Is Costa Rica what I'm looking for?- Part 1
 

Yes, I'm back. I've been very busy doing research and just going in circles. I've considered everything you have offered and looked into it. Hey, V.Girl, I loved the maps.

After talking to my husband (he does not now where we are going...just knows we are going). I talk to him about the possibility of showers and he like me says he can cope but would prefer not to. So, I thought that means I should stick to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica (one of you did mention that idea). I like the look of Hotel Punta Islita in Guanacaste. But, in the photos saw very little jungle. So, without jungle we might as well go to Mexico (which we love but go often so it would not be a special treat.

So, here are my new questions: If we go somewhere on the Caribbean side can I have best of both worlds? Warm weather and jungle? We want nice accommodations, hike, kayak and be in beautiful Costa Rica nature.

Are you out of ideas so could you pls steer me in the right direction.

The Caribbean side gets way more rain than Guanacaste. Over there (Caribe) there is really no such thing as "rainy season" and "dry season". It can (and does) rain any day, any time. That said, it DOES tend to be drier during September and October than any of the other months. Also, friends in that area tell me that this year, so far, is a little drier than usual. What month are you planning?

Is Costa Rica what I'm looking for?- Part @ in Mexico &
You seem to be highjacking and reposting your old threads...

www.weather2travel.com lots of rain on Carib side in the fall

flooded out over there last fall 2 years in a row

thousands left homeless...wait till winter for no rain in CR

Central America
1 responses; most recent on Sep 7, 2009, 12:22 AM
Is Costa Rica what I'm looking for? in Mexico & Central America
17 responses; most recent on Sep 3, 2009, 06:32 PM
Where or Where in the Caribbean can we find what we want??? in Caribbean Islands
19 responses; most recent on Aug 31, 2009, 12:51 AM

qwo, please correct me if I am wrong, but the flooding and heavy rain did not take place until November, right? We are constantly in touch with people who live on that side, and that was the word we got. Typical for that part of the country. Of course, during the Dec/Jan months that you mention as "winter", the rains increase greatly on the Caribbean side.

ok, I'm not very clever trying to be sneaky.

So, to explain myself. My husband wanted to plan our 25th wedding anniversary but was having trouble and asked me to take over. I don't mind, I'm happy to plan and have the reward to travel. The Caribbean was out because of spots that were most convenient does not have great weather in Dec. And the places that did were not working for us because of the flights. We are traveling from LA to England for a celebration and will leave the UK on Nov. 30 for our celebration. We don't want to be spending a zillion hours on a plane. So, then Costa Rica (somewhere we always wanted to see) seemed like the answer since the flight from C.R. to L.A. is only 6 hours.
But, now that does not seem to be working because the weather is rainy. (My husband is British and has enough rain to last him a life time, I'm not fond of it either but we both realize we will encounter some and that's ok) So, I wrongly thought if we went to C.R. on the Caribbean side we would have nice sunny days with perhaps an occasionally shower. Planning this trip has been the most confusing I've ever done all we want is to Warm weather and jungle? We want nice accommodations, hike, kayak and be in beautiful Costa Rica nature.

jungle/rainforest= rain ... basically plants need water.

Did you consider Hawaii? The west side of Big Island is very dry and close to LA

sassy, we did consider Hawaii but it is 28 hours from London.

REally, we don't mind some rain showers but don't want rain most of the day and cloudy skies.

I can't remember what's been said and what hasn't, but, if you want to be in a jungly environment, nice accommodations, are going at the end of Nov/early Dec (I think that's when you're going in another post?), and don't mind *some* rain -- I think you'll really be fine with somewhere like Manuel Antonio or Montezuma. You might get some rain, but it's not going to be a big deal -- and the beauty and lushness and jungle will more than make up for any rain you might see.

Head over to Trip Advisor and look at the photos of places like Buena Vista Villas and Mango Moon in Manuel Antonio, and Ylang Ylang in Montezuma. This should give you an idea of this is what you're looking for.

Thank you Plumboy!

I am really close to narrowing this down and have to make arrangements by Wed. (have flights on hold).

I like the looks of these 3. Considering location (beach and jungle) hiking, overall quality of the hotel (romantic) which feels the most remote?
Arenas Del Mar, Buena Vista Villa, Hotel Makanda

Truly, I can't thank you all enough. I realize I've driven you crazy and think I'm beginning to feel sane again myself.

Arenas Del Mar, Buena Vista Villa, Hotel Makanda

We can't speak to Arenas del Mar or Hotel Makanda, but we have been quite impressed with Tulemar Bungalows (affiliated and alongside Buena Vista Villas).

We think Lower Motmot is an amazing value at $125 per night (that's a green season value), breakfast included. And the private beach is really nice, with food service, etc. You hardly have to leave the place even for wildlife viewing as we've always seen plenty of monkeys, sloths, and even snakes right there. I'm sure the other 2 are nice, but can't imagine them being any better bang for the buck!

Issimo Suites in Manuel Antonio also

I would go with Tulemar or Buena Vista Villas.

Try Ylang Ylang beach resort just north of Montezuma in the very southern tip of Nicoya. Lush tropical garden setting while bordering on private nature reserve. While not a rain forest, it is plenty green.

Honestly, you're not going to get lush rainforest with low rainfall.

Ok, I'm on it and checking your suggestions out now.

I did hear that Hotel Makanda does not have a good beach and it's a distance from the hotel. What are the cons for Arenas Del Mar? Web site looks great.

Hotels at MA rarely have beaches; they are all set up high in the hills above the beaches (with gorgeous views from the balconies). Tulemar is a rare exception, and you have a short drive or shuttle to its private beach (about 2 minutes or less in the car).

shillmac
<i>"That said, it DOES tend to be drier during September and October than any of the other months"</i>
the carib side does get a lot of rain in Sept-Oct. e.g.
http://www.holidaycheck.com/climate-...-id_12226.html

Punta Islita in Guanacaste is gorgeous. Although we didn't stay there (we were farther north at the Sanctuary), we took a day trip there for lunch. Most of the accommodations are individual casitas with the main building serving as bar and restaurant. There's also an infinity pool. It is luxurious without being pretentious. I'm certain they have showers. We stayed in several places during our five weeks in CR and always had showers.

The hotel provides transportation from the hotel (which is part way up a mountainside overlooking the ocean)to the beach below. As I recall, there's a palenque sort of bar at the beach level.

Makanda is lovely in its own setting,but you are right, it doesn't have a good beach access.

If I were to return to CR, I'd stay north. The Manual Antonio area is too touristy for my tastes.

Hallelujah, I've made a decision!!
I even got flights with miles and about to book Issimo Suites or Buena Vista Villas.

I can't thank you all enough for your patience and wonderful suggestions and directions. I'm so excited and am certain it will be a magical trip.

Over and Out.

AfreakA--

The link you posted refers to Tortugero which is a different story. You may have misunderstood as I was speaking of the southern Caribbean areas around Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo, which I may not have made clear. And yes, they DO get less rain during the months of Sept-Oct. This is likely true for Tortuguero as well, but we have less experience with the northeast.

http://costa-rica-guide.com/Weather/...rMap.html#rain

This rainfall map has been a valuable tool for a lot of people, but of course only tells of the averages. Click on each area to adjust the map to see typical rainfall amounts.

Are you new to the Mex/Central American board, AfreakA? If so, welcome; have you perhaps posted under another screenname?