Lolie

Was hoping to get in the Bosque del Cabo, but it is booked for the days I want in January. Any other recommendations, we do not want to stay at the Lapa Rios. We are planning on flying into Puerto Jimenez.

dougieo

why dont you want to stay at Lapa Rios?

What is so special about Bosque del Cabo?

whuie

We were told that Lapa Rios had too much of a resort feel. Also, was told it was quite a hike to the main lodge from the rooms and to the beach. We will be on the Osa Peninsula the last few days of our vacation and would like to make it very special.

Suzie2

Your trip would be very special at Lapa Rios. I myself prefer Bosque but LR has beautiful cabinas and excellent food as well. The hiking is very good at both. Both places are in the same area and so the wildlife will be very similar. Yes it is a hike up and down those stairs but you can walk on the road sometimes. Bosque does have prettier grounds to just stroll around on but you can get to the beach easier from LR (you can get a ride down to the beach from Bosque rather than do the long hike but we hike down and ride back so we can see the wildlife).

Both places are very commited to taking care of the environment. Both have cabinas, both have good food, you will see wildlife at both. We have run into people from the Hamptons at LR yes but not everyone is going to be that upscale. It turns out we had mutual friends from elsewhere. We had the cabina that Danny DiVito had just vacated. Minnie Driver stayed at Bosque with a yoga group. I hear Mel Gibson was at the 4 seasons up in the Papagayo area last year. CR is a place for everyone.

You will pay a little more at LR but it will be a good experience. Is it worth it? Only you can answer that. LR is a line of cabinas built on a ridge that drops off on both sides. That is why they have stairs. The view is very pretty from the cabinas and looks out towards the Gulfo Dulce. Bosque has views of both the Pacific and the Gulfo Dulce because it is right on the point. Matapalo makes a lot of people feel richer for having been there than poorer irregardless of what they are paying. It is an incredibly unique area. I would hate to see you miss that based on some peoples preferences (mine included).

Lolie

Suzie2,
Thanks for the information. We can get the Cabina La Paz for our stay. It is a garden accommodation, no ocean view. Are you familiar with this? This is the last leg of our vacation and we want to make it "the frosting on the cake". Thanks.

S_S

I can recommend La Paloma (see my review elsewhere and on Trip Advisor). It is a bit of a hike up/down from the hotel but really worth it!

trevordog1312

We are going to BdC this February and we are staying in Casa Teca for 3 nights and then on to a deluxe for a couple of nights. From what I've read and in talking to BdC, you really need to know what you are wanting/expecting. Those who enjoy the garden accomodations tend to be adventurous and want animal encounters more than ocean views. Realize that you have about a 10min walk from the main area over a hanging bridge to the garden - there are no lights for night travel though they might be installing some (sun sets around 5pm in January). Your cabin has three open walls so you are up close and personal with the wildlife. I expect that some people can find this jungle experience a little too un-nerving. We chose the Casa because it does have walls and we are choosing to eat breakfast and dinner at the lodge (for the cabins all meals are included). BdC sent me some pictures of the garden accomodations if you send me your email address, I'll forward them to you.

Please make sure you post your experience. Good Luck!

Lolie

Thanks for all of the info. I did get pics of the garden cabinas-interesting, just not sure about sleeping with the bugs. I will check out the LaPaloma, also.

Suzie2

I believe the La Paloma trevordog is talking about is over on the Drake Bay side. It is a lovely place. We stayed in a Rancho there. You can get to Cano Island from there and there are lots of other fun things to do.

Casa Corcovado is another good place in that area. Getting to it is half the fun. It is only approachable by boat!

glover

Just seconding Suzie's recommendation of Casa Corcovado if you decide to go to the Drake Bay side of Osa. We stayed there several years ago and really enjoyed it. Beautiful spot.

egret

We are planning our first trip to Costa Rica for the first week in December. We were wondering if it's worth the drive to Arenal or can we enjoy the Paos Volcano area just as well. We are also planning on going to Manuel Antonio. I've read so much on this message board about the Oso Penninsula. Is that a better option?
Thank you for your help.

shillmac

egret,
My experience has been that there are no "better" options. It's all good, and every single area has something interesting to see and enjoy. I doubt that everyone will agree with that, but many will. The Osa is an excellent destination. We took several trips to Costa Rica before we finally worked it into our itinerary. Same with Tortuguero--and Monteverde. And although we enjoyed each place for what it was, we didn't really consider it better than any place else--just different. So no sweating your selections--you're gonna have a great time! Then you can plan your next trip. . .

Suzie2

So much depends on what you want to do while in those places. Personally, I would go to Arenal because there is so much to do and most things are pretty easy to get to. Taxis, if you don't have a car, are fairly inexpensive because of that.

On the other hand there are plenty of things to do from around Poas but, you will need a car or plan on a lot of very expensive taxi rides because not all things are terribly close. A private driver is also an option as are tours.

I would look at places in each area and see what they have listed on their web sites to get a feel for what is available to do and if it is what you are interested in. I think you will find that you can answer your own question. We can give you all kinds of recommendations but when all is said and done, it is you that is going on your vacation not us. We can only give suggestions based on things we have done and enjoyed -you know better what you would enjoy.