safarigirl8

Hello,

I just booked a round trip ticket to San Jose, Costa Rica and now need some help planning an itinerary. I don't want to spend time in San Jose, so would like to focus on volcanoes, beaches, rainforests, and wildlife viewing. Any tips on how long to spend where, places to stay, tours to take, getting to/from places? I don't speak Spanish, which makes it kinda hard. I appreciate any tips, thanks!

jbella

I think you will be able to find most of the information you need just by reading the many informative posts on this forum.

You'll need to be a little more specific with a daily budget amount, travel month, physical ability and maybe your comfort level using public transportation etc.

I'd avoid the Caribbean side since you are traveling alone. (they are having heavy rains right now anyway)

Knowing some Spanish is helpful and a courtesy but you'll find everyone willing to help.

hipvirgochick

Soooo what's your budget per night and how many days will you have?

volcanogirl

Manuel Antonio and Arenal is a really popular combo for first timers. Most everyone in the tourist industry will speak pretty good English. You'll do fine.

colibri

You may want to think about Tortuguero also since you have 14 days. Excellent wildlife viewing, transportation from San Jose hotel (we stayed at the Don Carlos) to the dock at Moin, then boat for three hours, spotting wildlife all the way. We stayed two nights at Laguna Lodge, several boat trips during that time. Price includes all meals, all tours, except your admission fee into the national park.

We went with Modesto Watson who runs Riverboat Francesca Tours. He speaks excellent English. http://www.tortuguerocanals.com

This would be a great tour for someone traveling alone. Depending on how many people sign up for that time period, you are grouped with them for boat tours and meals. There were seven of us traveling together and a young Dutch couple met us at the dock for total of nine.

volcanogirl

The Osa also has great wildlife viewing if you want to consider going there. You can get some cheap deals on Sansa and Nature Air.

safarigirl8

Thanks, folks, for the advice! I am going in February. If I go to Tortuguero, will there be sea turtles at that time? I don't have a specific daily budget, but hope to stay in inexpensive/moderately priced accomodations. What is it like booking air travel within the country once I'm there? I want to keep somewhat flexible if I need more time somewhere. Or should I really plan it all out before I go? I have a travel book, but it's always nice to talk to people directly who have different experiences.

volcanogirl

I would book air travel ahead because flights are small and can sell out. You can get some "loco" fares - cheap - online sometimes. We saw turtles in Tortuguero in July - they said they would be there until October. There is a lot of wildlife there even if it isn't turtle season; you have to travel around on the canals to go exploring. We saw toucans, poison dart frogs, crocs, river otters, three kinds of monkeys, etc. Laguna Lodge and Mawamba Lodge are pretty popular.

colibri

When are you going? This is high season right now, so up until Easter many places are busy. I would definitely book ahead for Tortuguero since most people do a package tour which includes your transportation.

Turtle season is July - Oct., but very worthwhile IMO to go anytime. Wildlife was amazing.

Osa can get pricey, you mentioned you are on a budget so Tortuguero can be a cheaper alternative. We also like the Sarapiqui area - love Selva Verde, find it very reasonable.