Home base, Playa Grande
 

We, 9 or us, will be renting in Playa Grande for 10 days beginning Dec. 6. Shillmac, Guanacaste and so many others give such great advice I thought I would try my luck at getting some. We are arriving in Liberia around 1:30 pm and being picked up and driven to PG. The very next morning at 8 we are leaving for a day trip to Rincon de la Vieja with our driver, Leo. He says he knows a good zip line in that area and lots of things of interest. So, for the next 8 days we will be on our own. Have rented 2 4x4's so that we can do some exploring. Would like to know about Monkey Park and Palo Verde and any other places that we might feel good about going on our own. Are the roads good enough for this old lady to check out some of the other beaches North of there? Do you think some white water rafting would be available (in Dec.) and also ATV tours? How is the weather in early December and the bugs? We were not bothered at all last Dec. in Arenal or MA/Quepos. We will be in a house on the beach and hopefully not too far to walk to Tamarindo. Any information would be so much appreciated. Just three weeks from today we will be back in Costa Rica!!!!!!!

well yes the roads r awful,
but checking out beaches is doable, protero is nice, but not a big difference from Grande! Conchal is the prettiest 'white' beach in that area.
aqlso, get directions for Matapalo, beautiful and almost always deserted!
palo verde is worthwile!
you <b> might</b> get a bit bored in Grande- lovely beach tough!
spend a day/evening in tamarindo.
in tamarindo, my reccs are breakfast at noguis on the beach,lunch at La Laguna del Cocodrilo Bistro , dinner pachanga or dragonfly!




http://costa.rica.typepad.com/tamarindo/home/index.html

Patams,

I'd love to get the details on your beach house as 8 of us will be in PG in May and want to stay together.

stotz.......I will be happy to let you know all about it. It is Casa Muy Grande and you can go to www.casamuygrande and check it out.

Guanacaste.......thanks. I am hoping that we can drive to some places so we won't get bored. I read that the Estuary is a good place to do a trip.

And opps! I think I posted this message twice. I just am not so good at this stuff but love reading it all.

Sounds like a good plan to me as well. We thought Monkey Park was very worthwhile. The students in my class are just fascinated by the photo of me holding a tiny little monkey. The little guys just cling to you like you are their long lost mother. Now who wouldn't enjoy that?!

You might also enjoy driving from Playa Potrero up the Congo Trail (road through the country) to the Playa Ocotal/Hermosa/Coco area. Not a bad drive, and interesting.

Road in and out of Grande definitely bad in July! We got such a kick out of the fact that everyone was driving in the ditches on either side because they were less rough than the road. When in Rome. . .or Costa Rica! So down the ditch we went--you will too, I'll wager! :)

You all have a great time--sounds like a lot of fun waiting to happen! :)

Just for clarification purposes, it isn't my students who are the &quot;little guys who cling&quot;--was referring to the monkeys! :)

I love Playa Grande! the walk to Tamarindo is easy, but hot in the afternoon. You have to cross a river, which is doable on foot, although somewhat difficult, only at low tide. There are boats that will cross you for 500 colones (last year). They only run during the day, so if you pland to have dinner in Tamarindo, you will likely need to drive, which is about 20 minutes.

Noguis has the most fantastic shrimp soft tacos for lunch or dinner.

This is all making me feel a little more secure. We used a driver and taxi's last year but I am excited about doing some exploring on my own. Do any of you know how long it would take to drive to Palo Verde? Don't want to tire my group too much. The Monkey Park sounds like a &quot;must do&quot;. There was a family of maybe 25 monkeys who visited us every afternoon about the same time while we were in MA. They were so adorable and we were so captivated by them. They would reach out to us like humans and peer through the window at us as if they were as interested in us as we were in them. I know we will check out some other beaches and anything doable from our base in PG. Any suggestions, let us know. Any recommendation on a particular tour up the Estuary?

Another question.............are there many monkeys and birds along the coast in Playa Grande?

There are Howler Monkeys in that area - more often heard than seen, perhaps but we spotted them a couple of times near the estuary.

The mangrove estuary is good for wading birds of various sorts. Many of these are familiar to north americans but still interesting. The estuary is also good for a variety of other birds. We noticed quite a few [mangrove] black hawks during our last visit, two or three species of kingfishers etc.

Along the ocean shore there are good numbers of brown pelicans, brown boobies, magnificent frigatebirds etc.

We stayed immediately adjacent to the estuary and every morning had some interesting birds. Get up early and explore the little trail from the end of the road over to where the pangas ferry people across to Tamarindo. One morning we had a group of five trogons at ten feet distance -quite a treat.

For an estuary tour, check with the little kiosk on the Tamarindo side of the estuary. On our tour we got out at one point and our guide took us to quite a large group of howler monkeys. We watched their interactions for 20 minutes or so. Quite fascinating.

I do recommend the Palo Verde area as well for many more waterbirds, iguanas, monkeys etc.

If possible take a second day at Rincon and explore the park trails by yourselves or with a guide. Wonderful forest and ecosystem.

cheers

Jerry

&quot;You might also enjoy driving from Playa Potrero up the Congo Trail (road through the country) to the Playa Ocotal/Hermosa/Coco area.&quot;

that's a nice drive, i'd stop in Ocotal, have lunch on the beachfront restaurant, Picquante! good cocktails as well!

<b>don't</b> swim in the estuary,- crocs like swimming there occasionally- strong rips!

Thank you all. This information is so much appreciated. Happy to hear that Palo Verde is doable for a day trip from PG. Also will drive to those other beaches and try a cocktail or two. Hopefully, a white faced monkey (can't spell the name) will come around during our stay on PG. At least there are lots of trees near the beach.

There are quite a few white -faced monkeys near Rincon de la Vieja, as well as anteaters, coatis etc and quite a different array of birds. Also wonderful forest, waterfalls etc.

Jerry

I have just studied the map and see that no place is easy and I guess I already knew that from last year. However, would it be best to go from Playa Grande to Belen, down to Sta. Cruz, down to Pueble Viejo and over to Pto. Moreno or try smaller roads with more turns and twists to get to Palo Verde? Looks like a long, long way but I guess the map miles are in kms.

We go to Hermosa in February again, we like to go to different beaches, the Congo Trail still the best choice. You can't find nicer beach than Playa Grande. Playa Hermosa is crowded, very noisy/especially on Sunday, very laud music!/. Playa Conchal is nice but the sand-trap! Even with 4WD you can stuck in!


WHERE IS THE MONKEY PARK? we would like to visit!

Swim..........I have been looking for more information about Monkey Park. I think it has something to do with animal rescue and is in a small town named Catagena. It is said to be a very well run small zoo with a gorgeous butterfly garden. I am still searching. Is the Congo Trail the same road as the Monkey Trail?

patams, thanks!
Yes, it is the same, you need 4WD, still better than the paved road with HUGE potholes.
Let us know how was your trip!

I think Monkey Park is between Huacas and Belen, so that would be near Cartagena. You are right--it is a rescue facility and there are lots more animals there besides monkeys. Can't remember the cost of admission, but it was reasonable. It is on the north (right) side of the road as you are traveling toward the coast. On your left traveling toward the center of the country. There is a sign. Have fun!

shillmac, thank you!

Thank you shillmac.........love reading your posts from all over.

And I'll look forward to reading yours! We really liked Playa Grande--visited there for the first time this past July-- just for an afternoon look-see. Wouldn't mind spending 2-3 days there myself. Great beach with nice shells! Buen viaje! :)

This year in February we stayed in Hermosa, but half of the time visited other places. To P.Grande and back the drive took 3 hours on the Monkey/Kongo Trail, but we went 4 times, just to be on that beach.
If you are on the main beach, where the hotel is, walk toward the big rock /right/, pass it, there is an other beach, long, very privet. Maybe there is the villa you are going to rent, lots of new houses.

Shillmac and Swim......Oh boy, now I am getting excited! Happy to learn that you both liked Playa Grande. Can't decide just how far from the Estuary the house is, but seems to be right across the road from Hotel Cantarana. It is so wonderful reading and hearing from people from all over who are all interested in the same places. It is so very helpful and I love learning more and more about Costa Rica. Already thinking where to go next year and I have not even gotten back this year. I did not think I could like any place more than Puerto Rico but CR is growing on me.

Ah, Puerto Rico and Costa Rica. Not even in the same ballpark! PUerto Rico is working so hard on building tourism, but compared to CR, they really don't have as much to offer. The islas of Culebra and Vieques help though. Puerto Rico's claim to fame will always be a jumping off point to other Caribbean destinations, I'm afraid. It does, however, have some nice areas!

Some friends of ours recently booked a trip to Costa Rica. We didn't visit with them until it was already done and they had booked with a tour company (through a local travel agency)to travel as part of a group the entire time. I would never have advised that, but they were a little nervous about &quot;travel in Central America&quot; and that whole mindset, so they did what they did. It was the only way they would consider traveling that part of the world. I think they paid $5000 for 9 days!

Yesterday I saw the couple in church, and they ran up to me to tell me that they wanted to get together with us and visit sometime. They had already booked airline tickets back to Costa Rica (and they've only been back from their &quot;tour&quot; for 2 weeks!). Hopefully they'll be on their own and able to save a few $$ this time!

Other friends traveled there in September. They are more experienced travelers and asked me to help them work out a 10 day itinerary on their own. They, too, are already planning a return trip.

All that makes me think that it doesn't much matter &quot;how&quot; you &quot;do&quot; Costa Rica. It's just a place that gets under your skin in a good way! :)

Shillmac.....it certainly does that. My first trip to plan was back to Puerto Rico after having lived there 25 years before. There were 22 of us and we did have a large time. The second such trip back there was with a group of 17 and it rained 26 inches in the 7 days we were there. We still had a fantastic time. But Costa Rica? Wow! This is the second trip and our little group is loving it. Looks like it might be a yearly thing. So much to see in so many places.

From reading here, you have done extensive traveling and have helped so many of us with our plans.

The other place my husband wants to visit is New Zealand. Don't know if I am up to planning that one on my own.

With guides like Leo, helpful folks like you and so many others on this forum, the internet, and a place as wonderful as Costa Rica? Who knows. We just may have to do this trip even nore often.

If you need help with New Zealand, one of the frequent posters on this board could help you. Let me know, and I'll put you in touch.

You'll be off in 2 weeks. Have a wonderful, safe, and exciting adventure! :)

shillmac.......thank you. I will be asking all about New Zealand I am sure. See you on the board!

Happy Thanksgiving! If you're from the U.S. . . . :)

shillmac.................Thanks and a Happy Thanksgiving to your and yours. Of course we will be planning the fine points of our CR trip. I live on a beach on the Sourtheast coast of NC. You see, traveling anywhere for my husband has to be special as he wanted all his life to be a beachbum. Now he is that full time and loves every minute of it.

Hope to speak with you after our trip and Christmas. MERRY CHRISTMAS and a BLESSED NEW YEAR!!!!!

And a very Merry Christmas to you and yours! It may be after Christmas before you're on Fodor's again! And I hope you'll bless us all with a great Playa Grande story!

Beaches have always fascinated us since we live no where near one--Oklahoma. Lots of lakes, but not quite the same! We thought Playa Grande was very special--such a nice long expanse of sand with lots of great shells--tons of those long pointy kind, wish I knew the name of them. I gathered up a lot of them the afternoon we were there. Oh to be there right now! I'll be thinking about you. . . .buen viaje!

I've rented a house in Playa Grande for the past 3 years. We had a family of Howler monkeys on the property. I have mixed emotion about them, as they were very cute, but loud and would throw mango pits at us as we walked by. We also had a group of parrots on the property. You just have to be looking for things, they are all there.

The estuary tour through the mangroves was OK. Saw as guanacaste pointed out, mostly birds I see here, like herons, hawks, egrets. Did see some crocodiles, that was cool.

Love Playa Grande.

We stayed only at the Hotel Las Tortugas before, is there any other similar, on or close to the beach, not too noisy, moderate or less expensive?

trixiew...........Can you tell me where in Playa Grande you stay each year? We have only 10 days or so until we are there and we are just so excited that we can hardly stand it. We are searching everything we can find on the net. All this weekend we keep thinking of all we want to do while we are there. I think we are not going to Palo Verde and just do day trips that are shorter. Rincon De La Vieja sounds like it might be a really full day on our second day there. So much to see and do!!! Looks like Hotel Bula Bula, Hotel Cantarara, and Rip Jack Inn are all places that have a good time and good food. How can we go wrong?

Hotel Bula Bula is way cool.

Playa Grande is a nature preserve for the leatherback turtles, so they have a moritorium on building, and Hotel Tortugas (turtle) is the only hotel on the beach. Bula Bula is on the estuary. You should see leatherback nests while you are there. If you go out at night, high tide, you may see one dig a nest. We had several nests dug right outside our house last year, and saw many new baby turtles in the am running down to the water. You can't miss the nests, they are about 4-6 feet in diameter, and are up by the vegetation along to top of the beach. They are also often marked by the naturalists.

You can take an evening tour, begins at 11pm at hotel Tortugas, and they take you down the beach to watch one lay eggs. I didn't get home until 2am, but it was incredible to see.

I'll have to ask my friend for the website of the house we rent, and post here when I can. Old house with a pool, right on the beach.

trixlew.......All information is appreciated! Thank you. Here is a question I have not seen asked except by me. If, and I do say &quot;if&quot;, you are staying right on the beach in a house in the middle of two acres of trees, etc., do YOU think I might be arrested if I &quot;lay&quot; in wait at high tide with red light and night vision to hopefully see a turtle? My husband and have been licensed by the NC Wildlife Commission for many years to work with the loggerhead turtles. Here, we have $10,000 to $50,000 fines if you tamper with a loggerhead nest. We find and identify nests, mark them and watch and protect the hatchlings when they energe. We had 73 nests this year on our three mile beach. The loggerhead only gets up to 200 to 250 lbs. I have written many letters to get permission to not have to just do the &quot;tour&quot; while we are there, but no luck. So, I plan to watch through the trees that are between us and the beach. Any warnings, please let me know. I am getting too excited about our upcoming trip to think straight.

trixiew...........So sorry about the spelling of your name. I should have proofed my note.

No problem about watching through the trees. We did. There are guards that patrol the beach at night, but they are only concerned with people bothering the turtles. They walk along the beach, and don't go up into the vegetation (the guards). Problem for you is that it is a big beach (grande!) and the odds of actually seeing one while sitting still may be low. The tour gaurentees you'll actually get to see one.

hi i've been reading all the posts in this thread for some time now and thoroughly enjoying learning about playa grande and the environs.
we are bound for pg in august. we are staying in jimsbeachhouse a new home on the beach. anyone know it??
maybe you will see it patams when you are there soon.
please write a report about your stay and be prepared for lots of questions!!
keep up the posting everyone!!!!!

walnutwhip.......I will do that. This post will go into my &quot;requested information&quot; folder for when I return. Everyone has been so very helpful and so many places have been recommended that I am just about ready to just stay in Costa Rica!

One of my most memorable meals while staying on Playa Grande was at Hotel Cantarina...truly special. I stayed at the Bula Bula which also has good food and a lively, friendly bar scene where the locals tend to congregate. You'll love Playa Grande.