Tell me what you think!! LOTS OF WORK!!
 

Hello, this is my itinerary for my Cost Rica trip in June: Tell me what you think and opinions about some of the tours. This is my senior trip and I started my own candy business and sold over 3000 candy bars to go on this trip...it has to be perfect;)

Day 1: Pacuare Trip
Overnight at Pacuare Lodge
Day 2: Finish Pacuare Trip
Overnight at Apartotel El Sesteo
Day 3: Arenal Canopy Tour (how is this?) & then go and see Tabacon Hot Springs.
Overnight at Observatory Lodge:( hopeing I can change to Hotel Las Logos. No one told me you couldn't see the lava flow!!!!!!!
Day 4: Rio Celeste
Overnight at Observatory Lodge
Day 5: Transfer to Monteverde (taxi/boat/taxi) and then do a CANYONING TOUR!! NEED SOME FEEDBACK ON THIS, how was it?
Overnight at Finca Valverde
Day 6: Early morning Monteverde Reserve Tour and Sky Walk & Trek by afternoon.
Overnight at Finca Valverde
Day 7: Transfer to Playa Grande, spend day "learning" to surf...are the waves REALLY big?
Overnight at Hotel Las Tortugas
Day 8: Relax
Overnight at Hotel Las Tortugas

How does it look? Give me ANY suggestions you have.

First, congratulations on both your business and graduation.
Do you have 2 additional days for travel? One on each end? You would have to get to Costa Rica the day before to go rafting. The rafting trips leave very early in the morning. You will also, most likely need to get back to the airport area the day before you leave unless you leave late in the day. It takes awhile to travel down there.
Los Lagos would have a better view of the lava. Tabacon is a lot of fun and there are lots of people. It does cost $29 to get into it if you aren't staying there. There are other cheaper options for hot springs that your hotel can fill you in on.
Someone wrote a trip report today and they did the canyoning you are asking about. They had a very detailed and fun report on their experience.
What did you have in mind for transfers? Do you need advice on that?
You could probably save some money by not going on the canopy tour in Arenal.
Another canopy tour to think about in Monteverde is the Selvatura. It is fairly new.

I think folks will give you good advice which I can't as yet...but you certainly do deserve a wonderful trip and you surely have worked hard to get there! Have a great time!!

Hello Suzie and Trevor!

Thanks for the congrads!!! You would not BELIEVE how sick I am of the sight of candy;)

I forgot about the 2 days at the airport, opps. Most of the transfers I'm going to take are by bus. I'm not sure the conditions/reliablity of these things...I don't think it's like the buses in the states. I've heard it's SCARY on them!
We also have a private transfer leaving at 4:00 a.m. to get us to back the airport for departure. Is the Arenal Canopy one not that good? I'm not hearing too much about it...which is not a good sign.

I would appreciate some info on transfers such as buses are any other transfer ideas.

THANKS!!!!

You don't need to be afraid of the buses--just very careful with your belongings. Theft while traveling on the public buses across country is quite prevalent. The majority of people we have talked to who have lost passports, credit cards, money, luggage, etc. had it happen on public buses. If you have to put luggage underneath (the large pieces), that could be a problem unless you have a way of watching it during the stops and the loading/unloading. Always keep your carry on/backpack in your lap or where you can watch it constantly and be within easy reach of it. Vigilance is the key. A couple of weeks ago while we were there we were talking to a fellow who has spent a lot of time traveling in Costa Rica and other parts of the world. He joked that he once heard some Costa Rican folks (Ticos) saying that they are only thiefs, not murderers! This is sort of true. Violent crime, while on the rise, is not much of a concern (providing you use good judgement)! Theft should always be in the back of your mind. It only takes a few "professionals" to give an entire group of people a bad rep. The truth is that, for the most part, the people of Costa Rica are warm, friendly, and helpful. But, as in any country that is a prime destination for tourists, there will always be those who specialize in preying on those who aren't aware. This country, in many ways, is a little piece of paradise, but those bars on the doors and windows aren't there for looks! Congratulations on all your hard work and accomplishments! Now enjoy!

I don't take the public bus often but have learned a few tricks from fellow travelers for when I do. If you can't hold your pack on your lap (or if the bus isn't full-next to you) and need to stow it. Get to the bus stop early to be able to put your pack on first. Everyone elses luggage will be on top so if someone wants to just hit and run, your luggage will be too difficult to get to. Another thing I learned was to sit on the side of the bus that the luggage is stowed on so you can watch what is going on. If you are on a direct bus there will be very few stops and that is when you need to keep your eyes open. Do keep any valuables with you on the bus. I also carry a small day pack with my passport etc and a change of clothes.
Another option for bus travel would be the private companies. They are about $25 and up per trip depending on where you go. Quite a bit more than the public buses but more comfortable and safer. Interbus, Grayline (Fantasy Bus), Monteverdeinfo.com...all offer the shuttles.
As far as the Arenal Canopy tour, I haven't done it but have heard it is decent. I was just questioning you paying for two tours. You worked hard for that money want you to have plenty for everything.

Hola!

Well we are taking Interbus, it's seems to have a good reputation, sure I'll still have to be aware though. I'll opt to sit on the side where the luggage is unloaded. It seems like they would be more careful with your luggage, it seems REALLY easy for someone to just take it.

Suzie, thanks for all your help, I'd take you with me if I could.

Hola!

Well we are taking Interbus, it's seems to have a good reputation, sure I'll still have to be aware though. I'll opt to sit on the side where the luggage is unloaded. It seems like they would be more careful with your luggage, it seems REALLY easy for someone to just take it.

I'll consider taking off Arenal Canopy Tour...I have quite a bit of those anyways.

Suzie, thanks for all your help, I'd take you with me if I could. How many times have you been to Costa Rica?

Overall I'm most excited about Pacuare River!! Are you brave enough for this monster?;)

I have rafted the Pacuare several times both as day trips and overnights. I just love it!!!!! Also rafted the Reventazon before they dammed it.
I have been traveling to CR for 12 yrs now and go for 3-5wks every year. I did miss one year due to the death of a friends daughter.
Much less to worry about when traveling with the private bus companies. Haven't heard about any theft problems with them.

BTW I am available any time after June 13th :).