"simple pleasures"
May 28th, 2005, 08:35 AM
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"simple pleasures"
While reading trip reports, I've noticed that many people find what I would call "simple pleasures" or inexpensive treats. I think it would be great if people would contribute those that they have discovered to this message thread. Tours can certainly add up quick and it's always nice to find some surprises that are not so costly. I haven't been to CR yet (going in August) but some that I have heard about are:
-Snake museum in Arenal 7$
-Crocodile farm in La Fortune 3$
-visit Observatory Lodge for 3$ and see volcano seismograph (??) and maybe see lava flows. Eat lunch there and enjoy view.
-Rio Tarcoles bridge: free view of lots of crocodiles
-bakery in Monteverde with very cheap but delicious baked goods. (near Arco Iris)
I hope others are interested in this type of info.
-Snake museum in Arenal 7$
-Crocodile farm in La Fortune 3$
-visit Observatory Lodge for 3$ and see volcano seismograph (??) and maybe see lava flows. Eat lunch there and enjoy view.
-Rio Tarcoles bridge: free view of lots of crocodiles
-bakery in Monteverde with very cheap but delicious baked goods. (near Arco Iris)
I hope others are interested in this type of info.
May 30th, 2005, 12:15 PM
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The best day we had on our recent trip to Costa Rica was when we rented bikes ($4 each) and biked down the coast from Puerto Viejo to Manzanillo. We locked our bikes to trees and went hiking in the park and then swimming in the sea for a couple of hours. On the way back we ran into a huge troop of howler monkeys. Then famished and tired, we had the best meal of our whole trip at a little family run place called Selwyns on Playa Uva for about $3 each. Cheapest day we spent, but also one of the best.
May 30th, 2005, 08:35 PM
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I'd have to agree the bike ride between Manzanillo and PV was one of the best days for my daughter and I (last October) as well!
Another simple pleasure in the same area: going birding with Abel Bustamante (or wildlife viewing in general). $25 will get you as much time as you want for one day. He's a great guy and very knowledgeable--an excellent teacher who asks questions and encourages you to think and compare varieties of birds, etc. Hard to explain--but a simple pleasure.
Playa Potrero, near Playa Flamingo--off the main road down a rutty dirt road--Costa Rican life in the country--check out the bar Las Brisas on ladies' night! Also, there is a small bakery with wonderful items! Playa Penca, a very pretty beach between Potrero and Sugar Beach.
Poas Volcano--early in the morning.
Doka Coffee Plantation
Any butterfly garden!
Monkey Park near Huacas (and Tamarindo)
Montezuma Falls (swimming in the icy water at the base on a hot day!)
Exploring the property of Savegre Lodge in San Gerardo de Dota--up in the cloud forest near Cerro de la Muerte. Gorgeous flowers and hummingbirds galore! Flyfishing (right Mara?) and chilly days and nights.
Wilson Botanical Garden near San Vito.
Sitting on the balcony of the Hotel Rino in San Vito watching the town go about its business down below!
Another simple pleasure in the same area: going birding with Abel Bustamante (or wildlife viewing in general). $25 will get you as much time as you want for one day. He's a great guy and very knowledgeable--an excellent teacher who asks questions and encourages you to think and compare varieties of birds, etc. Hard to explain--but a simple pleasure.
Playa Potrero, near Playa Flamingo--off the main road down a rutty dirt road--Costa Rican life in the country--check out the bar Las Brisas on ladies' night! Also, there is a small bakery with wonderful items! Playa Penca, a very pretty beach between Potrero and Sugar Beach.
Poas Volcano--early in the morning.
Doka Coffee Plantation
Any butterfly garden!
Monkey Park near Huacas (and Tamarindo)
Montezuma Falls (swimming in the icy water at the base on a hot day!)
Exploring the property of Savegre Lodge in San Gerardo de Dota--up in the cloud forest near Cerro de la Muerte. Gorgeous flowers and hummingbirds galore! Flyfishing (right Mara?) and chilly days and nights.
Wilson Botanical Garden near San Vito.
Sitting on the balcony of the Hotel Rino in San Vito watching the town go about its business down below!
May 31st, 2005, 07:42 AM
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To add a few
The churches are always an interesting treat and many can be toured for a small donation. Especially memorable to me was the Basilica Los Angeles in Cartago, and the ruins also in Cartago.
Just south of Cartago, Lankester Gardens can be visited for an $8 entrance fee. Some may not consider Lankester if not traveling while the orchids are blooming, however I feel it is still worth the visit. Lankester has gardens that represent the different forest of CR and one particular exhibit represents the destruction of once forested land.
Zoo-Ave is also quite inexpensive around $10, have not yet been able to find the time but many have reported it to be an interesting hour or two of observing the many species of birds.
The hike down to the La Fortuna Waterfall near Arenal is also well worth the small entrance fee of I believe a couple of dollars. Many swim in the pools, however we were quite content to just gaze at the beauty before we tackled the hike back up.
Now I must admit, my greatest "simple pleasure in CR" is probably just simply being able to gaze at all the natural beauty and experiencing the gracious hospitatlity.
Will keep thinking! Interesting and valuable post!
The churches are always an interesting treat and many can be toured for a small donation. Especially memorable to me was the Basilica Los Angeles in Cartago, and the ruins also in Cartago.
Just south of Cartago, Lankester Gardens can be visited for an $8 entrance fee. Some may not consider Lankester if not traveling while the orchids are blooming, however I feel it is still worth the visit. Lankester has gardens that represent the different forest of CR and one particular exhibit represents the destruction of once forested land.
Zoo-Ave is also quite inexpensive around $10, have not yet been able to find the time but many have reported it to be an interesting hour or two of observing the many species of birds.
The hike down to the La Fortuna Waterfall near Arenal is also well worth the small entrance fee of I believe a couple of dollars. Many swim in the pools, however we were quite content to just gaze at the beauty before we tackled the hike back up.
Now I must admit, my greatest "simple pleasure in CR" is probably just simply being able to gaze at all the natural beauty and experiencing the gracious hospitatlity.
Will keep thinking! Interesting and valuable post!
May 31st, 2005, 05:11 PM
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Donna's mention of Lankaster Gardens reminds me of that area and a couple of things.
1. Some of the vistas overlooking the Orosi Valley--and the valley itself.
2. Guayabo National Monument near Turrialba
3. Vulcan Irazu (so different from Poas)
1. Some of the vistas overlooking the Orosi Valley--and the valley itself.
2. Guayabo National Monument near Turrialba
3. Vulcan Irazu (so different from Poas)
Jun 1st, 2005, 09:47 AM
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This is an interesting post, thanks to everyone. I think you might get more responses if you add "Costa Rica" to the title. (Isn't it frustrating that we can't edit things on fodors once they are printed? I always want to!)
I'm looking forward to simple pleasures in Costa Rica in June...our first trip!
I'm looking forward to simple pleasures in Costa Rica in June...our first trip!
