Need help with first trip to Costa Rica!
 

Am planning a surprise trip to Costa Rica in October - 18th. Does anyone know anything about the Hilton Papagayo Resort and Spa? That's where I'm planning to book but can't find any info on this site. Also, is that time of year in CR hurricane season? If the area is nice, any suggestions on canopy tours and deep sea fishing? Want to plan a great trip for husband's birthday and organize fun things!
Thanks for any suggestions, plus on where we should fly into!

Wow. A lot to talk about.

First of all, Costa Rica is below the hurricane line. Not that it is impossible, but hurricanes are quite rare this close to the equator. Plus October is very late in the season, and past the peak. So I think you are safe.

I personally am not a big fan of the Papagayo area. The government realized that they needed a Cancun style of tourism, and designated this as the area to offer it. A lot of this area was totally denuded 100 years ago, to create cattle pastures. So the beach is the big feature.

The true charm of Costa Rica is found in the small hotels. From pricey boutique hotels to small family run operations, that is where you will find the authentic Costa Rica experience. IMHO, the big developments in Papagayo could be found anywhere. That is not what I go to Costa Rica for.

For what the Hilton will cost you, you could stay in one of the nice beach hotels in Mal Pais or Quepos. Quepos offers a lot of nature related activities as well. Amazing fishing here too.

If you go to Quepos / Manuel Antonio, you want to fly into San Jose. If you go to Mal Pais, you really could fly into either Liberia or San Jose.

Hope this helps! Let me know if I can offer any more advice.

Warm Regards,
Pat Hewitt
Travel Professional

You mention nothing about nature and beautiful scenery, just deep sea fishing and ziplines so this area and hotel will probably be perfect for you. Costa Rica is so popular because there is truly something for just about everyone. I have alot of friends who travel and I have noticed that those who go to the Papagayo area have a wonderful time but usually don't return and the ones who go places with the amazing wildlife and natural beauty return again and again.

What you have planned for a first, quick trip isn't all bad and you should get some sunny weather up in that area. You'll want to fly to/from LIR. Not sure specifically where to direct you for fishing. We go out of Flamingo but that's kind of far for you. Have you researched Playa del Coco and Playa Ocotal for fishing? You should be able to find a number of options in Ocotal. The affordable boats are often pangas with a marine toilet and a tarp (at best) so that's something to keep in mind. A very large beach towel and a big gulp type cup with a tight locking lid may be a good idea if there is no toilet on board. We fish everywhere we vacation so I've gotten creative. I don't usually feel like a lot of beer in the morning hours so I've never had the nerve to go for the old "hang over the side" method. Might want to ask around (before going) as to where you can have your fish cooked for you. Many restaurants will do it and fresh Mahi Mahi and tuna are fantastic. Most of their styles of cooking are bland so try to get them to do something flavorful. One chef boiled our mahi mahi in coconut milk. Boy did I wish I had suggested blackened.

For some outdoor fun, why don't you take your husband to Rincon de la Vieja National Park. They offer thermal springs, horseback riding, zip lining, rafting, hiking and all sorts of fun stuff. If you don't feel like driving, your hotel will likely offer day trips or you can seek one out once you get there. Most trips offer lunch and two or three activites plus transportation.

Maybe next trip you can experience more of what CR has to offer or you could change your plans completely and fly into SJO and pick a couple of locations from there.

So many great options!

Hello, you have never responded with how your previous trip (s) have went? Are you still planning to Honeymoon after two years? Your pick for a place for Birthday/Honeymoon is wonderful and a beautiful place and enjoyable no matter the circumstances. Do you travel often? I like speaking with others who travel not only here in the states but abroad as well. I have been just about everywhere once and look forward to a second go round in the coming years. Hope to hear from you. JustHangin!--- Sorry the original post was on your Honeymoon tag. my bad.

Just gotta play devil's advocate here. Our first experience was at an all-inclusive in the Papagayo area, years ago. We went out on a couple of daytrips, Los Inocentes up near the Nica border and Rincon de la Vieja. We fell in love with the country and the people--and had a great time at the resort.

As Pat says, the smaller hotels have a lot of character, some more than others. But you can enjoy yourself anywhere as long as you don't stay within the walls of any hotel--get out and about, experience what the area has to offer regarding nature wildlife, etc. Guanacaste is just another beautiful part of the county. None of us appreciate the efforts to make it the Cancun of Central America, but you can still enjoy the area.

I should add, another really good daytrip in that part of the country would be Palo Verde.