My fiance and I have been to Costa Rica and loved it...so we are returning for our honeymoon in Oct 06. We have already been to Alajuela, Arenal, and Playa Tamarindo. For our honeymoon we have 10 nights and are trying to figure out an itinerary. We are somewhat limited because we are going in October and don't want to be stuck in rain the whole time. So we think we will fly into San Jose...fly round trip to and from Tambor and stay at Casa Chameleon in Mal Pais. We would also like to stay at the Peace Lodge for a couple of nights...at the beginning or end of our trip. Should we go some where else...what else could we fit in? We don't know how many nights we should stay at Casa Chameleon without getting bored. Do we stay there for 8 nights and Peace Lodge 2 nights...or do we add in another beach or central CR location for a few nights and cut down our time at Casa Chameleon? Please provide any suggestions...we appreciate it. Thanks!

Well so many choices to suggest. I realize it is your honeymoon, but other than that! what do you want our of this trip. Relaxation, adventure or a mix?

My step daughter stayed 6 nights in Santa Teresa last year, with a day visit to Montezuma. She expressed that she wished she had planned a few nights in Montezuma. Since you will already be close by, you could split your time between these two very easily - we stayed at the El Sano Banano Beach Bungalows (now I believe Ylang Ylang) in Montezuma, which I would certainly recommend.

Also I think I would do 3 nights at Peace Lodge, only because 2 nights only gives you one full day. There are several areas of interest and activities to do nearby that you could easily fill 2 days.

Also you may want to try Manuel Antonio area for the many activites available, and in Oct should not be crowded at all.

Or maybe some white water rafting?

Or maybe some bird watching locales?

Or maybe Monteverde?

Or Tortuguero?

Or........

Thank you so much for your reply! I just found out that Casa Chameleon is booked so now we need another plan. We really love nature, beach, relaxation, snorkeling, wildlife...but in a barefoot luxury type setting...and willing to spend the money for a nice place. We were also considering Florblanca and Punta Islita...but were concerned with some reviews they got...but now would consider them because Casa Chameleon is booked. Any thoughts about these places? We love open-air living space and open-air showers...and we don't want a "hotel-like" atmosphere with a lot of people. I will check out the location you mentioned in Montezuma. Spending an extra day in Peace Lodge sounds like a good idea. We appreciate any suggestions...thanks!

Sorry...forgot to mention that the reply I got from Casa Chameleon inlcuded a warning about the rain in October and that a lot is closed at that time. Is it that bad in this region? I am dying to go to Manuel Antonio and the Osa Peninsula but am worried about the rain in October in those regions. Any thoughts? Also...forgot to add that we want a mix of relaxation and activity...but don't want to spend too much time traveling.

Here is another choice for the MalPais/Santa Teresa area. Sorry we have not been to this area, however I had saved this hotel for a future trip possibility.
http://www.milarepahotel.com/home.htm

And here is a website that will show average annual rainfall for cities and/or regions of CR.
http://www.costarica.com/Home/Weathe...Damp;_Humidity

October is one of the rainiest months for most of CR with the exception of the Caribbean. Wish I could comment from experience, but all of our trips have been in Feb. Hopefully someone will comment to this, but also consider searching the forum back to OCT 2005 and search some trip reports, just a suggestion.

I will keep thinking!

We tried to get in at Casa Chameleon last Christmas but couldn't, so we went to Mexico. We just returned from Casa Chameleon and it was worth the wait! What a great place! Regarding your October dilemma...if Casa Chameleon told you there was a lot of rain and a lot is closed at that time...well, they should know. They are great at steering you in the right direction. We would have never found the restaurants and private beach areas without their help. Anyway, if the rain doesn't bother you and if you know that maybe certain things will be closed then I say go! Mal Pais is a great town.
The only other place that looked to be as nice as Casa Chameleon was Florblanca. Florblanca was more resort-y and I think it costs a lot more but you might want to splurge since they have a restaurant and if it's raining all day you will want to be somewhere nice.