Suggestions for 8 day December trip
Sep 14th, 2005, 08:26 AM
#1
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Suggestions for 8 day December trip
We are two couples planning to travel to Costa Rica Dec. 25-Jan. 2. Could you friendly people suggest how we set up our schedule, places to visit, stay, and how should we get around (usually I like to rent a car but is this smart in CR?), etc. We are in our 50's, interested in combination of activity and relaxation, nothing too risky but want to make the most of the 8 days and appreciate the guidance of experienced travelers.
Sep 14th, 2005, 01:29 PM
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First - you are planning to travel the busiest time of the year. Many of the most sought after hotels and lodges will already be full or near full. So whatever you decide do not waste time.
As for renting a car - "is this smart". There are many many people that rent a vehicle in CR. The most traveled destinations will have paved roads in pretty decent shape. Some of your more remote areas will have roads that are pretty rough. We have rented every year, except this year, when used in country flights only. Previously we have done a combination of in country travel, one year using driver, domestic flights and a rental all in the same trip. Sometimes this is best, in order to see and do what you are planning.
As for setting up a trip, most of the hotels have websites, as does the car rentals and domestic air. Be prepared in advance, many of these sometimes take a few days to answer you. Internet is slow and the tourist industry is booming. You may even have to make a few phone calls.
And since this is already September, you may want to contact a Costa Rican travel specialist to help coordinate and find you lodging and transportation. If this would be a consideration, just ask we can give you some recommendations.
Many first timers visit Manual Antonio and Arenal, which gives you a good mix of beach, rainforest, waterfalls, volcano, ziplining, etc. However these two locations are also, the busiest with the most options for lodgings and the most amount of visitors.
According to your International flight schedule, you may need to stay overnight at the beginning and end, in or near SJ.
In 4 trips we have not been to any area that we would not return to someday. And in 4 trips we have still not covered this country. This years trip we flew to Puerto Jimenez in the Osa Pen, stayed at Bosque del Cabo and Iguana Lodge, and then 3 nights near SJ, for some Central Valley exploring (it was a fabulous trip!).
I am certain you have read many of the reports that are posted here. Tell us what has interested you most. Also an approx on nightly lodging will help with hotel recs. Keep asking questions, you will get there!!!!
As for renting a car - "is this smart". There are many many people that rent a vehicle in CR. The most traveled destinations will have paved roads in pretty decent shape. Some of your more remote areas will have roads that are pretty rough. We have rented every year, except this year, when used in country flights only. Previously we have done a combination of in country travel, one year using driver, domestic flights and a rental all in the same trip. Sometimes this is best, in order to see and do what you are planning.
As for setting up a trip, most of the hotels have websites, as does the car rentals and domestic air. Be prepared in advance, many of these sometimes take a few days to answer you. Internet is slow and the tourist industry is booming. You may even have to make a few phone calls.
And since this is already September, you may want to contact a Costa Rican travel specialist to help coordinate and find you lodging and transportation. If this would be a consideration, just ask we can give you some recommendations.
Many first timers visit Manual Antonio and Arenal, which gives you a good mix of beach, rainforest, waterfalls, volcano, ziplining, etc. However these two locations are also, the busiest with the most options for lodgings and the most amount of visitors.
According to your International flight schedule, you may need to stay overnight at the beginning and end, in or near SJ.
In 4 trips we have not been to any area that we would not return to someday. And in 4 trips we have still not covered this country. This years trip we flew to Puerto Jimenez in the Osa Pen, stayed at Bosque del Cabo and Iguana Lodge, and then 3 nights near SJ, for some Central Valley exploring (it was a fabulous trip!).
I am certain you have read many of the reports that are posted here. Tell us what has interested you most. Also an approx on nightly lodging will help with hotel recs. Keep asking questions, you will get there!!!!
Sep 14th, 2005, 02:40 PM
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Try this web site. Neta will respond quickly if you email her.( I haven't yet been to CR, but hope to go in the near future.)
And, if you do a search on this site for "Finca Que Ama" you will read how much Fodorites love this place, which is part of this reasonably priced itinerary.
http://www.costaricapackage.com/
And, if you do a search on this site for "Finca Que Ama" you will read how much Fodorites love this place, which is part of this reasonably priced itinerary.
http://www.costaricapackage.com/
Sep 15th, 2005, 09:23 AM
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Thanks dfarmer and calinurse for your helpful replies. Cali, I went on that website you recommended http://www.costaricapackage.com/ but found no way to continue nor any email address for Neta. The scope and prices sound good...can you help further, Cali?
Sep 15th, 2005, 12:32 PM
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Hi,
We are going to CR from Dec 26-Jan 3 and made all of our arrangements back in February except for the transportation. Do you have your flights yet? I know here in the Boston area everything is booked solid at that time.
Ralph at Gaialinktours.com has been great reserving a driver and a 4x4 for us. His company gets rave reviews on the Frommers message board. He responds very quickly to emails so give him a try. People on this board love Neta and if you do a search her email address will probably pop up.
I wish we could have stayed at her place but this trip consists of 3 nights in Manuel Antonio, 3 nights in Arenal and 2 in the central valley. Maybe next time. Good luck with your plans!!!
We are going to CR from Dec 26-Jan 3 and made all of our arrangements back in February except for the transportation. Do you have your flights yet? I know here in the Boston area everything is booked solid at that time.
Ralph at Gaialinktours.com has been great reserving a driver and a 4x4 for us. His company gets rave reviews on the Frommers message board. He responds very quickly to emails so give him a try. People on this board love Neta and if you do a search her email address will probably pop up.
I wish we could have stayed at her place but this trip consists of 3 nights in Manuel Antonio, 3 nights in Arenal and 2 in the central valley. Maybe next time. Good luck with your plans!!!
Sep 17th, 2005, 08:09 PM
#6
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We're also planning to go for 8 days, Dec. 14-22 to be exact. We don't have any plane ticket nor hotel res. yet but is in the process of getting quote from hotels. So far, it seems independent as against package is better. Our sked. looks like this:
Day 1 - Stay near the airport
Day 2, 3 - Drive to Arenal and stay for 2 nights
Day 4 - Drive to San Pablo (Neta) and stay in night
5, 6 - Drive to MA, stay for 2 nights
7 - Drive back to SJ, stay 1 night at hotel near airport
8- Fly back home
I was also thinking of having a driver and go straight to Arenal which leaves us an extra day, but to where?
If we follow above sked, we'll miss MV. Is it better to shorten/cut any of the above stays to be able to see MV? We'll be a family of 4 with teens who wanted diving, beach and adventure tour. Thanks for any info.
Day 1 - Stay near the airport
Day 2, 3 - Drive to Arenal and stay for 2 nights
Day 4 - Drive to San Pablo (Neta) and stay in night
5, 6 - Drive to MA, stay for 2 nights
7 - Drive back to SJ, stay 1 night at hotel near airport
8- Fly back home
I was also thinking of having a driver and go straight to Arenal which leaves us an extra day, but to where?
If we follow above sked, we'll miss MV. Is it better to shorten/cut any of the above stays to be able to see MV? We'll be a family of 4 with teens who wanted diving, beach and adventure tour. Thanks for any info.
Sep 18th, 2005, 07:30 AM
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Hola from San Ramon, Costa Rica xpolack. Renting a car is okay if you stay on the main roads. If you are looking for something safe and a combination of relaxing and things do to you may want to check out my B&B, "Angel Valley Farm." It's half way between San Jose (about 40 minutes from the airport) and Arenal Volcano. Incredible views of hills and valleys, and we have streams and waterfalls, hiking, horses for riding, biking, walking tours, and much more. We're working on a new web site but for now go to "vidatropical.com" and lick on the "Angel Valley" link. Also, I have a web blog that discusses my expriences as a resident of Costa Rica. It is at: http://www.travelblog.org/Central-Am...log-19896.html
Drop me an email if you'd like and I can tell you more: [email protected]
Pura Vida!
Andrew
Drop me an email if you'd like and I can tell you more: [email protected]
Pura Vida!
Andrew
Sep 18th, 2005, 01:02 PM
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cheryl8:
I would add a day to either Arenal or Manuel Antonio. There's so much to do at both these locations and a little relaxation around the pool in either spot is great,too. I think you could take a great day trip from Arenal and go river rafting. For a fabulous 5 hour horseback adventure check out Finca Valmy Tours outside of Manuel Antonio.
My family of 4 had a great time this summer with an itinerary very similar to yours.
I would add a day to either Arenal or Manuel Antonio. There's so much to do at both these locations and a little relaxation around the pool in either spot is great,too. I think you could take a great day trip from Arenal and go river rafting. For a fabulous 5 hour horseback adventure check out Finca Valmy Tours outside of Manuel Antonio.
My family of 4 had a great time this summer with an itinerary very similar to yours.
Sep 18th, 2005, 02:53 PM
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chery 18, contact Leo Rodriguez who ia a great driver but also offers tours so he could advise you about an extra night. He is an avid surfer and offers surfing trips and scuba diving. He is a college grad from San Jose but has lived three yrs. on the Pacific Coast and his family has property on the Carribean (Atlantic) Coast. He is a wealth of information and would give you info even if you did not choose his services. He loves his country and is aware of all that goes on around the country and it's history. His phone number is(506)378-0001 and his e-mail address is [email protected]
