schlegeliibob

My wife and I are planning a 10-night trip to Costa Rica in late May 2015. We have visited previously - Tortuguero, Arenal, Monteverde, Guanacaste. This trip would feature a few nights near San Jose, 6 to 7 nights in or near the Osa, and the final night near SJO. The Osa choices at this moment are Drake Bay and Cabo Matapalo, with La Palomo / Aguila de Osa and Bosque Del Cabo / Lapa Rios / El Remanso the hotel options (this is a special trip celebrating several occasions). Several questions:

- what are the transportation options between Drake Bay and Puerto Jiminez during this time of year? Is this an all-day journey if going by car at the start of the rains?

- Is it doable to do a 3 night Drake / 3 night CM trip during the start of the rainy season?

- Is it worth going to Drake Bay at this time of year? The primary reason for going to Drake Bay would be a the trip to Cano Island, river floating, etc. - more water oriented. Understood this is not whale season and do not expect crystal clear snorkeling.

- My rough understanding of the average weather in the Osa area is sunny mornings and early afternoons with a few hours of late day showers or thunderstorms - about 10 inches of rain in May and about 20 inches in June. This does not seem bad at all and would pretty much match our experience in Tortuguero when we were there in June several years ago.

We are in our late fifties but are in good health and somewhat active. The main goal of the trip is to do a variety of interesting, low to moderately strenuous activities and to see as much wildlife as possible with a particular focus (for me) on reptiles and amphibians. Arthropods of all sorts are always welcome too. Yes to kayaking, snorkeling, 1 to 4 hour day and night hikes, river floating or light rafting, photography, relaxing, reading. No to diving, surfing, rappeling, ziplines (done that), 6+hour hikes, etc. Not looking for a suntan. High quality "soft" accommodations - no tv or ac or traffic noise, could care less about internet or phone, but comfortable with good food. Given this, we are also also considering the Piedras Blancas area near Golfito, with either the Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge or Equinas Lodge as possible hotel options. Each of these offer direct access into the park, whereas the options for getting into Corcovado on generally involve much more time and effort just to access that park.

- How does Piedras Blancas compare to Corcovado? It seems much less visited but easier to access if staying at the right place.

- How do the lodges mentioned above compare to places like Bosque Del Cabo and El Remanso in Cabo Matapalo or La Paloma and Aguila de Osa in Drake Bay?

- Given the choice of May or June and given the trip interests mentioned above, which month might be better? Right now, the likely timing is May 14 to 25 . Is mid to late May too early in the rainy season for good herping (looking for reptiles and amphibians)? Are the snorkeling conditions around Cano Island OK at that time?

Any suggestions as to other "must do" activities if in the area. Corcovado might be great but my understanding is that an overnight or longer experience is really the best way to do the park and that the wildlife in the Cabo Matapalo area is almost as good.

Thanks in advance!

emmajm

Can't speak to all your questions, but for a special trip I favor Bosque del Cabo. Several snakes, including the Terciopelo. Guides there to help you find them and frogs. Comfortable, no TV, good food, quiet. Five nights there is not too much. We first spent time in the bungalow at Cabinas Jimenez in town, to do the activities near town and the Golfo Dulce boat tour. Oh yes, a pond with caimin in town. And Cabinas Jimenez has kayaks so you can explore the mangroves without taking a tour.

volcanogirl

We really loved Bosque del Cabo too. Phillip is a great guide to go with. There was a trip report from a herpitologist (sp?) a while back that might give you some nice details.

volcanogirl

I just topped a thread for you called Back from Bosque del Cabo if you want to explore it for herp. info.

fcfarmgirl

We just returned from Bosque del Cabo...end of June. While there, we did a sunset hike with Phillip, their naturalist, who was extremely knowledgable. This one hour hike was focused primarily on reptiles and amphibians. Phillip did say that there a lot to see on this tour during rainy season, but I don't know how far into rainy season it needs to be. While at BDC, we saw all 4 types of monkeys, a peccary, scarlet macaws, lots of other birds, bats, an eyelash pit viper, several types of frogs, sloth, mama agouti and her baby. Based on your interests, I think BDC would be an excellent place to stay. Check out my recent trip report. We ended up doing a lot of activities at BDC because we have adventure seeking teenagers, but it would be a great fit for your criteria. If you go, do the horseback ride with Miguel. My husband and I stayed at La Paloma Lodge about 8-9 years ago. There was not nearly as much wildlife there as at BDC. But I think that would also be a good place to stay. The trip to Cano Island was fun, because we saw lots of dolphins on the trip. Snorkeling was OK, not great. Find out if they are still doing the bug lady tour at La Paloma...that was an extremely interesting night hike featuring all kinds of bugs, spiders, and snakes. I believe La Paloma also does a day trip to Corcovado as part of their package. This was an excellent tour also.

fcfarmgirl

One more thought...if you want some relaxation time near the water, you also might like Iguana Lodge, about 10 minutes outside of Puerto Jimenez. You could do Golfo Dulce activities from there. Again, check out my recent trip report on BDC and Iguana Lodge.

colibri

I did a split of Iguana Lodge/Bosque del Cabo early-mid May a few years ago and only had rain in the evening. I then went to BdC in late June and had one all-day torrential downpour, some rain in the evenings, but every year can be a bit different. I've been poured on at Arenal in dry season.

I think BdC offers most of what you are looking for in terms of wildlife and activities. The trails range from easy to difficult and wildlife is abundant both on the trails and just along the driveway and grounds.

I've only flown in/out of Drake Bay on the way to PJ, so can't comment on how long it would take to drive, but I wouldn't expect it to take all day.