What is your favorite place in Costa Rica?
Mar 1st, 2009, 02:54 PM
#1
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What is your favorite place in Costa Rica?
What is your favorite place in Costa Rica - location and hotel? P.S. You cannot pick Bosque del Cabo. 
And what things do you love about your favorite spot?
And what things do you love about your favorite spot?
Mar 1st, 2009, 03:27 PM
#3
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In terms of the hotel itself, I would say Ylang Ylang in Montezuma.
But, when you factor in the giant volcano across the river, I'd go for the Arenal Observatory Lodge (which I realize is not perfect and has its flaws).
But, when you factor in the giant volcano across the river, I'd go for the Arenal Observatory Lodge (which I realize is not perfect and has its flaws).
Mar 1st, 2009, 04:02 PM
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There are certainly several possibilities but my favourite is the Savegre Valley and especially Savegre Lodge. I'm a birder, so the Quetzals are certainly a big 'plus' here, as are the other wonderful birds. Beyond that is the beautiful scenery, with the Rio Savegre tumbling down out of an absolutely magnificent oak - bamboo cloud forest. I also love the cool, fresh air [40 degrees F at dawn]and the tranquility of the place.
There is always a sense of adventure and anticipation as we descend down the narrow winding road into that little valley
and each visit has been memorable.
Another reason I love this place is that it is Tico owned and operated by people [the Chacon family] who are filled with pride in their country and their wonderful valley. So many of the other places we visit are owned and /or operated by outsiders, but this is a Costa Rican owned and operated lodge.
I almost 'hate' to say much about this area when I see what has happened to Costa Rica's Pacific coast - over run with throngs of tourists. But perhaps this area's relative isolation will help save it for the future.
Jerry
There is always a sense of adventure and anticipation as we descend down the narrow winding road into that little valley
and each visit has been memorable.
Another reason I love this place is that it is Tico owned and operated by people [the Chacon family] who are filled with pride in their country and their wonderful valley. So many of the other places we visit are owned and /or operated by outsiders, but this is a Costa Rican owned and operated lodge.
I almost 'hate' to say much about this area when I see what has happened to Costa Rica's Pacific coast - over run with throngs of tourists. But perhaps this area's relative isolation will help save it for the future.
Jerry
Mar 2nd, 2009, 03:51 AM
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Ylang Ylang Resort. Small, friendly,family run resort(14 rooms, I believe), beautiful location,lots of wildlife on property, so close to the ocean, the waves keep you up at night! Great value when you factor in the gourmet meals!
Mar 2nd, 2009, 04:06 AM
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Mar 2nd, 2009, 07:00 AM
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Okay. I will play. But I think the regulars on this board already know my answer. Monteverde!
I love everything about it. I live in New Orleans, which can be extremely hot and humid. I love going to the mountaintop in July, and wearing jeans and a fleece.
I love the community there. There are Quakers, of course. But is a very accepting place. You sometimes see some very unusual people walking along the road. Lots of young people have been showing up lately. We went to the Christmas sale at the Monteverde Friend's School last November. We were surprised to meet dozens for 30ish people selling their crafts. We have our group of friends there, but are not there often enough or long enough to establish other friendships. (Maybe that will change when my wife's pension is fully vested!).
The local Ticos are great, and there is a bit of an International community as well. I have mentioned our new favorite restaurant and chocolate shop in previous postings. The Argentinean woman who owns it is an absolute delight.
I love the sunsets, and the mountain views. I love the rainbows. On our last trip down the mountain, we saw over a dozen rainbows. We counted them! The first was a tiny one in our front yard. Half of them were along the road, before we got to Santa Elena. The rest were on the road down to the Pan Am highway.
I love just hanging out and enjoying the cool, lush woods. They are not silent. The wind, the rain, the birds, and the occasional monkey all contribute to an ever changing soundscape. We have a small patio at our house there, and I always make time to read a book there and just listen to the nature.
My wife and I have an annual tradition, that we are going to unfortunately miss this year. We have to delay our usual Easter trip by a few weeks.
For the last few Easter Sundays, we make the twenty minute drive down to the San Luis valley. We park our car, and take the easy hike back to the San Luis waterfall. This is a beautiful tall two stage waterfall. We usually bring a couple of beers and a snack. We have never attempted this walk in the rainy season. I think that the trail may be a little too treacherous, so we might miss it when we go in May. But I know we will think about it, while we celebrate Easter here in New Orleans.
Sorry this ran so long! Now I really want to go! Gotta wait til May.
Warm Regards,
Pat Hewitt
Travel Professional
I love everything about it. I live in New Orleans, which can be extremely hot and humid. I love going to the mountaintop in July, and wearing jeans and a fleece.
I love the community there. There are Quakers, of course. But is a very accepting place. You sometimes see some very unusual people walking along the road. Lots of young people have been showing up lately. We went to the Christmas sale at the Monteverde Friend's School last November. We were surprised to meet dozens for 30ish people selling their crafts. We have our group of friends there, but are not there often enough or long enough to establish other friendships. (Maybe that will change when my wife's pension is fully vested!).
The local Ticos are great, and there is a bit of an International community as well. I have mentioned our new favorite restaurant and chocolate shop in previous postings. The Argentinean woman who owns it is an absolute delight.
I love the sunsets, and the mountain views. I love the rainbows. On our last trip down the mountain, we saw over a dozen rainbows. We counted them! The first was a tiny one in our front yard. Half of them were along the road, before we got to Santa Elena. The rest were on the road down to the Pan Am highway.
I love just hanging out and enjoying the cool, lush woods. They are not silent. The wind, the rain, the birds, and the occasional monkey all contribute to an ever changing soundscape. We have a small patio at our house there, and I always make time to read a book there and just listen to the nature.
My wife and I have an annual tradition, that we are going to unfortunately miss this year. We have to delay our usual Easter trip by a few weeks.
For the last few Easter Sundays, we make the twenty minute drive down to the San Luis valley. We park our car, and take the easy hike back to the San Luis waterfall. This is a beautiful tall two stage waterfall. We usually bring a couple of beers and a snack. We have never attempted this walk in the rainy season. I think that the trail may be a little too treacherous, so we might miss it when we go in May. But I know we will think about it, while we celebrate Easter here in New Orleans.
Sorry this ran so long! Now I really want to go! Gotta wait til May.
Warm Regards,
Pat Hewitt
Travel Professional
Mar 2nd, 2009, 09:24 AM
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I just realized I didn't answer my own question. I adore Arenal - watching the lava flow is just amazing to me. And I also love the Cano Negro tour and Eco Termales hot springs. The Lost Iguana is our favorite spot, but next trip I might try the Arenal Observatory Lodge for a night or two. I'm loving reading all your answers.
Mar 2nd, 2009, 02:22 PM
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I loved hiking the trails in Tapanti National Park, not far from Orosi. Super lush, with endless rushing creeks and waterfalls.
I have always wanted to go to Montezuma and the Cloudbridge Preserve...now I've added Savegre and Monteverde to my list. I guess I should check out Bosque del Cabo as well.
I have always wanted to go to Montezuma and the Cloudbridge Preserve...now I've added Savegre and Monteverde to my list. I guess I should check out Bosque del Cabo as well.
Mar 2nd, 2009, 06:08 PM
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LOL--don't DO this to me, vgirl!
Savegre--yes, yes, yes--for all the same reasons!
Tapanti, agree with that one, too!
Rancho Naturalista--the trails, the morning birding on the big deck, the food--I gain just looking at it. Well, actually, I do a little more than look. .
Tortuguero--so peaceful on the rivers (when the drug boats aren't running. . .!!)
Conchal/Flamingo area--Guanacaste, for sunsets/beautiful beaches
Hotel--Peace Lodge always a huge treat--love the balconies and the view
I could go on. . .this is an unanswerable question for me!
Savegre--yes, yes, yes--for all the same reasons!
Tapanti, agree with that one, too!
Rancho Naturalista--the trails, the morning birding on the big deck, the food--I gain just looking at it. Well, actually, I do a little more than look. .
Tortuguero--so peaceful on the rivers (when the drug boats aren't running. . .!!)
Conchal/Flamingo area--Guanacaste, for sunsets/beautiful beaches
Hotel--Peace Lodge always a huge treat--love the balconies and the view
I could go on. . .this is an unanswerable question for me!
Mar 2nd, 2009, 08:51 PM
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I forgot about Tapanti. I have only been once, and want to go back to explore it more thoroughly.
Great old church, interesting international community, undiscovered cloud forest. Very interesting, and under explored area.
Great old church, interesting international community, undiscovered cloud forest. Very interesting, and under explored area.
Mar 4th, 2009, 03:48 AM
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Soooo.....I can't pick Bosque 
There are many places I have loved & liked, none I would not return to - they all offered something different and beautiful. I guess I would have to say the Golfo Dulce area, Sarapiqui area, Bajos del Toro & Poas/La Paz area are all near the top.
There are many places I have loved & liked, none I would not return to - they all offered something different and beautiful. I guess I would have to say the Golfo Dulce area, Sarapiqui area, Bajos del Toro & Poas/La Paz area are all near the top.
Mar 4th, 2009, 08:46 AM
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I loved how it felt like we were the only people on many of the beaches in Malpais (Nicoya Peninsula), it was beautiful. Loved the down-to-earth and not touristy atmosphere of the surfing community near Playa Carmen.
Mar 4th, 2009, 09:27 AM
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Tortuguero and Monteverde are my top two picks - don't really care as much about which hotel as long as they are clean and safe, not there long enough, too busy with activities!
Places I want to explore next time - Savegre Valley area, maybe Rancho Naturalista, Rio Celeste area, would love to get down to Wilson Botanical Garden one day, need more time at Selva Verde/La Selva area. How many more trips will all of this take?!
Places I want to explore next time - Savegre Valley area, maybe Rancho Naturalista, Rio Celeste area, would love to get down to Wilson Botanical Garden one day, need more time at Selva Verde/La Selva area. How many more trips will all of this take?!
Mar 4th, 2009, 09:48 AM
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Still having fun reading all your replies. colibri, I think we're going to try Tortuguero this trip.
tully, okay everyone can pick BdC if they throw in a second destination - that only seems fair.
tully, okay everyone can pick BdC if they throw in a second destination - that only seems fair.
Mar 4th, 2009, 09:59 AM
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VG - am trying to get some time for a trip report, but we LOVED Tortuguero and Modesto Watson - highly, highly recommend going with him. If you want something more upscale than Laguna Lodge (which we all were very happy with), he can arrange your stay at any of the lodges in the area.
Mar 4th, 2009, 04:01 PM
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colibri, I am SO thrilled to hear you enjoyed your time on the Riverboat Francesca with Modesto. Someone else seemed to have a less than stellar experience with Modesto, and that was a concern as I had recommended him and Fran. We thought our time with him absolutely could not have been better spent. And agree Laguna Lodge was fine. We spent less time in that room than in almost any hotel we've stayed, therefore it didn't need to be too deluxe.
vg, how many trips? I don't know. I suppose if one didn't return to their favorites (as we are wont to do) time and again, one could get a pretty good tour of the country in 2-3 months, with several days stay in most locations. You've got:
4-5 areas in the northwest, including Rincon;
Arenal area including Volcan Tenorio and Rio Celeste, Cano Negro area;
Monteverde;
central Pacific beaches;
southern Nicoya Peninsula;
Osa Golfo Dulce side;
Osa Drake Bay side;
south of Golfito area (Zancudo, Pavones);
Wilson Botanical Garden area near San Vito;
north of there to Buenas Aires, San Isidro;
Savegre/Chirripo/Cerro de la Muerte areas;
San Jose city and immediate surrounding area;
Orosi Valley/Tapanti/Irazu/Turrialba/Cartago areas;
areas north of Alajuela and Heredia to include La Paz and Poas;
Sarapiqui area;
Tortuguero;
southern Caribbean;
south of airport area around Puriscal, near Ama Tierra hotel and on toward Orotina (not much going on there, but it is an area)
And no mention of La Amistad area and probably others I've overlooked, little in-between places that are wonderful.
Estimating 70 days or so. . .it would take awhile!
We've still got Zancudo/Pavones on our list. Rafting the Pacuare. Seeing La Amistad either from CR or Panama. Would love to be fit enough for a climb up Chirripo, but fear I'd get started and not be able to finish.
vg, how many trips? I don't know. I suppose if one didn't return to their favorites (as we are wont to do) time and again, one could get a pretty good tour of the country in 2-3 months, with several days stay in most locations. You've got:
4-5 areas in the northwest, including Rincon;
Arenal area including Volcan Tenorio and Rio Celeste, Cano Negro area;
Monteverde;
central Pacific beaches;
southern Nicoya Peninsula;
Osa Golfo Dulce side;
Osa Drake Bay side;
south of Golfito area (Zancudo, Pavones);
Wilson Botanical Garden area near San Vito;
north of there to Buenas Aires, San Isidro;
Savegre/Chirripo/Cerro de la Muerte areas;
San Jose city and immediate surrounding area;
Orosi Valley/Tapanti/Irazu/Turrialba/Cartago areas;
areas north of Alajuela and Heredia to include La Paz and Poas;
Sarapiqui area;
Tortuguero;
southern Caribbean;
south of airport area around Puriscal, near Ama Tierra hotel and on toward Orotina (not much going on there, but it is an area)
And no mention of La Amistad area and probably others I've overlooked, little in-between places that are wonderful.
Estimating 70 days or so. . .it would take awhile!
We've still got Zancudo/Pavones on our list. Rafting the Pacuare. Seeing La Amistad either from CR or Panama. Would love to be fit enough for a climb up Chirripo, but fear I'd get started and not be able to finish.
Mar 5th, 2009, 05:16 AM
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The Parque Corcovado on the Osa is my favorite place to view nature. You have beautiful unspoiled beaches and pristine tropical jungle. If you want to see wildlife this is the place to go for a hike. But, be quiet or you'll miss out on seeing many of the animals. As you are walking, listen for twigs snaping. Stop, and look in the direction of the sound. Out of the jungle will emerge strange looking animals like Jacaranda, Coati, Tamandua and a bunch more.
I also love surfing Pavones!
Playa Grande is where I have chosen to live. Its an incredible beach with great waves for surfing. Its close enough to everything that I need, but still remote enough to satisfy my need for solitude.
I also love surfing Pavones!
Playa Grande is where I have chosen to live. Its an incredible beach with great waves for surfing. Its close enough to everything that I need, but still remote enough to satisfy my need for solitude.
