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#1
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here is my Costa Rica Vacation Plan, feedback needed
OK.
I have already booked the airlines to COSTA RICA and a car (12 full days). Also, based on the responses I received from this newsgroup and many web sites: We decided to visit the following 6 areas : 1) San Jose 2) Tortuguero National Park area 3) Arenal 4) Monteverde 5) North Pacific Coast (Guanacaste) 6) Central Pacific (Jacó, Manuel Antonio). My Four questions a 1) How would you order the itinerary given that we will fly in and out of San Jose 2`) How many days do you suggest we should stay in each spot 3) Do you have a recommended accommodation (we don't mind spending a little more money for a luxury accommodation), and a contact information that gets us a good deal 4) Do we need the car the entire stay? thanks for those who responded to my inquiry ad to those who will help with these questions. thanks again |
#2
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here is my Costa Rica Vacation Plan, feedback needed
I think you are trying to cover too many places in too little time,
especially since some of the locations will require the better part of a days travel to get to. -- Capt Gene Kelly Montauk Sportfishing http://www.montauksportfishing.com 800 377 1197 631 668 2019 fax 631 668 2040 "AA" wrote in message .. . OK. I have already booked the airlines to COSTA RICA and a car (12 full days). Also, based on the responses I received from this newsgroup and many web sites: We decided to visit the following 6 areas : 1) San Jose 2) Tortuguero National Park area 3) Arenal 4) Monteverde 5) North Pacific Coast (Guanacaste) 6) Central Pacific (Jacó, Manuel Antonio). My Four questions a 1) How would you order the itinerary given that we will fly in and out of San Jose 2`) How many days do you suggest we should stay in each spot 3) Do you have a recommended accommodation (we don't mind spending a little more money for a luxury accommodation), and a contact information that gets us a good deal 4) Do we need the car the entire stay? thanks for those who responded to my inquiry ad to those who will help with these questions. thanks again |
#3
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here is my Costa Rica Vacation Plan, feedback needed
This is a nice trip. The following are just suggestions, and I put the
longest stat in the middle so you can squeeze that part or stretch it out to fit your wants. Tortuguero will take a minimum of three days, and two of those days will involve quite a bit of driving. I'll leave a lodging suggestion to others, because it's been a long time since we went down that way. Boat tours within the park will afford you the best wildlife viewing, and the beach there is tropical paradise. It's easy to find an unoccupied stretch to call your own. Be aware that it is HUMID on the Caribbean side, and also buggy, so bring plenty of repellant. From there, it's not a bad ride at all to Arenal. You should probably plan lodging in advance, but the volcano-view places seem pretty similar. They consist of main lodges with regular rooms, and cabins on a hillside facing the volcano, and because of the hill, everyone has unimpeded views. The mountain plays its rhythm around the clock, but you see the lava flows after dark. You can rent horses in Fortuna and follow a guide out to a jungle falls, where you can swim in remarkably cool water, then find your own way back to the farm. Fortuna is a funky town, and it evokes feelings of the old west. There are jungle boat tours nearby, and a lot of wildlife in the area. Two nights at Arenal should be plenty. From there, it's not far out to Guanacoste, and here I'll recommend a place you're sure to like. It's the Flamingo Beach Resort, and it sits right in the sand on one of the best beaches you're likely to encounter in CA. http://www.resortflamingobeach.com/. Spend four or five nights there. Diving is good, horses are available, and there are jungle and canopy tours right from the hotel area. With a car, you can also check out some of the neighboring beaches, which are all very nice. You can drive through Monteverde on the trip from Flamingo Beach to Jaco. Be sure to stop and hike out to a waterfall or, better yet, see the reserve on horseback. On the way down from there to Jaco, you'll cross a bridge near the sea, and you'll see all sorts of vehicles pulled off the road there. That's because crocodiles congregate on the riverbank there, and you'll get a nice, safe view of them from the bridge. I can also recommend a high-end resort in Jaco. The beach isn't nice there, but there are acres of swimming pool instead, and you can have a lot of fun swimming and floating around. The place is Los Suenos http://www.lossuenosresort.com/hotel.html. It's definitely upscale, run by Marriott. You might actually do better with a condo there, but it will be nice way to end your trip. It's not far back to San Jose. Be sure to take a ride on a birdwatch boat from near there. You'll see a lot of exotic birds, as well as dolphins and more crocs. Before I forget, if you want a real 'downtown' experience in San Jose, try the older Gran Hotel, which sits right on the main plaza. There is a front balcony where you can eat or have a drink, and it's very sociable. The hotel is pretty well maintained, but it's a grand hotel in the Central American tradition, not by world standards. It's still our hotel of choice in San Jose. Keith "AA" wrote in message .. . OK. I have already booked the airlines to COSTA RICA and a car (12 full days). Also, based on the responses I received from this newsgroup and many web sites: We decided to visit the following 6 areas : 1) San Jose 2) Tortuguero National Park area 3) Arenal 4) Monteverde 5) North Pacific Coast (Guanacaste) 6) Central Pacific (Jacó, Manuel Antonio). My Four questions a 1) How would you order the itinerary given that we will fly in and out of San Jose 2`) How many days do you suggest we should stay in each spot 3) Do you have a recommended accommodation (we don't mind spending a little more money for a luxury accommodation), and a contact information that gets us a good deal 4) Do we need the car the entire stay? thanks for those who responded to my inquiry ad to those who will help with these questions. thanks again |
#4
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here is my Costa Rica Vacation Plan, feedback needed
Thanks a lot for such an abundance of directions.
Are you sure "Tortuguero " would need 3 days? does this include Arenal as well? I was under the impression I needed 2-3 days in Arenal? How about driving: Even though we will be "boating" a lot in "Tortuguero", you think we will be doing a lot of driving Also, I was under the impression that Monteverde and Arenal are in the same area, you have put Arenal destination on my way to the North; and Monteverde on the way South to Jaco? The above questions are just to make sure I understood you right and see if you have any further comments. I will take your advice ad visit the Flamingo beach, ay recommended accommodations? I heard Manuel Antonio is better area for mainly than Jaco (I heard it is a party town). Again: between you and janerene, you guys have been a great help for me so far. thanks AA "k" wrote in message et... This is a nice trip. The following are just suggestions, and I put the longest stat in the middle so you can squeeze that part or stretch it out to fit your wants. Tortuguero will take a minimum of three days, and two of those days will involve quite a bit of driving. I'll leave a lodging suggestion to others, because it's been a long time since we went down that way. Boat tours within the park will afford you the best wildlife viewing, and the beach there is tropical paradise. It's easy to find an unoccupied stretch to call your own. Be aware that it is HUMID on the Caribbean side, and also buggy, so bring plenty of repellant. From there, it's not a bad ride at all to Arenal. You should probably plan lodging in advance, but the volcano-view places seem pretty similar. They consist of main lodges with regular rooms, and cabins on a hillside facing the volcano, and because of the hill, everyone has unimpeded views. The mountain plays its rhythm around the clock, but you see the lava flows after dark. You can rent horses in Fortuna and follow a guide out to a jungle falls, where you can swim in remarkably cool water, then find your own way back to the farm. Fortuna is a funky town, and it evokes feelings of the old west. There are jungle boat tours nearby, and a lot of wildlife in the area. Two nights at Arenal should be plenty. From there, it's not far out to Guanacoste, and here I'll recommend a place you're sure to like. It's the Flamingo Beach Resort, and it sits right in the sand on one of the best beaches you're likely to encounter in CA. http://www.resortflamingobeach.com/. Spend four or five nights there. Diving is good, horses are available, and there are jungle and canopy tours right from the hotel area. With a car, you can also check out some of the neighboring beaches, which are all very nice. You can drive through Monteverde on the trip from Flamingo Beach to Jaco. Be sure to stop and hike out to a waterfall or, better yet, see the reserve on horseback. On the way down from there to Jaco, you'll cross a bridge near the sea, and you'll see all sorts of vehicles pulled off the road there. That's because crocodiles congregate on the riverbank there, and you'll get a nice, safe view of them from the bridge. I can also recommend a high-end resort in Jaco. The beach isn't nice there, but there are acres of swimming pool instead, and you can have a lot of fun swimming and floating around. The place is Los Suenos http://www.lossuenosresort.com/hotel.html. It's definitely upscale, run by Marriott. You might actually do better with a condo there, but it will be nice way to end your trip. It's not far back to San Jose. Be sure to take a ride on a birdwatch boat from near there. You'll see a lot of exotic birds, as well as dolphins and more crocs. Before I forget, if you want a real 'downtown' experience in San Jose, try the older Gran Hotel, which sits right on the main plaza. There is a front balcony where you can eat or have a drink, and it's very sociable. The hotel is pretty well maintained, but it's a grand hotel in the Central American tradition, not by world standards. It's still our hotel of choice in San Jose. Keith "AA" wrote in message .. . OK. I have already booked the airlines to COSTA RICA and a car (12 full days). Also, based on the responses I received from this newsgroup and many web sites: We decided to visit the following 6 areas : 1) San Jose 2) Tortuguero National Park area 3) Arenal 4) Monteverde 5) North Pacific Coast (Guanacaste) 6) Central Pacific (Jacó, Manuel Antonio). My Four questions a 1) How would you order the itinerary given that we will fly in and out of San Jose 2`) How many days do you suggest we should stay in each spot 3) Do you have a recommended accommodation (we don't mind spending a little more money for a luxury accommodation), and a contact information that gets us a good deal 4) Do we need the car the entire stay? thanks for those who responded to my inquiry ad to those who will help with these questions. thanks again |
#5
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here is my Costa Rica Vacation Plan, feedback needed
"AA" wrote in message news:3yE8i.20917$dy1.18122@bigfe9... Thanks a lot for such an abundance of directions. Are you sure "Tortuguero " would need 3 days? does this include Arenal as well? I was under the impression I needed 2-3 days in Arenal? How about driving: Even though we will be "boating" a lot in "Tortuguero", you think we will be doing a lot of driving Also, I was under the impression that Monteverde and Arenal are in the same area, you have put Arenal destination on my way to the North; and Monteverde on the way South to Jaco? The above questions are just to make sure I understood you right and see if you have any further comments. I will take your advice ad visit the Flamingo beach, ay recommended accommodations? I heard Manuel Antonio is better area for mainly than Jaco (I heard it is a party town). Again: between you and janerene, you guys have been a great help for me so far. thanks AA If you're going to Tortuguero you may as well see what you can while there. It's a serious drive down from San Jose, and will take 5 or 6 hrs in a car. The road isn't in bad condition, but it's not especially modern, and it's quite steep in parts, with switchbacks, etc that won't show on the map. It's about 140 miles, but it's slow going almost all the way. It's about 160 miles from Tortuguero to Arenal, but on a better road. Still, figure on 4-5 hrs. From Arenal to Flamingo isn't a bad drive at all, as it's good road almost all the way. You can devote an Arenal day to a trip out to Monteverde. It's not far, but you'll have to come back on the same road. If you do that, add a day in Arenal and take one away from somewhere else, and see if you'll be going past a canopy tour place. That's a must-do, and a lot of fun for the dollar. Before I forget to mention this, I know you have children going on this trip. The beaches in Guanacaste are gorgeous, the water is warm, and there is open-ocean surf. That's all wonderful, and much fun to play in, but like the entire Pacific Coast from Puntarenas up to Alsaka, the beaches are subject to rips, or rip-tides. Rips cause many, many unnecessary drownings every year, and you can give your kids (and yourself) and easy lesson on how to escape one if you find yourself being pulled to sea. Here's a site that tells you what to do, but basically a rip will pull you straight out to sea, and you only have to turn and swim parallel to the beach to escape it. http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov/ I don't know about Manuel Antonio being a 'party' area, it's a National Park. Jaco qualifies because of the concentration of big resorts there. I mentioned Los Suenos because we've stayed there and enjoyed it, and there is so much nature to enjoy in the area. Jaco is also big on deep-sea fishing if that's something you like to do, and the docks are right at Los Suenos. I did suggest the Flamingo Beach Hotel at Flamingo Beach, which is one of the links I sent you. There is nothing there not to like. Also, when I say three days I mean two nights, and when I say two nights, I mean three days, knowing that parts of the first and last day will be coming and going. Let's say your first 1 night in San Jose, 2 nights at Tortuguera, 2-3 nights at Arenal, 3-4 nights at Flamingo, 2 nights in Jaco or Manuel Antonio, and your last 1 night back in San Jose. If your trip isn't 12 nights, then you'll have to drop one somewhere. Just don't miss your plane, everything else will work out. Keith |
#6
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here is my Costa Rica Vacation Plan, feedback needed
Wow, you have been specific enough for me.
One last thing, I keep hearing about the "CR highlights" by http://www.ecoscapetours.com/ not to be missed. So here is what is in my mind: day 1 : CR highlights day 2, 3: Tortuguera day 4, 5: Arenal day 6, 7, 8, 9 Flamingo+Monteverde day 10, 11, and 12: Jaco and Manuel Antonio Head back to Sa Jose on the 12th day. Please tell me what you think AA "k" wrote in message . net... "AA" wrote in message news:3yE8i.20917$dy1.18122@bigfe9... Thanks a lot for such an abundance of directions. Are you sure "Tortuguero " would need 3 days? does this include Arenal as well? I was under the impression I needed 2-3 days in Arenal? How about driving: Even though we will be "boating" a lot in "Tortuguero", you think we will be doing a lot of driving Also, I was under the impression that Monteverde and Arenal are in the same area, you have put Arenal destination on my way to the North; and Monteverde on the way South to Jaco? The above questions are just to make sure I understood you right and see if you have any further comments. I will take your advice ad visit the Flamingo beach, ay recommended accommodations? I heard Manuel Antonio is better area for mainly than Jaco (I heard it is a party town). Again: between you and janerene, you guys have been a great help for me so far. thanks AA If you're going to Tortuguero you may as well see what you can while there. It's a serious drive down from San Jose, and will take 5 or 6 hrs in a car. The road isn't in bad condition, but it's not especially modern, and it's quite steep in parts, with switchbacks, etc that won't show on the map. It's about 140 miles, but it's slow going almost all the way. It's about 160 miles from Tortuguero to Arenal, but on a better road. Still, figure on 4-5 hrs. From Arenal to Flamingo isn't a bad drive at all, as it's good road almost all the way. You can devote an Arenal day to a trip out to Monteverde. It's not far, but you'll have to come back on the same road. If you do that, add a day in Arenal and take one away from somewhere else, and see if you'll be going past a canopy tour place. That's a must-do, and a lot of fun for the dollar. Before I forget to mention this, I know you have children going on this trip. The beaches in Guanacaste are gorgeous, the water is warm, and there is open-ocean surf. That's all wonderful, and much fun to play in, but like the entire Pacific Coast from Puntarenas up to Alsaka, the beaches are subject to rips, or rip-tides. Rips cause many, many unnecessary drownings every year, and you can give your kids (and yourself) and easy lesson on how to escape one if you find yourself being pulled to sea. Here's a site that tells you what to do, but basically a rip will pull you straight out to sea, and you only have to turn and swim parallel to the beach to escape it. http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov/ I don't know about Manuel Antonio being a 'party' area, it's a National Park. Jaco qualifies because of the concentration of big resorts there. I mentioned Los Suenos because we've stayed there and enjoyed it, and there is so much nature to enjoy in the area. Jaco is also big on deep-sea fishing if that's something you like to do, and the docks are right at Los Suenos. I did suggest the Flamingo Beach Hotel at Flamingo Beach, which is one of the links I sent you. There is nothing there not to like. Also, when I say three days I mean two nights, and when I say two nights, I mean three days, knowing that parts of the first and last day will be coming and going. Let's say your first 1 night in San Jose, 2 nights at Tortuguera, 2-3 nights at Arenal, 3-4 nights at Flamingo, 2 nights in Jaco or Manuel Antonio, and your last 1 night back in San Jose. If your trip isn't 12 nights, then you'll have to drop one somewhere. Just don't miss your plane, everything else will work out. Keith |
#7
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here is my Costa Rica Vacation Plan, feedback needed
Forget the Caribbean Coast. Nasty.
Other than that, check out: Aernal Lodge Hotel Sugar Beach (near Playa Flamingo) Hotel Costa Verde (Quepos) - Still more monkeys than people. Too bad you are missing Montezuma! Jaco is a beach town for college kids. Eat at the local sodas. You will have the time of your life! And someone mentioned the crocs. Don't miss them! Pura Vida, G&G "AA" wrote in message . .. Wow, you have been specific enough for me. One last thing, I keep hearing about the "CR highlights" by http://www.ecoscapetours.com/ not to be missed. So here is what is in my mind: day 1 : CR highlights day 2, 3: Tortuguera day 4, 5: Arenal day 6, 7, 8, 9 Flamingo+Monteverde day 10, 11, and 12: Jaco and Manuel Antonio Head back to Sa Jose on the 12th day. Please tell me what you think AA "k" wrote in message . net... "AA" wrote in message news:3yE8i.20917$dy1.18122@bigfe9... Thanks a lot for such an abundance of directions. Are you sure "Tortuguero " would need 3 days? does this include Arenal as well? I was under the impression I needed 2-3 days in Arenal? How about driving: Even though we will be "boating" a lot in "Tortuguero", you think we will be doing a lot of driving Also, I was under the impression that Monteverde and Arenal are in the same area, you have put Arenal destination on my way to the North; and Monteverde on the way South to Jaco? The above questions are just to make sure I understood you right and see if you have any further comments. I will take your advice ad visit the Flamingo beach, ay recommended accommodations? I heard Manuel Antonio is better area for mainly than Jaco (I heard it is a party town). Again: between you and janerene, you guys have been a great help for me so far. thanks AA If you're going to Tortuguero you may as well see what you can while there. It's a serious drive down from San Jose, and will take 5 or 6 hrs in a car. The road isn't in bad condition, but it's not especially modern, and it's quite steep in parts, with switchbacks, etc that won't show on the map. It's about 140 miles, but it's slow going almost all the way. It's about 160 miles from Tortuguero to Arenal, but on a better road. Still, figure on 4-5 hrs. From Arenal to Flamingo isn't a bad drive at all, as it's good road almost all the way. You can devote an Arenal day to a trip out to Monteverde. It's not far, but you'll have to come back on the same road. If you do that, add a day in Arenal and take one away from somewhere else, and see if you'll be going past a canopy tour place. That's a must-do, and a lot of fun for the dollar. Before I forget to mention this, I know you have children going on this trip. The beaches in Guanacaste are gorgeous, the water is warm, and there is open-ocean surf. That's all wonderful, and much fun to play in, but like the entire Pacific Coast from Puntarenas up to Alsaka, the beaches are subject to rips, or rip-tides. Rips cause many, many unnecessary drownings every year, and you can give your kids (and yourself) and easy lesson on how to escape one if you find yourself being pulled to sea. Here's a site that tells you what to do, but basically a rip will pull you straight out to sea, and you only have to turn and swim parallel to the beach to escape it. http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov/ I don't know about Manuel Antonio being a 'party' area, it's a National Park. Jaco qualifies because of the concentration of big resorts there. I mentioned Los Suenos because we've stayed there and enjoyed it, and there is so much nature to enjoy in the area. Jaco is also big on deep-sea fishing if that's something you like to do, and the docks are right at Los Suenos. I did suggest the Flamingo Beach Hotel at Flamingo Beach, which is one of the links I sent you. There is nothing there not to like. Also, when I say three days I mean two nights, and when I say two nights, I mean three days, knowing that parts of the first and last day will be coming and going. Let's say your first 1 night in San Jose, 2 nights at Tortuguera, 2-3 nights at Arenal, 3-4 nights at Flamingo, 2 nights in Jaco or Manuel Antonio, and your last 1 night back in San Jose. If your trip isn't 12 nights, then you'll have to drop one somewhere. Just don't miss your plane, everything else will work out. Keith |
#8
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here is my Costa Rica Vacation Plan, feedback needed
"AA"wrote Wow, you have been specific enough for me. One last thing, I keep hearing about the "CR highlights" by http://www.ecoscapetours.com/ not to be missed. So here is what is in my mind: day 1 : CR highlights day 2, 3: Tortuguera day 4, 5: Arenal day 6, 7, 8, 9 Flamingo+Monteverde day 10, 11, and 12: Jaco and Manuel Antonio Head back to Sa Jose on the 12th day. Please tell me what you think AA That's pretty ambitious for 12 nights, especially with kids. My husband and I did 17 nights San Jose Cahuita Arenal - got to witness 2 major eruptions and it was perfectly clear! Manuel Antonio Dominical We are in pretty good shape. Did everything by public bus, very cheap, no stress over a car rental, and we were completely exhausted. That's many different climate zones. So please, drink LOTS of water and then drink more so you don't get 'the grippy'. Because that could lay just one of you up for a day or two and there goes your plans. Did I say drink water, water and more water! Have a fabulous time it's a beautiful country! judi |
#9
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here is my Costa Rica Vacation Plan, feedback needed
So here is what is in my mind: day 1 : CR highlights day 2, 3: Tortuguera day 4, 5: Arenal day 6, 7, 8, 9 Flamingo+Monteverde day 10, 11, and 12: Jaco and Manuel Antonio Head back to Sa Jose on the 12th day. Please tell me what you think AA Forgot to say, skip Jaco judi |
#10
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here is my Costa Rica Vacation Plan, feedback needed
How many days/nights did you stay in each?
We are going to Manuel Antonio not Jaco. Thanks AL "Judi" wrote in message ... "AA"wrote Wow, you have been specific enough for me. One last thing, I keep hearing about the "CR highlights" by http://www.ecoscapetours.com/ not to be missed. So here is what is in my mind: day 1 : CR highlights day 2, 3: Tortuguera day 4, 5: Arenal day 6, 7, 8, 9 Flamingo+Monteverde day 10, 11, and 12: Jaco and Manuel Antonio Head back to Sa Jose on the 12th day. Please tell me what you think AA That's pretty ambitious for 12 nights, especially with kids. My husband and I did 17 nights San Jose Cahuita Arenal - got to witness 2 major eruptions and it was perfectly clear! Manuel Antonio Dominical We are in pretty good shape. Did everything by public bus, very cheap, no stress over a car rental, and we were completely exhausted. That's many different climate zones. So please, drink LOTS of water and then drink more so you don't get 'the grippy'. Because that could lay just one of you up for a day or two and there goes your plans. Did I say drink water, water and more water! Have a fabulous time it's a beautiful country! judi |
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