Off the beaten path.
 

Hello Fodorites, First I would like to thank all of you for the great info an personal tails of travels trials and tribulations. I have learned much and feel confident heading into my first out of country adventure.
We will be in Costa Rica from July 20th to the 29th. We being myself Badbob an my lovely travel companion Sally. I'm just looking for some feedback on the itinerary I decided on. However I'm also hoping to get some info on places that I can stop at along our way, that are "off the beaten path." We already have a full plate for the first few days but left the last few days for some unplanned come what may day trips.
Well I wrote a little diddy an it goes lika this. Arrive Alajuela 9:30am July 20th get rental 4x4 an head right up to La Paz waterfall Gardens. I have read thats its like a CR disney without the rides but i like the idea of getting familiar with alot of the CR Fuana up close so I maybe can spot them better out in the wild. Plus a fairly easy hike to several waterfalls seems like a good 1/2 day detour. Thought about spending the nite there but I decided to push my luck right out of the gate an make it to Arenal the same day. Speaking of pushing my luck I will also divert up to the Poas volcano on our way fron La Paz because its only 10 miles up the 120 from there. This I picture as a Chevy Chase Grand Canyon stop for those familiar with that movie scene. Then its back down to the CR1 road and up the 142 thru San Ramon to La Fortuna. I know this is over the mtns. an can be fogged in by late noon but as they say "Pura Vida" so no worries an we get there when we get there. I'm sure it will be after dark but with gps an Nat Geo waterproof map an the thrill of it all. That will be ok.
Geez this is turning into along story. I hope I have not lost most of you. I'm just a blue collar type of guy an not much of a writer but I cannot contain my excitement an passion for this trip. So anyway Arenal day2. Horse backride to falls in the am an volcano hike an hot springs in the afternoon. Oh we are staying at Hotel Mtn Paradise. Day3 am Canoa adventures Rio Penas Blancas for slow river ride not white water. Then skytrek in the afternoon. Lazy nite early to bed.
Day4 early start drive around lake an down to Tilaran on 145 toCR1 towards Puntarenas. Were headed for Mirramar to the vista del golfo adventure park. They have a pkg deal room with 3 meals an 25 line conopy tour which goes right past some waterfalls. I think its the only tour that does go close to waterfalls. Not sure if we zip that afternoon or next morning.
Day5 afternoon off towards MA will swing by Carara on the way an just tico time it down to the Arenas del Mar in Ma.
Day6 am boat trip to Damas Island an thats the end of the planned adventures which gives us a few more days for maybe some whitewater rafting, sport fishing or nothing. I think we will go south for a day trip. I read that playa Ballena was good for snorkeling. Anyway hope I did not bore you to death an will greatly appreciate any feedback or constructive criticism an of corse some cool stops "off the beaten path"

I think you are trying to pack too much in your first day. Distances in Costa Rica can be deceiving and if you estimate how long it will take you to get somewhere, double it.

You are talking about "off the beaten path" but you are going to at least two of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica.

I don't understand your logic for staying at Miramar for the "Vista del Golfo Adventure Park." If you are looking for Disney-type attractions, you will be disappointed.

Costa Rica is famous for its natural beauty and rightly so. If I were you, I would plan on taking advantage of it.

Cool stops off the beaten path: When you arrive in Canas from Tilaran, turn right onto the InterAmerican Highway and about 5 km from there, on your right, will be Las Pumas. This is a wildlife sanctuary and rehabilitation center and you can see not only big cats but other animals here as well. Well worth the short detour. Back on the InterAmerican Highway, just past the cemetery in Canas, turn right and go to Bebedero, a small town about 14 km away on a good road. Here, you can get a boat trip through the Palo Verde National Park.

By the way - no one in Costa Rica uses highway numbers just names such as InterAmerican Highway or "the road between Tilaran and Canas" -- that kind of thing. If you ask someone where is Route 6 or 127 or whatever, they will just look at you.

After Manuel Antonio, you can head for the Osa Peninsula, one of the best places for wildlife and unspoiled nature.

I have to agree your first day is way too much! Perhaps since the second half of your trip is not planned, you can see Poas on your return to San Jose area?
I'm tickled by your excitment for your trip!

Your drive time will be at least 50% more than you are thinking. The hwy #'s on the map & GPS do not always relate to the existing roads. I agree with above post by hsmithercr and when you ask for directions, alot of people can't read a map and don't know where they are on it. Good luck and you will be experiencing Pura Vida which will take on a whole new meaning once your here.

"alot of people can't read a map and don't know where they are on it"

This is so true. We were lost and had a map. We had a general idea where we were, and stopped and asked a construction worker if he could point out on the map exactly where we were. He pointed to a place where I knew we could not possibly be. I just thought he was fooling around with us, but soon realized that he just couldn't read the map.

You mention doing SkyTrek and then another canopy tour. Perhaps you would just want to do one of those--and looks like the second one is included in your room rate.

We enjoyed Skytrek but I would schedule it for the morning. The views are beautiful and you have a better chance of clear weather in the morning. We did it on a beautiful day.

As for reading or not reading a map -- most Costa Ricans don't have cars and ride the bus, mostly. So for them, reading a map is not a necessary skill. And even many Costa Rican drivers don't take a map with them. If they don't know where to go or where they are, they just stop and ask. This is not really a map issue; it is a communication issue. It is probably a good idea to learn some rudimentary Spanish such as "donde esta" and things like right and left and some numbers.

The Osa peninsula is a great place to get away if you want to see nature. Bosque del Cabo is a resort ( a little pricey), but there are cheaper places in the Osa. I have been to CR 8 times and to all of the places you are thinking about. It is a 1 hour flight from San Jose or about a 8 hour drive.

Fantastic isolated place.

hsmithcr, very true and with my elementary espanol the construction worker could tell me how to get to where I wanted to go, we just didn't use the map.

Badbob, if you do plan on going off on your own which my husband and I did without any problems, it is best to know a little be able to speak and understand a little Spanish just in case you get lost.

I agree you are trying to do far too much your first day. Don't recommend driving up to Arenal at night.

Ditto all the above. We did some of the stuff you want to do last winter. It'll be more like noon when you get on the road after you get your rental. 10 miles in CR can be an hour. The roads look short on maps, but they're deceiving. Toss in getting lost (and you will, there are no addresses) and a mudslide with the fog, and you're screwed. Not to mention getting behind trucks that only do 10 mph uphill. And it's always uphill in CR. I also don't see you doing horseback, falls, volcano, and hot springs all in one day while at Arenal. I really, really, really think you're cramming too much into 9 days. Esp. if you're a first-timer out of the US which might mean your Spanish skills need a brush-up. Please don't drive at night. It's dangerous with livestock on the road plus you'll miss the great scenery between Poas and La Fortuna. Google "travelexperta" she can help you with an itinerary.

I just want to thank everyone for the advice. I knew I would get some great feedback here. Sorry for not being more clear on my plans. The map issue is surprising but it does make sense that locals would not need a map. However with all I have read it made me think that the locals were fairly literate people so I thought they would be able to do so. I do live in LA so I do speak some Spanish and I'm studying hard to add a lot of travel lingo as well. I don't want anyone to get the wrong impression of me. I could see that my plans may seem like a lot or even foolish. However my time frame is based on tripreports,my travelmap,fodors travel book and CR tourism site. So I don't feel the responses telling me to double my travel time are accurate. If all these resources are telling me these timeframes I'm going to believe it. Short of a natural disaster or severe wheather conditions I don't have to actually set foot in any giving location to know how far I've traveled at an avg. Speed of 15mph. Right? I am not taking this trip as a clueless first timer but as someone who has done his homework an will be prepared for the worst. This to me is one of those so called "trips of a lifetime" so I do want to get my travel dollars worth so to speak. The Poas detour will be based on the actual time we get to the fork in the road after La Paz waterfalls. The suggestion to do Poas on the last day was a very good one an I had not thought of that. As far as the horseback /waterfall an volcanohike/ hotsprings the horseback is in the am an hike is in the afternoon. I can't see a problem there. I do like the idea of switching the canopy tour to the am an the canoe ride to the afternoon. I'd rather zip with a lesser chance of rain. I really do enjoy this forum and the responses to my post so thanks again for the advice. I am aware that driving at nite is something I don't want to do and will try very hard to avoid it. However whats the point of going on such a trip if I would limit my experiences because of being afraid. Everyone says the people are friendly an its not a country with a lot of civil unrest. I have some experience driving mountainous roads with a 4x4 an I will be prepared as much as I can be. So I'm not that worried. I could be in big trouble getting lost, roads closed or running into some wild or domestic beast but you know what, short of getting robbed or kidnapped I will just make the best of it an move thru are trip the best I can. Although we are doing a lot of the main tourist traps if you can call em that because its such an amazing natural place. My tag line of off the beaten path will hold true. That's why I'm driving myself. HS one of the first responses had some good suggestions. That's what I'm looking for here. Oh by the way HS I'm not looking for a Disney type of attractions. I meant I was going despite the fact it was described as such. I was horrified and amused that you may have thought that's what I'd be looking for in CR. Well folks thanks again for what I feel is a genuine concern for my safety an well being I truely appreciate it. I can't wait to let you know how my adventure turns out. Oh one more thing my back up plan for getting lost was when I come to a small town if I could find one was to hire a taxi or a local to allow me to follow them to my next destination perhaps a crazy thought but do you think that's possible if I got that desperate? Not a good use of travel dollars but certainly a way to boost the local economy. LOL

"However with all I have read it made me think that the locals were fairly literate people so I thought they would be able to do so." If you understand the map issue, then why do you say this? Do you mean "map literate?" As I said before, most Costa Ricans have no need for using a map so they don't. As for literacy - the country has a 95% literacy rate so they are "fairly literate."

Glad to see that you have worked out your plans and it looks like you will have a great time. I really like the idea of exploring - I have done this many times in CR.

If you get lost, just ask someone where you are. Then check your map. If you get lost, just ask someone! The most common thing to say is, "Perdon, senor (or whatever) una pregunta - " then ask your question. If you know that, according to your map, the road to Aguas Claras is about here and there is a road there but no sign, ask someone. Is this the road to Aguas Claras? It will be a real waste of money to hire a taxi to "guide" you somewhere - but - this is up to you. If you get lost, you won't be in "big trouble", you will lose nothing but time (and some gas maybe). Tranquilo!

Running into some domestic or wild beast? Cows are routinely pastured along the back country roads but are not stupid enough to go into the road - there is no grass there! Anyway, you will be going slow enough on these roads that it won't matter.

I am curious to know how everything turned out. Please do write a trip report and let us know. I think you will have a great time and really see Costa Rica.

I think your first day is really just too busy. At most, you'll have about 3 - 3.5 hours at La Paz Waterfalls, then a good drive to Arenal in the dark. Personally, I'd either stay at La Paz that first night (or nearby Poas Lodge) or just skip that part and head directly to Arenal upon landing.

Have never heard of the adventure park. I'd skip a stop there and instead do your ziplining in Arenal at SkyTrek or Canopy Safari in Manuel Antonio. Both are great fun.

I believe most people here are giving you opinions on doubling your travel time not to be a bummer but just out of personal expeience.

Thanks HS, I guess I was just generally figuring map reading as part of literacy. But I concede that if you always know were you are an never venture far the of course a map would be a foreign object to anyone in any part of the world. I was not being condescending or ment no disrespect to the locals. It was my mistake to assume map reading is general knowledge. Thank for the Spanish lesson aswell it will certainly come in handy. I was half joking about the taxi guide. I'm not so confident that I would drive to far withoutw asking for directions if I felt I was lost. Your also right about the beast. Slow an steady is my mode of transport. I feel if you have driven on 1 white knuckle 1 an 1/2 lane muddy mountain road you have driven them all. So going at a safe speed with plenty of reaction time should always get you where you want to go. I'm not going to CR for a rally race. Correct me if I'm wrong but does "Pura Visa" roughly translate to just enjoy life no matter what happens good or bad? That's what I think it means. Anyone else got a thought on that.

Forewarned is forearmed as they say. We used the taxi idea in Vienna and it worked great when we had driven onto the Graben in error. However, where you will likely to get lost in CR, there will probably be no taxis. "get to the fork in the road after La Paz" Hope it's not so fogged in you can't see the road much less the fork. Those potholes that can swallow your car are hard to see at night and it is the Green Season so rain is an issue. But, I wish you Pura Vida.

badbob...you need to break up your writing into paragraphs my friend...it's like a huge wave of words coming right at me :)

Costa Rica is fun and you'll love it. Driving is relatively uneventful there except those random huge potholes right in the middle of an otherwise perfect road. Almost lost it a few times while driving at "dusk"...driving at night is stressful and not worth it. Night is when you drink rum and relax at a bar.

Anyhow - I second the Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park...some of the most pristine nature I've seen. It is hard to get to so I don't think w/ only a day or so it would be worth it. Another thing we did that was excellent and one of our trip highlights was we did an overnight rafting trip on the Paquare river. It would leave out of San Jose and eat up 2 of your days but it was so much fun.

Thanks for the good wishes an ours vida. I m so sorry about the giant paragraph. Using a smart phone is no excuse for bad gra
mmer. I was just lazy
I spoke with the car rental place today an the eastern access to Paos is no longer there so all this nite driving business is a non issue now. They also updated me as to the actual time of sunset so I have a more concrete answer there.
I already have Arenas Del Mar for the last five nites but when I get there I will ask if I can drop the second last nite an possibly go to Oso from one morning to the next nite or just take a boat out of Dominacal to Oso. Thanks again to everyone for the advice.

The Osa isn't a 1 night type of place, too much time to travel there and back. Also, the Osa is an entire peninsula, not a town. If you want to explore somewhere South of Manuel Antonio head to Dominical, about 45 minutes, or Uvita, about 2 hours. with a short trip, I would really keep it to Arenal and MA, maybe a day trip to the places I mentioned above.

The sun sets around 5:45 pretty much year round in CR, was this in question? lol

Here's why I think you've got too much on you plate in 1 day at Arenal. Or maybe you already know. If you're going to La Fortuna falls, there is a hike after the horseback ride. Then, swimming and hiking back out. Then back down on horseback. Then to your next activity. Then the next. It's just a lot to cram into one day. Save enough time for beers! We also stayed at Mtn. Paradise (the gps says there are 2); you shouldn't be disappointed. They've got a great swim-up bar and nice heated pool if you can't make the thermals. The restaurant there is decent, but pricey. Sky Trek was the bomb; I'd have paid double. It's good you're not driving at night, it doesn't make sense to jeopardize the trip of a lifetime with all the risks involved. Gps or not, the highways are poorly marked, if at all, and there are no addresses in CR. Daylight driving will allow you to get off the beaten path, should the opportunity arise, you can do so in the day whereas you can't at night.
Regarding La Paz, we actually went there after Poas thinking as you did. The road was a disaster, being rebuilt after mudslides. The staff at La Paz advised us to plan on 4-6 hours to tour the grounds. The delay on the road caused us to bail on La Paz.
Your ambitious itinerary highlights the problem of going to CR: So much to see, so little time. If you're not able to do it all, Pura Vida also means save something for next time!!

Hello an thanks again for adding more good advice. Tully as far as the time of the sunset it was a ? that I just got the answer too so sorry for being ambiguous. I was aware the Oso is not a town that's preety funny. The tour Co. Made it sound like you can hop on a 6am boat an at least get in a decent day hike in Corcovado or snorkel I think she said Cano island. Then return to dominacal at 6pm.
Anyway I liked Baldones idea of leaving some for next time. Which leads me to that horseback/waterfall am trip an volcano/hotspring pm day. Maybe I'm a victim of an upsell by my booking agent in CR. Because she gave no indication whatsoever that these two tours were not comfortably doable on the same day. Actually she kind of sold me on the idea. But there already booked so I guess I will just have to see how it plays out. I don't want anyone to worry I will make plenty of time for some Mai Tai's in Paradise. Thanks again for so much support it really means a lot to me.
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Badbob, you've gotten some of the best advice you could get. I've been to CR about six times (which makes me an amateur compared to people like Tully) and believe me, when the folks on this board are telling you that you're too ambitious, believe them. They know what they're talking about. Double the drive times.

I wouldn't even consider the Osa on this trip. And if I'm correct, the boat ride to Cano Island is a few hours there, then a few hours back. I doubt you'll be able to do that.

Also, I don't think you've taken into consideration the heat and humidity factor. Your energy level seems to plummet once you're out in that heat a few hours. Make sure you have plenty of Gatorade or water as is very easy to become dehydrated while hiking.

Looking forward to your trip report.

Mixter makes a good point about the humidity. Coming from southern California, you'll definitely feel it. Heck, I live in Florida and I felt it when I've been down there!

You have gotten some really good advice here. Perhaps it won't take fully double the drive times to get from point A to point B, but it inevitably <i>will</i> take longer than you think it will! I have personal experience in this matter from 2 different trips where we chose to drive ourselves. And maybe you can cram multiple activities into a single day, but I think you'll totally have to rush through some of them, and won't have time to fully savor and enjoy.

Most of the posters here have been to CR multiple times. Tully alone, has been about a bazillion times ( ;-) ), so there's a lot of cumulative experience to draw from.

You have a great spirit of enthusiasm, BadBob. Don't let us dampen your excitement, but do consider the valuable advice offered. Costa Rica is phenomenal! I bet you will absolutely love it...

Yes, please come back and tell us how it all worked out, will be looking forward to it. Hope you have a great trip. A lot of of us have come to the conclusion you can't possibly fit it all in in 1 trip, or 10 :) , so that's why so many repeat offenders.

Well I have to say I completly agree CM. The wealth of in country experience is really bringing me back to earth a bit.
CR has so much to offer that the hardest part of my trip planning was deciding where not to go an what not to do. Its very easy to get carried away. Although you have all contributed to curbing my enthusiasm in a good way. My ecitement level for this trip continues to build up.
I have been to many of the great national parks in the US an I really love the woods. I cant wait to experience a real jungle. Although except for what came up late in the dicussion. The humidity and heat will no doubt have a great impact on the fun factor. Not to mention the intermitten or constant rain. Depending how lucky I am.
So afterall once I get there and I'm actually getting on the road. I will heed the advice I have been given and just go straight to Arenal. But I'm keeping a positive outlook towards my plans and if things go well for me I will be able to go to La Paz skip Paos an make it to La Fortuna at dusk. I will feel ok even just spending a couple hours at La Paz because when I do go back to CR I know it will be all about the Corcovado so I wont get back to that area till who knows when.
I did switch the sky trek to the am tour and floating Rio Penas Blancas to the afternoon. That was great advice an I should have picked up on that myself. I know I'm doing alot the first 2 full days but I'm off work the whole week before. I'm going to visit family in Massachusetts. So I dont mind making the extra push at the start. I dont feel I will be rushing thru anything because most those activities go along at a certain natural pace anyway.
On the way to Mirramar is when I hope to go off the beaten path at least a littlebit. I think Tully said he had not heard of the Vista Del Golfo adventure park. I found it on a CR web site an I cant remember which. Its all kind of melted together at this point. Anyway I thought I was being smart picking a halfway point to MA. to stop. Speading out the drive time. Just the opposite of day one LOL The place seemed preety cool as far as canopy tours go. 25 lines and a few right in front of waterfalls. Thats kind of there claim to fame so to speak. The price was not bad with three meals. It must be a new outfit and I will be sure to tell you all how safe they opperate. I'm no expert but I'm a "diesel Technician" by trade or fancy way to say grease monkey. So I mechanically inclined enough to not get on some jerry rig monkey swing.
From there its down to MA for some kick back time and maybe a snorkeling run to Ballena and or some whitewater. Other than that the majority of my MA time will be lazy beach walks or jacuzzi surfing with a mai tai. I will post all the gory details good or bad.
I really can feel the possitive energy from all you guys and it only adds fuel to my fire. I will carry the torch of all that have gone befor me and represent well. You can rest assured I'm not some loud mouth jerk off US tourist but someone who wants to just leave footprints and only take pictures. Oh and probably a fair amount of rum. Thats ok isnt it?!!

Ps; I tried to put some space between the darn paragraphs in the edit mode but the preview is a wall of words. So I dont know whats up with that. Sorry I is not so literate on this here fancy pc chunche

La Paz is beautiful and the waterfalls are quite spectacular so it's definitely a worthwhile place to visit. With 9 days, you could still consider spending your first night there and still have ample time to divide between Arenal and MA. Just a suggestion... I'm sure you'll make things work whatever you decide. It will take you ~1 to 1.5-ish hours to make the drive there from the airport area, and another 3-ish hours to drive to Arenal from there. Unless you get lost... ;-)

You'll have to let us know your verdict of the adventure park. I've done SkyTrek in Arenal and it's quite the adrenaline rush (with awesome views of the lake and volcano; providing it's not obscured by clouds...).

I will also mention that even though you're visiting 2 of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, you won't be there during peak season, and the towns you'll be staying in are quite small. You probably will feel that you're somewhat off-the-beaten-track throughout the entire trip; especially coming from L.A.

cmerrell: some of us even live in Costa Rica.

I always have to chuckle when I read someone wants to go "off the beaten path" and then goes to Arenal and Manuel Antonio and Poas Volcano. I guess my definition of "off the beaten path" is different. Yes, there are valid reasons to visit these places but there are many many places "off the beaten path" that are just as interesting.

BadBob - Here's hoping you have a wonderful time! Please do let us know about your trip when you get back home.

I know what you mean HS about off the beaten path. I just tried to make a topic name that would get some responses. It seems to have worked. I do hope along my way to the main tourist attractions of CR. I have a chance to wander off here or there an see some places that could be considered the roads less traveled.
Considering just getting there is already way off my beaten path I will be way ahead of the game starting at the airport. LOL. I hope this is just the first of many trips to CR so I will have plenty of chances to get to some backcountry places In the future.
One more thought on WHEN I get lost. I would rather be lost in CR than know exactly where I am on the way to work at home!!!

Thanks again everybody for the good wishes and advice.

Although you are Tico-timing it down to MA, be especially careful of speed zones just south of the Tarcoles. The speeds go from 80-60-40 and POLICIA. Since it virtually is in the middle of nowhere, it's surprising to see a 40 zone. Enroute to MA, try Fiesta del Mariscos (west side of road on the water). Excellent seafood, tipica CR food, probably not a place you'd find in a guidebook.

You mentioned Isla Damas so stop in to see Ana and Cayuca at Cayuca's Restaurant (across from Pueblo Real). Ana is a fine cook and you can practice your Spanish with Cayuca. A nice family run establishment. Just north of Quepos, have a great meal at Rancho Leon. Very Costa Rican menu with patacones, chicharones, fresh fish etc. Alex and Fernando are super nice guys and their food absolutely delicious.

Looking forward to your trip report and safe travels. Lisa

Well, badbob, thanks for wasting my time with your "Off the Beaten Path." Sorry I bothered to respond to someone who was not sincere to begin with. I do like to help people who truly want to go to lesser known places but apparently that is not you.

At any rate, hoping you have a good vacation.

WOW hsmither! I hope you are kidding--sometimes in posts it's hard to tell. Anyway, I have decided to think you are kidding and are wishing Happy Trails to badbod. He sounds very excited to be going.
ps. as you know it is very easy to go "off the beaten trail" even as you try to stay on the "beaten trail" so he will probably join those of us who've been there.

1bhcrashman: No, I was not kidding. He started out saying he was interested in going "off the beaten path" and then ended up saying, "I know what you mean HS about off the beaten path. I just tried to make a topic name that would get some responses. It seems to have worked. I do hope along my way to the main tourist attractions of CR. I have a chance to wander off ...." So, his interest in "off the beaten path" was bogus. And yes, sorry I wasted my time and energy. Perhaps I can help someone who is a little more sincere.

Well, anyway, hoping badbob (now I wonder why he is called that!) does have a great vacation in Costa Rica.

Wow HS take it easy Mae! I WAS TOTALLY SINCERE an completely honest about my topic. Its my 1st trip to CR I'm not gonna backpack Corcavado for 9 days. Give me a chance to enjoy some of the more popular places 1st.

The fact I chose to drive myself and not use all the other modes of transportation was to have the luxury of veering off the beaten path on my own free will. Like Crashman said someone can find some of the best "off the beaten path" places unintentionally.
However, because of my well thought out topic title an the great respones. Except your last one, now I have the knowledge of several places I can seek out. So mission accomplished. I'm sorry you felt decieved in the end. That was not my intent. I think I got some good on topic advice an whole lot of practical advise aswell.
Afterall isn't this forum here to share experiences an educate noobs. I'm preety sure some people who read this topic learned something. Even if my exuberance caused the discussion to vere off topic a bit.

Relax, badbob. feathers get ruffled. Quite a few of the topic headers on this thing are unrelated to the actual questions. What I wanted to say, but didn't bother, is that, if you're driving, even with a GPS, you won't be able to tell whether you are on or off the beaten path.

I also wanted to say that Pura Vida is experienced in simple things like making coffee in a sock and drinking it while rocking and watching the birds in the morning sunlight. I just hope you didn't pay for all those tours in advance.

Your time is too tightly packed with activities to soak up much pura vida, but this error is self-correcting, as long as you don't spend all night driving to get to the next exciting adventure. And, dare I mention that some country roads in Costa Rica are used to drive cattle on from pasture to corral, etc. You can easily come around a corner and meet one end or the other of a herdlet of cattle. They're not feeding, but they do represent a substantial wall of meat if you can't stop on a gravel road.

You sound bright-eyed and eager enough to change your plans to meet the conditions. And if you meet a puma on the trail, you can always just talk it to death. You WILL have a good time in spite of us.

I hope you come back badbob and tell us all about your trip. Nothing wrong with going to 2 of the most popular places in CR your first trip. You have a car too, so you will have the freedom to stop at will and explore. Slow down a tad and resist the urge to do it all in one trip, you can't. Safe travels.

Badbob, you did get a lot of excellent suggestions and tips here. How you use (or discard) them is entirely up to you. It's <i>your</i> trip!

My first visit to Costa Rica included La Paz, Arenal and MA. I enjoyed every single second of it and couldn't wait to visit CR again. My second trip focused on the Osa Peninsula (which I think most here can agreee is deserving of the "off-the-beaten-track" title) and I was truly hooked.

Please do feel free to ask additional questions if you have them, and do let us know how your trip turns out. You are only a few weeks out now and have every right to be excited. May Costa Rica exceed your expectations like it did mine!