Shillmac's Costa Rica Adventure--Best Ever??
Aug 20th, 2008, 04:29 PM
#21
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Eressa, (Sorry to hijack Jill)
I am on my third Panasonic. I passed my other two on to my daughters . But IMHO I think the FZ18 does a great job for not being a DSLR. I am very anal when planning a trip and purchasing something, I am very obsessive compulsive in researching (adds to the thrill of the hunt), All I read was postitive. I was a little unsure buying it, but it is great. More than paid for itself! The CR pics turned out great, as do all of the family pics.
Jill, how neat that you met someone to give you tips. I still haven't figured out all of the bells and whistles. I love the report so far, can't wait until the rest.
I am on my third Panasonic. I passed my other two on to my daughters . But IMHO I think the FZ18 does a great job for not being a DSLR. I am very anal when planning a trip and purchasing something, I am very obsessive compulsive in researching (adds to the thrill of the hunt), All I read was postitive. I was a little unsure buying it, but it is great. More than paid for itself! The CR pics turned out great, as do all of the family pics.
Jill, how neat that you met someone to give you tips. I still haven't figured out all of the bells and whistles. I love the report so far, can't wait until the rest.
Aug 20th, 2008, 04:32 PM
#22
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http://www.hdcameraworld.com/SearchR...FQMtswodmjmyjg
For what it's worth, this is a link I found on the website that directs you to a company that sells the camera for much less ($219) and also sells it as part of a package with some extras. Worth looking at.
For what it's worth, this is a link I found on the website that directs you to a company that sells the camera for much less ($219) and also sells it as part of a package with some extras. Worth looking at.
Aug 20th, 2008, 06:05 PM
#23
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You're too funny! Here kitty, kitty, here's a sandwich! LOL!
As far as the sanctuary goes, they are building a nicer space, with larger cages just down the beach from where they are now. I know construction takes forever so maybe it will be in use next year but I look forward to seeing it. Glad you were able to meet precious Lulu. I hope she still has her boyfriend.
Definitely looking forward to happy hour with Greven and Francisco.
Ok, I'm anxious to hear about Lost Iguana.
As far as the sanctuary goes, they are building a nicer space, with larger cages just down the beach from where they are now. I know construction takes forever so maybe it will be in use next year but I look forward to seeing it. Glad you were able to meet precious Lulu. I hope she still has her boyfriend.
Definitely looking forward to happy hour with Greven and Francisco.
Ok, I'm anxious to hear about Lost Iguana.
Aug 20th, 2008, 06:47 PM
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Backtracking just a bit. . .forgot to mention that, as usual, we stayed at Hotel Villa Bonita the night we arrived. Visited friends in San Joaquin that afternoon, then checked in at HVB. We paid $60 for 2 persons, up about $5 over last year. Still, for our "routine" upon arrival, visiting with friends, etc., it is the perfect location.
We drove to Orquideas for dinner and drinks as is often our custom. We always enjoy visiting with Edwin, the straight faced, dry- humored server/bartender (about our age, been married about as long), and his son, Edwin. We seldom go up to the restaurant, choosing instead to sit at the bar and order appetizers. We had delicious tostones (fried plaintains) with pico de gallo and avocado as well as chicken nachos to die for. Micheladas (how do you spell that?!) are usually our drink of choice--1/2 lime, 1/2 Imperial, with salt on the rim.
Moving on. . .
Bosque del Cabo has recently (2 months ago) hired another driver named Miguel, a former taxista from San Jose. Very nice guy, he dropped a couple off at the airport, then drove us out to Iguana Lodge, about 10 minutes from town. The road to Iguana parallels the Puerto Jimenez airstrip on the other side.
It was Thursday, and we spent the afternoon relaxing, snacking at the bar, walking the beach (Playa Plantanares) which goes on forever. Great beach. We met the new pup on the block, Spike (you'll see a photo eventually!), and he was a willing partner on my afternoon beach walk. He looks like a spike, small guy, compared to the big boys, Chester and Bam Bam. In fact, Spike guarded our room that night, sleeping on our lounge chair throughout the night.
A bit more about the Club Rooms at Iguana Lodge (former Pearl of the Osa). There are 8 units above the restaurant/bar. 4 face the ocean, 4 face the backside of the building (garden view, I suppose). Wouldn't make a lot of difference either way, price was the same. Proximity to the beach is very close. There are a few hammocks strung up between the restaurant and the beach. We had requested beachfront months earlier.
The next a.m. we went kayaking with a small company not far from the hotel. We had a wonderful time, kayaking through the mangroves (got a great photo of a white ibis), then into the ocean to circle around to our put in point. We had to portage over a small area between the mangroves and the beach, and we rested there on the beach while our guide prepared coconut and pineapple for us to drink/eat. It was just the two of us and a couple from France. They spoke a little English and a little Spanish, and the guide used English on the tour. They seemed to understand at least some. We got most of it. LOL!
As prepared as I always think of myself, we showed up for that excursion without sunscreen, repellent, or hats. Go figure. The guide provided all, for which we were grateful. We needed every bit of it. Just a heads up! By the way, he provided those waterproof packs for cameras as well. However, keeping up with the kayaking and getting a camera in and out of those pouches quickly are not compatible. We had taken a cheap water camera and used it a little. We got a few, but those photos didn't turn out so well. I won't be posting any of them. . .or entering them in any contests!
The tour was over by noon and we were on our way back to the lodge. For lunch we had tostones again, nachos, and ceviche. All good. Oh, and Imperials.
Bicycling in the afternoon was fun. We rode about 20-30 minutes to a restaurant/homemade ice cream place toward PJ. The ice cream was SO good, prepared ahead of time and frozen in styofoam cups with lids.
On the way we stopped and looked in some of the rooms at Yellow Coco--weren't impressed-- and the beach was not very close to the rooms. There were a lot of trees around them, not anything in the way of a view unless you were in an upper accomodation. We thought about checking out Black Turtle as well, but didn't. Can't comment on that one, but we think we may have had the best accomodation (for the $$) in the area.
We weren't intentional about it, but we found ourselves at Iguana on yet another Friday night--the night of the pasta/salsa party. For $6 per person, it is a pretty good deal, and the food is good. We turned in early again--not as many people on this night. Some of the locals always show up to party, but as far as hotel guests, it was only DH and I and another couple from the Iguana Lodge rooms.
Saturday a.m. and life got a bit more interesting. First of all, I had a 4:30 alarm set for birding with Sidnar. We drove about 30 minutes over to Rio Nuevo. We had an excellent morning, several kingfishers and a slaty tailed trogon among others. The trogon was oh-so-close and staying put. I got my camera out to get a knock-out photo and discovered I'd forgotten to put the battery back in after taking it out to charge the night before. I'm still pining the loss of that photo!
Our flight is at 9:45 and by 8:00 we are back at the lodge in time for breakfast. Sidnar took us into town at 8:45. And the news? Storms in San Jose, Pavas airport in closed. Okay. We didn't have a LOT to do that day except catch a bus from San Jose to Turrialba, so we could manage if it didn't stay closed too long! Which it didn't. We were in the air by 10:45. Actually, when that plane landed, they REALLY rushed people off and us on in a hurry to get somewhat back on schedule, I guess.
DH climbed in right off the bat, compliant soul that he is; but I was taking a photo of the airplane (you know how pretty those Nature Air planes are!). The pilot asked me to get a move on, so I sprinted up those steps and put my hand on the leg of DH who was sitting in the back of the plane to help boost myself in. Only it wasn't DH. And that guy didn't say a word. Just let me grope him. Fortunately he didn't say, "higher"--that would have undone me!
The plane isn't full so I sat alone in the pair of seats in front of DH (who was still chuckling). In front of me was a lady from England. We became fast friends about 20 minutes into the flight when it got REALLY bumpy and we were talking fast and furious to keep our minds occupied. A little kid across the aisle from me was poised with his barf bag at the ready, and I was aware of someone toward the back who was not doing well.
The pilots, on the other hand, seemed perfectly comfortable and didn't even have hands on the wheel! Auto pilot, I understand, but while we're pitching and bucking through the skies in total cloudiness? I must add that before the rough stuff began, I got some excellent photos of rivers and towns below. It always bugs me because I always want to know what I'm seeing. One town was right on the u-bend of a huge river. Anyone know what that would be?
We made it onto the ground, but the poor lady behind us collapsed on the tarmac after her family helped her down the steps. She did NOT look good. I saw her about 15 minutes later and she had recovered somewhat--had some color back in her face. The English lady and her family had arrived distressed because they had to connect on a flight out of SJO and were VERY short on time (about 1.5 hour by this time).
We hired a taxi driver to take us to the Turrialba bus station (about 25 min through San Jose). He charged $20, which we thought fair. We paid $4 for 2 tickets on the 1:30 direct bus to Turrialba. Timing was good, just off an hour.
We arrived without incident at the station in Turrialba, then hired a taxi to take us to Rancho Naturalista, about 15 minutes away. We paid him about $16. Included in the maria time was a stop at an ATM in La Suisa for more dinero. We had started out with $500 cash and after 10 days, we need to fortify that a bit to get us through the next 5 days. Most of our first 2 weeks were spent at all-inclusive places, though. Still, where does the $$ go? I was glad to find an ATM (and a compatible one at that) in such a small town. We had been unable to use the one at the bus terminal.
Tomorrow I'll tell about our birding experiences at Rancho Naturalista and Sanchiri Mirador Lodge. Before I forget, there is one thing we noticed that was worth mentioning.
More than ever before, it is necessary to ask the taxista ahead of time what the charge will be. Costa Rica is SO popular with people from all over the world. Many folks aren't familiar with the colone and how to convert it. Also true at gas stations. Especially true there.
We didn't notice anyone trying to take us for a lot of $$, more like just keeping their own tip before you have a chance to offer it. Couple of bucks here and there. I'm sure a lot of people just wave off the change, and they have gotten used to that. We are still in the mindset we had years ago when tipping was not the practice for taxis drivers, station attendants, etc. These days, we tip just about everyone--CR has caught up with the rest of the world in that regard, which is fine.
And be sure you understand just how the colones work, at least roughly. For us, it sometimes gets confusing. How simple it was when the conversion rate was right at 500 colones! Now we have to remember that our 10,000 bill is actually a couple of dollars LESS than $20. More like $17.50. . .
We drove to Orquideas for dinner and drinks as is often our custom. We always enjoy visiting with Edwin, the straight faced, dry- humored server/bartender (about our age, been married about as long), and his son, Edwin. We seldom go up to the restaurant, choosing instead to sit at the bar and order appetizers. We had delicious tostones (fried plaintains) with pico de gallo and avocado as well as chicken nachos to die for. Micheladas (how do you spell that?!) are usually our drink of choice--1/2 lime, 1/2 Imperial, with salt on the rim.
Moving on. . .
Bosque del Cabo has recently (2 months ago) hired another driver named Miguel, a former taxista from San Jose. Very nice guy, he dropped a couple off at the airport, then drove us out to Iguana Lodge, about 10 minutes from town. The road to Iguana parallels the Puerto Jimenez airstrip on the other side.
It was Thursday, and we spent the afternoon relaxing, snacking at the bar, walking the beach (Playa Plantanares) which goes on forever. Great beach. We met the new pup on the block, Spike (you'll see a photo eventually!), and he was a willing partner on my afternoon beach walk. He looks like a spike, small guy, compared to the big boys, Chester and Bam Bam. In fact, Spike guarded our room that night, sleeping on our lounge chair throughout the night.
A bit more about the Club Rooms at Iguana Lodge (former Pearl of the Osa). There are 8 units above the restaurant/bar. 4 face the ocean, 4 face the backside of the building (garden view, I suppose). Wouldn't make a lot of difference either way, price was the same. Proximity to the beach is very close. There are a few hammocks strung up between the restaurant and the beach. We had requested beachfront months earlier.
The next a.m. we went kayaking with a small company not far from the hotel. We had a wonderful time, kayaking through the mangroves (got a great photo of a white ibis), then into the ocean to circle around to our put in point. We had to portage over a small area between the mangroves and the beach, and we rested there on the beach while our guide prepared coconut and pineapple for us to drink/eat. It was just the two of us and a couple from France. They spoke a little English and a little Spanish, and the guide used English on the tour. They seemed to understand at least some. We got most of it. LOL!
As prepared as I always think of myself, we showed up for that excursion without sunscreen, repellent, or hats. Go figure. The guide provided all, for which we were grateful. We needed every bit of it. Just a heads up! By the way, he provided those waterproof packs for cameras as well. However, keeping up with the kayaking and getting a camera in and out of those pouches quickly are not compatible. We had taken a cheap water camera and used it a little. We got a few, but those photos didn't turn out so well. I won't be posting any of them. . .or entering them in any contests!
The tour was over by noon and we were on our way back to the lodge. For lunch we had tostones again, nachos, and ceviche. All good. Oh, and Imperials.
Bicycling in the afternoon was fun. We rode about 20-30 minutes to a restaurant/homemade ice cream place toward PJ. The ice cream was SO good, prepared ahead of time and frozen in styofoam cups with lids.
On the way we stopped and looked in some of the rooms at Yellow Coco--weren't impressed-- and the beach was not very close to the rooms. There were a lot of trees around them, not anything in the way of a view unless you were in an upper accomodation. We thought about checking out Black Turtle as well, but didn't. Can't comment on that one, but we think we may have had the best accomodation (for the $$) in the area.
We weren't intentional about it, but we found ourselves at Iguana on yet another Friday night--the night of the pasta/salsa party. For $6 per person, it is a pretty good deal, and the food is good. We turned in early again--not as many people on this night. Some of the locals always show up to party, but as far as hotel guests, it was only DH and I and another couple from the Iguana Lodge rooms.
Saturday a.m. and life got a bit more interesting. First of all, I had a 4:30 alarm set for birding with Sidnar. We drove about 30 minutes over to Rio Nuevo. We had an excellent morning, several kingfishers and a slaty tailed trogon among others. The trogon was oh-so-close and staying put. I got my camera out to get a knock-out photo and discovered I'd forgotten to put the battery back in after taking it out to charge the night before. I'm still pining the loss of that photo!
Our flight is at 9:45 and by 8:00 we are back at the lodge in time for breakfast. Sidnar took us into town at 8:45. And the news? Storms in San Jose, Pavas airport in closed. Okay. We didn't have a LOT to do that day except catch a bus from San Jose to Turrialba, so we could manage if it didn't stay closed too long! Which it didn't. We were in the air by 10:45. Actually, when that plane landed, they REALLY rushed people off and us on in a hurry to get somewhat back on schedule, I guess.
DH climbed in right off the bat, compliant soul that he is; but I was taking a photo of the airplane (you know how pretty those Nature Air planes are!). The pilot asked me to get a move on, so I sprinted up those steps and put my hand on the leg of DH who was sitting in the back of the plane to help boost myself in. Only it wasn't DH. And that guy didn't say a word. Just let me grope him. Fortunately he didn't say, "higher"--that would have undone me!
The plane isn't full so I sat alone in the pair of seats in front of DH (who was still chuckling). In front of me was a lady from England. We became fast friends about 20 minutes into the flight when it got REALLY bumpy and we were talking fast and furious to keep our minds occupied. A little kid across the aisle from me was poised with his barf bag at the ready, and I was aware of someone toward the back who was not doing well.
The pilots, on the other hand, seemed perfectly comfortable and didn't even have hands on the wheel! Auto pilot, I understand, but while we're pitching and bucking through the skies in total cloudiness? I must add that before the rough stuff began, I got some excellent photos of rivers and towns below. It always bugs me because I always want to know what I'm seeing. One town was right on the u-bend of a huge river. Anyone know what that would be?
We made it onto the ground, but the poor lady behind us collapsed on the tarmac after her family helped her down the steps. She did NOT look good. I saw her about 15 minutes later and she had recovered somewhat--had some color back in her face. The English lady and her family had arrived distressed because they had to connect on a flight out of SJO and were VERY short on time (about 1.5 hour by this time).
We hired a taxi driver to take us to the Turrialba bus station (about 25 min through San Jose). He charged $20, which we thought fair. We paid $4 for 2 tickets on the 1:30 direct bus to Turrialba. Timing was good, just off an hour.
We arrived without incident at the station in Turrialba, then hired a taxi to take us to Rancho Naturalista, about 15 minutes away. We paid him about $16. Included in the maria time was a stop at an ATM in La Suisa for more dinero. We had started out with $500 cash and after 10 days, we need to fortify that a bit to get us through the next 5 days. Most of our first 2 weeks were spent at all-inclusive places, though. Still, where does the $$ go? I was glad to find an ATM (and a compatible one at that) in such a small town. We had been unable to use the one at the bus terminal.
Tomorrow I'll tell about our birding experiences at Rancho Naturalista and Sanchiri Mirador Lodge. Before I forget, there is one thing we noticed that was worth mentioning.
More than ever before, it is necessary to ask the taxista ahead of time what the charge will be. Costa Rica is SO popular with people from all over the world. Many folks aren't familiar with the colone and how to convert it. Also true at gas stations. Especially true there.
We didn't notice anyone trying to take us for a lot of $$, more like just keeping their own tip before you have a chance to offer it. Couple of bucks here and there. I'm sure a lot of people just wave off the change, and they have gotten used to that. We are still in the mindset we had years ago when tipping was not the practice for taxis drivers, station attendants, etc. These days, we tip just about everyone--CR has caught up with the rest of the world in that regard, which is fine.
And be sure you understand just how the colones work, at least roughly. For us, it sometimes gets confusing. How simple it was when the conversion rate was right at 500 colones! Now we have to remember that our 10,000 bill is actually a couple of dollars LESS than $20. More like $17.50. . .
Aug 20th, 2008, 06:51 PM
#25
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Here kitty, kitty, indeed! Remind me to tell you a hilarious story about "here kitty kitty" when we meet next summer! Don't forget now!
And before you go getting people all confused, Lost Iguana is at Arenal! LOL!
I just posted it. We really did like it there, enough to plan a couple of nights there again next year, I think. We're partial to any place that offers bicycles to ride! And we liked the "house dogs".
And before you go getting people all confused, Lost Iguana is at Arenal! LOL!
I just posted it. We really did like it there, enough to plan a couple of nights there again next year, I think. We're partial to any place that offers bicycles to ride! And we liked the "house dogs".
Aug 20th, 2008, 07:33 PM
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Enjoying reading your report of course! What if we all arrive early am in June (uhhh, the 3 gringos are asking for Imperials with breakfast, what to do?! Oh no! The same ones that sit in the middle of the titi trail with ham sandwiches on their heads?) I will call dibs on any room with the lowest % of 'visitors', how's that?!!
Glad to hear you got to see Aida's presentation, I think it must be a weekly or monthly thing. I'm sure CR's pumas are much more formal than those in the US, they probably say con mucho gusto before biting. Too funny about getting on the plane, higher lol. Was the town you saw about 15 minutes out of PJ? Maybe Palmar Sur? Looking forward to the rest and (more) pics!
I will call dibs on any room with the lowest % of 'visitors', how's that?!! Glad to hear you got to see Aida's presentation, I think it must be a weekly or monthly thing. I'm sure CR's pumas are much more formal than those in the US, they probably say con mucho gusto before biting. Too funny about getting on the plane, higher lol. Was the town you saw about 15 minutes out of PJ? Maybe Palmar Sur? Looking forward to the rest and (more) pics!
Aug 20th, 2008, 08:36 PM
#27
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Yeah, they say "con gusto" after posing for photos on the trail!
You're right! That probably is Palmar Sur. We have only been there once and are not very familiar with it. Does it have waterfront property on a pretty large river?
Hey, isn't it about time we topped the GTG again? I'll give it a shot.
You're right! That probably is Palmar Sur. We have only been there once and are not very familiar with it. Does it have waterfront property on a pretty large river?
Hey, isn't it about time we topped the GTG again? I'll give it a shot.
Aug 20th, 2008, 08:58 PM
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Oh, duh. I meant Iguana Lodge, of course!
I saw that feline presentation also. I thought it was very well done and admire the passion they show in their work.
You ladies are cracking me up. Glad to know we're all on board with the Imperials before noon. Jill, I think your hubby's the one that will need to chaperone us gals!
I saw that feline presentation also. I thought it was very well done and admire the passion they show in their work.
You ladies are cracking me up. Glad to know we're all on board with the Imperials before noon.
Jill, I think your hubby's the one that will need to chaperone us gals!
Aug 21st, 2008, 03:18 PM
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parrmt & shillmac - Thanks for all the info/links. And for jumping in, parrmt! I definitely want this camera! I'm just saving up now...
While we're on tech topics, what are your experiences with your cell phones while in-country? I'm about to get a new one since my current one is too old and won't work in CR and I'd rather travel with a cellphone than a laptop.
shillmac: I can't wait to see your pictures!
Thanks again!
While we're on tech topics, what are your experiences with your cell phones while in-country? I'm about to get a new one since my current one is too old and won't work in CR and I'd rather travel with a cellphone than a laptop.
shillmac: I can't wait to see your pictures!
Thanks again!
Aug 22nd, 2008, 05:34 AM
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Eressa, regarding cell phones, on this trip I used my Nokia cell phone, which is just a tri-band cell phone, with international roaming activated, BUT I got an international SIMM chip. It was a HUGE money saver! I made over 145 minutes of calls and the total cost was only $35!! I ordered the chip through www.celtrek.com I believe. I found the site through a post on here and there was a nominal charge for the chip itself. You just have to contact your cell provider before you go to have your phone unlocked to accept other SIMM chips. Pop in the international chip when you get there and your good to go! I still have over $60 left on my chip for future trips! On our last out of country visit, I paid close to $2/minute so this was a huge money saver. The reception was great as well.
Aug 25th, 2008, 11:57 AM
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Thanks for topping for me, Jill!
Great report so far! Sounds like another wonderful adventure in your home away from home.
I can only imagine what that man on the plane thought when you felt up his leg! Maybe he really enjoyed it and that's why he didn't protest or make any comment! Gotta love those embarrassing moments; they make the best stories! ;-)
The Osa sounds spectacular as usual. Boy, would I like to see that puma! It would be a bit unnerving, but how cool would it be?! I think the best bet would be to take along some tuna melt sandwiches; at least that would work for most of the cats I've owned!
I would take 2, one for me and one for the puma!
Great report so far! Sounds like another wonderful adventure in your home away from home.
I can only imagine what that man on the plane thought when you felt up his leg! Maybe he really enjoyed it and that's why he didn't protest or make any comment! Gotta love those embarrassing moments; they make the best stories! ;-)
The Osa sounds spectacular as usual. Boy, would I like to see that puma! It would be a bit unnerving, but how cool would it be?! I think the best bet would be to take along some tuna melt sandwiches; at least that would work for most of the cats I've owned!
I would take 2, one for me and one for the puma!
Aug 25th, 2008, 01:09 PM
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Tuna melts it is! I think "hip" has volunteered to hold out the tuna melts while Tully and I cower behind her. . .she is SO brave! LOL!
I am going to write Kim and Phil and ask if they have received a copy of the photo; and if so, could they please forward it to me. I'd like to share it. . giving credit where credit is due, of course!
Phil said the not too long ago, someone got a decent photo and wouldn't share it with him. They have a really good place for this particular shot right there at the check in desk by the little gift shop. On the wall facing the entrance steps. I suggested that location to Phil, but he said he'd like it right over his bed. . .whatever that means. LOL
The photo is of the puma stopped right on the trail looking at the photographer. When he zooms it in on his camera, it is still clear and looks like he was about 5 feet away. Excellent photo, centered, etc. The young couple were from England. I wish I'd gotten their e-mail address, but didn't think of it. We were in the process of leaving, so our conversation was rather rushed.
I'm going to try to get the Rancho Naturalista/Tapanti National Park segment done tonight, a little more concisely!
I am going to write Kim and Phil and ask if they have received a copy of the photo; and if so, could they please forward it to me. I'd like to share it. . giving credit where credit is due, of course!
Phil said the not too long ago, someone got a decent photo and wouldn't share it with him. They have a really good place for this particular shot right there at the check in desk by the little gift shop. On the wall facing the entrance steps. I suggested that location to Phil, but he said he'd like it right over his bed. . .whatever that means. LOL
The photo is of the puma stopped right on the trail looking at the photographer. When he zooms it in on his camera, it is still clear and looks like he was about 5 feet away. Excellent photo, centered, etc. The young couple were from England. I wish I'd gotten their e-mail address, but didn't think of it. We were in the process of leaving, so our conversation was rather rushed.
I'm going to try to get the Rancho Naturalista/Tapanti National Park segment done tonight, a little more concisely!
Aug 25th, 2008, 02:09 PM
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Thanks for all the great info in your report. My husband and I have decided to rent a "villa" in CR for a family week in May 2009. There will be 8 of us which include our 3 sons, ages 30,28,22 and the two older ones will bring their wives and the youngest, his friend. I have found lots of great places to rent but I am confused about which area best meets our criteria. The kids want to be within walking distance to the beach, close to some form of nightlife, close to places to explore and/or activities and close to restaurants and maybe even a casino. I have found great rental homes in the following areas - Playa del Coco, Manuel Antonio, Playa Tamarindo, and Ocotal. I am having trouble deciding which is the best area for us. Could you or someone on this post suggest one of these areas or one I haven't mentioned? Thanks so much for the help. Kate
Aug 25th, 2008, 06:29 PM
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Kate, yours is a difficult question to answer. I don't think any of those areas meets all the criteria. Manuel Antonio is a wonderful location and I think you all would be happy there, but generally the hotels and villas are built high in the hills above the beaches.
An exception is Buena Vista Villas, with a very nice private beach. We were there last month at Tulemar Bungalows (same property) and thought that beach was really excellent. We didn't even make it to the park, although we have many times in the past. Wildlife was amazing right there. We ate at Mi Lugar (Ronnie's Place) and Mar Luna, enjoyed both. Casinos I don't know much about. We like Vegas, but in CR we're pretty much early to bed, early to rise to take advantage of fair weather mornings.
Tamarindo probably best fits the bill if nightlife is a big deal. It is built up, for sure, and in a way that has disappointed most of us who remember when it had a lot more character as a small and funky place. Still, we like to make a daytrip there once a year when in the area. The beach had some problems several months or a year ago with contamination in the water--fecal matter-- and lost Blue Flag status. I don't know if that has been restored or not. Hopefully the problems have been corrected. People really should boycott the area until that type of issue is resolved! Yuk!
Coco and Ocotal are both nice areas, and Coco may meet your preferences. It has nightlife, don't know about casinos. Tam, Coco, nor Ocotal will offer much in the way of wildlife sightings.
I probably haven't helped much, but maybe you have a little more to think about and consider in making your decision. Good luck and have a great trip!
An exception is Buena Vista Villas, with a very nice private beach. We were there last month at Tulemar Bungalows (same property) and thought that beach was really excellent. We didn't even make it to the park, although we have many times in the past. Wildlife was amazing right there. We ate at Mi Lugar (Ronnie's Place) and Mar Luna, enjoyed both. Casinos I don't know much about. We like Vegas, but in CR we're pretty much early to bed, early to rise to take advantage of fair weather mornings.
Tamarindo probably best fits the bill if nightlife is a big deal. It is built up, for sure, and in a way that has disappointed most of us who remember when it had a lot more character as a small and funky place. Still, we like to make a daytrip there once a year when in the area. The beach had some problems several months or a year ago with contamination in the water--fecal matter-- and lost Blue Flag status. I don't know if that has been restored or not. Hopefully the problems have been corrected. People really should boycott the area until that type of issue is resolved! Yuk!
Coco and Ocotal are both nice areas, and Coco may meet your preferences. It has nightlife, don't know about casinos. Tam, Coco, nor Ocotal will offer much in the way of wildlife sightings.
I probably haven't helped much, but maybe you have a little more to think about and consider in making your decision. Good luck and have a great trip!
Aug 25th, 2008, 06:48 PM
#40
Hi shillmac
Read your report and viewed ALL your pictures.
I sent you my choices of the best four from each group....you only asked me for four.
two more visits for Isabelle to Costa Rica and I will be asking her questions about Costa Rica!!
Good Night
Percy
Read your report and viewed ALL your pictures.
I sent you my choices of the best four from each group....you only asked me for four.
two more visits for Isabelle to Costa Rica and I will be asking her questions about Costa Rica!!
Good Night
Percy
