Suggestions for 2nd trip to Costa Rica in Dec? Or elsewhere?
Jul 15th, 2003, 05:55 AM
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Suggestions for 2nd trip to Costa Rica in Dec? Or elsewhere?
Hi everyone. This forum was so helpful when I planned my first trip to CR this past December... I thought I'd reach out again for some advice. I have about 10 days in December this year for a vacation. Last year we went to Manuel Antonio, Monteverde and Arenal (and had a great time). If I were to return this year, any suggestions? Since I live in South Florida, I'm not interested in spending any time lying on beaches (or the typical oceanside activities)... however, I am interested in other types of activities and visiting any interesting natural sites.
If I return to CR, I'd be looking for totally new experiences, if that's possible. I don't want to feel like I'm replicating last year's trip. We did lots of rainforest hiking last year, did the canopy tour, zipline thing, volcano, etc. Might be interested in some rafting, but nothing too intense. Is Pacuare still an option? Is there much to do in Tortuguero? Any other areas I should consider? Has anyone done a hot air balloon ride with Serendipity Adventures?
Since so many forum members here have traveled widely, if I were not to go back to CR, does anyone have suggestions of another country I might visit that time of year? Again, many places in the Caribbean aren't for me since it pretty much offers me what I have here at home... but if there are any islands with lots of different activites, I'd be interested to hear! I've considered Peru, but not sure about wanting to deal with altitude sickness that bothers so many.
Again, thanks in advance!
Carol
If I return to CR, I'd be looking for totally new experiences, if that's possible. I don't want to feel like I'm replicating last year's trip. We did lots of rainforest hiking last year, did the canopy tour, zipline thing, volcano, etc. Might be interested in some rafting, but nothing too intense. Is Pacuare still an option? Is there much to do in Tortuguero? Any other areas I should consider? Has anyone done a hot air balloon ride with Serendipity Adventures?
Since so many forum members here have traveled widely, if I were not to go back to CR, does anyone have suggestions of another country I might visit that time of year? Again, many places in the Caribbean aren't for me since it pretty much offers me what I have here at home... but if there are any islands with lots of different activites, I'd be interested to hear! I've considered Peru, but not sure about wanting to deal with altitude sickness that bothers so many.
Again, thanks in advance!
Carol
Jul 15th, 2003, 07:15 AM
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Carol - Just to let you know I was in Peru last March and had no problems with the altitude. I took a course of pills prescribed by my doctor and would definitely recommend doing this as people who hadn't seemed more prone to to the dizzy/sick feelings.
Jul 22nd, 2003, 06:35 PM
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I've read that the Reventazon (?) river is less "intense" than the Pacuare, though the Pacuare has the reputation of being the most "scenic."
Since you hit some of the most populated places on your last trip, perhaps the Osa peninsula might be a change of pace for you... more remote.
Since you hit some of the most populated places on your last trip, perhaps the Osa peninsula might be a change of pace for you... more remote.
Jul 23rd, 2003, 05:03 AM
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Other places to think about. The Guanacaste area, Rincon de la Vieja is a great volcano to visit. Palo Verde, Santa Rosa are both very interesting places to hike. The Guanacaste area is different than other areas because it is considered a dry forest. You will see cactus and shorter trees in many areas.
You said you weren't interested in the beach but the Caribbean side/slope offers Tortugueros which has wonderful wildlife and a rest from hiking because you see everything from a boat. You could also stay at Selva Verde and hike their private rainforest area, visit La Selva (an OTS organization where much research is being done and a wonderful place to hike), from there you could go white water rafting on the Sarapiqui river-different options for the type of excitements ie class I or class III rapids which would be exciting but not the wild ride of the Pacuare. Rios Tropicales has a great web site that tells a little about all the rivers in CR that you can go boating on. It might help you make a decision. If Selva Verde is booked up there is a lovely little place just up the road called La Quinta de Sarapiqui. It is owned and operated by a lovely Costa Rican family. The gardens are beautiful, food good, they have a little walk around a pond that has poison arrow frogs, a pool, plus it is on the river. I love that area (Sarapiqui) and finally talked my husband into going this past Feb. He really enjoyed it and even after 10 years of traveling down there was impressed with the amount of new birds we saw. We also stayed at Rara Avis for a few days and hated it.
You said you weren't interested in the beach but the Caribbean side/slope offers Tortugueros which has wonderful wildlife and a rest from hiking because you see everything from a boat. You could also stay at Selva Verde and hike their private rainforest area, visit La Selva (an OTS organization where much research is being done and a wonderful place to hike), from there you could go white water rafting on the Sarapiqui river-different options for the type of excitements ie class I or class III rapids which would be exciting but not the wild ride of the Pacuare. Rios Tropicales has a great web site that tells a little about all the rivers in CR that you can go boating on. It might help you make a decision. If Selva Verde is booked up there is a lovely little place just up the road called La Quinta de Sarapiqui. It is owned and operated by a lovely Costa Rican family. The gardens are beautiful, food good, they have a little walk around a pond that has poison arrow frogs, a pool, plus it is on the river. I love that area (Sarapiqui) and finally talked my husband into going this past Feb. He really enjoyed it and even after 10 years of traveling down there was impressed with the amount of new birds we saw. We also stayed at Rara Avis for a few days and hated it.
Jul 23rd, 2003, 05:38 AM
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South of San Jose is the route of the Saints and San Gerardo de Dota is a hidden jewel for just getting away. There really isn't much to do but the Quetzal watching is great and there is some horseback riding. It is pretty cool there so a light jacket is recommended. The Basillica in Cartago is a place I like to visit every few years. Lankester gardens are nearby as is Irazu volcano.
The Turrialba area is where my husband and I are thinking of living when we finally make our move. Casa Turire is just beautiful. Unfortunately, our favorite guide there was in a terrible accident and lost a leg so we are looking for another one. We do keep in touch with our old friend tho. For serious birding Rancho Naturalista is a must. Food is wonderful but the birding was too intense for us and my husband grew up in a home with an Ornithologist who spent most of his time in South America studying birds.
The Osa, this is where I could spend the rest of my life. Not for everyone. Not even for my husband. He loves it there but it is too hot for him for long periods of time- a week or so at a time is fine. Very remote. Bosque del Cabo is a wonderful place but there are lots of other options like house rentals, tent camps, other lodges.
Another option would be to stay at one of the lovely places outside of San Jose for a few days and do some day trips. There are several that have been mentioned on this board that are very very nice. You could visit Zoo Ave, La Paz waterfall gardens, do a highlight tour and have breakfast at a coffee plantation and stops at Poas, and visit Selva Verde and boat on the Sarapiqui and several other stops, take the coffee tour at Cafe Britt.
The Turrialba area is where my husband and I are thinking of living when we finally make our move. Casa Turire is just beautiful. Unfortunately, our favorite guide there was in a terrible accident and lost a leg so we are looking for another one. We do keep in touch with our old friend tho. For serious birding Rancho Naturalista is a must. Food is wonderful but the birding was too intense for us and my husband grew up in a home with an Ornithologist who spent most of his time in South America studying birds.
The Osa, this is where I could spend the rest of my life. Not for everyone. Not even for my husband. He loves it there but it is too hot for him for long periods of time- a week or so at a time is fine. Very remote. Bosque del Cabo is a wonderful place but there are lots of other options like house rentals, tent camps, other lodges.
Another option would be to stay at one of the lovely places outside of San Jose for a few days and do some day trips. There are several that have been mentioned on this board that are very very nice. You could visit Zoo Ave, La Paz waterfall gardens, do a highlight tour and have breakfast at a coffee plantation and stops at Poas, and visit Selva Verde and boat on the Sarapiqui and several other stops, take the coffee tour at Cafe Britt.
Jul 23rd, 2003, 05:54 AM
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Another option would be Belize. I really enjoyed our trip there. If you don't want to do the snorkeling/diving stuff on the reefs you could go inland to the ruins. They are just fascinating. I wouldn't spend time in Belize City, not the safest area. We stayed in a place up in the Pine forests and did some great day trips to ruins, waterfalls, went to caves and splashed in Rio Frio. Check out the Belize board here on Fodors. Lots of talk going on.
We are going to Argentina in a couple of months. My husband lived there many years ago and has been promising me a trip down there. We also had a student as a homestay here in the states from Argentina so we are going to visit him also. I can't wait to see Iguazu falls. I hope my husband isn't too disappointed. There weren't even roads to it when he lived there. Now it is has hotels, etc. He has taken our kids to Tierra del Fuego, Bariloche, and several other places so now it is my turn yeah!!
We are going to Argentina in a couple of months. My husband lived there many years ago and has been promising me a trip down there. We also had a student as a homestay here in the states from Argentina so we are going to visit him also. I can't wait to see Iguazu falls. I hope my husband isn't too disappointed. There weren't even roads to it when he lived there. Now it is has hotels, etc. He has taken our kids to Tierra del Fuego, Bariloche, and several other places so now it is my turn yeah!!
Jul 23rd, 2003, 04:29 PM
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If you decide to go to C.Rica again and to Manuel Antonio try something new in the area. Go to http://www.riosparaiso.com . I spent 3days/2nights there and it can't get any better. From hot springs and massages to mountain horseback and canopy tour, truly a fantasy world hidden in the jungle next to MA. I enjoy the seclusion and yet the activities. Wonderful and truly awesome!
Jul 24th, 2003, 04:41 AM
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Suzie, thanks for the extensive detailed input! I'm doing a little research on the areas you mentioned and will look into that, Belize included.
I'm not what you'd call a "thrillseeker," but I'm interested in experiencing different unique activities... I don't like to sit still on vacations
Would love to go up in a balloon or try some 4-wheeling... stuff like that. Since you seem VERY knowledeable about CR, do you have any suggestions along those lines, maybe in the areas you mentioned?
Thanks again for all your great advice!
Carol
I'm not what you'd call a "thrillseeker," but I'm interested in experiencing different unique activities... I don't like to sit still on vacations
Would love to go up in a balloon or try some 4-wheeling... stuff like that. Since you seem VERY knowledeable about CR, do you have any suggestions along those lines, maybe in the areas you mentioned? Thanks again for all your great advice!
Carol
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