caldud

Hello,

We have 7 days in Costa Rica in early March. I'd like any feedback on suggested itineraries. Would like to see the rain forest, boat trips down rivers to see wildlife. Maybe a little hiking but not to much work. Some nice places to stay with pool, maybe a steel band and good food. Budget for hotel about $200 per night for a room with 2 beds, myself, wife and son. I'll be in San Jose before and after this 7 day period getting dental work done, so I need to commute from there, although the wife and son can fly into anywhere. I have read that the North is hot during this time and we would prefer to avoid excessive heat. We are not really interested in the beach scene but wouldn't mind a quite beach at night. Any suggestions?

volcanogirl

I think you have enough time for two destinations. Arenal would be a good one. The Cano Negro tour with Sunset Tours will take you up and down the Rio Frio to see wildlife like monkeys, sloths, birds, and caimans. You can do some nice hiking at the waterfall, the Hanging Bridges, and the volcano. Also enjoy the natural hot springs like Eco Termales or Tabacon. You can zipline or white water raft. Manuel Antonio pairs well with it, and offers a pretty beach inside the park and lots of pretty tame wildlife. You can horseback ride and do a mangrove tour.

qwovadis

www.mybeaconescazu.com nice centel SJ place to stay

www.arenal.net www.tabacon.com

maybe

www.manuelantoniopark.com around your dental work

www.hotelpuntaleona.com if you need to be closer to SJ

Have fun

Gross_Point_Blank

You do have time for Arenal and Manuel Antonio. A nice vacation.

volcanogirl

I'm curious about people going to Costa Rica for dental work - is it a lot more affordable there?

colibri

I would avoid Guanacaste in early March if you don't like excessive heat. While staying with friends in Liberia area it was low 100's and in Brasilito it was upper 90's daily. That's the hottest time of the year for the Guanacaste beaches.

VG - I've stayed a couple times at a small hotel near Sabana Parque and have met several Americans each time having dental work done down the street. They have said the savings on major work is amazing.

volcanogirl

That's interesting, col - good alternative for folks who don't have insurance. I didn't realize it was popular.

caldud

Thanks for the reply's. I don't think I want to go where its so hot. Maybe I'll focus on Manuel Antonio, For dental work its about 1/2 the price to get it done in costa rica.