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 The Costa Rica Forum
 Travel to Costa Rica
 Need off the beaten path advice please
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| Author | Topic: Need off the beaten path advice please |
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Tamlyn Full Member Posts: 16 |
posted 03-14-2008 09:06 AM
  
Ok, I've been reading posts for hours now and they have been very helpful. This is what we want. 1. Beautiful beach 2. Rain Forest/jungle tour 3. No tourist traps 4. Reasonable acommodations (preferably on the beach) That's not too much to as is it? We always eat the local food, so that isn't a problem for us. Not sure if we should drive or take buses. If someone could please tell us some places to go in CR that have these things it would be most appreciated. We have no idea where to go and don't want to work with a travel agent. Thanks in advance for your help. ------------------ |
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Tamlyn Full Member Posts: 16 |
posted 03-19-2008 05:40 AM
Someone please respond. We know when the high season is, but we wanted to come later in the year. Is Sept or Oct too rainy? Need some basic guidelines. Where to stay, tourist traps, etc. Thanks ------------------ |
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Tucana Full Member Posts: 217 |
posted 03-19-2008 06:01 AM
At that time of year, your best bet would be Puerto Viejo, on the Caribbean. Get a Lonely planet guidebook and check out the budget lodging there, I think you will enjoy the laid back area and the weather will allow you to enjoy the beautiful beaches as well. there are many little local eateries that will not be expensive. Here is a website for you to start: http://www.puertoviejoweb.com/ Also, there is a man named colinsito who has a nice little B&B..sorry I don't know more than that..good luck, Tucana |
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jdocop Full Member Posts: 428 |
posted 03-19-2008 08:26 AM
Actually, I think his name is Colin, and Colinsito is his 'handle' on one or more forums. Personally, I am hesitant to recommend specifics to a first-time visitor, because I don't know you, and I don't know what would appeal to you. All I can suggest is that you plan for enough time to do what you want, when you want. No tourist traps is the hardest part of your list of requirements. (or, the easiest, if I use that as a way to tell you places to avoid): Don't go to Tamarindo, La Fortuna, Playa Del Coco (used to be the neatest place, but has grown too fast, and lost most of its charm; and, yes, I know many will disagree with me), Quepos, Puntarenas, Jaco, or just about any other of the Pacific beaches. I think Tucana's advice is sound for the time or year, and to best meet your requirements. |
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NyNicki Recent Member Posts: 2 |
posted 03-24-2008 06:31 AM
Think about the Osa Peninsula on the Pacific for remote and less touristed. The caribe coast is my favorite part of the country, much less developed and much more lush and Green that the Central Pacific. If you go to Puerto Viejo, I suggest checking out the town of Manzanillo and also looking in to a river rafting trip on the Pacuare river. The Pacuare river trip is available from both the Caribe coast and San Jose. Amazing! |
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Tamlyn Full Member Posts: 16 |
posted 03-29-2008 09:41 AM
Thanks so much for your replies. From what our best bet. The one thing that is touristy that we want to do is see the volcano in arenal. Is the time of year not right for that? JDCOP, I appreciate the fact that you don't know us. I will give you a brief insight. We love beach, lush rain forests, drinking and having a great time. I am ok with some tourist stuff because you can't avoid it sometimes, but would prefer to see the true culture. I know you don't know me but does that help a little? We are 40 years old as well. I don't want to exert myself too much on vacation, but do want to do jungle tour, white water rafting and partying on the beach. Oh, and eating the food! Thanks guys!! ------------------ |
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Tucana Full Member Posts: 217 |
posted 03-29-2008 11:30 AM
We had fabulous views of the volcano with lava flow at the end of Sept. last year. We stayed at the Linda Vista in El Castillo, we highly recommend it..not what you would call touristy but a very nice place with a good restaurant and great views. easy drive to the various hot springs..there are now 3 or 4 different springs..Tabacon ($$$$) Baldi ($$) Ecotermales ($$) and one other which I believe is also budget oriented..we saw the sign for it on the main road going in to Fortuna. |
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Tamlyn Full Member Posts: 16 |
posted 03-30-2008 09:55 AM
Ok, now we are going in April....still the caribbean side? ------------------ |
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Tucana Full Member Posts: 217 |
posted 03-30-2008 10:32 AM
April is perhaps one of the lovliest months of the year, wherever you go. It will be crowded however, because people know it is so beautiful during that month. Espcially the orchids, in bloom eveywhere. |
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Tucana Full Member Posts: 217 |
posted 03-30-2008 10:33 AM
and another thing....do not expect bargain prices....during April. |
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Tamlyn Full Member Posts: 16 |
posted 04-10-2008 07:36 AM
Hmmmm Perhaps we should re-think going in April. Is May the same?? When you say crowded, do you mean like wall to wall people? Long lines everywhere we go?? Just trying to get a feel. No bargains at all..anywhere? I mean, I'm not looking to find a hotel that cost's $40 or anything, but would like to find something in the $80 to $100 range. Is that not possible? Thanks in advance for your help! ------------------ |
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Tucana Full Member Posts: 217 |
posted 04-10-2008 09:08 AM
Well, it's not Disney World, so there won't be lines...per se. But you will just see more people everywhere you go. When I say don't expect bargains, I mean this as an example...a hotel's highest rate (rack rate) might be 100.00. During slow months, when there is little traffic, they may offer special deals at $60.00. Most tourist businesses like the small hotels depend on the time between December and May for the majority of their income. So when there are lots of folks looking for hotel rooms, you will be paying the top dollar. Now, even in high season, I think 100. per night will buy you very nice lodging. It won't be the four Seasons, or a gorgeous beach front..but it will give you all the flavor of Costa Rica, and that's why you are going. and....it's worth the extra$$ because the weather is soooo...lovely! Enjoy, Tucana |
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Tamlyn Full Member Posts: 16 |
posted 04-13-2008 12:12 PM
I forgot to ask you about the bugs in CR (how girly, I know) Are they really bad? Do the hotels do a good job of keeping bugs out of the rooms? I assume bug repellant would be a recommendation?? Thanks ------------------ |
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Tucana Full Member Posts: 217 |
posted 04-14-2008 02:35 AM
Well, I hate to burst your bubble...but there will be bugs...try to think of them as interesting creatures...they really are! the best news is they will not bother you much. We bring Backwoods Off and use it when hiking. As far as bugs in your room...well...you may have some ants..We usually buy some bug spray at the local grocery store, If you are staying in a B&B or small hotel..the owners will be quick to eliminate any bugs you see. We generally spray the threshold of the door and that pretty much keeps them out. Don't worry too much about it..it's a small nuisance. :-) |
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