My husband and I are about to make our fourth trip to Costa Rica. Priorities are nature, culture, hiking and kayaking. We absolutely love Bosque del Cabo. Other favorites have been Tirimbina in the Sarapaqui area, Arenal Observatory lodge, touring Torteguero with the Watsons/Laguna Lodge, the Cuerre de Muetre cloud forest. and rating the Pacure River.

Pluses would be a great independent trail system, kayaking , friendly hosts, hammocks, relaxed atmosphere. We are not foodies. We don't mind bugs, snakes, creepy crawlies (yeah, I know we're weird!)

Minuses would be a large, formal resort, dressing for dinner, impersonal hosts.

We have 2-3 weeks, and have already decided to visit La Carolina for a few days.

So - watcha think? Shall we re-visit spots we like, or do you have some great, other suggestions?

Have you considered an overnight at Sirena inside Corcovado?

You should check the Rafiki Lodge on the Savegre River. It's a great atmosphere, you really get to know your hosts, beautiful relaxed setting, you stay in tent-like bungalows. They also have some packages where you can do an adventure tour that would included white water rafting, kayaking, hiking, etc. It's a beautiful place, definitely check it out!

Thanks, RAC, great idea. We've been roughing it lately, so we'd like to have a few creature comforts this trip. Mangoemily, thanks for sharing a place I've not heard of. It sure looks interesting!

And just for the record, I meant to say "dressing UP" for dinner!

mangoemily, are you familiar with Lookout Inn in Carate in the Osa? Opinions? Amazing reviews but I am a little worried about the 'open air' no walls to the rooms.

You could stay at a luxe place in Drake Bay and boat in/out for a stay at Sirena. Depends on length of stay, of course.

Thanks, RAC, we don't need luxury, simple and rustic is just fine. Have you been to Sirena?