Help with our CR visit.
 

My wife and I will be in CR for two weeks (for the first time) between Dec 29 and Jan 12. We will be meeting friends after Jan 2 for rafting and will spend the last portion of our trip on the Carribean Side. We would like to spend the first 4 days on the Pacific. Any reccomendations? I'm finding many places in MA are booked for this time period. Any thoughts about MA or perhaps different areas and lodging. We like nice, small places with a local feel. Ideally we would like to find our way as we go, but as busy as it seems it will be over Jan 1, it's probably best to reserve lodging for this part of our trip. Thanks, Mike

In the period Xmas and new year it always is difficult to find places close to the beaches of Costa Rica. First it's the highseason and second the schools in Costa Rica have vacation and the Tico's like to go to the beaches too. A lot of times they already make reservations for the next year to be sure of their "good" place. We think it's still possible to find some place but you need to search the possibilities. You can try more south Dominical or Ojochal, they have nice beaches too and are not so crowdy like MA.

Have a nice time in Costa Rica!!

We loved Dominical. Do a google search for info on Pacific Edge. 4 great, simple cottages on small property with a fabulous view of the Pacific. Also check out the Hacienda Baru property (among others down there). We stayed at Pacific Edge for 4 nights in May and loved it. We hiked with guide in the Hacienda Baru reserve, as well as another one further south whose name I'm blanking on. So you have the opportunity to see wildlife and beach just as in Manuel Antonio -- without as many people. At least one really good ocean view restaurant too!

As you like nice, small places with a local feel why you don't try to see in Nosara or Samara,there some place very nice were to stay,and the village are fine.The only problem may be it's the end of the year...
Good luck

Iguana Lodge down on the Osa is right on the beach with sea kayaking readily available just down the road or the lodge has some kayaks there that you can use. Best to fly there. Good surfing up the road towards Matapalo as well as surfing right off the beach at Iguana when the waves are right. Haven't seen any board rentals at Iguana but Toby is a surfer and can probably help if you are interested. They have someone that they use that can help you make flight arrangements if you need them. Isabel is great and keeps track of any flight changes.

Glover mentioned Dominical. That would be a very good option and you can get to Manuel Antonio from there. They have already paved the road from Dominical to the Osa and are now working on the bridges to MA from Dominical and will be paving the roads in that area also. It is Tico time so it probably won't be done by the time you get there but you can still take the bus or drive to MA from D (weather permitting).

We spent time at Samara in Aug. and enjoyed the small town and lovely beach. We stayed at Villas Kalimba which were great 2 bedroom, 2 bath villas right across from the beach and reasonable. They have a website if you want further info. We visited Manuel Antonio but prefered Samara for a less touristy area. Manuel Antonio was nice with both rainforest and beach but very popular with Americans and much more crowded and expensive. Just our opinion! Joyce

Personally, I would look into El Sano Banano beach hotel in Montezuma. We loved that place and you get the small town fee when you walk up the beach into town.

Welcome back to Fodor's, LA! I've missed you. . .and hope you've had a VERY good time during your most recent travels.