uinen

Two 50ish women coming to the Caribbean coast for about 2 weeks. After many months of planning I know where I want to go and what I want to do. I found a travel company called Latindestinations. I looked at reviews and found some negatives but most were positive. Anyone have an opinion? After pricing what it would cost on our own it is much cheaper to go with this company. The itinerary is:
Sept 28th- Pittsburgh-San Jose
Stay at the Country Inn and Suites
Sept 29th- Private english speaking driver to Puerto Viejo
Either the Totem Resort, Cariblu, or the Azania Bungalows(would appreciate feedback on which one).
Oct 11- Private driver+boat to Toruguero
Staying at the Mawamba Lodge( a friend knows owners)
Oct 14- Boat-Shuttle to San Jose
Staying at the Grano de Oro(I like this because of it's location)
Oct 17- Flying back to Pittsburgh
Any opinions? I do not intend to use this company for anything other than what I stated. It seems the negitive reviews leaned more towards doing tours with them. I fiqure when we get to where we are going then we can figure out what we would like to do. Might even take a trip to Bocas del Toro while we are in Puerto Viejo. Or might just sit on the beach everyday. Pura Vida

Jeff_Costa_Rica

If I'm reading your itinerary right, you'll have 12 nights in Puerto Viejo. Not that there's anything wrong with the place, but that seems excessive. I'd definitely consider taking a chunk of that time and going to Bocas del Toro.

hipvirgochick

I've stayed at Azania and have eaten and looked around at Cariblue. They both have nice bungalows but I think Azania takes the edge. The dinner we had at Cariblue was very good and they have a larger bar/game area than Azania. Azania restaurant was good too but both were a little pricey. The pool is larger at Cariblue but more "open" whereas at Azania the pool is more cozy and tropical feeling. My favorite hotel in Puerto Viejo is Banana Azul...just thought it worth mentioning.

hipvirgochick

To both adrian and edentia, respectfully, please don't advertise here.

EdentiaCR

Thanks to hipvirgochick, but respectfully, we are not selling, we are just advising and helping travellers. We are Travel Advisors

Pat_Hewitt

Hi Maria,

I am a travel professional as well. There are several of us who post here.

We don't advertise our web sites or our email addresses. That is a violation of Fodor's Terms of Service.

If we were allowed to advertise, these forums would soon become nothing but a bunch of dueling travel agents and not much good to anyone.

It is tempting, I know. But it won't bring you much business and is against the spirit and purpose of the forums.

It just annoys the regular members, and Fodor's will eventually stop you anyway.

Hope this helps! Let me know if I can offer more advice.

Warm Regards,
Pat Hewitt
(Travel professional)

CostaRicanLady

Hello, the Caribbean coast is a nice selection! And the hotels you choose are nice too. In Tortuguero i will recommend Pachira Lodge, Evergreen and Manatus, they offer special packages that includes transportation, lodging, meals and a couple of tours for an excellent price!
Forthe south Caribbean, the hotels you chose are very nice, but i also recommend you Almonds & Corals and Shawandha, both in Puerto Viejo.
For the time you stay there, you can look for some tours: biking in the villages, Cahuita and Vargas Tour, Green Iguana Reserve, Natura Park,Canopy Tour, Indian Village, and many others. What i suggest is not to stay that long in the same area, you can visit also Bocas del Toro instead staying 12 days in the Caribbean.
If you need additional information, let me know
Pura Vida