We had a great trip to Costa Rica in May 2008. We were there for nine nights, split between Arenal and the Osa Peninsula. Both were fantastic, but I can safely say that our time in the Osa (we stayed at BdC) has ruined me for other places. I don't want to repeat this vacation so soon, but I'm having a hard time finding a place that even comes close to matching up (excepting Africa and the Amazon, both of which seem to be out of our budget).

Does anyone have any other recommendations? We'd prefer somewhere in the Caribbean or Latin America. St. Lucia (Soufriere) or Grenada? Belize? Somewhere else in CR?

Anyone else have this problem?

You could do an overnight Pacuare adventure in Costa Rica. There are different ecosystems in CR that you haven't seen yet, such as cloud forests.

Also, if you want to add an architectural/historical element, the Yucatan or Belize would both be solid options.

I've had my eye on Chan Chich in Belize - supposed to be very similar and have great wildlife sightings.

I don't know alw there are plenty of choices but I'm returning to BDC next year for the 3rd time and have no qualms about returning so soon!

Good luck deciding. Africa's on my list too, but soooo expensive.

www.cavesbranch.com

www.robertsgrove.com

Good Belize jungle/beach combo for me.

Cave tubing have a private island

to yourself if you like...

We had the same problem as you, alw, for our trip this March. We seriously looked into Dominica (in the Caribbean). Lots of similiarities to Costa Rica, except not the wildlife. We decided to go back to CR and Bosque del Cabo. The draw of the wildlife, reuniting with great friends we met at BdC, and knowing how much we loved it there made it an easy decision. Sure, I can't add a new destination to my travel map, but I know I'm going to thoroughly enjoy my vacation, and that is the whole point!

we feel the same. had such an amazing time in CR. have been to mayan riviera since and loved the snorkeling but no jungle wildlife.

we have been considering Peru for quite some time now which would include time in the amazon basin. but, i am very uncomfortable with my kids taking anti malarials.

we have also been looking into Panama. The beach destinations look great. I am just concerned that our jungle experience cannot be topped or matched?

we did not stay at bdc as so many on this site do. we stayed in drake bay at la paloma. we loved it.

we would love to hear about other jungle locations with lots of wildlife. many of the resorts say they have wildlife but i am suspicious.

alw - I have had the same problem and have found that there just isn't another BdC. I've been to many similiar places, but there's always something that (still) I find myself comparing it to Bosque, like the trails or the food or the staff or the amount of wildlife etc. Two places I can think of that are somewhat simliar - Playa Nicuesa in CR and Morgan's Rock in Nicaraugua. The private cabina, main lodge for meals, secluded parts are very much like BdC, but you just have to expect things such as the amount of wildlife or the trails aren't going to be the same. Basically every year I try out 1-3 new places but then always do Bosque as well, simply cause I know I will never have a bad stay there.

We've been to Osa twice (though not to BDC) - we stayed in Casa Bambu house by the water in Matapalo - so I know what you mean about Osa. . .

But last summer we spent two weeks each in Ecuador and Peru - both were fabulous. We focused on nature/wildlife/birds in Ecuador - and stayed several nights in two very interesting spots that might interest you: Napowildlife Center (on Napo River - a tributary to Amazon) - and El Monte - up in the cloudforest Mindo area of Ecuador.

Hi, alw - I was just doing my end of year cleaning out my files, and I ran across an article I had printed out. It's titled 3 Top Jungle Lodges for Belize and lists Chan Chich, Chaa Creek, and Blancaneaux - maybe go to www.tripadvisor.com and see if any of them appeals to you.

Your comments caught my eye. Osa is on my radar. Thanks for the input.

How about the Pantanal in Brazil? I'm heading there for a 2nd trip this June. Northern part last time, so thought I'd try southernn part this time. It compared nicely with my true love--Africa.

Alan, when will you be at BDC in February? From what I understand from this post, there will be at least 2 fodorites there between February 12th and February 19th(I'll be there from the 12th to the 16th). Look forward to meeting you if you are there at the same time!