Costa Rica tips please

Hi Jill,

Tips and suggestions depends on what you want to see or do. Is this a beach vacation? We were there in January/February on a tour focused on the natural heritage I.e. wildlife and agriculture of the country. This was during the dry season. I believe November is the rainy season in parts of the country. I did a trip report on the forum so you could take a look at that as well as a link to my Shutterfly book at the end of the report. There are numerous other threads and articles on Costa Rica on the forum besides mine.

Well, I’ve been to Costa Rica, but I’m sure any recommendations from 1977 will be very helpful……

I do know you will enjoy your trip.

Thank you Mary! Going to check it out. Carol, 1977 just doesn't seem that long ago, does it? 😂

Jill,

The covid restrictions to enter Costa Rica may have changed by now so check what the current requirements are before you go. I would hate for you to get to the airport and find out that you need some kind of documentation that you don’t have to enter the country.

Have you done some research yet? Why not narrow it down and come back here. You basically have the west coast Guanacaste beach are. South along down to the Nicoya peninsula. Then you have inland and the mountains. Then you have the east coast Caribbean. Then you have Corcovado.
There are many itineraries you can look up. Do not think you can do it all in one trip. Transportation will take time.

I’ve been to CR a couple times. It sounds like you have a week or less. In that case, I’d focus on Manuel Antonio National Park which you can reach either by flying from San Jose or by express ( “directo”) bus in 3.5 hours from San Jose.
Quepos is the service town for the area and hotels can be found stretching between Quepos and the five miles to the national park. Buses run between Quepos and the national park, so you do not need a rental car.
Have a great Trip!

I agree with the earlier recommendation to research regions (as defined in earlier post) in order to narrow your focus; driving in CR takes longer & many roads lack signs; thus, driving at night in rural areas isn't recommended, unless you know the area. Unfortunately, I know of a U.S. person who underestimated her drive time to her rural lodging destination (assumed 6 hours but was actually 10 hrs) and found herself in thick overgrowth terrain with no road signage and the dense growth made it difficult to detect driveways. Plus, her lodge had locked its gates and she saw no lights in the distance, yelled to no avail. terrifying. /// check out local orchid farms, coffee estates, and butterfly gardens. We did and enjoyed them immensely, sorry, I don't recall names. /// We were there in Feb and enjoyed Guanacaste/Pacific coast at the end of our trip, a relaxing time before we flew out, yikes, it was a 5 hr drive to San Jose, we should have selected a beach closer to San Jose. //// Perhaps the following has changed in the past 4 yrs: we were told that downtown San Jose is fine for day touring but to avoid it at night because of crime. /// CR has done such amazing progress with their environmental conservation and protection. Inspiring and the people take it seriously. Plus, their culture of community & caring.

We spent 8 days in Costa Rica and split our time between Arenal (stayed at Tabacon Resort) and Manuel Antonio (stayed at Arenas del Mar and Costa Verde (in a cottage made from an airplane cockpit)--loved both of them).

If you find yourself on the Nicoya peninsula specifically Tamarindo Beach, check out the Capitan Suizo resort - I've stayed there a couple of times. It's beautiful, on a gorgeous beach and within walking distance of restaurants in town.

We have wonderful memories of our active adventures in Costa Rica. Rappelling and white water rafting atMt Arenal area and zip lining in the rain forest. The roads were awful and very poorly signed. The gps in the rental car was needed. Definitely drive during daylight hours. As Floridians the beach was not on our agenda, but many enjoy them and the fishing. There are very affordable packaged do-it-yourself tours available with air, car and hotel included. You just plan your own adventures.