Hi all,

1. Can anyone recommend an inexpensive but safe neighborhood/lodging (with good restaurants)to stay in San Jose? I'll be there for a month taking trips in and out and want to use SJ as a home base but without using a hotel.

2. Has anyone gone white water rafting in October on the Pacuare river? Any good river guides & companies? Do they refund your money or reschedule your trip on another day if the river's not raftable that day you're scheduled to go? What do you tip an excellent river guide?

3. Is the Osa Peninsula/Corcovado worth visiting this time of year (October) despite the heavy rains?

4. Can anyone recommend a reputable organization that offers travelers a chance to volunteer in wildlife conservation for a couple of weeks without charging exorbitant fees?

Thanks all!

Eressea

When we were in the Osa, I asked one of our guides how the weather was in October, and he said, "Why would anyone in their right mind come to the Osa in October?!" So that answered that question for me - he said that they can get pretty consistent downpours and that sometimes the property will go under water. I'd give it a pass.

Thanks VolcanoGirl - I had a feeling that that would be the case but was hoping some other adventurous traveler had tried it and succeeded and I could do what they did.

I know it's a shame. If you go to this site www.costa-rica-guide.com, and then go to the rainfall map, you can mouse over each area to see the rainfall per month.

October is a fantastic month for the Pacuare. Water is high and the season is just kicking off. If the water is too high or there is too much debris, they will cancel - ask ahead of time for specifics. They probably won't even sign you up if conditions are that iffy. I'm sure you can pick another day if your schedule allows. Best to sign up once you are there. You will find plenty of openings in October. All three of the bigger/primary rafting companies are very good and do things much the same. The typical cost (for the last few years) for the 1-day trip is $95 per person. We usually tip the guide at least $20-$30 and if we buy the photo CD, we tip the photographer at least $10. We also tip the van driver who stays with the belongings we leave behind. Our experiences have been really awesome so we make sure to give a little something. Their season is short and not many travel to Colorado and such for additional guide work. Some people don't tip at all but I can't imagine that. They realy do a nice job to keep everyone entertained as well as safe.

VolcanoGirl - what a great site - I actually have the waterproof map this company sells - just haven't had a chance to go to their web site until now - the rainfall maps are wonderful as well.

Linda137 - I feel much better about returning to raft the Pacuare in October now after reading your reply.

Thanks both!

My husband and I stayed at Hotel Dunn Inn. What a nice place. We felt very safe. They will also call you a cab and arrange to have a cab pick you up if traveling at night. Our room was very nice.

I read a little blurb about the hotel in one of my guidebooks and I've added them to my list of potential places to stay. Thanks!

Good area, good choice. Very close to Hotel Don Carlos, which is one of our favorites.