mosthecat

We are suddenly going to Costa Rica in January. We just found this out, and I've searched the message board here, and I have to say that all the advice is terrific! I'd love to hear feedback on my itinerary. From what I've been reading, it sounds like many hotels will already be full, so I'd love to get this part set, so I can move on the booking those. The only restriciton in our plans, is that we must fly in and out of san jose, not Liberia. Otherwise, we are thinking of about 10 days, though we could probably add 2 or 3 more if necessary.

We will most likely land in San Jose at night, and then probably spend the night near the airport. the rest of our time would be divided between MA, Mounteverde, and Arenas. Should they all be given equal time, and is this too much to do in the alotted time we have? Perhaps you have other suggestions. Last, it sounds like wildlife viewing is often best from a river boat, but I am unsure exactly where these would be.

We are in our early 40s, love nature, wildlife, beaches, and are in good shape. Your help is much appreciated!

fitzpowell

If I had that much time I wold consider flying down to Osa for a three day stay. The two main high end lodges may be full (Bosque de Cabo & Lapa Rios sp?), but I have read good reviews of Lookout Inn or Lodge and others over in the Drake area.

Closer would be the Nicoya Peninisula beach areas.

I Manuel Antonio there are many lodging choices. We stayed at El Parador and I would not recommend it. It looks nice but way too expensive, high up a road too steep to walk, even for those in shape, service was poor,eg, the included breakfast was never served in time to leave for scheduled activities-the staff was just getting in, and the big kicker-NO TOWELS! Oh they were there somewhere, we were hiding the ones we did have so the maid wouldn't take them away and leave us to drip dry!
Have fun

Lil1210

Last July, we encountered the most "big" wildlife from a boat tour on the Cano Negro. We saw sloths, howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, caymans, Jesus Christ lizards that "walk on water", yellow-bellied whistling ducks, and many other water birds. You can book Cano Negro river tours from many hotels and travel outfits in Arenal. It's a day trip; they pick you up by bus from the hotel early in the morning, take you to the river, and drop you back off at the hotel in the late afternoon/early evening. I think we went with Aventuras Arenal, and on the way there, we stopped at a bridge to see a tree full of giant green iguanas.

Just a note, the boat ride is not very "natural." Our fellow passengers often lunged from one side of the boat to the other to snap photos of the animals, but our guide, Enrique, was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic and had an amazing eye for spotting the wildlife.

Lil1210

Below, I've linked a few trip reports that I found incredibly helpful when planning my first trip to Costa Rica:

The eloquent and very clear Hakmat (David):

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34649192

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34649194

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34649396

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34649603

Melissa5 (I love her descriptions of the Monteverde Cloudforest):

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34644342

shillmac

You have a very nice itinerary for your time. Yes, split it evenly. If you want to switch the Osa for Manuel Antonio, it would be an excellent choice as well. In that case, definitely add a day or two. Add them anyway if you can. There is a lot to see and do right around the airport area (within 1.5 hour all directions). You would enjoy a day or two of just exploring that area.

Wildlife viewing can best be seen hiking with an experienced guide. You can do that at all of the locations. It's worth the extra $$ to have someone with a practiced eye show you around! Try to arrange a trip to Cano Negro while at Arenal.

Sounds fantastic--have a great time!

mosthecat

Thanks to all of you for this great information! I like the suggestion of OSA, and from what I've been reading, it sounds perfect for us. So, how does this sound?

One night near SJO
3 nights Arenal
3 nights OSA
3 nights MA or Monteverde (are these the correct 2 to compare, to choose just 1?)

Again, I can probably add another night, or even 2. Also, I'm investigating, but unsure if I should fly or drive the some of the segments, and also what order to put them in.

I will continue to read on, and look at the linked reports. You are all great help!

shillmac

It's just me, but if you do the Osa, I'd put it at the beginning or end of the trip. You'll want to fly from San Jose, so do it when you first arrive or just before you leave. This will save you a few hours on the road returning to San Jose from Arenal for your flight.

My suggestion would be to do it last because you'll find a hard time topping your experience on the Osa!

Also, I'd choose Monteverde over Manuel Antonio. Once your've been to the Osa Peninsula, Manuel Antonio loses a little of its lustre (although it's still a great place). Arenal/Monteverde are usually done back to back. Those 2 destinations combined with the last few days on the Osa would make a lovely trip for you.

You could rely on transfers to Arenal, Arenal-Monteverde, Monteverde back to San Jose, or you could rent a car and do the driving yourselves. Good luck and happy planning!

mosthecat

Shillmac,

You really sound like an expert on this board. Thanks! I think we will do as you suggest. Arrive in SJ, and maybe spend that night (and the next? you convince me there is much there, though I still need to discover what's there - like I said, this was a surprise trip). So:

arrive SJO for 2 nights.
3nights Arenal
3 nights Monteverde (or reversed with Arenal?)
3 nights OSA (or more?)

Last question (again, thanks), we drove through New Zealand twice and loved the scenery. But, even on the left side of the road, the traffic is sparse, and the roads superb. if we aren't missing too much scenery, we are happy to fly and save time, as long as one can fly to and from all these spots (or some).

I hope I can be of help to you sometime. if you're ever in Chicago (in the summer!), let me know.

shillmac

Believe me, I'm no expert--just living vicariously right now!

Can't help you much with the transportation. I think there are flights to Arenal area now, but you'd still have to transfer to Monteverde, then find transportation back to SJO. If you don't want to drive, you might consider hiring a driver, many people do. It is true there is so much to see as you drive through the country. We especially enjoy the little towns and villages, but I understand it is gorgeous from the air as well!

Last time I was in Chicago was 2000 on the Fourth of July--went to Taste of Chicago. It was quite an event; so many people! But definitely fun. Thanks for your kind words!

mosthecat

One new wrinkle that perhaps folks have an opinion on: A friend recommends Los Angeles Cludforest instead of Monteverde. He said that it's less touristy, and so easy to get to. Has anyone got an opinion?

VallartaVicki

To me (in the past - a "I MUST be in control which includes driving" type of gal) the ONLY way to see CR (ESPECIALLY if the driver wants to enjoy themselves & relax!!!) is by hiring a Driver!!!

(I say this because of the potholes [I do NOT exaggerate on this issue - especially in some areas!!], there are hardly ANY addresses or street names & MANY infrances about "it's 20 meters from ___" refer to buildings/points of interests that are no longer there!, roads/MANY highway entrances/exits aren't marked, knowing the bad areas [friends of mine JUST had a problem in SJ the other day with someone slashing their tires at a light & where they pulled over - there were people MORE than happy to help them - one of which help themselves to their purses in the car. KNOWING which areas to avoid, etc. is CRUCIAL!! Yes there are some safety issues with CR but overall I feel MUCH safer here than I did travel around the States - it's just it's condensed into a tiny country hence you hear about it more here)

I've used a WONDERFUL driver for three 10-14 day trips so far (all last year - before moving here) plus LOTS of day trips (a GREAT way to see CR is to get a place in the Central Valley & then do day trips).

He speaks GOOD English (& is happy to help you learn/improve your Spanish), has 3 cars/LEGAL Tourism vans/taxi's to work with (depending on the size of the group & budget & trips), has been a taxi SJ taxi driver for about 18 years hence KNOWS the area, doesn't drink or do drugs (yet is still LOTS of FUN!!), has LOTS of other goodies he provides &/or has available (including a digital camera & video camera if you want to use them) & he's SOOOOO SERVICE oriented/helpful (I couldn't have done 98% of my move here with the ease I did if it wasn't for him!!) - he's FABULOUS & that's the opinion on EVERYONE I've talked to that have used him!!!

Like with most hotels for this busiest time of the year (the holidays) - I think he has a 7 night minimum.


His name is Frank Chicas & he can be reached at [email protected] & 011-506-391-2030


(tell him Vallarta Vicki referred ya [I have NO financial gain with him - just sharin' info on something I think is GREAT!!!])

shillmac

Many people choose the Los Angeles Cloud Forest area as an alternative to Monteverde, especially if pressed for time. It's been mentioned several times on this board (you might do a search). We first experienced it just driving through between San Jose and Arenal, and have passed through many times, but have never stopped and spent time in the area (overnight).

I was talking about Monteverde to a friend of mine who sometimes leads tour groups (Humberto at Hotel Villa Bonita) and he mentioned that most Ticos (rather than go to Monteverde) enjoy the San Jose de Montana area north of San Jose. I don't have my map with me right now, so hope I am not confused on the name--don't think I am. Humberto says that it is a beautiful area (just as nice as Monteverde in his opinion). That might be another option for you.

Also, south of San Jose around San Gerardo de Dota, there is an area of cloud forest that is very nice--wonderfully cool.

Although these areas can't duplicate Monteverde, they CAN give you a cloud forest experience.

RufusTFirefly

Monteverde is very special. Although there are some touristy businesses in the area, overall it is not a touristy place.

shillmac

Absolutely RufusT--I agree with you. My thought is that if one doesn't have time to allow at least 2 full days in Monteverde, it should be saved until there is more days available to enjoy it. We were there 2 nights (after putting off going there during all of our previous visits) and it wasn't enough. It was a mistake in planning for us--and disappointing that we couldn't do all that we wanted to do. Live and learn! Sigh. . . .!

mosthecat

Thanks again to all of you. I will look into the other areas suggested, though maybe I can pull together enough time. I want to do everything, but I've learned that it's best to allow enough time...