Costa Rica

tmare_IHB

tmare_IHB

New member
[quote author="Mcdonna1980" date=1247655898]I'll try and dig up an old photo of me as Madonna. We didn't have digital back then so i'd have to employ someone tech savvy to post it.



But back to my orginal question. Costa Rica were should I stay? Any recommendations of things to do? Help, I got lock this down before hubby changes his mind.</blockquote>


It depends on which side you want to stay. We stayed on the Pacific side. Manuel Antonio is a big area for tourists, great for kids. You really can't go wrong in Costa Rica. We flew into San Jose (weather is very similar to the OC) and took a rental car to the coast which becomes very hot and tropical, the closer to the beach, the hotter it is (watch out for the bridges!). We drove to Dominical (a big surf city) and stayed in a remote village area called Playa Tortuga. Everywhere you go you will find wildlife, we went out in search of frogs one night in Manuel Antonio and discovered 4 different kinds before we left the bench we were sitting on when we decided to go look for them. We took several rain forest hikes and mangrove swamp tours, saw some amazing things. The downpours we experienced were unbelievable, just so much fun. At one place we had white faced monkeys coming to our room to observe us. You can also research the Caribbean side, this will be more of a water adventure with amazing beaches and snorkeling (from what I hear). We really wanted to experience the rain forest so we chose the Pacific side. A warning about the Pacific side: the beaches are nowhere near as wonderful as those we have at home, the beaches are wet and you really don't want to plan a day at the beach, stick to the rain forest and canopy tours. It was truly an amazing vacation.
 
What month did you go? I hear it is dry in December. Did you guys pretty much wing the rain forest tours and such or did you book ahead? When we went to Mexico we went on one pre-paid tour that I found to be over priced. Everything booked on the spot was so much cheaper.





I think we want to stay on a beach that is not crowded. Any suggestions?
 
We went to Costa Rica in the summer, it was definitely wet. December will be a different experience. Again, we really didn't hang at the beach, we were much more into the wildlife/rain forest experience. I think there was someone else here who loved Costa Rica, maybe he stayed on the Caribbean side, this sounds more like what you are looking for. I have to say that with kids, the wildlife experience is probably more memorable and educational than just another beach vacation. We pretty much just winged it, in my experience this is the way to go. We had a great book and used it for guidance at many points. We stayed one night in San Jose and went to the tourist office across the street from our hotel to get started. Pretty much everyone speaks English, so don't worry about communication.
 
I want to do two weeks so maybe both sides. We definitely want to spend a lot of time in the rain forest. I was thinking a nice secluded beach would be nice to come home to after trekking in the forest all day. If we stayed on the Caribbean side, do you think that would be too much driving going back and forth between the two sides? Or is my one week here one week there a better plan?
 
[quote author="Mcdonna1980" date=1247662141]I want to do two weeks so maybe both sides. We definitely want to spend a lot of time in the rain forest. I was thinking a nice secluded beach would be nice to come home to after trekking in the forest all day. If we stayed on the Caribbean side, do you think that would be too much driving going back and forth between the two sides? Or is my one week here one week there a better plan?</blockquote>


I would prefer to do two vacations rather than going from one side to the other. Personally, I wouldn't try to do both because of the wasted time traveling. I wish someone who has actually been to the Caribbean side would comment. Again, you can get a beach vacation anywhere, don't miss the unique things that Costa Rica has to offer. The beach at Manuel Antonio is nice, maybe better in December, but definitely not secluded. For secluded beaches I usually think Caribbean Islands, I had a great time there in December, but a much different vacation. You can find that in Mexico also, again, I would look for the experiences you won't find everywhere. Do a canopy tour, rainforest tour, you will find so much when you get there. In my experience, thinking too much can ruin a vacation, our Trinidad and Tobago experience is a great testament to that.
 
My dad was raised in Costa Rica from 1935 to about 1950. His parents brought refrigeration to the Tuna Industry down there in the 30`s. Dad is gone now but we went a couple times before he died. And I took my son for his 18th B-Day a few years back.

He left me 100`s of pictures of his parents just having the time of their lives back in the day down there. It was like Paradise with very little development till after the war.



The Dry Season is like December to April. Otherwise its going to rain everyday.



I have never been to the Caribbean side but Dad always said it was too hot and more "Backward" than the rest of Costa Rica. Its also has little more crime.



Make sure you spend a few days around San Jose. Museums, Butterfly Farm, Volcano`s.

I was going to throw Dads ashes in Irazu but he wound up in the garden at Veterans

in Westwood. Sorry Dad.

<object width="325" height="250"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/youtube" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="325" height="250"></embed></object>

From the top on a clear day you can see the Pacific and the Caribbean. Its 11,000 Feet

so it may be 90 in town. But its 45 up here. Great little bar on the way up the hill.

Its in the Valley next to San Jose so not far to drive.



Costa Rica is very safe. The foods excellent, Waters safe, and since it had little if any

native population. Its population is basically European Decendants. 85% are White.



My one warning about Costa Rica is driving. Cab Drivers and Motorists are basically

INSANE. Everbody drives like their hair is on fire. Passing in the weeds on the right side of you is NORMAL.
 
[quote author="bltserv" date=1247708057]My dad was raised in Costa Rica from 1935 to about 1950. His parents brought refrigeration to the Tuna Industry down there in the 30`s. Dad is gone now but we went a couple times before he died. And I took my son for his 18th B-Day a few years back.

He left me 100`s of pictures of his parents just having the time of their lives back in the day down there. It was like Paradise with very little development till after the war.



The Dry Season is like December to April. Otherwise its going to rain everyday.



I have never been to the Caribbean side but Dad always said it was too hot and more "Backward" than the rest of Costa Rica. Its also has little more crime.



Make sure you spend a few days around San Jose. Museums, Butterfly Farm, Volcano`s.

I was going to throw Dads ashes in Irazu but he wound up in the garden at Veterans

in Westwood. Sorry Dad.

<object width="325" height="250"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/youtube" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="325" height="250"></embed></object>

From the top on a clear day you can see the Pacific and the Caribbean. Its 11,000 Feet

so it may be 90 in town. But its 45 up here. Great little bar on the way up the hill.

Its in the Valley next to San Jose so not far to drive.



Costa Rica is very safe. The foods excellent, Waters safe, and since it had little if any

native population. Its population is basically European Decendants. 85% are White.



My one warning about Costa Rica is driving. Cab Drivers and Motorists are basically

INSANE. <strong>Everbody drives like their hair is on fire. </strong>Passing in the weeds on the right side of you is NORMAL.</blockquote>
Sweet, all those track events I participated in will payoff! It's those damn European drivers. haha
 
My husband didn't find the driving to be that bad, but you definitely have to pay attention when you are in the city. We did enjoy the little bit of time we spent in the city, I especially enjoyed the weather. The food was also excellent everywhere we went.
 
We went a few years ago (during February) and had a great time in Costa Rica too. There were ten of us (5 couples) and we had a private driver for several days who was just awesome. Check out <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/">Trip Advisor</a> - there is a wealth of info out there.



We flew into San Jose, went to see Arenal Volcano (highly recommend the Tabacon resort there), checked out the cloud forests in Monteverde (and zipline!) and then spent some time in Manuel Antonio before returning to San Jose.



There is plenty of stuff to see and do in Costa Rica. You'll have to figure out what you want to get out of the trip (volcano, cloud forest, beaches, surfing, turtles, city, rafting, ATVs, etc). I definitely want to go back someday :)
 
[quote author="zovall" date=1247715939]We went a few years ago (during February) and had a great time in Costa Rica too. There were ten of us (5 couples) and we had a private driver for several days who was just awesome. Check out <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/">Trip Advisor</a> - there is a wealth of info out there.



We flew into San Jose, went to see Arenal Volcano (highly recommend the Tabacon resort there), checked out the cloud forests in Monteverde (and zipline!) and then spent some time in Manuel Antonio before returning to San Jose.



There is plenty of stuff to see and do in Costa Rica. You'll have to figure out what you want to get out of the trip (volcano, cloud forest, beaches, surfing, turtles, city, rafting, ATVs, etc). I definitely want to go back someday :)</blockquote>


Yes, TripAdvisor is great. I looked up the Arenal Volcano area and found great reviews for the Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens. 25 private bungalows each with a private garden & outdoor shower. The deck with a private hot tub and view of the volcano is what sold me.

<img src="http://www.arenalnayara.com/images/galeria/3_big.jpg" alt="" />
 
What do you guys think about Puntarenas? I am thinking about going to an all-inclusive resort there for 7 days. My other option is the Hitlon Sharks Bay Resort in Egypt. Egypt or Costa Rica???? I love All-Inclusive Resorts!



<a href="http://doubletree1.hilton.com/en_US/dt/hotel/JAPCRDT-Doubletree-Resort-by-Hilton-Costa-Rica-Puntarenas/JAPCRDT/videoTour.do?id=1">http://doubletree1.hilton.com/en_US/dt/hotel/JAPCRDT-Doubletree-Resort-by-Hilton-Costa-Rica-Puntarenas/JAPCRDT/videoTour.do?id=1</a>



<a href="http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/SSHSBHI-Hilton-Sharks-Bay-Resort/index.do">http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/SSHSBHI-Hilton-Sharks-Bay-Resort/index.do</a>
 
Hey Panda, no high-jacking my thread with an Egypt trip. %-P



Weather is something to consider if you are planning your trip for this summer. I've heard the heat can be extreme in Egypt in the summer.



As far as the Costa Rica all inclusive places, so far everything I've read says they are not worth it. All inclusive hotels are very nice in the Caribbeans but just so so in Costa Rica. But I've never been so I really don't know. That's just the consensus I've read on the Trip Advisor. I think we will be spending most of are time out of adventures so all inclusive amenities might be a waste.
 
Whoa!!! checked out traveladvisor and the Sharkbay Egypt resort got much higher ratings and it is only half the Hilton points. Yeah, it does seem that the review were not that good for the Costa Rica all inclusive.



I think i made up my mind to go to Egypt! McDonna, I am planning to go in December. I take my wife to one major vacation in December and a small domestic vacation (Florida, Newport Beach etc.) in the summer. We went to Jamaica last December and we loved it. Food was amazing. All Panda needs is good food and a beautiful beach. I love all inclusive as you can practically leave your wallet at home once you are at the resort.
 
[quote author="PANDA" date=1247726401]Whoa!!! checked out traveladvisor and the Sharkbay Egypt resort got much higher ratings and it is only half the Hilton points. I think i am going to Egypt! McDonna, I am planning to go in December. I take my wife to one major vacation in December and a small domestic vacation (Florida, Newport Beach etc.) in the summer. We went to Jamaica last December and we loved it. Food was amazing. All Panda needs is good food and a beautiful beach. I love all inclusive as you can practically leave your wallet at home once you are at the resort.</blockquote>


I would agree with McDonna, if you want adventure, go to Costa Rica. If you want to park yourself on the beach, go somewhere else.
 
[quote author="PANDA" date=1247724914]What do you guys think about Puntarenas? I am thinking about going to an all-inclusive resort there for 7 days. My other option is the Hitlon Sharks Bay Resort in Egypt. Egypt or Costa Rica???? I love All-Inclusive Resorts!



<a href="http://doubletree1.hilton.com/en_US/dt/hotel/JAPCRDT-Doubletree-Resort-by-Hilton-Costa-Rica-Puntarenas/JAPCRDT/videoTour.do?id=1">http://doubletree1.hilton.com/en_US/dt/hotel/JAPCRDT-Doubletree-Resort-by-Hilton-Costa-Rica-Puntarenas/JAPCRDT/videoTour.do?id=1</a>



<a href="http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/SSHSBHI-Hilton-Sharks-Bay-Resort/index.do">http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/SSHSBHI-Hilton-Sharks-Bay-Resort/index.do</a></blockquote>


Frankly Panda, an all inclusive resort is an all inclusive resort.... it's designed for you not to leave it. Why in the world would you travel all the way to the African continent to sit your ass down in an all inclusve resort for 7 days? Normally, I'd say Mexico for this, but it's gotten really bad. From Chicago, I'd go go the Carribean if I were you. CR might be an option, but again it just sounds like you want a resorty vacation and despite the fact that CR is well reviewed, it just doesn't seem that one would want to go all the way there to do an all inclusive resort... do you want some adventure or do you want to sit in a resort for 7 days with everything idyllic in a foreign country that you don't even see or get a a bit of experience of the culture?
 
[quote author="tmare" date=1247726859][quote author="PANDA" date=1247726401]Whoa!!! checked out traveladvisor and the Sharkbay Egypt resort got much higher ratings and it is only half the Hilton points. I think i am going to Egypt! McDonna, I am planning to go in December. I take my wife to one major vacation in December and a small domestic vacation (Florida, Newport Beach etc.) in the summer. We went to Jamaica last December and we loved it. Food was amazing. All Panda needs is good food and a beautiful beach. I love all inclusive as you can practically leave your wallet at home once you are at the resort.</blockquote>


I would agree with McDonna, if you want adventure, go to Costa Rica. If you want to park yourself on the beach, go somewhere else.</blockquote>


Actually, if you want adventure you go to Nicaragua.... It's what CR was before CR got discovered by everyone and their brother.
 
Update:



So we purchased our tickets to Costa Rica. $277 round trip through American. One plus of the recession is the great discounts in travel. :) I got one hotel booked for 3 nights in Arenal so far. Also got a great deal on the hotel here. $241 per night incl tax in a suite w/ private outdoor Jacuzzi, buffet breakfast, 3 coarse dinner & wine, and two tours included.

Not sure where to head after that for our other 9 nights. I was thinking from Arenal we head to the Nicoya Peninsula then take a ferry over to the central pacific area where Manuel Antonio is. Anyone got any hotel suggestions in hotel suggestion in those other areas please do share.

Zovall do you remember where you hire the driver from?
 
[quote author="Mcdonna1980" date=1249780840]Update:



So we purchased our tickets to Costa Rica. $277 round trip through American. One plus of the recession is the great discounts in travel. :) I got one hotel booked for 3 nights in Arenal so far. Also got a great deal on the hotel here. $241 per night incl tax in a suite w/ private outdoor Jacuzzi, buffet breakfast, 3 coarse dinner & wine, and two tours included.

Not sure where to head after that for our other 9 nights. I was thinking from Arenal we head to the Nicoya Peninsula then take a ferry over to the central pacific area where Manuel Antonio is. Anyone got any hotel suggestions in hotel suggestion in those other areas please do share.

Zovall do you remember where you hire the driver from?</blockquote>


Yeah, it's amazing what a worldwide recession will do, I think our airfare was $900 each when we went to CR in 2002. I'm trying to locate our CR photo album so I can remember a few of the great hotels we stayed, one was in Playa Tortuga, it was unbelievable. The driving wasn't bad, we rented a car in the capital and drove to the beach. Once you are out of the city, driving is easy. I'll let you know when I find the missing photo album.



update- Manuel Antonio: Cabinas Espadilla (ask for the annex across the street, much nicer, a bit more money but air-conditioned) Manuel Antonio is very touristy, great

for a day or two, the National Park is wonderful, skip the guide though. This hotel offers an amazing Rainforest walk (part of their property), quite a trek to the

top, but well worth it.



Playa Tortuga: (not far from Manuel Antonio, but I hope this place is still run by the same Dutch couple) Hotel Villas Gaia. This is where we had monkeys come

and visit us on the balcony, the location is spectacular. Very off the beaten path. These are like nice cabins tucked away in the hills of the rainforest.
 
[quote author="Mcdonna1980" date=1249780840]Update:



So we purchased our tickets to Costa Rica. $277 round trip through American. One plus of the recession is the great discounts in travel. :) I got one hotel booked for 3 nights in Arenal so far. Also got a great deal on the hotel here. $241 per night incl tax in a suite w/ private outdoor Jacuzzi, buffet breakfast, 3 coarse dinner & wine, and two tours included.

Not sure where to head after that for our other 9 nights. I was thinking from Arenal we head to the Nicoya Peninsula then take a ferry over to the central pacific area where Manuel Antonio is. Anyone got any hotel suggestions in hotel suggestion in those other areas please do share.

Zovall do you remember where you hire the driver from?</blockquote>
Wow, that's super cheap. When is your trip? For that kind of price, I might just go for a week myself to relax on the beach if that consulting gig ends in September.
 
Hi McDonna,



That is an awesome deal on the airfare!! In Manuel Antonio (Quepos), we stayed at <a href="http://www.mangomoon.net/">Mango Moon</a> and would recommend it. Here is a link to reviews on TripAdvisor:

<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g309274-d455135-Reviews-Hotel_Mango_Moon-Manuel_Antonio_National_Park_Province_of_Puntarenas.html">http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g309274-d455135-Reviews-Hotel_Mango_Moon-Manuel_Antonio_National_Park_Province_of_Puntarenas.html</a>



From a quick glance at those reviews, it seems like Mango Moon has new owners and the reviews are still pretty good.



I found our driver on the TripAdvisor board for Costa Rica. There was a lot of positive feedback for him and his name is Fernando and his number was 506-374-0202. When we went, Fernando had just had an appendectomy so he had another driver take us around - his name was Alberto and it worked out just fine for us.



Hope this helps!
 
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