Anyone have any info on what Malpais is like? I heard there were a lot of "gringo surfer dudes" there...And I just wanted to make sure that wasn't true.....Or find out if it is. I like to surf, but I'll be in Central America. Why go to CA just to hang out with other gringos?

Mal Pais is a very quiet, laid back town. Yes, there are 'gringo' surfers there, but not nearly as many as Dominical, Tamarindo or Jaco. As far as surf spots in Costa Rica, it's one of the least crowded, aside from Pavones or Cabo Matapalo on the Osa Penisula.

Thanks for your help, Ally. I leave in a week and all I have now is the ticket. Am planning to start in Drake Bay and check out Corcovado for a few days and then check out Manuel Antonio, Playa Hermosa, Malpais and Tamarindo. (Is Tamarindo worth it, or way too touristy?) I'd like to immerse myself in the surf, nature and the culture. Also, can you recommend any hotels in San Jose? I hadn't planned on spending any time in San Jose, but apparently you can't avoid it.

First I must say..if you're going to check out Corcovado, why would you need to go to Manuel Antonio? Don't get me wrong, although Manuel Antonio is BEAUTIFUL, it's fairly 'toursity' which I got the impression you want to avoid, and while the park is nice, fishing, horseback riding and canopy tours are around, the surf is not great. Just a thought. Depending on how you're getting to Drake Bay and back, you might want to check out Cabo Matapalo, as it's right around the point from Drake Bay.<BR>Tamarindo will also be crowded and lot's of gringo surfers, although, it is a fun town...if you want to avoid the crowds, go to Nosara, (south of Tamarindo) instead. Long beach, not crowded, and small town feel. My husband has been surfing for 25+ years and loves Mal Pais (we've only been there once, but going back in June or July) and Nosara, which we've been to 5 times! As for San Jose, we avoid the city. We always stay at a great B&B called Orquideas Inn, in Alajuela, which is closer to the airport. It has a fun small bar, pool, clean rooms, good views and the best full breakfast in CR included in the price. Here's a link to their site:<BR><BR>http://www.worldheadquarters.com/cr/hotels/orquideas_inn/<BR><BR>If on a tight budget, there is another B&B that gets very good reviews on Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree Forum called Vida Tropical. The owner, Jose Pelleya is very nice. I've had several email conversations with him over the past couple years. I think his web site is:<BR>www.vidatropical.com<BR>Have a great trip!

Hi Ally,<BR><BR> You seem to be familiar with the NW area. Do you have any comments on the Melia Playa Conchal resort? You mentioned that Tamarindo is rather touristy and I was wonderng if that atmosphere extends northward... Thanks!

Well, the infastucture and tourist DO thin out somewhat a little north of the town of Tamarindo. I've never been to the resort as I tend to stay at smaller places, but if it's a big resort you want, people do seem to favor this resort. You should be able to get lots of information by doing a search. It's really not all that far from Tamarindo, at least I don't think it is, so while it may feel a little isolated from town, I think it's close enough to visit for a day.