Gilhawk

Fodorites,
We are interested in staying in the Flamingo Beach area and taking day trips to the Monteverde and Arenal areas, respectively. Is that possible/advisable?

And if so, would it be better to hire a driver/tour to take us or should we rent a truck?

shillmac

Possible, yes; advisable? Think it over! Are you willing to spend 3.5-5 hour driving each way to get there? That makes for some VERY long and tiring days, and not much time to spend once you arrive before it is time to return. . .

Suzie2

A much more pleasant day trip would be to head over to Rincon de la Vieja volcano. You can hike on your own or you can spend a day at one of the hotels horseback riding, sitting in hot springs, tubing, and more depending on which one you go to. It will still be about 1 1/2 hrs to drive each way but it isn't a bad area to drive in as far as traffic goes.

Not much to do in the immediate area around Flamingo as the town is only a couple of blocks. A couple of nice shops, a bank, a couple of restaurants, some tour offices where you can arrange to go snorkeling, fishing, touring. The beach itself is very pretty and not terribly crowded. If you have a car it isn't a bad place to do day trips to places like Playa Conchal, Tamarindo and other nearby coastal towns from.

shillmac

Gilhawk,
Sorry for the abrupt ending--my child calling!
Rincon de la Vieja is, as mentioned, an excellent alternative. Much to explore and enjoy there. There are some good ziplines and the mud baths are fun as well. The Buena Vista Megacombo is the name of a tour that will give you a full day of fun.

Also, I thought you might want to check out the website below:

http://costa.rica.typepad.com/photos...aterfalls.html

These falls are just a short distance south of Liberia. We've not been, but they get favorable reviews from those who have. Not frequented by a lot of tourists--as yet! It would be a good way to spend a half day, combined with a trip into Tamarindo. Or consider a visit to Monkey Park, between Belen and Huacas. It's a recovery center, and holding the tiny baby howler monkeys is a real treat.

If you still want to be sure and see Arenal or Monteverde, try to choose one and make it an overnight trip. Your hotel should be able to fix you up with something. Good luck and enjoy!

shillmac

Gilhawk. . .I was referring to Bagaces falls--first photo in the link I sent you; they are near the town of Bagaces south of Liberia.

Gilhawk

Thanks Shillmac and Suzie2. We're still ironing out the details of the trip but this will help.

Gilhawk

Thanks again for the comments.

Another question #1 (see below for #2): Has anyone ever rented a house or townhouse near Flamingo Beach, and if so, do you recommend any realtors?

Another question #2: Does anyone have any recommendations for a place to stay for one night near the Arenal volcanoe area?

Thanks in advance for any help!

nankar

We stayed at the Flamingo Beach Resort and Marina several years ago and loved it there. This area is very convenient for day trips. There was a tour company located right in the hotel, I think it was "Eco-tours", and it was like having a private guide. We saw the leatherback turtles laying eggs (it was in Feb.), went to Rincon and also did a river cruise which was fabulous. We saw so many beautiful birds, monkeys, etc. You can easily drive to Tamarindo and other local towns for dinner or shopping. Although this company did trips to Arenal, it required about 4 hours in the van so we decided to save it for another day. There was also a snorkeling/sunset cruise that left from Flamingo Marina which was very enjoyable. We loved this vacation and would return without hesitation. Have a great time!

shillmac

Unfortunately, the Flamingo Marina is now closed--hopefully will be open under new management soon. Still, I find the Flamingo Beach Resort very hard to beat for the $$.

All up and down Flamingo Beach there are some nice little properties for rent. Try Pacific Realty. . .hopefully that is a real company and not a figment of my imagination. As many times as we've been in the area, that's the name that comes to mind. They have an office there at Flamingo Beach Resort. Guess you could contact the hotel and ask. Or just Google the information regarding beach rentals on Playa Flamingo. . .

Right there in Arenal, we like Arenal Paraiso. Lost Iguana, though more expensive, gets great reviews. Also, you might look into Arenal Volcano Lodge. . .

shillmac

gilhawk:

http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals...costa-rica#694

Check out this site.

shillmac

Also, Gilhawk, the name of the company I was searching for is Pacific COAST Realty. You might google that.

Gilhawk

(this question may be a perfect one for Shillmac) This may sound like a goofy question, but at the Tabacon Hot Springs, what do you suggest we do while we're there? That is, do you advise eating/drinking there, getting treatments at the "grand spa", or just soak in the hot springs themselves? We are planning a visit there and we would like to know how much time we should plan on being at the hot springs. Also, is there a particular time you suggest going to the Hot Springs? We'll be going in February, 2007.

shillmac

Well, I am a big Tabacon hot springs fan--think it is very beautiful there. We usually stay at least a couple of hours. Last time we were there, we spent a couple of hours in the late morning (got there about 10:00) and went back after dinner for a couple of hours at night. We explore all the pools on the property. You'll know just how to enjoy Tabacon once you get in there! My favorite is the big one with the rock bottom right in front of the locker room area and down to the left. We have never eaten the buffet (heard it was a bust), but have ordered sandwiches/snacks at the swim up pool bar. I think 2-3 hours there is a good length of time. Longer, perhaps, if you do make a spa appointment. I'd arrive in the a.m., enjoy the springs, have lunch, do the spa after lunch. I haven't used the Tabacon spa, but others have told me it is excellent. I'm a real sucker for a great massage and did try the spa at Baldi hot springs last July.

You can enjoy it in 2 hours or 4 hours, any time of day until closing at 10:00, I think. Just up to you how much time you want to invest there--great place, though!

I read recently that many people are booking their spa appointments in advance to be sure to have them, particularly during the high season. We'll be there in March and I am thinking of doing this.

Gilhawk

Thanks Shillmac. This info is very helpful.

shillmac

Good! Eco Thermales gets good reviews as well--I just think everyone should see Tabacon at least once!

LisaHMan

Do you think it's worth staying at Tabacon or staying somewhere else in the area, like lost iguana or kioro? We have kids and were told it would be the best hotel for them.

shillmac

No, I don't think Tabacon is the best hotel for kids--or adults for that matter. It's actually in a danger zone for the volcano. Lost Iguana would be a fun and luxe place that you and your husband would enjoy, I think.

I don't know the property, but Los Lagos seems to get lots of nods as a kid friendly place. Many people stay there and the reviews are always favorable.

Gilhawk

Probably another Shillmac question - I've seen people recommend Tricolor car rental company, is that a reputable company? Is it better than the american companies (National, Budget, etc.)? They have considerably cheaper prices - is there something about the company about which I should be concerned?

shillmac

We are big Tricolor fans. We've rented from them many times for weeks at a time or just a few days. We've never beaten their prices and they've been extremely helpful to us at every turn. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.