Recommendations for 2nd trip to CR
 

We are trying to decide on a last minute trip in January (debating between Roatan, Honduras, Panama or a 2nd trip to Costa Rica).

The flight is into San Jose and we have options of free (land) transfer to San Jose, Jaco or Puntarenas. We loved Costa Rica and have been to Arenal, Monteverde, Malpais (Tambor) and Manuel Antonio. We passed through Jaco and Puntarenas but did not stop for more than lunch.

Where would you recommend for a 2nd trip to CR that starts in San Jose? We have one week. How about La Paz peace lodge? Any other recommendations? Thanks!

You might want to take a day long river rafting trip on the Pacuare River. (If you want to stay overnight, check out the Pacuare Lodge: www.junglelodgecostarica.com) The river rafting company then can transfer you to Puerto Viejo (no extra charge), then you can spend your time exploring the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. It's laid back and beautiful.

The Sarapiqui area has some of the best ecotourism activities and wildlife in the country. Pacuare river rafting, Poas, Grecian, Sarchi, Orosi, Irazu, Tortuguero.

If you like wildlife, the Osa is amazing; we saw all 4 kinds of monkeys there, as well as toucans, scarlet macaws, an anteater, coatis, a sloth, and other animals. The La Paz Peace Lodge is a great place to spend a couple of nights; they have over the top indulgent rooms, nice views, waterfall showers, a garden where you can hand feed hummingbirds, and a cool nocturnal frog tour. I wouldn't spend more than two nights there though - not much to do in the area other than hike the waterfalls and go to Poas volcano if it interests you.

thanks for the responses!!! We booked this morning! Unbelievable deal on the flights... direct to SJ from Toronto for $900 (for both of us, including all taxes!)
My husband caught the surfing bug last time... so we are going to be heading to Montezuma or Jaco for a couple nights. I just need to plan it all (and we are leaving Jan 4!)

Andrea-that is an amazing price for airfare! I fly out of Toronto too. Where did you get this deal?

costaricalover - www.airtransat.ca
They were offering flights without hotel.
maybe I will see you there :)