capecodgal

After rafting, La Carolina Lodge and Rincon we will have about 7 days to see the beaches along the Nicoya Peninsula. Here's where I need your help. Which playas should we stay at (two nights at 3 different places is what I'm guessing with the time we have, we might be able to squeeze in one more)I understand it isn't that easy to drive around the Pen. I want to focus on 3-4 areas (right now I have 7 playas and need to narrow it down)

shillmac

With 7 days, you might base yourselves around either Flamingo or Hermosa (north). From Hermosa you can explore south to Flamingo, Tamarindo, Grande, Potrero, Conchal. From Flamingo (or Tamarindo) you can explore north to Hermosa, Ocotal, Coco, etc. In other words, at either location you could take one day to drive and look around at lots of different beaches.

After that, I'd head down to Montezuma/Malpais/Ste. Teresa area (far south) for 3 nights. You'll have a long drive getting there and I'd zip right on down there via the Puntarenas ferry rather than explore along the way. Also a great area. Montezuma Falls and Cabo Blanco Reserve worth visiting.

I'd suggest 3 nights each area rather than 2 nights at 3 areas. You can base yourselves and explore around you with the extra day you'll have at each place. Just my dos colones!

So glad you are going to La Carolina. Very fond of that place and the lovely people who run it. You'll have a terrific time. Just a little piece of Costa Rica long ago heaven!

shillmac

Gotta laugh at my use of the word "zip". As you know, you won't really be "zipping" anywhere in Costa Rica. But you know what I mean. LOL!

capecodgal

Shillmac- Thank you for your speedy response! Just a quick run down on 'us'. It's my sister and I, both in our early 30's. We went to CR last July and are headed back next Aug. It was a dream trip. This next trip I want to focus on other areas. We did get to Montezuma last time (loved it!!)and wouldn't mind going back. So from what you said I assume people base themselves someplace and then go off on day trips to explore other beaches. We will be renting a 4x4.(we drove last time also and loved it! That was half the adventure for us, something new and wonderful around every turn.)Will our vehicles be ok while we park and explore other beaches? So having already been to 'zuma' perhaps Hermosa/tamarindo and then down towards Mal Pais/St. Teresa? What about the Samara/Carillo area?

guanacaste

samara has plenty of good restaurants & hotels and a beach safe for swimming.
i prefer playa carrillo 5km south of samara:

http://costa.rica.typepad.com/samara...ome/index.html

http://costa.rica.typepad.com/samara...ome/index.html

you should stay at el sueno tropical in carrillo, lovely 'boutique' hotel.
i'd combine those with mal pais, if u like montezuma you'll like mal pais.
don't leave <b>anything</b> in your car and keep your car locked at <b>all</b> times!

guanacaste

Playa Carrillo:

http://costa-rica.typepad.com/playa_...ome/index.html

maryinmadison

We are going to CR in June for a total of 13 nights. We have 5 teenagers (ages 13-19) Renting a 4WD Montero.

Plan is 3 nights in Arenal, then 4 in MV, then drive to Nicoya for 5 nights, then 1 day to drive back to SJ, last night at Puravida hotel.

Is the following plan workable for the 5 nights in Nicoya? Drive MV to Samara (Hwy 18 bridge); stay 2 nights in Samara. Drive from Samara to Montezuma; stay 3 nights Montezuma.

Is this too much driving in Nicoya? I originally planned to do all 5 nights in Montezuma area- seems like there's lots to do in the area. But then I read that the drive from Nicoya to Samara was the pretttiest in CR, plus my DH is in favor of seeing more areas and doesn't mind driving and is intrepid. But he hasn't been reading about the very challenging driving conditions. I worry the drive from Samara to Montezuma will take looong time. Is it even possible to drive to Mont. on the Peninsula (Hwy 21 and then where??) or must you go back over the bridge to Puntarenas and take the ferry? That is starting to sound like too much time on the car...If we skip Samara, what's the best way to get to Montezuma from MV? OR-- should we skip Montezuma and just do the Samara area? We want some beach but also wildlife refuges, hiking, waterfalls, maybe fun shops/music at night for teens.

Thanks for any advice!