We're going to CR for our first time Jan. 25 for 15 nights and trying to decide on itinerary. We'd really like to go to Osa (Bosque del Cabo), but I'd like to know how hot is hot?? Is it unbearable at that time of year? How does the heat & humidity compare to Manuel Antonio? We live in the mountains and 80 deg. is hot for us LOL. Also, which flight out of SJO is usually the least bumpy (early or later)--also scared to death of small planes! But, we really want to see Scarlet Macaws, Toucans and all the monkeys--without the crowds of MA.

Thanks for all the help,
Lorraine

The average high temperatures in Corcovado nearly always hover around 90 ?F (32 ?C) with high humidity. Manuel Antonio's highs average a few degrees cooler.

You can see monthly average temperatures by location in Costa Rica at

http://costa-rica-guide.com/Weather/...ratureMap.html

It can be pretty warm in that part of the country. The beauty about Bosque is that it is up high and on a point so it is almost always very comfortable. Hiking can be hot but you can jump into the ocean if you go that way to cool off or when you get back they have a lovely pool right by the bar. A typical day for most people, that we have seen and do, is to get up early with the monkeys, have breakfast and go for a hike. Afternoon is the time for a siesta, hammock, pool, or just relaxing in general.
Mornings are better in Costa Rica for the bumps. The trade winds can really pick up in the afternoon.

Thanks for the info. I've read all the messages on Bosque del Cabo, but would like to know, in your opinion, which hotel has the most wildlife onsite--Bosque or La Paloma?

I have stayed at both places and my vote definitely goes to Bosque for the wildlife. The monkeys (all four Costa Rican species hang out at Bosque) come right by the cabinas at least once or twice a day. Scarlet macaws, toucans, etc are right there also. Lovely huge grounds to walk around on. They now have 500 acres with several planted in gardens that are nice and easy to stroll around on. Some of the trails like the Pacific are pretty tough going but still just beautiful. Animals and birds to see everywhere.

The Osa is beautiful! We just returned from the Casa Corcovado in mid-April. I would highly recommend this property to all. The staff and the guides went out of their way to make our stay memorable. The one-on-one trip down to Sirena (extra cost) was the highlight. Tapirs, macaws, peccaries, and monkeys all over the place with no crowds!

The temperature was always in the 90's with high humidity, but we expected this. Drink plenty of water. Be prepared to perspire when hiking.

As for the flight, the morning is the best time to fly before the clouds move in and out. I don't like small planes either, but the rewards awaiting you at the end of the flight should outweigh any concerns.

Enjoy!

Another place to take a look at on the Osa Peninsula is Lapa Rios. www.laparios.com

We've been there twice; it's a beautiful property, with some wonderful walks. Lots of monkeys, lots of scarlet macaws. It's definitely nicer than La Paloma (where we once stayed for a week). I have no experience with Bosque, so can't compare it.