. |
I would definitely try to see Arenal - we loved seeing the volcano - a huge conical one that is completely different than Poas. If you stay overnight, you increase your chance of seeing the lava flow; we saw it every night when we were there, and it was amazing. I haven't been to Jaco, but it has a reputation for being seedy with prostitution, drugs, etc. We loved the La Paz Waterfall Gardens too. If there's any way you can do the Cano Negro tour while you're in the Arenal area, I would do it. It's an excellent way to see wildlife.
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