badbob90713

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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Mixter603

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.

cmerrell

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...

tully

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.

badbob90713

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

cmerrell

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.

hsmithcr

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.

badbob90713

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.

Latitude9Lisa

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

hsmithcr

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.

1bhcrashman

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.

hsmithcr

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.

badbob90713

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.

Kinkazote

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.

tully

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.

cmerrell

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!