Hi everyone,

I used to be more of a "regular" checking in on the CR forum several years ago. Since then my travels have taken me all over the place... but now I have a short vacation in December -- 6 or 7 days total, before Christmas -- and I'm headed back down to CR, with my sister who has never been.

We're two sisters, in our late 30s/early 40s, and I've already visited MA/Quepos, Monteverde and Arenal. I was thinking of revisiting Arenal (because of so many activities to do in one place), but given our limited time, what could we add to this trip (that I haven't already done)?

We're from Miami, so we're not interested in beaches or other water activities. We're very active and love hiking, nature, etc. I was thinking to maybe do a couple of days in a cloud forest area (other than Monteverde)... however, any and all suggestions are welcome.

Thanks in advance!
Carol

Have you thought about skipping Arenal and heading down to the Osa? Bosque del Cabo is amazing if you love hiking - so much amazing wildlife here and great travelers, food, etc.

If you still want to go to Arenal, you could combine it with a night or two at the Peace Lodge - great waterfall hike there.

Thanks for your reply... I did think about Osa, however, honestly -- I'm an A/C queen I think all Floridians are -- we're really used to it! I know this sounds a bit silly, but I really didn't want to "rough it" on this trip at all.

I was thinking about the Peace Lodge, but maybe it's too pricey. Do you know what else is in that area? I've never seen Poas or La Paz waterfalls, Sarchi, etc. Are there other options you'd recommend for day trips to these places?

I'd second Peace Lodge, and if you're thinking of visitng La Paz Waterfalls and the gardens, the price of admissions there, as well as breakfast is included in your room rate! So, it might work out not to be as expensive as it seems at first glance.

We also stayed at a place called Vista del Valle, but it wasn't posh - the grounds and restaurant were very pretty, but our room was very basic and no a.c. We didn't miss it there though because it was cool.

I understand about the a.c. - I'm in Houston, so we run it pretty much year-round. My husband thought I would melt at BdC, but I loved it. If you've never been to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, I think it's definitely worth seeing and would be a nice add-on to a trip to Arenal.

There is an amazing bird tour in Arenal with Sunset Tours.You will see a rainbow of color in the sky. There is also a great family-run hot springs, Eco-termales...it is like $25 with a homeade dinner. It is across the street from Baldi behind the big gates. I have been three times and adore that area. I agree too that the Osa would be nice. You could also do the daytrip of Cano Negro from Arenal. Have fun!

I'm watching these comments carefully. I'm looking at a 5 night visit in late Jan/early Feb.

Tentatively planning to spend 75% of the trip around Arenal. with the balance either a stop at Monteverde or San Jose before my flight home.

Keith

I definitely second the Cano Negro recommendation - we loved it. I hope you're able to book everything you'd like - December is so busy. Have fun!

I know about December -- actually, that's when I first went to CR (over Christmas) but that was in 2002... I know it's gotten much more "discovered" since then!

Are you suggesting that I even book my daytime activities (zip-line, hanging bridges, etc.) before going? Is it that nuts now?

We just booked that stuff a couple days ahead of time and always got what we wanted, so I think you'd be okay - just flights and hotels and things like that. Let us know what you end up doing...

Any thoughts on Tortuguero... Manatus Hotel? Is there much to see/do in Tortuguero? I've been to Manuel Antonio twice, and I was wondering if it's very similar.

Thanks!
Carol

Okay, here's my latest plan... all thoughts welcome. A couple days at Arenal followed by a stay at Villa Blanca (near Los Angeles cloud forest). I thought this might be a good way to see a cloud forest, plus we'd do a day tour to Poas/La Paz/Sarchi from there. I also heard the town of San Ramon nearby is worth a visit.

Currently I have 2 full days at Arenal, then (minus travel time) we'd have about 1 1/2 days at Villa Blanca. One of these days would be the day trip to Poas, etc.

We can add a day to this trip... my first thought would be more time in the Arenal area because of the abundance of activities, but -- having said that -- I've been to Arenal before (my sister going with me hasn't). I like the idea of having that "extra" day to see something I haven't seen before. Are there any other activities/tours I could do from Villa Blanca? Any other ideas?

One other question: thoughts on Montana de Fuego hotel?

Sorry for the amount of questions today! Thanks again!
Carol

I'd spend the extra day white water rafting, going to Cano Negro, or touring the Doka Coffee Plantation.

I like the idea of Villa Blanca -- I've stayed there a couple of times just for one night and always wish I had more time.

Sandy

Thank you guys so much... I feel really good about my plans now. I'm gonna go ahead and use that extra day for Arenal. Even though I've been there, I did discover a tour that I'd love to do -- from reading agswimmer's post on the waterfall rappelling, I realize this is totally something I'd love. (I believe hers was in Osa, but I'm sure they're similar).

Also, Sandy C, thanks for the thumbs-up on Villa Blanca!

Swigswig -- thanks for recommending Eco-termales. I wasn't sure which hot springs I would do, but I think I'll go with this. I'll also look into the bird tour. I used Sunset Tours before for my volcano hike and they were very good.

Thank you everyone -- I'm sure I'll have more questions before I leave

I second swigswig's rec for Eco-Thermales. We had a really great time here. Secluded and relaxing. Not too crowded at all. Drinks were good. The hottest pools were TOO HOT for us, but beautiful anyway. There was a brief thunder and lightning storm while we were there, but no one really got out. Funny, I was just reading agswimmer's report and the same thing happened. There was also a lone howler monkey there. They usually don't show up alone so that was kind of wierd, in a sad way.