Hi everyone,

I don't post here that often (mostly I read other posts) but I have a question/concern I am hoping some of you CR experts can help with.

My husband and I are taking our honeymoon to Costa Rica in January 2006. When we originally chose CR, we did so because we wanted a more active vacation. However, circumstances have changed things considerably. One week after our wedding in September, my husband was in an industrial accident which caused the amputation of his right leg below the knee. Now that we are moving past the shock and devastation the accident caused and trying to get back to "normal life" we are getting a little nervous about our upcoming honeymoon. We stupidly did not purchase travel insurance this time so cancelling the trip is not possible. Plus we do feel that we deserve a nice holiday after everything we have been through. My husband will have a prosthetic by then and will likely be relatively mobile but may still need a cane. Our itinerary consists of 2 nights in Arenal, followed by 3 in Playa Hermosa, 3 in Manuel Antonio and 2 in the Central Valley before heading home. We are taking a combination of transfers and flights between the various locations.

My question to you all is, will we still find things to do in Costa Rica despite this disability? I feel very nervous because we are taking this trip so soon after the accident (almost exactly 4 months later) and I don't know how mobile my husband will be. That will really depend on how his physio goes. We planned to go rafting, hiking, and take canopy tours. If those things become impossible, what else can we do? How can we make this a fun but low-key, relaxing vacation?

Any advice/suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Oh, Amanda, how difficult a time you've had! The trip to Costa Rica is definitely doable, and hopefully will revive your spirits. I'm sure that Shillmac and the other Costa Rica experts can repond more fully, but I highly suggest the Cano Negro tour while you're in Arenal. You'll see a great amount of wildlife, and get a good overview of a rural area of the country. People also seem to love the hotsprings (we would have too, if it was less crowded), but do research on where to go where it won't be overly hectic, in order to meet the "relaxing" criteria!

People also rave about the "Highlights Tour" that can be taken out of San Jose, though I haven't been.

Neither tour should be physically challenging.

Have a wonderful trip!

Congratulations on your wedding, honeymoon, and celebration of life as it goes on following such a catastrophe. You'll have a wonderful time in Costa Rica. There may be some limitations, but I believe they will be few. Enjoy!

I feel you will be just fine , it's probably just what what you need . Go and have fun !!!

Amanda, so sorry to read of this accident but so glad you posted your concerns.

There were a couple of things that almost caused me to cancel our trip this year. I am sure there are others that can tell you the same. In the end we went and I am so glad that we did. I simply needed down time.

Don't mean to be an armchair shrink - but I believe that once you return home from Costa Rica, you will find that you have a new peace about the situation that you and your new husband have found yourselves in. You have been under a tremendous stress and need this time.

I would suspect that your battle may also be contributed to the fact that you do not want him to feel you are planning differently - due to the accident.

You are going to find that there are many opportunties for float trips, sail trips, and driving tours.

Even in Arenal you can take a tour that drives you to the base for viewing - you do not have to do the hike. As already suggested the Cano Negro tour is an excellent choice.

In MA the park hike is not too strenuous, I would think doable.

In the Central Valley, the Cartago - Orosi Valley tour is just absolutely beautiful. Ruins and beautiful churches. Stop at Lankester Gardens - easy walking. Driving through the valley, having lunch over the lake. It really is a nice trip. We did this trip with Carlos of Wady Tours this year, he was very accomadating.

The Highlights tour is probably also a good one. I might suggest using a driver and doing tours for just the two of you. This way if he gets tired, he want feel that he is holding others back.

And let's not forget time to sit and just simply enjoy the view. Strolling on the beach.

In Arenal the volcano view is going to be one of your highlights. In MA looking out over the Pacific, sipping a drink, another highlight.

Just don't plan too much, take it one day at a time and enjoy the moment.

Thank you for the kind replies so far. This last couple months have been a crash course in the realities of life and the true commitment of marriage. I am glad to say, however, that we are doing better than I thought we would and I am fortunate to be married to a very positive, determined man who is recovering very quickly.

Dfarmer, you really hit the nail on the head with your comment about my not wanting to make my husband feel as though I am making this holiday different because of his accident. That is exactly how I feel! Part of me wants to tell him we can just chill out at the hotel and take things easy, but I want our honeymoon to feel as normal as possible, and for him that means more activity. I mentioned the Cano Negro tour to him this afternoon and he seemed to really like that idea (he loves wildlife and I think he secretly wishes he could be the Crocodile Hunter on TV)...

I know the country very well and I am sure you and your husband will have a great time. The place is great... good food, nice and helpful people everywhere you go. The places on your itinerary are excellent and a prosthetic leg is no reason why not to enjoy these activities, believe me when say that you guys will have a great time in Costa Rica.

Check out this website for ideas of activities and tours that would be adaptable to your situation. They are very helpful, and you can phone, email, or online chat with knowledgeable agents:

www.vacationcity.com/costa-rica