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In 1997 we took our first trip to Costa Rica and stayed at an all-inclusive in the Guanacaste area. We saw all the normal things: Arenal, Tabacon, and a rain forest tour. After that we were hooked on CR. The next trip in 1998 was a hotel, air, and car package to the Melia Cariari in Heredia. We drove around the surrounding towns: Alajuela, Grecia, Escazu. We drove East through Braulio Carrillo National Park to Limon. Had an enjoyable trip. In 2001 I booked everything over the phone and Internet to visit Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge in the Corcovado National Park. Most of my information came from this forum. We spent the first night in small backpackers place. Interesting place and a bargain for $15 a night for both of us. The next day we flew Sansa Air to Palmar Sur and boarded a boat for the trip down the Sierpe River to the park. Getting from the headwaters of the river into the ocean was exciting to say the least. My wife said something about if we made it out alive she was going to kill me. ;-) I told her that getting there was part of the adventure! If you have made that boat trip you know what I mean. You that have been to the Corcovado Park will understand when I say that words can never describe the beauty you see and feelings you have while hiking in a rain forest.

With that being said, now to my problem. I am trying to put together another trip to CR. I very much enjoyed Corcovado. My wife doesn’t hike much so being that remote is of no interest to her. We have another couple that will be traveling with us for their first visit to CR. They have heard us talking about CR so they are pretty much open to anything. What would you suggest to get us close to a rain forest but still be able to do some sight seeing of some of the other attractions of the country. Not as isolated as Corcovado. We are all in our early 60’s so no extreme hiking or adventures.
Thank You, Craig

Maybe check out the Sarapiqui area? Sounds like you've sort of been in that area before, but maybe a little east of it? A couple hours north of San Jose. Looks very rainforesty and wildlife packed, but also close to other things things. Haven't been, but I'm looking at it for our next trip.

Not sure what kind of lodging you're looking for, but you can check out Tirimbina, Selva Verde Lodge, Hacienda La Isla, La Quinta Sarapiqui.

Of course, there's also Manuel Antonio. Maybe that's the real obvious choice. Definitely rain forest and easy access to some light hiking and a lot of other activities, but not remote at all. Very beautiful and lush.

Are you at all interested in the cloud forest? Monteverde might be a nice option.

Thank You.

We really like the Riu chain but for Costa Rica I think the smaller hotels might be better. 700 rooms seems too big. Your suggestion to return to the Guanacaste area may be the thing to do.

The Sarapiqui area sounds very interesting. We were not in that area and have never done any rafting. Sounds like fun. Need to do more research. I think Manuel Antonio will be too developed for us.

The last time we were in the Monteverde area we decided to skip the cloud forest. Seemed like they were pushing their zip line thing too much and not much else.

Would it be necessary to book meals included for the lodging in the Sarapiqui area? In other words how remote would that be?

Dominical is a really nice undeveloped area with lots of things to do if you have a 4 x 4. Shelter from the Storm is a lovely place to stay with wonderful owners. Puerto Viejo area is a place I love as well, great food, great people, many things to do (or not). Banana Azul, Azania Bunglows - both are great choices. We're doing a split next year between Banana Azul at Playa Negra and Pachamama at Punta Uva.

Both areas offer great hiking opportunities if desired, but are not so remote you can't go out to dinner. ;-)

www.flyingtoucans.com has been getting some talk on the boards. Looks like a nice place.

The preface to your question reminded me of my first trip to CR. We flew from Manuel Antonio to Palma Sur took the 45 minute bumpy bus trip to the river, boarded the boat for the 45 minute trip to La Paloma. Hiking up the trail to the lodge, we thought we were in the remotest place in the world. There were only 4 other people staying at the hotel at the time. That night at dinner, we met the two other couples and wouldn't you know, one of them was from the small town next to ours!