dfarmer

I have been mulling over this for a few weeks and have a few questions!

Considering driving to Saverge Mountain Lodge or Trogan - any opinions or preferences?
How long is the drive from SJ to the Saverge Mountain Lodge?

From this area to Dominical - what would be the drive time? And does anyone have a nice beach hotel to recommend? Everything I have looked at is up in the hills.

Then up to Rifiki Safari Lodge - their website says they pick up in Quepos. I had considered possibly returning the vehicle in Quepos and have the lodge pick us up. I don't believe there would be a need for it any longer. But Exactly where is this place? Is it between Dominical and Quepos? Would we pass right by the road to this lodge on the way from Dominical?

Then maybe a night or two in MA or fly from Quepos, back to Puerto Jimenez for another stay at Bosque del Cabo. Or possibly back to SJ for some more Central Valley exploring.

By the way this trip would not be until Jan/Feb 2006.

Thanks!

Latitude9Lisa

Rafiki Safari is located on a very secondary road off of the Dominical - Quepos road. It's an approx. 45 minute drive from the main road and you'll turn off at the Savegre River (uh oh! should have told you to "break out" your map!) You'll drive thru Silencio and then further still. It's a bit of a drive off the main road but certainly passable and doable in Jan/Feb. Is there a charge for transport from Quepos to Rafiki? And does this outweight keeping the vehicle for add'l days? You won't need a vehicle at Rafiki so it's worth putting a pencil to the numbers to see if it's more cost effective to drop your car in Quepos. Rafiki is a great place, primary rainforest, and we loved sleeping in the luxury tents (a BIG upgrade from my Girl Scout days!)

Lisa in M. Antonio

Jessie_

Savegre is a very nice place. Not super fancy but the people make it well worth your wile to stay there. Hubby stayed at Trogon last summer for a couple of nights and thought it was a nice enough place also. Even thought the place was prettier. When pressed, he did say he would prefer to go back to Savegre.

I would plan on about 2hrs to Savegre from SJ. It took us 3 but we stopped for a beer along the way.

I would plan on about 2-2 1/2 hrs to Dominical.

We have friends who we met from another board that we get together with frequently who spend a lot of time in the Dominical and south areas like Uvita. I will get some recs from them for you if you would like.

glover

Actually we stayed in one of Savegre's very new cabins last May and thought it was rather "fancy." Large with fire place and quite fancy bathroom/tub. It's a lovely piece of property they have there and Marino, one of the family owners who lives on the property, is a terrific guide. It's a beautiful drive from SJ. Mountains and valley are beautiful. We could see Trogon too from a distance on the drive to Savegre - it looked nice also. Are you SURE you gotta be on the beach in Dominical? Pacific Edge - up there on the ridge - is a wonderful spot! We really enjoyed this combination of locations- cool mountains and hot, beachy lowlands. And an interesting drive between. I'd like to do the same route again!

shillmac

Donna, we didn't stay in one of the newer cabins at Savegre as Glover did, but we did do some window peeping--only in the unoccupied ones!--and they looked just lovely. I second Savegre--birding with Marino is such a pleasant way to spend a day!

Our transfer from Savegre to San Isidro (where we got on a bus for points south) was right at 1.5 hour. We haven't driven from SI to Dominical, but I think the bus route takes about 1.5 hour--hopefully it would be a little quicker in a car! 2.5-3 hours total. We found the ATM in McDonald's in San Isidro to be very reliable! I would think you might enjoy stopping here for a few minutes at least and looking around.

Your itinerary sounds excellent! When we go in July, we're thinking of spending more time in some of the spots we've visited on day trips like Orosi Valley, Rincon de la Vieja, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, etc. Who knows--we may even make it up to Monteverde! For some reason, I can't seem to gather the enthusiasm for MV, but am sure it would be an enjoyable couple of days! Enjoy your planning!

dfarmer

Author: dfarmer
Date: 04/09/2005, 09:07 am
Thanks everyone - I knew I would get some great info.

I am surprised at the time to travel between each. I would assumed longer. We still would have to overnight near SJ, since we have never arrived before 3pm and I am sure we too will stop along the way.

Lisa - I keep the CR map on my desk at all times! I am extremely addicted. I see a town called Savegre, at the mouth of the river, I assume this would be the road. Once we decide I can nail this down. As for cost - Rafiki website offers room rates or packages, one is to pick up and deliver back to Quepos, lodging 2 nights, food, horseback riding and white water - sounds perfect for us. But yes I will certainly put the pencil to it. By the way - you are extremely helpful to the Quepos/MA traveler, thank you for your time and advice.

Jessie - yes I would love recs for Dominical! I read on another post that your husband had stayed at Rafiki - it sounds like a very interesting place.

Glover - it is so hard, with this itineray Dominical would have to be my BEACH place. But I have not discounted Pacific Edge! I wonder at Savegre - were you staying in the Junior Suite?

Shillmac - Although we have been to Monteverde, we have not yet been to the Rincon or Sarapiqui - will still stay on my list. This loop that I am looking at, seems to be one that will offer alot. I have wanted to travel to Dominical, but don't want to simply drive from MA to Dom and then back.

I have heard only wonderful things about Savegre Mountain Lodge. I can tell already this is going to be a very LONG year!

Thanks again everyone!

And you guys did not even point out that I had mispelled Savegre many many times!

Jessie_

Thank you Glover. Nice to know there are some newer cabins. We were in one of the older cabins. When I was refering to my husband thinking Trogon was prettier he was refering to the grounds rather than the rooms. Any word on Melvin? He was a wonderful guide for us. I did buy his Swarovski binocs so maybe he isn't guiding any more?

You keep teasing me with the Pacific Edge. We tried to get in there this year but they said they were booked up for the whole high season by the time we contacted them. It was last minute because of a trip change due to the flooding on the Caribe side. We are thinking about trying again for next year before heading down to the southern Osa as usual. We still like to try new places as well as stay at old favorites.

shillmac

The options are amazing, aren't they? Hard to imagine a place that offers so much for so many! And, having been there before, you know with certainty that you don't have do worry too much about your itinerary!

glover

dfarmer - from the pictures on Savegre's website it does look like we stayed in a junior suite, though I don't remember requesting that. It's possible that they may have upgraded us as it was the end of May and they were pretty unbusy.

Chuckster

I don't know if this will help you in your mulling, but we rented a house in Playa Matapalo, about 20 some km from Quepos I think. It is on the secondary road that was mentioned - the Quepos road. This road is also called the worst road in Central America by the locals. It truly is awful. I assume you will have a 4 x 4. This road did not stop us from having our fun, but you do have to take it into account. It took us a good 1 hour to drive from Quepos to Playa Matapalo. Dominical was about 20 minutes south of us we heard. I just thought you may want to be advised that the road that every new Costa Rican President promises to fix is NOT in good condition! Leave a good amount of time. It is a beautiful area! Visit the Bumpy Road cafe. We also loved El Pacifico right on the Quepos road in Playa Matapalo.

LePageS

We stayed at Rafiki in Feb. We had a rental car and drove up to the lodge. From MA it took about 1 1/2 hours on a very bumpy road. It was really easy to find as there are signs to guide you. Most people do get the transfer from the lodge, I think we were the only ones to drive up. We loved our stay at Rafiki and would definately return. If you have any specific questions feel free to Email me.

Suzanne

ardie514

Hi there- We are going to be in Dominical in early June and contacted a friend who has a sister living there to get hotel recommendations. We also wanted to be on the beach, or as close as possible since my husband is a surfer and I just love the beach. We were told hands down, the best place to stay is Villas Rio Mar. So that's where we just booked a few nights. They have a web site, which I think is www.villasriomar.com I think it's a short walk to the beach. We looked at some of the small hotels right on Dominical beach, but we were told that they were all a bit tired. While I don't think Rio Mar is anything too fancy, it seems to be the nicest, excpet maybe Hacienda Baru or Pacific Edge, but they are not on the beach. Good luck. Hope you have a great trip!

dfarmer

Glover - Thanks!

Chuckster - www.elcoquito.com, is this the same as El Pacifico? I have searched and this is all I come up with! Any additional info on this place? Oh and definately we will stop at the Bumpy Road Cafe! Only if to get a picture - perfect name!

LePageS - Went back to some of your previous posts, sounds like you had a wonderful time at Rafiki - thanks, I am sure I will have ?? later!

Ardie514 - you too had questioned about Dominical - looked up the responses you received. THanks for reminding me of Vilas Rio Mar - I hope you will post once you return! It sounds pretty much what we are looking for.

Latitude9Lisa

dfarmer: From Dominical, you'll make a right hand turn just before the Bumpy Road Cafe (and before the bridge) then the road follows the Savegre River a bit up to Rafiki. I believe the road is marked and you'll travel thru Silencio and Santo Domingo. At Santa Domingo (where my map shows the road ENDS!!), you'll continue another 25 minutes. Glad the word is getting out re: Bumpy Road Cafe. Nice place to stop to watch the river, some of the local kids enjoy jumping off the bridge into the water (it's high! brave kids!)or for a cold refreshment. Nothing fancy & very relaxing! I have on disk some add'l pics of Rafiki if you'd like to see more than their website offers. Let me know!

Lisa in M. Antonio

Chuckster

Dfarmer
I checked through my restaurant listings. The whole name of this restaurant on the main road is Expresso Del Pacifico. You can't miss it. It's right next to the Pulperia (market). GREAT ice cream there. Don Pinas(?). Del Pacifico has cold beer and great pizza. Tasty tipico meals too. My boys loved the ping pong table. It's made of stone. Very cool. Played many a game there.
El Coquito del Pacifico is in the village. It's close to the beach and has a pool. We also loved Tico Gringo which is right on the beach. Say hi to Eddie if you get there! We really loved this little village.
Hope this helps.

ardie514

We'll be leaving in about 6 weeks, can't wait! Will definitely let you know how Villas Rio Mar is. I'll try to take pics and post them for you when I get back. Your rave reviews of BDC have already got me trying to plan another Costa Rica trip for next year. I'm sure I'll have lots of questions for you when we figure out the details, but now I'm just ready to enjoy our second trip down there. Last year we only stayed in the Northwest part of the country and now we are heading further south to MA and Dominical. Good luck with your planning for Jan

oldermom

Hi! We just returned from a trip to the Ballena national seashore park and Hacienda Baru near Domical. We stayed a brand new hotel Cristal Ballena (15 miles south of Dominical). It is not on the beach but on a hill overlooking the ocean (great sunset views) and surrounded by a rainforest covered mountain. We stayed in the adventure cabin which was set about a five minute hike from the hotel and pool area. I loved the cabin. It was a beautiful setting and since they have only been open a month we only saw one other couple there. The owners were celebrating their four star rating. They also have hotel rooms which we did not see but I am sure they are very nice. The Web site is www.cristal-ballena.com. We also spent a night at Hacienda Baru. The cabinas were a little more rustic but I thought they were fine. There is a nice hike to a beautiful but dangerous rip tide beach. We waded up to our knees with my five year old and had the beach to ourselves for a few hours. Also took a guided hike. I will try to write a trip report soon.

dfarmer

Ok Chuckster! I guess I was having a senior moment - sorry to send you looking. I was thinking Del Pacifico was a hotel, instead of a restaurant! My mistake! But Thanks! That stone ping pong table sounds interesting. Thank you for all the detail - looking forward to finding all these spots.

Ardie - I will look forward to your pics! We too started our CR travels in the Northwest and have since been back 3 times, always experiencing something different. Have a great trip!

Oldermom - Looked at the website for Cristal Ballena - looks like a very nice place. How far was the hike to the beach? Finding my beach location for each trip, always tends to be the hardest!

Thanks again everyone!

rupertd

Beach hotels south of Dominical include: Coconut Grove (has a herd of dogs) and Costa Paraiso (very friendly) in Dominicalito both with casita style accommodation right on the waterfront. Further south past Uvita are Villas Gaia, Villa del Bosque and Hotel Playa Tortuga. There are also some great villa rentals in the area, check out "VRBO" and "Dominical-Biz" websites...I always stay up in the hills in this area because of the wildlife, views, fresh breezes and lack of no-see-ums.
Villas Rio Mar is a long way from the beach and the food is poor but has good facilities. Dont miss a trip to Hacienda Baru when you're in this area, the caiman, monkeys, birds, anteaters etc. are great as is the food in the "soda" on site.

lindadukess

When we were in Dominical last summer we stayed at Roca Verde hotel - just south of the village, on a beautiful beach - clean bright rooms, a beautiful bar/restaurant, and extremely laid back. I recommend it highly.