Are We "Doing" Costa Rica Right??
Jun 3rd, 2010, 03:18 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Are We "Doing" Costa Rica Right??
My DH, myself and our 2 teenage boys are heading to CR over Xmas for about 10 days. As it stand right now we are.......
3 nights at Hotel Parador - explore the river via raft and fish
4 days Hotel Punta Islita Zip line, surf lessons, day off
3 days at The Springs Canyon tour, hanging bridge,
Seems like we're there for a while and maybe not seeing enough, There's that fine line between too much down time and being over whelmed!
What is the ONE thing you would NOT MISS if you went back to CR??
Any comments are appreciated!
3 nights at Hotel Parador - explore the river via raft and fish
4 days Hotel Punta Islita Zip line, surf lessons, day off
3 days at The Springs Canyon tour, hanging bridge,
Seems like we're there for a while and maybe not seeing enough, There's that fine line between too much down time and being over whelmed!
What is the ONE thing you would NOT MISS if you went back to CR??
Any comments are appreciated!
Jun 3rd, 2010, 03:37 PM
#2
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Arenal volcano/Hot springs at Tabacón
Other places have great beaches or canopy tours--few have an active volcano you can hear and (weather permitting) actually see. The springs at Tabacón Resort are lush, but if that option proves too expensive, you can pick up a tour in the nearby town of La Fortuna that includes the Baldi hot springs.
By the way, the ride from the main airport in Alajuela to La Fortuna takes about four hours, but I found it quite enjoyable. You roll through mountain villages and see workers cultivating coffee along steep hillsides. It's possible to take a local bus and make the trip for about $4.
Other places have great beaches or canopy tours--few have an active volcano you can hear and (weather permitting) actually see. The springs at Tabacón Resort are lush, but if that option proves too expensive, you can pick up a tour in the nearby town of La Fortuna that includes the Baldi hot springs.
By the way, the ride from the main airport in Alajuela to La Fortuna takes about four hours, but I found it quite enjoyable. You roll through mountain villages and see workers cultivating coffee along steep hillsides. It's possible to take a local bus and make the trip for about $4.
Jun 3rd, 2010, 04:14 PM
#3
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,750
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
So you have 3 nights Manuel Antonio, 4 nights Punta Islita and 3 nights Arenal, is that right? If so, I'd add a night in Arenal and take a night from Punta Islita. Since Punta Islita is sort of isolated you will probably want more time in Arenal - there's a ton to do in that area.
In Manuel Antonio you might allow for a full day just to spend in the park (guided hike) and beaches there. Finca Valmy horseback is also good. In Arenal, maybe do the zipline with SkyTrek instead of at Punta Islita, hike to the waterfalls, if you want to visit another hot spring besides your hotel I recommend Eco-Thermales. Cano Negro is a 3/4 day trip but offers great wildlife viewing. The Pacuare river is some of the best rafting and there is a raft/x-fer option between San Jose and Arenal if that interests you. If you're not renting a car, and not flying, many people like to hire a private driver.
In Manuel Antonio you might allow for a full day just to spend in the park (guided hike) and beaches there. Finca Valmy horseback is also good. In Arenal, maybe do the zipline with SkyTrek instead of at Punta Islita, hike to the waterfalls, if you want to visit another hot spring besides your hotel I recommend Eco-Thermales. Cano Negro is a 3/4 day trip but offers great wildlife viewing. The Pacuare river is some of the best rafting and there is a raft/x-fer option between San Jose and Arenal if that interests you. If you're not renting a car, and not flying, many people like to hire a private driver.
Jun 3rd, 2010, 11:21 PM
#5
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 4,029
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Same suggestion here. Punta Islita is very nice, but four days there might get kind of boring, especially for two teenagers. There is so much to do in and around Arenal, as hip says, that I'd give that an extra day.
Jun 4th, 2010, 02:44 AM
#6
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 12,268
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Jun 4th, 2010, 02:45 AM
#7
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 12,268
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
www.hotelparador.com
ok not great pretty far from the Park
www.tulemar.com
Villa Mot Mot lots better
ok not great pretty far from the Park
www.tulemar.com
Villa Mot Mot lots better
Trending Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Bimal456
Mexico & Central America
6
Oct 28th, 2017 06:04 AM
kms4609
Mexico & Central America
11
May 1st, 2012 08:13 PM
mah1980
Mexico & Central America
6
Feb 22nd, 2009 10:50 AM
