Please help my CR trip materialize -- need to make decisions today
Jun 15th, 2010 | 11:12 AM
#21
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 535
Likes: 0
OK. Let's go back to square one.
There are basically four elements to your trip:
Transportation
Hotel
Food
Things to do
1. Transportation
You don't have to give up the idea of renting a car. There are rental car companies that rent a 7-passenger SUV - Toyota Prada is one. Budget in Liberia, for instance will quote something like $500 for a Prada for the week, picking it up in Liberia and dropping it off in San Jose. You should be aware, however, that there is an additional mandatory by law insurance coverage that may cost and extra $10-15 a day. It may or may not be included in your quote. Add to this, your cost for fuel. Right now, gas is about $4 a gallon.
The absolute cheapest way to get around would be by public bus. There are buses that go everywhere all the time and, no, there are no goats or chickens or pigs on the buses. Some are even air conditioned - but not many. A bus from Liberia to San Jose, for example, would cost about $9 per person. I know you are not traveling from Liberia to San Jose but this is just an example. Most buses are not air conditioned, however, and it generally takes longer to get around but you don't have to worry about driving. When you get to your destination, you can just take taxis.
2. Hotel
You don't have to spend $200 a night for a hotel Not even close! There are many many smaller places, very comfortable cottages or cabins that have kitchen facilities that you can rent for considerably less than this. If they are not big enough for your entire family, you can rent two. A few months back, I stayed in Playa Carrillo at a studio apartment that sleeps 7 for $50 a night. It was clean, comfortable and had a kitchen and was about 100 yards from a beautiful beach.
3. Food
I, along with others, have already addressed the food issues. You can eat an the less expensive places or make your own or a combination of these. As for getting sick off the water -- Costa Rica's water is very clean and healthy. Where I live, the water is so clean and pure that I did a "taste test" and people thought the local water better than bottled water. Many people mistakenly blame the water for getting sick. It could be many things - including just a virus acquired from another person or even that delicious ceviche you ate that contains raw seafood. I can never get over the fact that people will eat ceviche which contains raw seafood and worry about drinking the water.
4. Things to do
There are many many inexpensive things to do if you just look for them. For instance, in Playa Carrillo, there is a wildlife rehabilitation center that your family can tour. The lady doesn't really ask admission - just a donation. And your family can see forest animals that they would never see in the wild. We gave her 2000 colones (about $5) and she was thrilled. You just have to do some research before your trip and look around and ask people for information about inexpensive things to do.
If I were you, I would make your trip, rent a 7-passenger car in Liberia, head to Arenal. Spend 2-3 days there (and not in a $200 a night hotel) and then head to Playa Samara which is a small beach town next to Playa Carrillo, easy to get to, laid back and family friendly, cottages available for rent. Then, on to the airport in Alajuela (San Jose) for your trip home.
There are basically four elements to your trip:
Transportation
Hotel
Food
Things to do
1. Transportation
You don't have to give up the idea of renting a car. There are rental car companies that rent a 7-passenger SUV - Toyota Prada is one. Budget in Liberia, for instance will quote something like $500 for a Prada for the week, picking it up in Liberia and dropping it off in San Jose. You should be aware, however, that there is an additional mandatory by law insurance coverage that may cost and extra $10-15 a day. It may or may not be included in your quote. Add to this, your cost for fuel. Right now, gas is about $4 a gallon.
The absolute cheapest way to get around would be by public bus. There are buses that go everywhere all the time and, no, there are no goats or chickens or pigs on the buses. Some are even air conditioned - but not many. A bus from Liberia to San Jose, for example, would cost about $9 per person. I know you are not traveling from Liberia to San Jose but this is just an example. Most buses are not air conditioned, however, and it generally takes longer to get around but you don't have to worry about driving. When you get to your destination, you can just take taxis.
2. Hotel
You don't have to spend $200 a night for a hotel Not even close! There are many many smaller places, very comfortable cottages or cabins that have kitchen facilities that you can rent for considerably less than this. If they are not big enough for your entire family, you can rent two. A few months back, I stayed in Playa Carrillo at a studio apartment that sleeps 7 for $50 a night. It was clean, comfortable and had a kitchen and was about 100 yards from a beautiful beach.
3. Food
I, along with others, have already addressed the food issues. You can eat an the less expensive places or make your own or a combination of these. As for getting sick off the water -- Costa Rica's water is very clean and healthy. Where I live, the water is so clean and pure that I did a "taste test" and people thought the local water better than bottled water. Many people mistakenly blame the water for getting sick. It could be many things - including just a virus acquired from another person or even that delicious ceviche you ate that contains raw seafood. I can never get over the fact that people will eat ceviche which contains raw seafood and worry about drinking the water.
4. Things to do
There are many many inexpensive things to do if you just look for them. For instance, in Playa Carrillo, there is a wildlife rehabilitation center that your family can tour. The lady doesn't really ask admission - just a donation. And your family can see forest animals that they would never see in the wild. We gave her 2000 colones (about $5) and she was thrilled. You just have to do some research before your trip and look around and ask people for information about inexpensive things to do.
If I were you, I would make your trip, rent a 7-passenger car in Liberia, head to Arenal. Spend 2-3 days there (and not in a $200 a night hotel) and then head to Playa Samara which is a small beach town next to Playa Carrillo, easy to get to, laid back and family friendly, cottages available for rent. Then, on to the airport in Alajuela (San Jose) for your trip home.
Jun 15th, 2010 | 11:23 AM
#22
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 24,926
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We've had several trips to CR and have drunk and eaten everything we wanted including local water, ice, veggies, salads, fruit, etc. and never gotten sick. There have been a couple of places on the Osa and in Tortuguero where they told us just to use the bottled water, fill up from the bar, or they have provided one of those big bottles of water with the dispenser like Sparkletts. I've been sick multiple times in Mexico, but CR just isn't like that for the most part. I really don't worry about it at all there.
Jun 15th, 2010 | 11:43 AM
#23
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 197
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hsmithcr - thank you so much! Your ideas are great. Now I have rough proposal to present. It appears we could actually do this under $3,000 if we choose the right options. If we opt to ride the buses, I guess we should try to only pack our belongings in back packs, and not in suit cases? How far in advance do I need to purchase bus tickets? To me, it would be a fun adventure.
volcanogirl - I am glad to know that you haven't gotten sick before in CR. I wondered about eating the ice, and fruits and vegetables. Since I have only stayed in Marriott and BdC, I was wondering about the potential to get TD while trying local eateries this time. Thank you for sharing!
volcanogirl - I am glad to know that you haven't gotten sick before in CR. I wondered about eating the ice, and fruits and vegetables. Since I have only stayed in Marriott and BdC, I was wondering about the potential to get TD while trying local eateries this time. Thank you for sharing!
Jun 15th, 2010 | 11:55 AM
#25
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 334
Likes: 0
Have you considered renting a condo or house? Try VRBO.com. We rented a 2 bedroom house overlooking the ocean in Manuel Antonio for 3 days in March. It was an awesome place and plenty big enough for 4 adults. We were able to cook our own breakfasts and sandwiches for lunch if we needed to, and cocktail hour on our deck. There was a grocery store and several restaurants within walking distance. We didn't need a car.
Jun 15th, 2010 | 12:52 PM
#27
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 712
Likes: 0
We all ate everything (fruit, salads, and loads of ceviche) as well as drank drinks with ice and brushed our teeth with the local water and we were all perfectly fine. I have three trips to Belize and 6 or so trips to Baja under my belt, where I was always very careful about water; all trips required daily swigs of Pepto to make it through the day!
Jun 15th, 2010 | 03:42 PM
#28
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 535
Likes: 0
Kippy: You can check bus schedules here: www.thebusschedule.com
Other than the city buses, the "around the country" buses have storage compartments underneath the bus so you can put suitcases in there. If you do this, snap them together or use a bicycle lock to lock them together. However you go, pack light. I would bring a carryon and backpack - maybe just backpack for the kids and a carryon and backpack for you and your husband. You can't buy bus tickets ahead of time from the various bus companies. And you really don't need to. There are services that will buy bus tickets and deliver them to your hotel but this is just in San Jose.
If you land in Liberia, you can just take a taxi to the bus station and then take the bus to Canas and from there to La Fortuna. It is pretty simple and the buses run regularly. Riding the bus is a great way to really become immersed in Costa Rica.
Of course, if you land in Liberia later than, say, 1 pm, you would be better off to spend your first night in Liberia and take the bus in the morning. There are a number of nice hotels in Liberia - both Americanized and Costa Rican. There are two Best Westerns - Las Espuelas and El Sitio. And near the airport is the Hilton Garden Inn. But there are also other Costa Rican style hotels. The Hilton Garden Inn is new and close to the airport but there is nothing there. If you stay at one of the Costa Rican hotels in Liberia, you can take a walk around town and have something to eat, do some shopping or banking, etc. Both the Best Westerns are within walking distance of town.
Good luck and let me know if I can help you further.
Other than the city buses, the "around the country" buses have storage compartments underneath the bus so you can put suitcases in there. If you do this, snap them together or use a bicycle lock to lock them together. However you go, pack light. I would bring a carryon and backpack - maybe just backpack for the kids and a carryon and backpack for you and your husband. You can't buy bus tickets ahead of time from the various bus companies. And you really don't need to. There are services that will buy bus tickets and deliver them to your hotel but this is just in San Jose.
If you land in Liberia, you can just take a taxi to the bus station and then take the bus to Canas and from there to La Fortuna. It is pretty simple and the buses run regularly. Riding the bus is a great way to really become immersed in Costa Rica.
Of course, if you land in Liberia later than, say, 1 pm, you would be better off to spend your first night in Liberia and take the bus in the morning. There are a number of nice hotels in Liberia - both Americanized and Costa Rican. There are two Best Westerns - Las Espuelas and El Sitio. And near the airport is the Hilton Garden Inn. But there are also other Costa Rican style hotels. The Hilton Garden Inn is new and close to the airport but there is nothing there. If you stay at one of the Costa Rican hotels in Liberia, you can take a walk around town and have something to eat, do some shopping or banking, etc. Both the Best Westerns are within walking distance of town.
Good luck and let me know if I can help you further.
Jun 15th, 2010 | 05:01 PM
#29
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
Costa Rica in July is lovely. I will second the recommendation of Samara. I think costs are lower there than some of the bigger resort towns. You do not need a car in Samara.
You might look at the cost of hiring a driver from airport to Arenal, then to the beach, then back to airport, (3 trips) vs renting a car.
We stayed at Los Lagos in Arenal. I think it would be a good place for your family although I am sure there are less costly options. If you stay at Los Lagos you will need a car or taxi into town.
Food is inexpensive if you eat in sodas. I also found this food to be the freshest. If you order the casada (think daily special) you get a delicious full meal for the cost of a fast food meal here. You can also eat very expensively in places that cater to tourists. We stayed in places that had frigs and we got sandwich stuff at the grocery store. I also brought an insulated cooler bag that I used to take things to the beach.
If you can use frequent flier miles for the tickets I think Costa Rica can be less expensive than Florida. The most expensive things are the excursions, such as ziplining, and whitewater rafting. Surfing lessons in Samara were not bad and included board rental for 1/2 of the next day.
You might look at the cost of hiring a driver from airport to Arenal, then to the beach, then back to airport, (3 trips) vs renting a car.
We stayed at Los Lagos in Arenal. I think it would be a good place for your family although I am sure there are less costly options. If you stay at Los Lagos you will need a car or taxi into town.
Food is inexpensive if you eat in sodas. I also found this food to be the freshest. If you order the casada (think daily special) you get a delicious full meal for the cost of a fast food meal here. You can also eat very expensively in places that cater to tourists. We stayed in places that had frigs and we got sandwich stuff at the grocery store. I also brought an insulated cooler bag that I used to take things to the beach.
If you can use frequent flier miles for the tickets I think Costa Rica can be less expensive than Florida. The most expensive things are the excursions, such as ziplining, and whitewater rafting. Surfing lessons in Samara were not bad and included board rental for 1/2 of the next day.
Jun 16th, 2010 | 04:31 AM
#30
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 322
Likes: 0
If you rent a car and stay in Arenal a few days, you can definitely drive to the beach from there without too much trouble. We did Sugar Beach for a few days then drove to Arenal. That way you can get in both destinations. Tamarindo is probably closer than Sugar Beach and there are other options as well.
As far as buses go, I don't think I'd want to do that with three kids and luggage in tow. Just too much hassel for the amount of savings. But then, I'm not known to be frugal.
We have been to CR many, many times and have never been sick from water or food. We don't take any medications either. It sounds as though your hubby had something other than TD.
As far as buses go, I don't think I'd want to do that with three kids and luggage in tow. Just too much hassel for the amount of savings. But then, I'm not known to be frugal.
We have been to CR many, many times and have never been sick from water or food. We don't take any medications either. It sounds as though your hubby had something other than TD.
Jun 16th, 2010 | 09:51 AM
#33
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 197
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Thank you so much everyone! My husband is driving me crazy. Let me just say that it has taken me years to figure out that I'm the adventurous one, and he is the "safe" one. That's okay. No we have not booked our tickets. He wants me to get a more detailed plan. I guess I don't blame him. I've been given so much wonderful info I only know that I definately want to go to Arenal... I've got lots of beach info I'm still going through But today the flights have changed and while I can fly back from SJO, I can't fly into SJO at all and the date on flying into LIR has changed. I'm getting nervous.
HOUSE IN CAHUITA????!!!!!!
On a totally different note, my husband has a friend named Cameron who just moved to Costa Rica last week. Cameron is meeting someone tomorrow morning for coffee who has a house in Cahuita for rent starting in July. He thinks it might be $600 for a week. Tomorrow Cameron will be snapping pictures of the house for us, and find out the exact rental price. I have NEVER researched this side of Costa Rica, and I know nothing about Cahuita. Cameron says it is 10-15 minute walk to the main part of town and also from the national park. This seems impossible!! Too good of a deal, but also too far away from Liberia!! I doubt there would be any local flights available at this short notice...
I love you guys. Thank you all so much. I am still reading thru all the comments as I dodge questions from my children, chauffer everyone around, fix our broken A/C here at home, help my husband at his office when possible, and read up on Costa Rica. I'm overwhelmed!
But today the flights have changed and while I can fly back from SJO, I can't fly into SJO at all and the date on flying into LIR has changed. I'm getting nervous. HOUSE IN CAHUITA????!!!!!!
On a totally different note, my husband has a friend named Cameron who just moved to Costa Rica last week. Cameron is meeting someone tomorrow morning for coffee who has a house in Cahuita for rent starting in July. He thinks it might be $600 for a week. Tomorrow Cameron will be snapping pictures of the house for us, and find out the exact rental price. I have NEVER researched this side of Costa Rica, and I know nothing about Cahuita. Cameron says it is 10-15 minute walk to the main part of town and also from the national park. This seems impossible!! Too good of a deal, but also too far away from Liberia!! I doubt there would be any local flights available at this short notice...
I love you guys. Thank you all so much. I am still reading thru all the comments as I dodge questions from my children, chauffer everyone around, fix our broken A/C here at home, help my husband at his office when possible, and read up on Costa Rica. I'm overwhelmed!
Jun 16th, 2010 | 10:24 AM
#34
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,750
Likes: 0
Personally, I love the Caribbean side especially around the Puerto Viejo area. So much less touristy than some other areas and really beautiful. I wouldn't hesitate renting that house if it works for you. It's much less expensive there as well, at least IMO, and you can definitely find some great sodas and vendor carts to eat inexpensively.
Beautiful beaches, especially Punta Uva. In fact there's a house there called Casa Viva right at Punta Uva that I'm gonna cruise by in a week or so, looks great!
Beautiful beaches, especially Punta Uva. In fact there's a house there called Casa Viva right at Punta Uva that I'm gonna cruise by in a week or so, looks great!
Jun 16th, 2010 | 10:55 AM
#36
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 325
Likes: 0
Kippy6,
Why don't you get a travel agent to help you? Very few people here have the total breadth needed to guide you to organize the choices you need to make. It may be possible that there simply isn't enough time to find a way to plan a trip with so many financial constraints. A travel agent may be able to advise you whether the trip is doable, given your constraints and planning abilities. I thought we had extablished a few posts ago that you can't fit 6 people and their luggage into anything short of a van. If a van is not possible, a car still won't work. Unless you are cooking for yourself (and where and how will you buy food?) hotels and eating "out" is still going to be a problem. You might center yourself in Arenal and find a hotel or inn that can advise you on transportation. They may be able to help. Don't hesitate to make a telephone call to get the facts to replace assumptions. It might really be better to spend another year studying and saving for this trip.
Why don't you get a travel agent to help you? Very few people here have the total breadth needed to guide you to organize the choices you need to make. It may be possible that there simply isn't enough time to find a way to plan a trip with so many financial constraints. A travel agent may be able to advise you whether the trip is doable, given your constraints and planning abilities. I thought we had extablished a few posts ago that you can't fit 6 people and their luggage into anything short of a van. If a van is not possible, a car still won't work. Unless you are cooking for yourself (and where and how will you buy food?) hotels and eating "out" is still going to be a problem. You might center yourself in Arenal and find a hotel or inn that can advise you on transportation. They may be able to help. Don't hesitate to make a telephone call to get the facts to replace assumptions. It might really be better to spend another year studying and saving for this trip.
Jun 16th, 2010 | 10:55 AM
#37
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 197
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We went to the Osa (BdC) in June a couple of years ago. It rained every day starting at 5pm. It was wonderful. Even though it was wet season, we felt like we had wonderful weather. I'm wondering about Cahuita. July is their rainiest season from my reading. Don't know what to expect. And I'm starting to worry about snakes. Can I rent boots for my kids somewhere?
Did I tell you that I stepped on the same step as a Fur de Lance in BdC while hiking the long trail? We were an hour into the hike, and little wooden steps (when they have them) are tiny. I took a pic of the snake, and Phillip told us what kind of snake it was, and said that it should have bit me, and to count myself very lucky. So my husband thinks we will all get sick like he did and all get bit by snakes since I almost did.
Did I tell you that I stepped on the same step as a Fur de Lance in BdC while hiking the long trail? We were an hour into the hike, and little wooden steps (when they have them) are tiny. I took a pic of the snake, and Phillip told us what kind of snake it was, and said that it should have bit me, and to count myself very lucky. So my husband thinks we will all get sick like he did and all get bit by snakes since I almost did.
Jun 16th, 2010 | 11:00 AM
#38
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 197
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Kinkazote - thanks for your reply. I did find a 7 and 8 passenger 4x4 from Budget. It is around $500. We are accustomed to packing light, and my husband and I did backpack in Europe many moons ago. You do raise good points about the food. I will keep trekking along. Thanks anyway
Jun 16th, 2010 | 12:30 PM
#39
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,750
Likes: 0
A "guide" for rainfall. As you can see not much different from some other areas, but weather never really that predicable during that time of year.
http://costa-rica-guide.com/Weather/WeatherMap.html
You could also buy some rubber boots probably cheaper than trying to rent somewhere... I would tell your hubby to try not to worry so much about snakes and getting sick. ;-)
http://costa-rica-guide.com/Weather/WeatherMap.html
You could also buy some rubber boots probably cheaper than trying to rent somewhere... I would tell your hubby to try not to worry so much about snakes and getting sick. ;-)
Jun 17th, 2010 | 07:16 PM
#40
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 197
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Okay - I have my reservation on hold (not going to Cahuita).
July 4, Arrive in Liberia at 11:40am
July 11, Depart from Liberia at 9:00am
(A doubtful option B is to arrive in Liberia at 7:20pm on 7/2)
Here is my plan. Want to visit Manuel Antonio and Arenal. I know it's a hike from Liberia. If departing from SJO opens up on Frequent Flier Points, this would be helpful. I check back multiple times a day w/Delta.
1. Driving time
-I was told that from LIR to MA it takes 5 hours. Is this correct?
-I also know to plan on 5 hours between LIR and Arenal.
-Do you know how long the drive is betw Arenal and MA?
2. Lodging -
a) Manuel Antonio -- This is where we plan to save big on rooms. I have found very, very reasonable places to stay. I have checked around 20 different listings for VRBO. Found some available in our budget that will allow us to rent by the day. Also sent e-mail to Costa Verde about bungalow A-11. Waiting to hear. Would you stay here? I've heard they are kind of rude here.
b) Arenal -- AOL has 2 rooms for us available on 7/3, 7/5, and 7/8 w/view to forest. Las Lagos has rooms too. Prefer to book 7/3 and 7/5 at Arenal, hoping 7/4 will open up. I've checked with them twice already. ***I saw the link that aby mentioned to look at on another post: http://ticotimes.com/costa-rica/aren...-level-3-alert. This is concerning...
3. Food -
a) MA - From my reading, groceries are even expensive in MA. So I hope to buy groceries (non-perishables) in Liberia or another city long before I get to MA which we can use for lunch. For supper, we're open.
b) Arenal - Plan on eating at the tacos at Arenal that you all have recommended for supper . I also saw a trip report that AOL's food wasn't that bad and the entrees were $10 and under. If we stay at Los Lagos, they have included our breakfast in the quote.
4. Transportation
Probably going to rent Rental car for around $500 (have already checked 2 companies). However, I'm curious about the interbus or greyhound also. My husband is about 6' 6" feet tall. He needs a good amount of leg room. How much leg room is there as a passenger?
July 4, Arrive in Liberia at 11:40am
July 11, Depart from Liberia at 9:00am
(A doubtful option B is to arrive in Liberia at 7:20pm on 7/2)
Here is my plan. Want to visit Manuel Antonio and Arenal. I know it's a hike from Liberia. If departing from SJO opens up on Frequent Flier Points, this would be helpful. I check back multiple times a day w/Delta.
1. Driving time
-I was told that from LIR to MA it takes 5 hours. Is this correct?
-I also know to plan on 5 hours between LIR and Arenal.
-Do you know how long the drive is betw Arenal and MA?
2. Lodging -
a) Manuel Antonio -- This is where we plan to save big on rooms. I have found very, very reasonable places to stay. I have checked around 20 different listings for VRBO. Found some available in our budget that will allow us to rent by the day. Also sent e-mail to Costa Verde about bungalow A-11. Waiting to hear. Would you stay here? I've heard they are kind of rude here.
b) Arenal -- AOL has 2 rooms for us available on 7/3, 7/5, and 7/8 w/view to forest. Las Lagos has rooms too. Prefer to book 7/3 and 7/5 at Arenal, hoping 7/4 will open up. I've checked with them twice already. ***I saw the link that aby mentioned to look at on another post: http://ticotimes.com/costa-rica/aren...-level-3-alert. This is concerning...
3. Food -
a) MA - From my reading, groceries are even expensive in MA. So I hope to buy groceries (non-perishables) in Liberia or another city long before I get to MA which we can use for lunch. For supper, we're open.
b) Arenal - Plan on eating at the tacos at Arenal that you all have recommended for supper . I also saw a trip report that AOL's food wasn't that bad and the entrees were $10 and under. If we stay at Los Lagos, they have included our breakfast in the quote.
4. Transportation
Probably going to rent Rental car for around $500 (have already checked 2 companies). However, I'm curious about the interbus or greyhound also. My husband is about 6' 6" feet tall. He needs a good amount of leg room. How much leg room is there as a passenger?
