Trip Report Christmas Vista Valle MA
Dec 31st, 2004, 06:50 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Trip Report Christmas Vista Valle MA
First, Thanks to everyone, I have enjoyed reading all the posts, Percy, Shillmac have been especially helpful, but everyone was great. I did not post any questions before I left since by searching this board - the answer to every question was available. I will divide this up into planning/background, Vista del Valle/Central Valley, Manuel Antionio and then general comments:
We are a family of 5, two college kids, one 14 year old. Diverse interests. My wife and I are joggers our kids tend to be less so. Flying within the country was vetoed by two of our kids. We had to go over Christmas since it was the only time of year we could all go. I was nervous about this but did not need to be. I made the arrangements about 6 months in advance and did everything myself with great help from Elisa from Vista del valle. Started using the internet but wound up calling - see my later comments I do not recommend depending on internet reservations, confirm by phone!Flew Delta Ny atlanta. great flights both ways no problems.
After reading some of Percy's posts I felt that I could not go to Costa Rica without meeting Oscar. So Vista del Valle arranged for Oscar to pick us up from the airport the day we arrived and then to have him for the following day which was Christmas eve to tour. There have been many posts that indicated that Oscar has people working for him and questions on whether you really get Oscar. He works for Vista del Valle but also does independent work. If you really want to get Oscar I would confirm with both Vista del Valle and with Oscar directly. Oscars numbers are cell 3732736 or home 2490582.
Day 1 Great flight, arrive on time at about 130, Oscar is waiting. Vista del Valle - I was ready to be disappointed because this place has gotten such great reviews. We were not disappointed in the least. It is truly wonderful. I will not go on because it has all been said before. There is some expansion work going on that in my opinion will not change the character of the place. It has an intimate feel even thought the place is spread over huge grounds. Great dinner. In bed asleep by 930. This is amazing considering my college age kids never go to bed before midnight.
Day 2. Up by 6 - usually on vacation we sleep until 8 but that seems to be the way in Costa Rica. Great breakfast and then Oscar is wating for us bright and early for our touring. It had been unusually wet this December and the day before Oscar did not think that Poas would be clear, people from Arenal said that in three days they did not see the volcano. However Christmas eve day was extremely clear and so off to Poas which was great. We did LaPaz which includes a great lunch, butterfly gardens, definitely a highlight. We went to Sarchi and Grecia for shopping and then back to Vista del Valle late in the day.
Christmas eve. The owners organized by Jo every year deliver toys to poor families in the area. Sorry, this will not mean much to most readers but guess who plays Santa - It was Oscar - the perfect Santa.
Day 3, A 3 mile run in the very hilly countryside and then transfer to Manuel Antonio, La Colina and Casa Buena Vista. To follow
We are a family of 5, two college kids, one 14 year old. Diverse interests. My wife and I are joggers our kids tend to be less so. Flying within the country was vetoed by two of our kids. We had to go over Christmas since it was the only time of year we could all go. I was nervous about this but did not need to be. I made the arrangements about 6 months in advance and did everything myself with great help from Elisa from Vista del valle. Started using the internet but wound up calling - see my later comments I do not recommend depending on internet reservations, confirm by phone!Flew Delta Ny atlanta. great flights both ways no problems.
After reading some of Percy's posts I felt that I could not go to Costa Rica without meeting Oscar. So Vista del Valle arranged for Oscar to pick us up from the airport the day we arrived and then to have him for the following day which was Christmas eve to tour. There have been many posts that indicated that Oscar has people working for him and questions on whether you really get Oscar. He works for Vista del Valle but also does independent work. If you really want to get Oscar I would confirm with both Vista del Valle and with Oscar directly. Oscars numbers are cell 3732736 or home 2490582.
Day 1 Great flight, arrive on time at about 130, Oscar is waiting. Vista del Valle - I was ready to be disappointed because this place has gotten such great reviews. We were not disappointed in the least. It is truly wonderful. I will not go on because it has all been said before. There is some expansion work going on that in my opinion will not change the character of the place. It has an intimate feel even thought the place is spread over huge grounds. Great dinner. In bed asleep by 930. This is amazing considering my college age kids never go to bed before midnight.
Day 2. Up by 6 - usually on vacation we sleep until 8 but that seems to be the way in Costa Rica. Great breakfast and then Oscar is wating for us bright and early for our touring. It had been unusually wet this December and the day before Oscar did not think that Poas would be clear, people from Arenal said that in three days they did not see the volcano. However Christmas eve day was extremely clear and so off to Poas which was great. We did LaPaz which includes a great lunch, butterfly gardens, definitely a highlight. We went to Sarchi and Grecia for shopping and then back to Vista del Valle late in the day.
Christmas eve. The owners organized by Jo every year deliver toys to poor families in the area. Sorry, this will not mean much to most readers but guess who plays Santa - It was Oscar - the perfect Santa.
Day 3, A 3 mile run in the very hilly countryside and then transfer to Manuel Antonio, La Colina and Casa Buena Vista. To follow
Dec 31st, 2004, 07:01 AM
#2
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 10,212
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
NYJogger,
What fun to read! I'm sure your family must have had a fantastic time and I can't wait to hear more! I'm missing CR mucho right about now (we were there for Christmas last year), so will enjoy it vicariously through you! We've just got to take Percy's advice and meet Oscar sometime--even though we like to drive ourselves, I know we would enjoy a day with him!
What fun to read! I'm sure your family must have had a fantastic time and I can't wait to hear more! I'm missing CR mucho right about now (we were there for Christmas last year), so will enjoy it vicariously through you! We've just got to take Percy's advice and meet Oscar sometime--even though we like to drive ourselves, I know we would enjoy a day with him!
Dec 31st, 2004, 01:11 PM
#3
NYJogger
Thank you for the nice report.
I knew you wuld like Vista del Valle.
I hope you stayed in the Exotic Woods Suite with that terrific Canyon view right out your front porch.
I was in Costa Rica 2 weeks ago ( at the Papagayo Coast) and Oscar called me there, it was a pleasant surprise.
And Oscar was always helpful.... just as in your case, he told you that you might not see Poas.
Glad you had a good time .
Did you walk right down to the bottom of all five waterfalls at La Paz.
You bet Oscar would be the perfect Santa.!!!
Happy New Year
Percy
Thank you for the nice report.
I knew you wuld like Vista del Valle.
I hope you stayed in the Exotic Woods Suite with that terrific Canyon view right out your front porch.
I was in Costa Rica 2 weeks ago ( at the Papagayo Coast) and Oscar called me there, it was a pleasant surprise.
And Oscar was always helpful.... just as in your case, he told you that you might not see Poas.
Glad you had a good time .
Did you walk right down to the bottom of all five waterfalls at La Paz.
You bet Oscar would be the perfect Santa.!!!
Happy New Year
Percy
Dec 31st, 2004, 02:02 PM
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Part II MA La Colina and Casa Buena Vista.
Percy - we did not go down the ladder to see the waterfalls. It was getting close to sunset when we got there and thought it a bit risky.
Back to the story - Vista del Valle arranged for a driver we decided not to hire Oscar for the 4 days in MA since we did not plan to travel much there.
La Colina. I made a reservation 7 months prior to stay 4 nights - two ocean view rooms confirmed by fax. One month before I emailed to confirm. Several days later an email from Dan, the owner that they had lost my reservation but would make alternate reservations for us. At that point I was not happy. I called Dan and he was able to get us 3 nights at La Colina and spoke with a friend Anita at Casa Buena Vista to make arrangements for the last night. Lesson - during the high season esp Christmas and Easter call. I do not have the cheapest international calling plan but my subsequent calls to Costa Rica were all under one dollar. IMHO well worth it.
Casa Buena Vista is an interesting place which will not appeal to all. It is a central home with 3 small houses around it. It is on the road to the Parador just past Mariposa and Mango Moon but on the side of the road that Mariposa is on. Consequently the views were the best of anyplace that we went. We had two houses. One house had just one bedroom, a kitchen a living room and a porch- 50 dollars. Good views The other house was huge two bedrooms living room full kitchen, bar, and gigantic porch with amazing views - 100 dollars. Late afternoon and evening groups of monkeys came by the porch. Anita, the owner is American but has been there for 30 years, knows everything about MA and is very active in the community. The downsides include the houses that you stay in are not air conditioned and are a bit worn. The beds were also not the most comfortable. You also need to be a bit independent since Anita works at her gift store at a different location during the day.
Activities MA hired a guide Henri he was quite good and we saw much more. For the 5 of us it was 75 dollars.
Horse back riding at Finca Valmy
http://www.valmytours.com/. It was a highlight.
Canopy tour we used Tititours. It is relatively new Oscar had recommended this to us - I was a bit nervous since I had not heard of them but they are only 5-10 minutes out of Quepos and they fit into our schedule better. They did a nice job. We also spent one afternoon hiking to the public beach and hanging out there. It was nice in that it rained a bit so it was cooler.
Food - Excellent at Vista del Valle. At MA we ate at Mar Luna, Karolas, Costa Verde Onaconda and at Si Cuomo No. Karolas although the most expensive - about 100 dollars for the 5 of us was clearly the best. Beautiful site but it had rained that afternoon so the road into the restaurant was incredibly slippery most cars were sliding and having trouble getting up and down the hill. Confirm that the Macadamia nut pie is as good as advertised.
There were several car accidents during the week we were in Costa Rica which slowed things down. Be careful walking along the bridge Tarcoles to see the crocs. Coming back all traffic was stopped due to a car having hit a child.
This is already too long so I'll be happy to answer questions.
Percy - we did not go down the ladder to see the waterfalls. It was getting close to sunset when we got there and thought it a bit risky.
Back to the story - Vista del Valle arranged for a driver we decided not to hire Oscar for the 4 days in MA since we did not plan to travel much there.
La Colina. I made a reservation 7 months prior to stay 4 nights - two ocean view rooms confirmed by fax. One month before I emailed to confirm. Several days later an email from Dan, the owner that they had lost my reservation but would make alternate reservations for us. At that point I was not happy. I called Dan and he was able to get us 3 nights at La Colina and spoke with a friend Anita at Casa Buena Vista to make arrangements for the last night. Lesson - during the high season esp Christmas and Easter call. I do not have the cheapest international calling plan but my subsequent calls to Costa Rica were all under one dollar. IMHO well worth it.
Casa Buena Vista is an interesting place which will not appeal to all. It is a central home with 3 small houses around it. It is on the road to the Parador just past Mariposa and Mango Moon but on the side of the road that Mariposa is on. Consequently the views were the best of anyplace that we went. We had two houses. One house had just one bedroom, a kitchen a living room and a porch- 50 dollars. Good views The other house was huge two bedrooms living room full kitchen, bar, and gigantic porch with amazing views - 100 dollars. Late afternoon and evening groups of monkeys came by the porch. Anita, the owner is American but has been there for 30 years, knows everything about MA and is very active in the community. The downsides include the houses that you stay in are not air conditioned and are a bit worn. The beds were also not the most comfortable. You also need to be a bit independent since Anita works at her gift store at a different location during the day.
Activities MA hired a guide Henri he was quite good and we saw much more. For the 5 of us it was 75 dollars.
Horse back riding at Finca Valmy
http://www.valmytours.com/. It was a highlight.
Canopy tour we used Tititours. It is relatively new Oscar had recommended this to us - I was a bit nervous since I had not heard of them but they are only 5-10 minutes out of Quepos and they fit into our schedule better. They did a nice job. We also spent one afternoon hiking to the public beach and hanging out there. It was nice in that it rained a bit so it was cooler.
Food - Excellent at Vista del Valle. At MA we ate at Mar Luna, Karolas, Costa Verde Onaconda and at Si Cuomo No. Karolas although the most expensive - about 100 dollars for the 5 of us was clearly the best. Beautiful site but it had rained that afternoon so the road into the restaurant was incredibly slippery most cars were sliding and having trouble getting up and down the hill. Confirm that the Macadamia nut pie is as good as advertised.
There were several car accidents during the week we were in Costa Rica which slowed things down. Be careful walking along the bridge Tarcoles to see the crocs. Coming back all traffic was stopped due to a car having hit a child.
This is already too long so I'll be happy to answer questions.
Dec 31st, 2004, 02:23 PM
#6
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 10,212
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Another great report, jogger! Sounds like La Colina took care of you pretty well. We'll have to keep both hotels in mind if ever in MA again. AND Finca Valmy--everyone says good things about it!
As for your international calling plan, what company do you use? We use AT&T and it costs us about 30 cents a minute. Sounds like you have something similar. I agree it is much easier to call.
As for your international calling plan, what company do you use? We use AT&T and it costs us about 30 cents a minute. Sounds like you have something similar. I agree it is much easier to call.
Dec 31st, 2004, 02:29 PM
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Shillmac - We have ATT. That sounds about right. Each phone call was about 3 or 4 mins and was about one dollar. You also get a better feel for the place on the phone. After speaking to Dan from La Colina on the phone I felt much better about the place.
Dec 31st, 2004, 08:20 PM
#8
NYJogger:
Yes there are five waterfalls at La Paz.
Actually the fifth one is called La Paz! and it is the largest one.
But the waterfall at Vista del Valle is also very nice.
I assume you climbed those tricky ladders down to the bottom.
As you descend , the noise from the waterfall gets louder and louder.
Did you also walk over to the top of the waterfall..the pathway is just back of the corral that has the horses.
You can position yourself right beside the waterfall ( at the top),then you hold on to a good sturdy branch and you look aaaaallll the way down ,a little scary but you have this terrifc view from the top down.
Thanks for a nice report
Percy
Yes there are five waterfalls at La Paz.
Actually the fifth one is called La Paz! and it is the largest one.
But the waterfall at Vista del Valle is also very nice.
I assume you climbed those tricky ladders down to the bottom.
As you descend , the noise from the waterfall gets louder and louder.
Did you also walk over to the top of the waterfall..the pathway is just back of the corral that has the horses.
You can position yourself right beside the waterfall ( at the top),then you hold on to a good sturdy branch and you look aaaaallll the way down ,a little scary but you have this terrifc view from the top down.
Thanks for a nice report
Percy
Jan 1st, 2005, 01:33 AM
#9
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 4,571
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
GREAT report!!! Glad to hear you enjoyed Finca Valmy--my kids, who were there (Dec 17) a few days before you were, said it was a real highlight for them too. It was just the two of them, with Valentin, one of the ranch partners.
Re: telephoning, since it's being discussed on this thread---for phoning from Costa Rica back to the States, perhaps this info can be useful. I've wondered about posting it as general info--what do y'all think? My son, for the first time, used an internet phone card, i.e it's purchased via a web site, they give you the info,then you print out the necessary pin and access code.There was some "will this really work?" thinking, but it worked beautifully for them! It cost $20, charged on-line; they phoned home most nights and chatted a few minutes, and still had time/$ left on the card at end of 8 full days. They got the Nobel WORLDWIDE card, but there are others available at the company website, from or to or within the US or world, depending on your needs. The customer service folks are excellent! They have two websites, including toll free phone numbers, and several sorts of cards. Sites are www.nobelcom.com and www.connectto.com. They are rechargeable phone cards. Sorry, hope this doesn't sound like a sales pitch, but we were all pleasantly surprised to have the experiment of trying this company work so well.
Oh yes--HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Re: telephoning, since it's being discussed on this thread---for phoning from Costa Rica back to the States, perhaps this info can be useful. I've wondered about posting it as general info--what do y'all think? My son, for the first time, used an internet phone card, i.e it's purchased via a web site, they give you the info,then you print out the necessary pin and access code.There was some "will this really work?" thinking, but it worked beautifully for them! It cost $20, charged on-line; they phoned home most nights and chatted a few minutes, and still had time/$ left on the card at end of 8 full days. They got the Nobel WORLDWIDE card, but there are others available at the company website, from or to or within the US or world, depending on your needs. The customer service folks are excellent! They have two websites, including toll free phone numbers, and several sorts of cards. Sites are www.nobelcom.com and www.connectto.com. They are rechargeable phone cards. Sorry, hope this doesn't sound like a sales pitch, but we were all pleasantly surprised to have the experiment of trying this company work so well.
Oh yes--HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Jan 1st, 2005, 06:12 AM
#10
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 10,212
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Am curious to know if the card worked with the pay phones in Costa Rica. We find ourselves using those quite a bit. Our AT&T card used to work great, but this past year we were never able to use pay phones with it. Very inconvenient to have to ask hotels (who don't have phones in the rooms) to allow the use of their office phone for your card. Most don't mind, but it is clear it makes them a bit nervous--plus it ties up their business line.
Jan 12th, 2005, 09:56 AM
#12
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
NYJogger, how did your college kids like Vista del Valle? Were they bored there at all? I'm planning a trip with college-age kids too.
Is it really a 45-minute drive from Vista Del Valle to San Jose do you think?
Is it really a 45-minute drive from Vista Del Valle to San Jose do you think?
