We are planning a trip in June and staying in a rental house in Ojochal for a week. We picked the house to accommodate our friends (whom have since backed out on us and left us with the bill) and it is too late to cancel the reservation without penalties.
We will be there the week of the 10th and would like to know if anyone has visited close to there lately? My husband would like to go birdwatching and I like to shop. We both want to go hiking and horseback riding. Also, how long of a drive is it to Manuel Antonio National Park? And finally, we are flying into San Jose, which is the best rental car company to go with and do we really need a 4x4? Thank you in advance!

Silly me!. Planning a trip to Costa Rica in June.

I haven't stayed there, but I've been in the vicinity in Dominical. I'm sure your husband will find lots of birds but I doubt there will be a whole lot of shopping. You'll need a jeep -- the roads can be bad. You should have nice weather -- some rain showers here and there but you'll have fun.
Sandy

Thanks Sandy for the info, we are really looking forward to going. Actually I get to shop before we go, looking online for clothes to take. I have been driving myself crazy with what to pack, I still haven't quite decided between an amphibious sneaker or just plain Tevas. Should I take jeans? Or will it take too long for them to dry in the humid air without a dryer? Decisions, decisions! What a horrible life, deciding what clothes to take on vacation... LOL

tr - If you decide on a water/hiking shoe, Travelcountry.com is still having their sale on Solomon TechAmphibian's for $39.99. I really like'em.

I love my Keens. They protect my toes, have a great hiking sole, but are open enough that little pebbles, etc. can get back out. I'd leave the jeans at home and bring only lightweight, quick-dry clothes. Jeans will get heavier and heavier as they absorb the humidity and they'll feel wet. I actually had a pair get moldy on me. I'm a big fan of the skort, especially in a quick-dry material. Then you look cute enough to go to dinner right after a hike!

Sandy

Thank you both so much for your information, esp. for the shoes, I was looking at both types mentioned, now I just have to decide which to buy. I also just bought some hiking pants from Columbia, I moved jeans off the packing list.
If anyone else has any ideas, I would be grateful!