The last 4 days of our trip was spent in MA. We stayed in Villas Nicolas which we were very pleased with--it had a great beach view, the room had lots of character, a large porch w/ hammock (great hammock!) pool, and great maid service. The only negative was that our room was in a noisy location and we didn't sleep well. The location of the hotel was great and we walked to dinner every night and to the beach 1 day. The deluxe room was ~$130 or so.

Food in MA was mediocre at best. We ate at some the "best" recommended places--Karolas, Barba Rosa, and a small soda called Angels. One night we got take out pizza and salad from NY Pizza and went back to our wonderful patio w/ a bottle of wine. That was our best meal!

Did a little shopping and hanging out at the pool on our first day, also walked down to the beach and back. There are lots of local vendors at the MA Beach and park area where all kinds of jewelry, pareos, wooden crafts can be bought for pretty cheap. There is public parking for 1000 colones at the beach/park, taxis, and a bus so getting there is easy.

MA Park- spent 1 full day there. Drove and parked there for 1000 colones. We opted not to hire a guide and had a fantastic time hiking most of the trails. Saw several types of monkeys, iguanas, sloth (which we had been hoping to see the whole trip--finally!), deer, agouti. Can't remember what else. Went swimming several times as it was in the 80's and quite humid of course. There are picnic tables and such for those who want to carry alot of stuff in, but we carried our back pack and made lunch of nuts, balance bars, fruit, etc. I wore my bathing suit w/ shorts over and Teva sandals which worked out fine.

Drove back to Alajeula the day before departing to stay at Buena Vista again. It's a lovely place, quiet, clean and has great views. Price is good at $90 w/ breakfast.

Last day -- dropped rental car off at Alamo at 12 to catch 3 pm flight to ATL. The airport was really crowded and we were glad we didn't cut it too close. We couldn't find any place to eat close to the airport so ended up eating lunch there as did ~500 other departing tourists. Surprisingly, this little airport has a variety of fast food places to choose from--typically not my preference, but it worked. Our flight left on time. We had a wonderful time in CR and got to see and do many unusual things. Can't wait to go back!!

Thanks, kthyrn. I enjoyed reading the details of your time in CR. I definitely would like to stay at Villas Nicolas next time we go to MA (whenever that might be--certainly not any time soon). Sounds like you guys had a great time. I'm so glad!

We're staying at Villas Nicolas in April -- we reserved a Type 2 w/AC for $135 per night, which room number should we request?

That's a good question and I'm not sure! We were in 8 Upstairs which had a lovely beach view and wonderful breezes (no AC) but it was close to the main road and noisy early AM (like 5!). Perhaps you could contact VN and ask them specifics. We opted for a higher level room for the beach view and so we wouldn't get hot at night w/o AC.

Forgot to add this--- it may be helpful. We got tired of eating out all the time so the last few days we bought milk, yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit and had breakfast on our lovely patio at VN. There is a pretty good grocery (Josetts ? or something like that)on the main road that sells produce, and other basic stuff, and alcohol. We went there several times to stock up on snacks, wine, and also bought coffee to take home as gifts. It was half the price of some of the touristy gift shops (2200 colones vs. 10000)!