Well if finally did it: booked our flights, SFO to SJO for 11/5. I already have the first two nights booked at the Peace Lodge. We are spending a total of 2 weeks in CR. Our main purpose is to visit our nephew and his wife. They have been on a mission near Puerto Viejo this past year and will be coming home in December. The travel bug bit again, so off we go.

We will probably head to Puerto Viejo right after the Peace Lodge. I had planned to go to Tortuguero, then finish up with Arenal. But a friend said: "Oh! you have time, so check out the Pacific!!" So, I did more research, crossed off Tortuguero and started looking at the Tamarindo area or Nosara/Samara. This was the plan, but all the glowing reviews made me consider Manuel Antonio.

I e-mailed our nephew with our tentative plans. He thought MA would offer more of the same sites as Chauita near them. He suggested the N. Pacific in order to get a broader view of CR. He has not visited the N. Pacific and I am not sure he has been to Manuel Antonio. They did go to Jaco and had some scary moments.

What do all you CR experts suggest? We plan to drive: PV, MA or other Pacific, then finish up in Arenal. I am putting MA? in the middle in order to get the green season rates. MA high season kicks in around 11/15. We fly out of SJO 11/19 at 2p.m. Thank you all.

MY

Anyone?? Help?

Manuel Antonio or Nosara/Samara? Any input will be appreciated.

Thanks,

MY

It really depends on what you're looking for as these 2 beach locations are not very alike. MA is very busy, sometimes crowded, many activities/hotels/restaurants to choose from. Both Samara & Nosara are much less developed with less options to choose from but nice places to just relax at the beach. MA may be a little easier to arrange transportation to/from but on the other hand it will be pricier to stay in as well. Really just depends on what you're looking for.

Thanks Tully for the reply. Our nephew was stearing us away from MA. He thought it would be too much like Cauhita as far as the flora & fauna.

I am a marathon site seer: I want to do it all, but we are both over 50, so we have to slow down a bit!! Maybe we will have to return to CR in order to see it all.

Thanks

MY

Hi Michelle,

MA is the most visited park in CR....read between the lines. Quespos is a little like a poor man's Key West and does have some excellent lodging (Costa Verde) and many goo dplaces to eat. Crowded and busy traffic. The park is just OK. Seriously, the best park in CR as far as we are concerne dis a private park called Parque Turubari ( www.turubari.com ) just east of Orotino. Have a great trip where ever you go.

Well, Michelle, we love the Cahuita/PV area, have enjoyed spending time at Manuel Antonio several times, and also enjoy the northern Pacific beaches.

I think all first timers to CR should visit Arenal and Manuel Antonio and think the southern Caribbean is a good choice for you as well. Just my opinion. . . .

PV and Cahuita is unlike the rest of the country in a lot of ways, so I don't particularly feel that you'd be duplicating anything at all. I also think Manuel Antonio park is pretty cool. Few people who go there actually spend time in Quepos.

It's true that you'll have a great time wherever you go--it's all good. Do be careful that you don't plan too much. Two weeks is good for 4 locations (still quite a bit of moving around), but when you're talking about completely crossing the country, you'll find that you basically lose a day, even though the map makes it look like a piece of cake!

Have you thought it out?

2 nights Peace Lodge
3 nights Puerto Viejo???
Need a night in SJO here???
3 nights Manuel Antonio
3 nights Arenal???
Last night near airport?

I think you'll find that you MAY want to add a night in or near SJO between PV and MA. Otherwise, you are looking at a LONG drive. Figure 4 hours to SJO, getting THROUGH SJO, then another 3-3.5 hours to Manuel Antonio, or another 5 hours to the northern Pacific beaches.

You'll also have about a 5-6 hour drive between MA and Arenal. If you opt for the northwest, you'll have a 4 hour drive to Arenal.

Don't be too "bent" on checking out the Pacific. You could do it, but it depends on your "travel style". You MIGHT prefer to take it slower, spend more time with your nephew, and really relax. There is certainly enough in the Arenal area to keep you occupied there for 4 nights--easily.

Tortuguero is a great place, but turtle nesting season will be over, so you'll lose that opportunity. Still, it's a cool place to visit.

Another suggestion would be a couple of nights in the Caribbean lowlands at a hotel such as Selva Verde or La Quinta Sarapiqui--between Puerto Viejo and Arenal. La Selva is a great place to visit, and Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui and the Rio Sarapiqui area would be a nice addition to your itinerary--all on the way to your next stop.

Hey Michelle...how much was a flight ticket from SFO to SJO?? From Atlanta to SJO is $690.00. Also, did you book directly with an airline or through a discount website???

Leigh

Thank you for your replies and help.

Seaturtle: I used United air miles on TACA. The fare, though, wasn't bad at $444-464. It has gone up and is around $600 in December.

shillmac: More choices!! My plan is/was as follows:

Arrive a.m. 11/5 - Peace Lodge 2 nights
Puerto Viejo - 4-5 nights
Manuel Antonio - 3 nights
Arenal - 3 nights
Near SJ - final night 11/18

Too much driving? Maybe so. I want to see a lot but I don't want to wear us out. Originally, we were not going to the Pacific and were going to Tortuguero and spend our final few days around SJ.

Is Tortuguero worth it if the nesting season is over? I read that some hatching may be going on in November, plus my DH would like to do a day of fishing. Have you used the Francesca?

Here I go again! Too many good choices. Plus now you have me looking ar PV Sarapiqui!!

Thanks all again,

MY

If you only have time for one. manuel antonio or puerto viejo? Where to stay nicely?

Yes, we loved Francesca. It was outstanding. Fran and Modesto are a fantastic couple and offer a class act tour. We had friends who used them and fished the better part of 2 days with Modesto---both river and ocean. It would be worth checking into.

We loved Tortuguero. I would have enjoyed it immensely even without the turtle nesting experience. But there's no question that added a great deal to the total experience. It was amazing. It would absolutely be worth your time, and SO convenient already being on that side. I really think you could make better use of your time than to give up an entire day to travel cross country. Just my dos colones. . .

Thanks Shillmac. I e-mailed my nephew yesterday. They want us to bring stuff back for them, so we are going to PV last. I think the Pacific will have to wait for our next trip to CR!! Thanks for the expert input.

MY