Starting the research and completely overwhelmed. Any suggestions out there for area to stay that is somewhat near an airport with transportations service? Beaches? Rainforest? Which coast is best?
Posted by
Denver, CO, USA
1601 posts
If the intent is to visit CR, then you will need to move beyond the vicinity of the airport. Most first timers seems to move around Volcan Arenal, Monteverde cloud forest, and the area around that. It is well established on the tourist circuit.
To get there you will need to rent a car and drive (not overly challenging) or find some other transportation.
Posted by
Massachusetts, USA
1700 posts
We flew into San Jose Airport, where we picked up our rental car and drove to Manuel Antonio National Park. I don't remember how long we spent in each destination as this trip was in 2004. From Manuel Antonio, we drove to Arenal Volcano, a long but beautiful drive. After visiting this area, we drove to Poas Volcano. Our last stop was San Jose. We stayed at a hotel just outside of the city, Orquedas Inn, and spent a day sightseeing in San Jose.
Driving was easy; my husband and youngest daughter (who spoke a little bit of Spanish) did all the driving. We saw beautiful beaches, rainforest, volcanoes, and ate delicious food. Went horseback riding near Manuel Antonio with a group. It was an awesome trip!
Posted by
39 posts
We lived in Playa Flamingo area for 3 months each time when we first retired. You need a car, but it's a great place to visit. We did an overnight trip to the Arenal Volcano area while we were there and a trip down to Samara. lots of Airbnb's available in that area. Conchal beach is stunning.