Hello all:

It has been a while since my wife and I visited Costa Rica and we would like to go back.

Our last visit was for two months and we went to the north east coast, to Monteverde and to the Osa Peninsula. We also toured day trips around San Jose.

Other than air to and from, that vacation was all organized by Swiss Travel in San Jose.

They did a fantastic job and we were so pleased that we recommended them to a friend who also enjoyed excellent service.

Well, I have written to them twice but have not received any reply.

Does anyone know if Swiss Travel have changed hands in the last several years? Gone out of business?

I do not understand the sudden change in company attention. It was certainly not like that last time

Ca anyone recommend a good local travel agency?

We would like to fly into Liberia go on to Playa del Coco and there rent a furnished and well equipped condo, cottage, apartment or small house for 4 weeks in February. Our travel dates are not carved in stone as we are long retired so are most flexible. Our budget for the accommodation is $1000.00 to $1500.00 US.

At Coco, we want to relax, take in some local tours of wildlife, if that is still possible, some local culture and just veg out away from the Canadian winter.

Help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Woodie

It seems that Swiss Travel has a website. Did you try email?
But for a single destination, you really could plan it yourself.
Are you familiar with vrbo.com for rentals?

You cold arrange all that easily yourself with help from the board here. However, if you'd prefer to work with an agent, then many of us (including me!) have used Pat Hewitt. He specializes in Costa Rica, has a house there, and is very knowledgeable and helpful. He has an office in New Orleans, but works with folks all over. Very responsive. you can find hime here: http://www.lovecostarica.com/
He also posts on this board from time to time.

Thank you to Kinkazote and Glover for your replies.

I prefer to use a travel agent in the country that I want to visit.

My experience is that a good agent will have good knowledge of the area, be near by [or a phone call away] in the event of a problem, get me a good deal and I will most often be sure of the arrangements once made. The agent has a better chance of being told the truth where an individual buying long distance and paying in advance does not.

As the agent's livelihood depends on satisfied clients, the agent is much less likely to get "jacked" around by a property owner than a single one time buyer. I have tried that and that is what I found. I believe that the agent earns their money and the client is better off using them.

I would want to see pictures of the accommodation but do not intend to deal myself it at all possible.

Thanks again for your suggestions.

Woodie

www.travelexperta.com Marina well reviewed on the boards

www.lovecostarica.com Pat Hewitt also

www.costaricaexpeditions.com good locals own their own lodges

www.costaricantrails.com good locals also more for tours..

We've used Costa Rica Expeditions, and they've provided us with great service. They're expensive though. Pat Hewitt always gets good reviews as well.

I echo Costa Rica Expeditions. Also Caravan.