Looking at going this fall and looking for recommendations for favorite places that are easy to get to from San Jose. Any places to avoid…
Costa Rica Recommendations
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Last: 1 yr ago by AggieT
Puerto Limon and Hotel Del Rey.
The rainy season in Costa Rica is during the fall. That doesn't mean that it will all be washed out, but you could get rain.
Ironically, Puerto Viejo/ Punta UVA has its nicest weather in October and November.
The above post mentions the Del Ray. I assume those are the places to avoid. The Del ray and the Cocal are two of the more popular brothels in Costa Rica. They are perfectly fine for some, but probably not a family trip.
We are doing Tamarindo/Conchal this October but that would likely mean flying into Liberia.
My recommendations would still be Quepos/Dominical. My favorite town in the country is Matapalo and it is centrally located between the two and it's not a far drive from the San Jose airport. Less than three hours and it is good road for the entire distance. The other places I mentioned are hampered by never ending construction.
Ironically, Puerto Viejo/ Punta UVA has its nicest weather in October and November.
The above post mentions the Del Ray. I assume those are the places to avoid. The Del ray and the Cocal are two of the more popular brothels in Costa Rica. They are perfectly fine for some, but probably not a family trip.
We are doing Tamarindo/Conchal this October but that would likely mean flying into Liberia.
My recommendations would still be Quepos/Dominical. My favorite town in the country is Matapalo and it is centrally located between the two and it's not a far drive from the San Jose airport. Less than three hours and it is good road for the entire distance. The other places I mentioned are hampered by never ending construction.
Nayara springs in la fortuna. Favorite place I've ever stayed.
Going in 10 days. Staying in Manuel Antonio. FIrst time to Costa Rica. We have a fishing trip planned and a ATV tour so far.
This!! Best hotel and location ever.
04aggiegirl said:
This!! Best hotel and location ever.
I couldn't image a best location that has neither a panoramic view of mountains, oceans or lakes.
If you haven't booked a flight yet, consider flying into Liberia. The Nicoya peninsula is such a known expatriate travel destination that United has many direct flights there (as does others). Just pick any decent hotel on the coast there.
BTW, if you are driving anywhere leaving San Jose Airport figure averaging 35mph due to limited highways, two lane highways, bad traffic and big trucks going 45mph that you can't pass due to traffic. There is not a US interstate type highway anywhere in the country.
BTW, if you are driving anywhere leaving San Jose Airport figure averaging 35mph due to limited highways, two lane highways, bad traffic and big trucks going 45mph that you can't pass due to traffic. There is not a US interstate type highway anywhere in the country.
I usually try to find places on Vacasa.com since I get a discount on bookings through work and a travel credit.
That place looks SICK though
That place looks SICK though
sushi94 said:
Going in 10 days. Staying in Manuel Antonio. FIrst time to Costa Rica. We have a fishing trip planned and a ATV tour so far.
If you are looking for any additional adventures, the waterfall repelling/zip lining tour and whitewater rafting on the Savegre River are both fantastic. We used H2O Adventures for the float trip and would definitely use them again. I don't recall the name of the outfit we used for waterfall repelling, but I can find it if you'd like. We've used them twice and would use them again.
Just following. Never been to Costa Rica, would love to visit one day.
I found here MakeMyTrip reviews and will probably ask them to make me an offer for such a trip.
I know very little about the country and afraid to miss some places, which are necessary needs to be visited.
I found here MakeMyTrip reviews and will probably ask them to make me an offer for such a trip.
I know very little about the country and afraid to miss some places, which are necessary needs to be visited.
Sansa Air will fly you for $90/person from San Jose to Quepos. 20 minutes in a Cessna 200B and can get a car in Quepos. So much better than driving San Jose down.
My family and I just got back from Costa Rica last night... we were there 8 nights.
I second the opinion above of considering flying into Liberia if you haven't already booked. We flew into Liberia direct from DFW which was incredibly convenient for us since we stayed mostly on the western side of the country.
We spent the first half our time there in the Arenal / La Fortuna area... and then the back half in the Tamarindo area. I could speak for days on our trip with virtually all of it wildly positive. Costa Rica is an amazing country and the people, particularly in the inland / mountainous / rainforest areas are all incredibly welcoming and nice. This is not your stereotypical vacation locale that dislikes Americans.
The rainforest regions are stunning and Arenal was no exception. We literally had a postcard view of the Arenal volcano outside our balcony there. Tamarindo is a little more "touristy" but nothing really like what you've probably experienced at most other locations. We had a great time in both locations and really enjoyed the diversity of spending some time in the rainforest/volcano region then the remainder of our time on a beach resort in Tamarindo. We stayed at the Tamarindo Diria Resort in Tamarindo and couldn't recommend it enough.
We rented a car to get around Costa Rica which was the one thing I was apprehensive about going into the trip but it ended up being a big nothing-burger. The roads are fine, if a bit small. Their "highway" is a 4 lane divided road and roads outside of that are two lane only.. but were paved everwhere we ventured. Just gotta be careful of the bicyclists / motorcyclists and the slow trash trucks. And the damned speed bumps. I hate the speed bumps.
To finish and to answer your question more specifically, the Arenal / La Fortuna area is drivable from San Jose though as I said, we flew into Liberia instead. We stayed at the Lost Iguana resort which was beautiful, off the beaten path and situated right in rainforest. I'd highly recommend it. Easy access to Arenal, La Fortuna, La Fortuna falls and just ferry trip away from Monteverde.
Absolutely beautiful country with great people and would definitely go back.
I second the opinion above of considering flying into Liberia if you haven't already booked. We flew into Liberia direct from DFW which was incredibly convenient for us since we stayed mostly on the western side of the country.
We spent the first half our time there in the Arenal / La Fortuna area... and then the back half in the Tamarindo area. I could speak for days on our trip with virtually all of it wildly positive. Costa Rica is an amazing country and the people, particularly in the inland / mountainous / rainforest areas are all incredibly welcoming and nice. This is not your stereotypical vacation locale that dislikes Americans.
The rainforest regions are stunning and Arenal was no exception. We literally had a postcard view of the Arenal volcano outside our balcony there. Tamarindo is a little more "touristy" but nothing really like what you've probably experienced at most other locations. We had a great time in both locations and really enjoyed the diversity of spending some time in the rainforest/volcano region then the remainder of our time on a beach resort in Tamarindo. We stayed at the Tamarindo Diria Resort in Tamarindo and couldn't recommend it enough.
We rented a car to get around Costa Rica which was the one thing I was apprehensive about going into the trip but it ended up being a big nothing-burger. The roads are fine, if a bit small. Their "highway" is a 4 lane divided road and roads outside of that are two lane only.. but were paved everwhere we ventured. Just gotta be careful of the bicyclists / motorcyclists and the slow trash trucks. And the damned speed bumps. I hate the speed bumps.
To finish and to answer your question more specifically, the Arenal / La Fortuna area is drivable from San Jose though as I said, we flew into Liberia instead. We stayed at the Lost Iguana resort which was beautiful, off the beaten path and situated right in rainforest. I'd highly recommend it. Easy access to Arenal, La Fortuna, La Fortuna falls and just ferry trip away from Monteverde.
Absolutely beautiful country with great people and would definitely go back.
We stayed at the Tamarindo Diria last year and loved it too. Great beach, good food, awesome pools, central to everything.RogueAg said:
My family and I just got back from Costa Rica last night... we were there 8 nights.
I second the opinion above of considering flying into Liberia if you haven't already booked. We flew into Liberia direct from DFW which was incredibly convenient for us since we stayed mostly on the western side of the country.
We spent the first half our time there in the Arenal / La Fortuna area... and then the back half in the Tamarindo area. I could speak for days on our trip with virtually all of it wildly positive. Costa Rica is an amazing country and the people, particularly in the inland / mountainous / rainforest areas are all incredibly welcoming and nice. This is not your stereotypical vacation locale that dislikes Americans.
The rainforest regions are stunning and Arenal was no exception. We literally had a postcard view of the Arenal volcano outside our balcony there. Tamarindo is a little more "touristy" but nothing really like what you've probably experienced at most other locations. We had a great time in both locations and really enjoyed the diversity of spending some time in the rainforest/volcano region then the remainder of our time on a beach resort in Tamarindo. We stayed at the Tamarindo Diria Resort in Tamarindo and couldn't recommend it enough.
We rented a car to get around Costa Rica which was the one thing I was apprehensive about going into the trip but it ended up being a big nothing-burger. The roads are fine, if a bit small. Their "highway" is a 4 lane divided road and roads outside of that are two lane only.. but were paved everwhere we ventured. Just gotta be careful of the bicyclists / motorcyclists and the slow trash trucks. And the damned speed bumps. I hate the speed bumps.
To finish and to answer your question more specifically, the Arenal / La Fortuna area is drivable from San Jose though as I said, we flew into Liberia instead. We stayed at the Lost Iguana resort which was beautiful, off the beaten path and situated right in rainforest. I'd highly recommend it. Easy access to Arenal, La Fortuna, La Fortuna falls and just ferry trip away from Monteverde.
Absolutely beautiful country with great people and would definitely go back.
Kids learned to surf just in front of the hotel. We walked to the mouth of the estuary (incredible surf / beach scenery) and took a boat ride up the river to see monkeys and crocs. Scenery straight out of Apocalypse Now. Short excursion to the Canon lodge for whitewater tubing and zip lines.
Only missed out on waterfall swim but will do it next time. We got to do it in Belize this year and it was incredible.
Right about the people -- laid back and friendly.
Pura Vida.
Arenas Del Mar if you are looking for the best place near Manuel Antonio. It's not the cheapest, but it is fantastic. Search other TexAgs threads about Costa Rica and it is usually mentioned by someone.
Great food, private beach, nature preserve (sloths, monkeys & iguanas everywhere), access to Playa Espadilla, and a super staff. And some of the best views anywhere near Manuel Antonio. Send me a DM if you want more info.
Great food, private beach, nature preserve (sloths, monkeys & iguanas everywhere), access to Playa Espadilla, and a super staff. And some of the best views anywhere near Manuel Antonio. Send me a DM if you want more info.
Appreciate the recommendation. I wonder if you can buy a day pass? We're renting a house for the week. 2 days left!
If you go to Tamarindo and are surfing, DO NOT paddle across the river; pay the boat guys the dollar for a ride. It ended up fine, but probably one of the most dangerous blissfully ignorant things we've ever done. We learned later that day some dude lost his leg a couple weeks before...
Pic from the mouth of said river and the uncrowded surf on the other side.rononeill said:
If you go to Tamarindo and are surfing, DO NOT paddle across the river; pay the boat guys the dollar for a ride. It ended up fine, but probably one of the most dangerous blissfully ignorant things we've ever done. We learned later that day some dude lost his leg a couple weeks before...
Went to La Fortuna & Arenal. Absolutely incredible sights, people, weather, etc.
Also went to Manuel Antonio. Amazing place, but wow I'll never forget that humidity. And this is coming from someone who is used to Houston/BCS!!
Also went to Manuel Antonio. Amazing place, but wow I'll never forget that humidity. And this is coming from someone who is used to Houston/BCS!!
Got back from Nayara last night. We stayed at Nayara Gardens in a Rainforest Villa. It's 3 resorts. If you don't have kids, then it's kinda all the same with the exception of the room type.oldarmy76 said:
Nayara springs in la fortuna. Favorite place I've ever stayed.
Easily the nicest resort and room I've ever stayed in. I'm a pretty seasoned traveler, too (humblebrag, nbd...
). It didn't break the bank, and I think we got a decent nightly rate because of construction and it being rainy season.The service was incredible, and these may have been the friendliest people I've ever met. I'd put the service at high-end AIs in Cancun/Playa as second with most Caribbean resorts a very, very distant way back.
The tours were great (8/10 on a 10pt scale). We did the Pure Trek canyoning, hanging bridges, La Fortuna warterfall, and the Arenal 1968 hike. Lots of amazing things to see. Make sure to get a guide!
The food, at least at the resort, was good, not great. We ate at most of the restaurants. Nothing mind-blowing but solid.
Happy to answer any questions here or via PM.
Golfito. Used to be Crocodile Bay resort, but it is now a Hilton resort. Referred to as the most ecological intense area on earth. Simply amazing
Are you sure that crocodile attack wasn't in 2016? We have been to Tamarindo several times, the latest being June 2023. We haven't heard of any such incidents since that one. In any event, I agree with your suggestion to not paddle across the river mouth (estuary entrance really) from Tamarindo to Playa Grande. There are estuary tours on small boats that stage just inside the estuary. Some people have fed the very few and fairly small crocodiles that are in the estuary. The attack that I'm familiar with was a surfer paddling across the estuary to get to Playa Grande and a crocodile latched on to his leg. The guy never should have paddles across the estuary in the first place.
The few crocodiles in the area pretty much stay in the estuary. There is a drone video of a small crocodile wandering out into the surf for a bit, but they really don't like the waves. We love Costa Rica and particularly the Guanacaste area and have no concerns about surfing anywhere in the Guanacaste area. Pura Vida!
The few crocodiles in the area pretty much stay in the estuary. There is a drone video of a small crocodile wandering out into the surf for a bit, but they really don't like the waves. We love Costa Rica and particularly the Guanacaste area and have no concerns about surfing anywhere in the Guanacaste area. Pura Vida!
Bumping this thread, as me and my wife are planning a trip to Costa Rica for May. Based on the comments from some in this and other past posts, I think I've settled on Nayara Springs in La Fortuna for the entirety of our trip (probably will do 7 or 8 nights). Does this seem like a good idea? We're not interested in the beach for this trip, and ideally dont really want to stay in more than 1 spot (unless theres a really good reason to).
For anyone that stayed at one of the Nayara resorts (Springs, Gardens, Tented Camp), did you book though a travel agent/3rd party site or directly through their website? Any particular musts as far as things to do, places to see, restaurants to eat at in that area?
For anyone that stayed at one of the Nayara resorts (Springs, Gardens, Tented Camp), did you book though a travel agent/3rd party site or directly through their website? Any particular musts as far as things to do, places to see, restaurants to eat at in that area?
We recently did a split stay in La Fortuna and Playa Flamingo area, but if you're not wanting the beach you can definitely find enough to do in the La Fortuna area ( volcano hike, zip lining, waterfall, hanging bridges, thermal hot springs).
Lauren at Breeze Custom Travel (lauren@breezecustomtravel.com) booked our trip and is very knowledgeable of the area. She's a Former Student and posts on this forum often. She doesn't charge a fee to use her travel booking service.
Lauren at Breeze Custom Travel (lauren@breezecustomtravel.com) booked our trip and is very knowledgeable of the area. She's a Former Student and posts on this forum often. She doesn't charge a fee to use her travel booking service.
That seems like a lengthy stay all in one place with the elimination of beach activities; however, if you are going to do that then La Fortuna is probably the ideal place.
I assume that you will have a rental car, and that day trips are a possibility. White water rafting, hanging bridges, ziplines, waterfalls, thermal springs, rio celeste, wildlife tours and many other excursions are based there.
I cannot speak to any lodging locations, as my wife and I tend to bounce around a lot while we are there. We are heading back there for our anniversary in a few weeks.
PURA VIDA!!!
I assume that you will have a rental car, and that day trips are a possibility. White water rafting, hanging bridges, ziplines, waterfalls, thermal springs, rio celeste, wildlife tours and many other excursions are based there.
I cannot speak to any lodging locations, as my wife and I tend to bounce around a lot while we are there. We are heading back there for our anniversary in a few weeks.
PURA VIDA!!!
We are going to La Fortuna and Tamarindo late July. It's our second trip to Costa Rica. Last time we were advised on here to book our vehicle through Vamos instead of the National chains because we were told the National chains like Enterprise and such will charge you more once you get there. I'm seeing around $1,050 at Enterprise and $1,500 for Vamos for the same vehicle. Vamos does show the Mandatory insurance of around $19 a day. Am sure Enterprise is not. Vamos was great for us last time. Stay with Vamos or save a few hundred dollars?
Once you get to pick up at Liberia or San Jose and Avis starts with the hustle. You will not save money with them in most cases. We have used Vamos and Avis both there. The last time we used Nativos in Liberia and it was the best one I have used yet. We are going in three weeks and I am using vamos in Liberia. Nativos had no cars or I would have used them.
M order if preference would be Nativos then vamos and then Avis. After that I would book transport before using euro car.
M order if preference would be Nativos then vamos and then Avis. After that I would book transport before using euro car.
Has anyone made the drive from San Jose to La Fortuna that can comment on how it was? Assuming we're staying in La Fortuna our whole trip and any activities we do would likely be around there, is a rental car still a good idea, or not that necessary?
The drive is mountainous and scenic but the roads are pretty good. Don't get in a hurry and enjoy yourself. If I recall it takes about three hours.
Pura Vida.
Pura Vida.
If you were willing to fly into Liberia (direct flights from DFW) I would highly recommend Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo. We went this summer and it was amazing!
We've done this exact trip as well.nkmustang said:
If you were willing to fly into Liberia (direct flights from DFW) I would highly recommend Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo. We went this summer and it was amazing!
Highly recommend - especially if you are a globalist and can get a suite.
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