First time to Costa Rica-- seeking help
Jun 20th, 2009, 04:16 AM
#47
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That's the part I'm having such a hard time wrapping my head around -- the fact that there will be rain! I can't seem to realize that. What's the best kind of rainwear to take? I imagine hot and wet makes you not want to wear a jacket. Would rain slickers be OK?
Jun 20th, 2009, 05:49 AM
#48
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We take those little ponchos that fold up into a small zippered pouch - got them cheaply at Target. We have worn them so many times. A lot of the hotels provide umbrellas, but they're a hassle to carry around.
Jun 20th, 2009, 09:57 AM
#49
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Looks like you have gotten Great advice--I have been to Costa Rica 6 times -my kids will not go to Hawaii anymore -- you will love it-- I have been to Samara and the beaches there are lovely but MA is even prettier. We stayed at the costa verde -ask to be by the pool -the view is heaven. Rain ponchos are fine alot of tours will lend them - Rain can be hard in July in MA but it's just water enjoy it-zip lines are FUN. Another great place is Rincon de la Vieja - Buena Vista Lodge -in the mountains great horseback riding- more typical CR lodging- real CR food -no worries about the water never never been sick!!! Enjoy your first trip and plan your next as you go. ps on Monteverde --it's a really slow road to get there I would not reccomend trying to make a quick trip of that.
Jun 30th, 2009, 04:59 PM
#51
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Getting closer to the trip and I have a couple more questions:
1. Is there an ATM in the San Jose airport that we can stop at after we get off the plane?
2. Is it easy (and how expensive) to get a cab from San Jose Pavas to the main airport?
Thanks!
1. Is there an ATM in the San Jose airport that we can stop at after we get off the plane?
2. Is it easy (and how expensive) to get a cab from San Jose Pavas to the main airport?
Thanks!
Jul 1st, 2009, 10:17 AM
#52
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Hi,
I'm trying to plan my honeymoon to Costa Rica in September, but I don't know where to start. There are so many variables that I'm going crazy!
September is in the wet season, but not the whole country is wet. So I have to try to see which parts are not as rainy. But then those parts might not correspond with what I want to plan.
I guess the only thing I can ask of you guys is if you can give me a rough plan of the areas I should go to, from arrival to departure.
It will be about mid-September and last about 8-10 days.
Here are things I would want the two of us to do:
1. zip-lining and canopy tour
2. hike through a rain forest (this could be combined with 1, probably)
3. hike near or at least see the volcano, and bathe in the springs and waterfalls it produces
4. have at least 2 or 3 days/nights at a beach resort -- this is more for the fiance than for me, because she needs time to just relax and do nothing after the hectic lead up to the wedding
5. hang out in some non-tourist locale where we can at least see local life, not tailored for foreigners
6. *Bonus* Not empty my savings account.
Am I dreaming in trying to plan all this? Thanks for any help you can give.
I'm trying to plan my honeymoon to Costa Rica in September, but I don't know where to start. There are so many variables that I'm going crazy!
September is in the wet season, but not the whole country is wet. So I have to try to see which parts are not as rainy. But then those parts might not correspond with what I want to plan.
I guess the only thing I can ask of you guys is if you can give me a rough plan of the areas I should go to, from arrival to departure.
It will be about mid-September and last about 8-10 days.
Here are things I would want the two of us to do:
1. zip-lining and canopy tour
2. hike through a rain forest (this could be combined with 1, probably)
3. hike near or at least see the volcano, and bathe in the springs and waterfalls it produces
4. have at least 2 or 3 days/nights at a beach resort -- this is more for the fiance than for me, because she needs time to just relax and do nothing after the hectic lead up to the wedding
5. hang out in some non-tourist locale where we can at least see local life, not tailored for foreigners
6. *Bonus* Not empty my savings account.
Am I dreaming in trying to plan all this? Thanks for any help you can give.
Jul 2nd, 2009, 10:39 AM
#53
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You should think about the Guanacaste beaches more than Manuel Antonio, because they are a lot closer to Arenal and the climate is drier--very important for that time of year. We go to Costa Rica every year, and our family's absolute favorite place is the Flamingo Beach Resort. The beach there is absolutely gorgeous, the hotel staff is so friendly and wonderful, the hotel is bright, clean and with great amenities, and while it is not in a busy, hectic place like Tamarindo, there is a lot to do nearby--there's even an ATM machine in the village!!
Jul 2nd, 2009, 11:31 AM
#54
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jayne,
I just got back from Costa Rica last night and had meant to look for an ATM at SJO when we initially arrived. Of course, I totally forgot to actually do that, so I'm no help although I'm pretty sure I've read that they have one there!
There were a handful of taxis available at Pavas when we landed 2 days ago, so I don't think you'll have any problem grabbing one. We paid a cab 18$ to go from SJO to a San Jose hotel that's about 10 minutes away from Pavas, so you should be in that <i>general</i> ball park to go between the airports. Maybe plan on 20-25$...
So you're going straight from Pavas to catch a flight home? Just be sure you allow ample time to get to SJO. Traffic in San Jose can be crazy and congested, and lines at the airport can be long. I think it would normally take 30 minutes or so to travel between the two airports, but you'd want to add padding just in case.
PokerGreen,
You may want to write a separate post (if you haven't already done so) to ask your questions. You'll get better traffic if you start your own thread. September is unfortunately a pretty rainy time of year for Costa Rica. Guanacaste may work out okay for most of what you want to do. Also look into the Caribbean side which should be drier than other parts of the country. The southern and central pacific beaches will probably be very rainy indeed!
I just got back from Costa Rica last night and had meant to look for an ATM at SJO when we initially arrived. Of course, I totally forgot to actually do that, so I'm no help although I'm pretty sure I've read that they have one there!
There were a handful of taxis available at Pavas when we landed 2 days ago, so I don't think you'll have any problem grabbing one. We paid a cab 18$ to go from SJO to a San Jose hotel that's about 10 minutes away from Pavas, so you should be in that <i>general</i> ball park to go between the airports. Maybe plan on 20-25$...
So you're going straight from Pavas to catch a flight home? Just be sure you allow ample time to get to SJO. Traffic in San Jose can be crazy and congested, and lines at the airport can be long. I think it would normally take 30 minutes or so to travel between the two airports, but you'd want to add padding just in case.
PokerGreen,
You may want to write a separate post (if you haven't already done so) to ask your questions. You'll get better traffic if you start your own thread. September is unfortunately a pretty rainy time of year for Costa Rica. Guanacaste may work out okay for most of what you want to do. Also look into the Caribbean side which should be drier than other parts of the country. The southern and central pacific beaches will probably be very rainy indeed!
Jul 2nd, 2009, 12:02 PM
#55
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we are also going to CR for the first time. We've already booked two nights in San Jose at Finca Rosa Blanca in the Rosa suite. Can anyone recommend which volcano we should drive to go see? We will have a SUV rental car. We are here for 2 1/2 days.
We are then driving to Issimo Suites at Manuel Antonio. We will also be here two nights - 2 1/2 days. We are then driving back late to San Jose so we will be close to the airport for our early flight out. I would love to hear what someone recommends we do. Thanks so much in advance.
We are then driving to Issimo Suites at Manuel Antonio. We will also be here two nights - 2 1/2 days. We are then driving back late to San Jose so we will be close to the airport for our early flight out. I would love to hear what someone recommends we do. Thanks so much in advance.
Jul 2nd, 2009, 12:58 PM
#56
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Hi Patricia,
You might also want to do a separate post to get more traffic and responses. but here's a few suggestions:
Poas will be the closest volcano to visit. You'll want to get there early in the day for the best opportunity to view the crater, as clouds typically move in to block the view by around 10:00-ish. You won't see lava flow at Poas, but the crater is really cool and the countryside around there is beautiful. You could pair Poas with a visit to La Paz Waterfall Gardens which is a gorgeous place with natural waterfalls, hiking trails, gardens, butterfly house and hummingbirds galore. It's close to Poas national park and a terrific choice for first time visitors to Costa Rica.
In MA, you'll want to spend time at the national park (which is closed on Mondays, FYI). The park has lots of wildlife, hiking and some really pretty beaches. I recommend a guided tour initially to learn about the flora and fauna, and then you can just wander at your own pace. There are several other activities in that area as well; mangrove tours, ziplines, horseback riding, fishing, sailing, etc... Your hotel will likely have a tour desk to help arrange whatever strikes your fancy.
MA is really easy to get around and has several good dining options so it's a nice choice for first time visitors as well. Enjoy!
You might also want to do a separate post to get more traffic and responses. but here's a few suggestions:
Poas will be the closest volcano to visit. You'll want to get there early in the day for the best opportunity to view the crater, as clouds typically move in to block the view by around 10:00-ish. You won't see lava flow at Poas, but the crater is really cool and the countryside around there is beautiful. You could pair Poas with a visit to La Paz Waterfall Gardens which is a gorgeous place with natural waterfalls, hiking trails, gardens, butterfly house and hummingbirds galore. It's close to Poas national park and a terrific choice for first time visitors to Costa Rica.
In MA, you'll want to spend time at the national park (which is closed on Mondays, FYI). The park has lots of wildlife, hiking and some really pretty beaches. I recommend a guided tour initially to learn about the flora and fauna, and then you can just wander at your own pace. There are several other activities in that area as well; mangrove tours, ziplines, horseback riding, fishing, sailing, etc... Your hotel will likely have a tour desk to help arrange whatever strikes your fancy.
MA is really easy to get around and has several good dining options so it's a nice choice for first time visitors as well. Enjoy!
Jul 5th, 2009, 07:35 AM
#58
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Thanks cmerrell, for your tips. We have hired a driver to take us from SJO to Arenal, and he said he will direct us to an ATM at the airport or stop somewhere on the way. We have a good cushion of time to get from Pavas to SJO on the way home, and the same driver will take us for $20.
Glad to know MA is closed on Monday. Luckily, our plans are to be in route there on a Monday, so that works out perfectly.
So far we have booked the first two nights at AOL, and have three more nights before we head to MA. We had planned to spend those three nights in the LaFortunua area at lodging closer to town for easy access to tours and other activites. Does that sound reasonable?
We are missing Monteverde, but I am concerned about spending too much time moving from place to place and also heard Monteverde is really wet and muddy in July.
Any thoughts?
Glad to know MA is closed on Monday. Luckily, our plans are to be in route there on a Monday, so that works out perfectly.
So far we have booked the first two nights at AOL, and have three more nights before we head to MA. We had planned to spend those three nights in the LaFortunua area at lodging closer to town for easy access to tours and other activites. Does that sound reasonable?
We are missing Monteverde, but I am concerned about spending too much time moving from place to place and also heard Monteverde is really wet and muddy in July.
Any thoughts?
Jul 5th, 2009, 11:58 AM
#59
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The MA/Arenal itinerary is terrific for first time visitors. I think you'll be very pleased with those 2 locations.
If you look at the map on arenal.net, you can get the basic lay of the land for where the various hotels are located.
http://www.arenal.net/arenal-costa-rica-map.htm
AOL is a bit of a haul into town, especially if you don't have a car, so splitting your time between 2 hotels makes some sense. I don't know much about the hotels right in La Foruna, but have heard great things about Silencio del Campo and Los Lagos which are both just a few minutes outside of town and wouldn't be bad from a transportation standpoint.
Giving Monteverde a miss this time around probably makes sense. If you completely fall in love with CR like so many of us here have done, you'll pick that locale up on a future trip!
If you look at the map on arenal.net, you can get the basic lay of the land for where the various hotels are located.
http://www.arenal.net/arenal-costa-rica-map.htm
AOL is a bit of a haul into town, especially if you don't have a car, so splitting your time between 2 hotels makes some sense. I don't know much about the hotels right in La Foruna, but have heard great things about Silencio del Campo and Los Lagos which are both just a few minutes outside of town and wouldn't be bad from a transportation standpoint.
Giving Monteverde a miss this time around probably makes sense. If you completely fall in love with CR like so many of us here have done, you'll pick that locale up on a future trip!
