Need Help with Costa Rica Itinerary
Mar 5th, 2007, 05:01 AM
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Need Help with Costa Rica Itinerary
My family (My wife and myself and our two daughters, ages 13 and 10) is planning a trip to Costa Rica this July. I'd like to get some feedback on our suggested itinerary. We love the outdoors, adventure activities, wildlife, watersports, etc, but also want to stay in nice places. Safety is another big concern of mine. The kids are both very athletic; my wife and I are, well, older, but still active. Need advice on the best place to do canopy tours, white water rafting, horseback riding, etc. Frequent flier miles will allow us to treat ourselves to better lodging and some additional activities. We plan on being in country 2 weeks. We'd love any suggestions on lodging, tours, things to do, places off the beaten path worth visiting (we'll have a car for much of the trip). This is the first trip out of the US for the kids; my wife and I have traveled a lot.
Day 1: Arrive SJ in early afternoon. Overnight in SJ hotel. Haven't booked one yet. Suggestions? Anything worth doing in SJ with the kids?
Day 2: Will either go to Tortuguero for two nights, or directly to Osa. In Tortuguero, we were looking at the Tortuga Lodge. In Osa, we're looking at the Black Turtle Lodge outside of Puerta Jimenez, or the La Paloma in Drake. Any opinions on the value of going to Tortuguero? Especially if we plan on being on the Osa. Or on our possible lodging choices on Osa?
Day 3: Tortuguero or Osa. If in Tortuguero, we'll plan on a night turtle watch.
Day 4: If we start in Tortuguero, we'll return to SJ then fly onto Osa.
Day 5, 6: Osa Peninsula.
Day 7-9: Plan on flying from Osa (either PJ or Drake) to Quepos Airport, from there onto Manuel Antonio. In MA area, we're looking at the Buena Vista Villas. Anyone with any information on them? Very highly ranked on tripadvisor.com. Any other lodging suggestions in the MA area? Plan on renting a car and doing some exploring in MA area.
Day 10: Fly Quepos to La Fortuna; rent another car. We've made reservations at the Lost Iguana for 4 nights. Any comments? Seems to be in the part of the country where, if the weather's right, we'll have a view of the lava flow. Suggestions for whom to book tours with?
Day 14: Drive from La Fortuna towards SJ. Our flight home leaves the next day around 1pm, so we were planning on stopping for one night somewhere along the road to SJ. Saw the Villa Blanca Hotel in San Ramon on-line. It's in the Los Angeles Cloud forest. Since we didn't plan a trip to Monteverde, we figured this was a good chance to at least see a cloud forest. Any thoughts on LA Cloud forest or the Villa Blanca? With a 1pm flight from SJ, could we spend another night in the Arenal area and still make it back to the airport in time, or would that be cutting it too close?
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. We're really looking forward to the trip (but not the misquitos).
Day 1: Arrive SJ in early afternoon. Overnight in SJ hotel. Haven't booked one yet. Suggestions? Anything worth doing in SJ with the kids?
Day 2: Will either go to Tortuguero for two nights, or directly to Osa. In Tortuguero, we were looking at the Tortuga Lodge. In Osa, we're looking at the Black Turtle Lodge outside of Puerta Jimenez, or the La Paloma in Drake. Any opinions on the value of going to Tortuguero? Especially if we plan on being on the Osa. Or on our possible lodging choices on Osa?
Day 3: Tortuguero or Osa. If in Tortuguero, we'll plan on a night turtle watch.
Day 4: If we start in Tortuguero, we'll return to SJ then fly onto Osa.
Day 5, 6: Osa Peninsula.
Day 7-9: Plan on flying from Osa (either PJ or Drake) to Quepos Airport, from there onto Manuel Antonio. In MA area, we're looking at the Buena Vista Villas. Anyone with any information on them? Very highly ranked on tripadvisor.com. Any other lodging suggestions in the MA area? Plan on renting a car and doing some exploring in MA area.
Day 10: Fly Quepos to La Fortuna; rent another car. We've made reservations at the Lost Iguana for 4 nights. Any comments? Seems to be in the part of the country where, if the weather's right, we'll have a view of the lava flow. Suggestions for whom to book tours with?
Day 14: Drive from La Fortuna towards SJ. Our flight home leaves the next day around 1pm, so we were planning on stopping for one night somewhere along the road to SJ. Saw the Villa Blanca Hotel in San Ramon on-line. It's in the Los Angeles Cloud forest. Since we didn't plan a trip to Monteverde, we figured this was a good chance to at least see a cloud forest. Any thoughts on LA Cloud forest or the Villa Blanca? With a 1pm flight from SJ, could we spend another night in the Arenal area and still make it back to the airport in time, or would that be cutting it too close?
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. We're really looking forward to the trip (but not the misquitos).
Mar 5th, 2007, 06:43 AM
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Go to Osa instead of Tortuguero.
From La Fortuna do a day trip to Cano Negro Reserve:
http://costa.rica.typepad.com/cano_n...ome/index.html
LA Cloud Forest is a better option than Monteverde!
From La Fortuna do a day trip to Cano Negro Reserve:
http://costa.rica.typepad.com/cano_n...ome/index.html
LA Cloud Forest is a better option than Monteverde!
Mar 5th, 2007, 01:58 PM
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mdrdinmd,
In the search box at the top of this forum page type in Buena Vista Villas or Lost Iguana, and you'll find several posts with lots of great info. That'll help you zoom in on anything specific that hasn't been covered.
Most of the locations you've mentioned have several prior posts about them. By reading the ones that aren't too old you can often get more info that you'll receive just in answer to your new post. (Hope that makes sense.)
We're going down in May and have learned a ton from this Fodor's group.
Fran
In the search box at the top of this forum page type in Buena Vista Villas or Lost Iguana, and you'll find several posts with lots of great info. That'll help you zoom in on anything specific that hasn't been covered.
Most of the locations you've mentioned have several prior posts about them. By reading the ones that aren't too old you can often get more info that you'll receive just in answer to your new post. (Hope that makes sense.)
We're going down in May and have learned a ton from this Fodor's group.
Fran
Mar 5th, 2007, 04:25 PM
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We loved our time at Tortuguero and have been to the other places as well. Just a few thoughts. .
You didn't say what part of July you are traveling in, but try to schedule your Tortuguero time for the latter 2 weeks of the month to increase your chances for seeing the turtles lay eggs. This is a big draw for Tortuguero and simply fascinating!
Bosque del Cabo on the Osa is, hands down, the coolest place we have ever stayed--just fantastic. If you can get a reservation there for a few days, then you should give it a try! It's about a 45 min. transfer from Puerto Jimenez. Tons of wildlife--lots of activites and trails--great food, excellent guides on staff, etc.
At Arenal, Lost Iguana, don't worry about who to do tours with. That is something you can think about (and take the hotel's advice) once you get there. They are all pretty reliable. But you can put that out of your mind for now.
I wouldn't wait until the day of the departure flight to head back from Arenal, but your original idea is a good one--staying somewhere really nice and nearer to the airport that last night. Vista del Valle is also an excellent choice (20 min from airport)--gorgeous property. For one last fling, you could visit Zoo Ave in Alajuela in the a.m.--takes about 1.5 hour. Could do it in less. It's a bird zoo/rehab facility, but lots more than birds there. I think you'd enjoy it.
You didn't say what part of July you are traveling in, but try to schedule your Tortuguero time for the latter 2 weeks of the month to increase your chances for seeing the turtles lay eggs. This is a big draw for Tortuguero and simply fascinating!
Bosque del Cabo on the Osa is, hands down, the coolest place we have ever stayed--just fantastic. If you can get a reservation there for a few days, then you should give it a try! It's about a 45 min. transfer from Puerto Jimenez. Tons of wildlife--lots of activites and trails--great food, excellent guides on staff, etc.
At Arenal, Lost Iguana, don't worry about who to do tours with. That is something you can think about (and take the hotel's advice) once you get there. They are all pretty reliable. But you can put that out of your mind for now.
I wouldn't wait until the day of the departure flight to head back from Arenal, but your original idea is a good one--staying somewhere really nice and nearer to the airport that last night. Vista del Valle is also an excellent choice (20 min from airport)--gorgeous property. For one last fling, you could visit Zoo Ave in Alajuela in the a.m.--takes about 1.5 hour. Could do it in less. It's a bird zoo/rehab facility, but lots more than birds there. I think you'd enjoy it.
Mar 5th, 2007, 04:29 PM
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As for your first night, it depends on what you do first. If you are heading to Tortuguero first, then you will need to stay in the city--Hotel Grano de Oro would be an excellent choice. We also like the Don Carlos, less $$, great part of town, close to the highway that leads to Tortuguero. If you decide to do Laguna Lodge, you should contact Fran and Modesto Watson, who run the Riverboat Francesca out of there. There package is excellent, and you will enjoy and appreciate both of them. Great couple. I don't have their website with me right now, but you can google Riverboat Francesca and come up with it easily, I think. Definitely would be worth thinking about.
You can fly there, of course, but we really enjoyed the 3.5 hour boat ride to Tortuguero from Moin. They will pick you up about 7:00 a.m., have you at the port at Moin by 9:30 for your boat transfer. Modesto will stop here and there along the way and point out all kinds of things as well as a break stop. To me, that's lots more interesting than flying. I love hearing all about an area as I travel through it--from someone who knows their stuff.
You can fly there, of course, but we really enjoyed the 3.5 hour boat ride to Tortuguero from Moin. They will pick you up about 7:00 a.m., have you at the port at Moin by 9:30 for your boat transfer. Modesto will stop here and there along the way and point out all kinds of things as well as a break stop. To me, that's lots more interesting than flying. I love hearing all about an area as I travel through it--from someone who knows their stuff.
Mar 5th, 2007, 04:32 PM
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Me again.. sorry! Please note my spelling correction of "their" rather than "there"! Oops! Really should proof my posts before hitting the button! 
Forgot to continue with the "first night" thought. If you go to the Osa first (or Arenal), then you should stay near the airport--lots of excellent hotels that are on the luxury side, among them Vista del Valle, Xandari, Finca Rosa Blanca. Peace Lodge is an excellent place to stay (on the La Paz Waterfall Garden property) if you are driving up to Arenal and back.
Forgot to continue with the "first night" thought. If you go to the Osa first (or Arenal), then you should stay near the airport--lots of excellent hotels that are on the luxury side, among them Vista del Valle, Xandari, Finca Rosa Blanca. Peace Lodge is an excellent place to stay (on the La Paz Waterfall Garden property) if you are driving up to Arenal and back.
Mar 5th, 2007, 04:41 PM
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Wow. A lot to talk about here. I work with almost all of these properties, and have inspected or stayed in most of them. So it is like choosing between my children. But I will try!
I would change the order, and cut a day or two from Arenal. I would not go directly to the Osa from Tortuguero. You will have to fly back early, then catch the next flight. This adds some unnecessary expense. You also have a 25 pound luggage limit, and you need some time to get the laundry done! I think you will feel arrive feeling overwhelmed too.
So I would start in San Jose, then go to Tortuguero. Though Tortuga Lodge is not my preference. I much prefer Mawamba Lodge. I would then arrange transportation from their private reserve at Rio Dante to Arenal. This will make your traveling a little less hectic, and give you an opportunity to see more of the country.
I know that some people will disagree with me. Because there is some interesting nature around Arenal too. But this is really cattle country. Note all the postings on this forum and others discussing the best steakhouses. The big attraction at Arenal is the hot springs. I think that the nature you will find in the other locations blow this area away. So rather than investing four nights here, I would do three. This gives you two full days, one for springs and one for a nature tour.
Tabacon Hot Springs is the 500 pound gorilla in this area. They are the number one visited attraction in Costa Rica. Lots of visitors, and they are also the most expensive. Eco Thermales is my favorite, but the kids would probably prefer Baldi. Please note that Eco Thermales does not have a volcano view. So you all might prefer Baldi.
Take the other day to do the canopy tour in this area. You might think about taking the pretty easy hike to the La Fortuna waterfall. By the way Lost Iguana is a great choice. I stayed there in November, and have sent many clients. All have come back happy.
I would then fly to Quepos for four nights. Buena Vista Villas is perfect for the family. We have stayed here on many occasions. You can raft from here as well.
Then I would fly to the Osa and finish with a three night package at Casa Corcovado. La Paloma is nice too, and we send them customers. But I have always liked Casa Corcovado. I like the way they are managed, their ecological philosophy and the way the treat our customers. You just get the feeling that they are firing on all eight cylinders.
I would then fly back to San Jose for the last night, to regroup before traveling the next day. Don't forget that you have to be at the airport three hours before you depart.
I think that arranging the itinerary this way will flow more smoothly, and give you ample opportunity to explore what each area offers. You will note that you don't have a car rental anywhere here. When you are in Arenal, you will be on tours or the hotel can get you a taxi. You really don't need a car in Quepos/Manuel Antonio. Everything is located on one road, and the taxi service is very efficient. So you can save a few bucks here as well.
One last note. I love the Osa, but it can get pricey. You could cut this, and take the boat / jeep transfer and do Monteverde for a fraction of the price. The cloudforest is a magical place to spend three nights. If you did this, and took a land transfer from Quepos back to San Jose, you could eliminate the flights and that pesky 25 pound weight limit.
Hope this all helps! Let me know if I can offer more advice.
Warm Regards,
Pat Hewitt
Costa Rica Travel Exchange
I would change the order, and cut a day or two from Arenal. I would not go directly to the Osa from Tortuguero. You will have to fly back early, then catch the next flight. This adds some unnecessary expense. You also have a 25 pound luggage limit, and you need some time to get the laundry done! I think you will feel arrive feeling overwhelmed too.
So I would start in San Jose, then go to Tortuguero. Though Tortuga Lodge is not my preference. I much prefer Mawamba Lodge. I would then arrange transportation from their private reserve at Rio Dante to Arenal. This will make your traveling a little less hectic, and give you an opportunity to see more of the country.
I know that some people will disagree with me. Because there is some interesting nature around Arenal too. But this is really cattle country. Note all the postings on this forum and others discussing the best steakhouses. The big attraction at Arenal is the hot springs. I think that the nature you will find in the other locations blow this area away. So rather than investing four nights here, I would do three. This gives you two full days, one for springs and one for a nature tour.
Tabacon Hot Springs is the 500 pound gorilla in this area. They are the number one visited attraction in Costa Rica. Lots of visitors, and they are also the most expensive. Eco Thermales is my favorite, but the kids would probably prefer Baldi. Please note that Eco Thermales does not have a volcano view. So you all might prefer Baldi.
Take the other day to do the canopy tour in this area. You might think about taking the pretty easy hike to the La Fortuna waterfall. By the way Lost Iguana is a great choice. I stayed there in November, and have sent many clients. All have come back happy.
I would then fly to Quepos for four nights. Buena Vista Villas is perfect for the family. We have stayed here on many occasions. You can raft from here as well.
Then I would fly to the Osa and finish with a three night package at Casa Corcovado. La Paloma is nice too, and we send them customers. But I have always liked Casa Corcovado. I like the way they are managed, their ecological philosophy and the way the treat our customers. You just get the feeling that they are firing on all eight cylinders.
I would then fly back to San Jose for the last night, to regroup before traveling the next day. Don't forget that you have to be at the airport three hours before you depart.
I think that arranging the itinerary this way will flow more smoothly, and give you ample opportunity to explore what each area offers. You will note that you don't have a car rental anywhere here. When you are in Arenal, you will be on tours or the hotel can get you a taxi. You really don't need a car in Quepos/Manuel Antonio. Everything is located on one road, and the taxi service is very efficient. So you can save a few bucks here as well.
One last note. I love the Osa, but it can get pricey. You could cut this, and take the boat / jeep transfer and do Monteverde for a fraction of the price. The cloudforest is a magical place to spend three nights. If you did this, and took a land transfer from Quepos back to San Jose, you could eliminate the flights and that pesky 25 pound weight limit.
Hope this all helps! Let me know if I can offer more advice.
Warm Regards,
Pat Hewitt
Costa Rica Travel Exchange
Mar 6th, 2007, 07:40 AM
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i wouldnt suggest you go to Monteverde instead of Osa.
and for 3 nights??
nothing to do!!
Osa beats Monteverde on EVERY level.
Go to Cano Negro from La Fortuna youll see more birds than in Monteverde:
http://costa.rica.typepad.com/cano_n...ome/index.html
and for 3 nights??
nothing to do!!
Osa beats Monteverde on EVERY level.
Go to Cano Negro from La Fortuna youll see more birds than in Monteverde:
http://costa.rica.typepad.com/cano_n...ome/index.html
Mar 6th, 2007, 09:53 AM
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"In MA area, we're looking at the Buena Vista Villas. Anyone with any information on them?"
They are on the same property as Tulemar Bungalows www.tulemar.com. They share the same beach, same restaurant for breakfast, same views, etc. but they are newer and larger than the Tulemar bungalows (also more expensive - Tulemar is $270/nt)
We stayed at Tulemar two years ago and again two weeks ago. It is the only place I'd stay in MA as we love the private beach, the views and the amenities. I don't think you could go wrong with Tulemar or BVV - it pretty much depends on your space needs and budget.
Do note that the views from all units are not the same (this holds for both BVV and Tulemar). They are three or four BVV units up by the main reception that look to the north (not the best view) and are literally right next to the road within the property - you aren't going to get a ton of traffic but they would not be my first choice.
They are on the same property as Tulemar Bungalows www.tulemar.com. They share the same beach, same restaurant for breakfast, same views, etc. but they are newer and larger than the Tulemar bungalows (also more expensive - Tulemar is $270/nt)
We stayed at Tulemar two years ago and again two weeks ago. It is the only place I'd stay in MA as we love the private beach, the views and the amenities. I don't think you could go wrong with Tulemar or BVV - it pretty much depends on your space needs and budget.
Do note that the views from all units are not the same (this holds for both BVV and Tulemar). They are three or four BVV units up by the main reception that look to the north (not the best view) and are literally right next to the road within the property - you aren't going to get a ton of traffic but they would not be my first choice.
Mar 6th, 2007, 04:20 PM
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I agree with Pat that 3 nights at Arenal is enough. Also agree with Guanacaste that Cano Negro is a great tour. It copies Tortuguero a bit in the type of wildlife/birds you will see, so that may be why he didn't mention it. We really enjoyed the slow, relaxing boat trips of Cano Negro AND Tortuguero, so didn't mind the repetition.
And while you can save $$ by seeing Monteverde instead of the Osa, if you are really wanting a superior experience, I'd choose the Osa over Monteverde (althoughy Monteverde is something to see for a couple of nights). Osa is better! The thing about Monteverde is that it gives one the cloud forest experience which is nice. Even so, we tend to enjoy the cloud forest San Gerardo de Dota a bit more, particularly as far as birding goes.
And while you can save $$ by seeing Monteverde instead of the Osa, if you are really wanting a superior experience, I'd choose the Osa over Monteverde (althoughy Monteverde is something to see for a couple of nights). Osa is better! The thing about Monteverde is that it gives one the cloud forest experience which is nice. Even so, we tend to enjoy the cloud forest San Gerardo de Dota a bit more, particularly as far as birding goes.
Mar 12th, 2007, 05:20 PM
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Hey all,
I mentioned Monteverde because this traveler mentioned that they wanted to include a cloud forest. Monteverde is a great choice, and made the most sense coupled with their desire to go to Arenal.
I wasn't pushing Monteverde over the Osa, just giving options. The Osa is very special as well.
Even though the wildlife varies somewhat between the Caribbean and Pacific sides, there are many similarities. I figured if they were bound and determined to go to Tortuguero, then Monteverde was a good option over the Osa.
I left out Cano Negro, because I feel that Tortuguero and the ride up the Rio Sierpe in Corcovado are both better options. If they were adding one of these to the trip, then this day could be spent better elsewhere.
But hey, opinions are like belly buttons. We all have one!
Warm Regards,
Pat Hewitt
Costa Rica Travel Exchange
Costa Rica Concierge
I mentioned Monteverde because this traveler mentioned that they wanted to include a cloud forest. Monteverde is a great choice, and made the most sense coupled with their desire to go to Arenal.
I wasn't pushing Monteverde over the Osa, just giving options. The Osa is very special as well.
Even though the wildlife varies somewhat between the Caribbean and Pacific sides, there are many similarities. I figured if they were bound and determined to go to Tortuguero, then Monteverde was a good option over the Osa.
I left out Cano Negro, because I feel that Tortuguero and the ride up the Rio Sierpe in Corcovado are both better options. If they were adding one of these to the trip, then this day could be spent better elsewhere.
But hey, opinions are like belly buttons. We all have one!
Warm Regards,
Pat Hewitt
Costa Rica Travel Exchange
Costa Rica Concierge
Mar 13th, 2007, 07:05 AM
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i agree on 'opinions'
BUT, you are a travel agent and you display your email and the name of your company prominently- and forgive me if i seem overly suspicious but when you- as a travel agent with supposedly 'expert' knowledge on CR- says "taking the pretty easy hike to the La Fortuna waterfall", what about the hike back up??
AND ive re-read your post re Monteverde where you DEFINITELY recommend it over Osa as Osa more 'pricey' -NONSENSE.
nobody i know who's ever visited both would dream of recommending Monteverde over Osa.
Osa is THE best place to visit here.
nowhere else comes near it.
so it makes me wonder if you get better commissions in Monteverde than Osa
BUT, you are a travel agent and you display your email and the name of your company prominently- and forgive me if i seem overly suspicious but when you- as a travel agent with supposedly 'expert' knowledge on CR- says "taking the pretty easy hike to the La Fortuna waterfall", what about the hike back up??
AND ive re-read your post re Monteverde where you DEFINITELY recommend it over Osa as Osa more 'pricey' -NONSENSE.
nobody i know who's ever visited both would dream of recommending Monteverde over Osa.
Osa is THE best place to visit here.
nowhere else comes near it.
so it makes me wonder if you get better commissions in Monteverde than Osa
Mar 15th, 2007, 04:49 PM
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C'mon Guanacaste and connette, relax.
I have been posting in this forum off and on for several years. In all this time, I have never been accused of advertising. Not once. I think you will find most postings about me from other members to be pretty positive. Believe me, any business I generate from this activity is inconsequential compared to the yearly volume we do.
I have not been as active lately. Rebuilding our home and office after Katrina has been difficult and time consuming, but we are starting to get squared away now. I have a little more time to answer queries on the forum. So I am back to form.
I have always posted my company name after my name as a "credential" of a travel professional. I cleared this with Fodor's years ago, and have never had a problem. This is standard in almost travel forum you will find on the net. Some forums require you to identify who you are. This works both ways. It also provides fair disclosure of who I am.
I guess this would explain why Katie from Fodors contacted me yesterday. I explained to her what I have just explained to you. It was all very friendly. She is checking it out and getting back to me. If she says I can't put my company name on my posts, I won't. If I can, I will.
Guanacaste, you seem to be looking for a fight. Sorry bud. Not interested. But I will respond to your comments about my postings. And I will do it in a friendly manner.
You disagree with my posting about Monteverde / Osa. But you will note that I spoke very highly of the Osa, and called it one of my favorite places. But this person did request a cloudforest, and I addressed it. I was offering options. I don't know why you choose to be so rude about it all.
As far as you disagreeing about it being pricey, have you priced three nights at a Drake Bay lodge lately? You can spend $800 to $1000 per person for a three night package. This gentleman is traveling with three other family members. Yep, it could get pricey. Some people are not fully aware of that.
I have to laugh a little when you mention that I must get "better commissions in Monteverde". Simple math would disprove that. Let's see, the commission on a $3000 to $4000 Osa package, as opposed to a max of $150.00 per night in Monteverde. We work on a percentage. If I was only in it for the bucks, I would be recommending the Osa, and then following up with the Four Seasons!
I like Monteverde. I have a house there. I could have bought a condo among the strip malls of Tamarindo or other Guanacaste beaches, (believe me, it would have been easier than renovating a house in the jungle!) but I preferred being in the woods. I spend a lot of time walking in the cloudforest, and there is a lot to see. You just have to pay attention.
Looking back at my post, I never said there was "nothing to do" at any of these locations.
And about the easy hike to (and from) the La Fortuna waterfall? I found it pretty easy, and I am a fifty something year old guy who had a heart procedure last year. Several years ago, I took my seventy something old father-in-law there. Sorry if you found it difficult. I don't know your exercise habits or physical condition. Again, I only can offer my opinion.
You seem pretty cynical about travel agents (Although, technically I am a tour operator / wholesaler). In one of your recent posts, you called us worthless. You might look at our industry with a more open mind.
The Internet is an amazing tool for researching a destination. But it is not the only tool. I received an Email this week from a lady who wanted to know if I could arrange her Calypso Cruise, and have her picked up and taken back to the Arenal Observatory. Do you think I was able to offer some assistance to her? Or the folks that wanted to go to both coasts, Monteverde, and whitewater rafting in a week? Or the folks who want to go to the Osa, and want to know about wheelchair acceptability? Most folks just don't realize the logistics that can be involved in visiting our favorite company.
I have been to Costa Rica literally over one hundred times. After my next trip in April, I am turning in my second passport for more pages. I have a house there, and for two years had in office in Quepos. I have inspected every single one of the over seventy properties that I represent on all three of my web sites. And we try to re inspect as often as possible. I can tell a customer when to spend twenty bucks on a room upgrade, and when to save their money. I can tell someone when they are planning too many days in a location, or not enough. And after fifteen years, I can usually recognize who needs to stay at a more cushy place, and who will be happiest in mud up to their knees if there is a good shot at seeing a rare bird.
We provide a service, and it is FREE. We get a commission from the supplier, but it does not affect my client's rate. And we itemize every single itinerary, and my customers know they are paying the true rate. I don't know why you choose to condemn an entire profession.
I have customers on their fifth and sixth trip with my company. So I must be doing something right. In fifteen years, I have never had a single BBB complaint. I am an honest person, conducting myself in an honorable fashion in my personal and professional life.
I am fortunate to be able to do something I love, and it affords me the opportunity to visit a country I love more frequently. I enjoy posting in this and other forums, and I won't stop if Fodors chooses to not let me put my company name up any longer.
I have always avoided online feuds. I am certainly not seeking one now. It seems like you are trying to pick a fight. I have strongly disagreed with some of your posts. But I never attacked you. And you will never see me attack anyone. That is what these forums are all about. To share our opinions. It's a community of people and I enjoy being part of it.
Have a great day.
Pat Hewitt
I have been posting in this forum off and on for several years. In all this time, I have never been accused of advertising. Not once. I think you will find most postings about me from other members to be pretty positive. Believe me, any business I generate from this activity is inconsequential compared to the yearly volume we do.
I have not been as active lately. Rebuilding our home and office after Katrina has been difficult and time consuming, but we are starting to get squared away now. I have a little more time to answer queries on the forum. So I am back to form.
I have always posted my company name after my name as a "credential" of a travel professional. I cleared this with Fodor's years ago, and have never had a problem. This is standard in almost travel forum you will find on the net. Some forums require you to identify who you are. This works both ways. It also provides fair disclosure of who I am.
I guess this would explain why Katie from Fodors contacted me yesterday. I explained to her what I have just explained to you. It was all very friendly. She is checking it out and getting back to me. If she says I can't put my company name on my posts, I won't. If I can, I will.
Guanacaste, you seem to be looking for a fight. Sorry bud. Not interested. But I will respond to your comments about my postings. And I will do it in a friendly manner.
You disagree with my posting about Monteverde / Osa. But you will note that I spoke very highly of the Osa, and called it one of my favorite places. But this person did request a cloudforest, and I addressed it. I was offering options. I don't know why you choose to be so rude about it all.
As far as you disagreeing about it being pricey, have you priced three nights at a Drake Bay lodge lately? You can spend $800 to $1000 per person for a three night package. This gentleman is traveling with three other family members. Yep, it could get pricey. Some people are not fully aware of that.
I have to laugh a little when you mention that I must get "better commissions in Monteverde". Simple math would disprove that. Let's see, the commission on a $3000 to $4000 Osa package, as opposed to a max of $150.00 per night in Monteverde. We work on a percentage. If I was only in it for the bucks, I would be recommending the Osa, and then following up with the Four Seasons!
I like Monteverde. I have a house there. I could have bought a condo among the strip malls of Tamarindo or other Guanacaste beaches, (believe me, it would have been easier than renovating a house in the jungle!) but I preferred being in the woods. I spend a lot of time walking in the cloudforest, and there is a lot to see. You just have to pay attention.
Looking back at my post, I never said there was "nothing to do" at any of these locations.
And about the easy hike to (and from) the La Fortuna waterfall? I found it pretty easy, and I am a fifty something year old guy who had a heart procedure last year. Several years ago, I took my seventy something old father-in-law there. Sorry if you found it difficult. I don't know your exercise habits or physical condition. Again, I only can offer my opinion.
You seem pretty cynical about travel agents (Although, technically I am a tour operator / wholesaler). In one of your recent posts, you called us worthless. You might look at our industry with a more open mind.
The Internet is an amazing tool for researching a destination. But it is not the only tool. I received an Email this week from a lady who wanted to know if I could arrange her Calypso Cruise, and have her picked up and taken back to the Arenal Observatory. Do you think I was able to offer some assistance to her? Or the folks that wanted to go to both coasts, Monteverde, and whitewater rafting in a week? Or the folks who want to go to the Osa, and want to know about wheelchair acceptability? Most folks just don't realize the logistics that can be involved in visiting our favorite company.
I have been to Costa Rica literally over one hundred times. After my next trip in April, I am turning in my second passport for more pages. I have a house there, and for two years had in office in Quepos. I have inspected every single one of the over seventy properties that I represent on all three of my web sites. And we try to re inspect as often as possible. I can tell a customer when to spend twenty bucks on a room upgrade, and when to save their money. I can tell someone when they are planning too many days in a location, or not enough. And after fifteen years, I can usually recognize who needs to stay at a more cushy place, and who will be happiest in mud up to their knees if there is a good shot at seeing a rare bird.
We provide a service, and it is FREE. We get a commission from the supplier, but it does not affect my client's rate. And we itemize every single itinerary, and my customers know they are paying the true rate. I don't know why you choose to condemn an entire profession.
I have customers on their fifth and sixth trip with my company. So I must be doing something right. In fifteen years, I have never had a single BBB complaint. I am an honest person, conducting myself in an honorable fashion in my personal and professional life.
I am fortunate to be able to do something I love, and it affords me the opportunity to visit a country I love more frequently. I enjoy posting in this and other forums, and I won't stop if Fodors chooses to not let me put my company name up any longer.
I have always avoided online feuds. I am certainly not seeking one now. It seems like you are trying to pick a fight. I have strongly disagreed with some of your posts. But I never attacked you. And you will never see me attack anyone. That is what these forums are all about. To share our opinions. It's a community of people and I enjoy being part of it.
Have a great day.
Pat Hewitt
Mar 15th, 2007, 11:45 PM
#17
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For heaven's sake, information is information whether it comes from a travel agent or your Aunt Matilda,and as long as he identifies himself as such, so what? And for those people who are such great travellers that they don't need travel agents---good for you. I always use one (not Pat Hewitt)--I don't have time to waste on endless e-mails. I tell them the kind of places I like and they take care of the details .
Mar 16th, 2007, 02:47 AM
#18
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I appreciate the info from people who are professionals. As long as they clearly state who they are and their affiliations, I welcome their input. I am bothered by people who pose as travelers to hype their business. When you use these forums you need to weigh the input and draw your own conclusions, not simply rely on a strangers opinion.
Mar 16th, 2007, 08:00 PM
#19
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Kencolian and Batson make good points. Information is information. Utilize the pieces that are of interest to you and discard the rest accordingly.
I have never had any dealings with Mr. Hewitt, but I have seen other Fodorites speak highly of his services on these boards. I agree with kencolian that the people who try to pose as regular travelers to hype their own business are the obnoxious ones. Mr. Hewitt does not do this, he merely identifies himself as a travel professional and that does not bother me, personally. He seems very knowlegeable about Costa Rica, so I make a mental note of his suggestions just as I would for those from shillmac, suzie2, tully and the host of other well-seasoned CR travelers (guanacaste included) who regularly post here.
I have never had any dealings with Mr. Hewitt, but I have seen other Fodorites speak highly of his services on these boards. I agree with kencolian that the people who try to pose as regular travelers to hype their own business are the obnoxious ones. Mr. Hewitt does not do this, he merely identifies himself as a travel professional and that does not bother me, personally. He seems very knowlegeable about Costa Rica, so I make a mental note of his suggestions just as I would for those from shillmac, suzie2, tully and the host of other well-seasoned CR travelers (guanacaste included) who regularly post here.
Mar 17th, 2007, 04:56 AM
#20
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and cmerrell makes some good points, info is info, make of it what you will. I would've never gone to the Osa, and Bosque del Cabo, before I started reading all the posts here from dfarmer, Suzie et al and realizing 'hey that's exactly what I want'. I would take all that is posted here and back it up with other research, then figure out what suits you best.
Back to OT, if you go to the Osa I would spend more time there and skip Manuel Antonio. I've enjoyed my 2 times to MA, but after the Osa it would be redundant imo.
Back to OT, if you go to the Osa I would spend more time there and skip Manuel Antonio. I've enjoyed my 2 times to MA, but after the Osa it would be redundant imo.
