schoenfield

Greetings,

I'm looking for some advice on planning a trip to Costa Rica for July 2006. I'm a female in my early 30s, will be traveling alone, and I have limited experience traveling in remote places (other than longish desert trips).

It seems as if going through a tour company would be a good idea. Some structure is probably necessary, but I'd also like some independence mixed in. Here's a profile:

1. I'm pretty active
2. Long, strenuous hikes are good
3. I'm very flexible, laid back, not skittish or risk-averse, have no problem
switching gears at a moment's notice, and have no "ego" when it comes to being
a beginner with stuff
4. I've never done any kayaking or serious rafting, and I would love to learn
5. Camping or rustic accommodations are fine
6. I don't mind rain, mud, or being covered head to to toe in dirt.
7. I love learning just about anything -- I'd love to hear a knowledgeable guide
talk about pretty much any aspect of the area (nature, culture, history, etc.)
8. The inflexible part: I don't like traveling in large groups (> 10-12).

Activities:
Trekking, rafting, kayaking, snorkeling -- I'm open to lots of things

I've read some not-so-good things about GAP Adventures, but haven't found much on any other group. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance.

sandyc

I have a small group going in August, but if it's not your thing, I can recommend a good guide to take you around on your own. [email protected].

Sandy

schoenfield

thanks for responding, Sandy, and for the suggestion. I'm unfortunately not able to travel in August, otherwise I'd probe more. I don't mind smaller groups though; just as long as there's an opportunity to do some things independently too.

Any advice would be appreciated!
Best,
Gretchen

rickandpat

My husband and I went on a Costa Rica multisport adventure this last Feb. with The World Outdoors. We had a great time and did tons of stuff in a week (much more than we could have managed on our own). And despite the fact Feb. is high season, the tour wasn't full - there were 10 of us with the guide and bus driver. No kayaking though. www.theworldoutdoors.com

sandyc

Another option is to head to a place like Nicuesa Lodge. You're in one place but there's good kayaking, hiking, and ok snorkeling right there. Lots of adventure and no worries about being alone. The guides will take you on adventures or you can just hang out at the beach.

Sandy

schoenfield

Thanks to you both for your reply! I'm going to look into both options.

Best,
gretchen

pahabari

I'm Traveling to Costa Rica and Panama July 18-Aug 1st. I am also traveling alone and have my itinary planned with some flexibility built in.
I'm starting at Playa del Coco- diving, then Monteverde- zip lines ,horseback to Arenal- hotsprings and shuttle to Puerto Viejo. Ending in Bocas del Toro, Panama.
The internet has LOTS of information.
Let me know if you want some sites to check for ideas

NoMad_SoHappy

If you're not set on a group trip, contact PanAmerican Travel at www.panamtours.com. They plan nice, independent trips to all the countries in South America and Central America.

rdufberg

Hi! I am also a female trevelr traveling alone and IM doing a GAP adventure...I like it because it has the freedom (its like backpacking with a liuttle structure)Its called GO COSTA RICA if you want to look into it. It plans your htoels and your transportation but once you get somewhere you can do what you want....what have you heard that bad about GAP adventures? ALso-I am traveling alone first and going to a beach town but I dont know where yet..are you going to a beach town?
Rachel

jabergal

If this isn't too late for you, I booked a trip for my husband and myself through Ines Silva. Here is her email: [email protected]
I did this totally blind through internet recommendations such as this. It was an incredible trip (our first to CR). We had a driver. All connections were flawless. If you want more info, just reply.