Costa Rica -- things not to miss?

Question

My boyfriend and I are going to costa rica next week for eight days (yay!). We're staying pretty much just a day in San Jose (figured we should see it) and then heading out to the pacific coast. We'll be staying in tamarindo, which i understand is pretty developed and touristy -- but have rented a car, so we can definitely get around. Looking for suggestions of little gems -- restaurants, activities, whatever in the guanacaste/nicoya area, or anywhere else we can reasonably drive in a day! We're both pretty adventurous, but can also definitely lounge on a beach for a day :).

Thanks!!

Answer 1

Whatever you do, don't miss the Canapy/Zip Lining Tours.  This is so much fun for the adventurous and unadventurous alike!   I don't go to Latin America anymore without trying to locate the closest zip lining company - it's definitely a priority!  There is much to do in CR, some I've done and some I'll eventually get too - but Zip Lining is always on the itinerary.

Answer 2

must go to playa conchal...a really cool small beach just outside of tamarindo! you can ask the locals they can give you directions..from tamarindo it is towrds playa flamingo.  it is down a dirt rd that seems like it is going no where then you go up and down a hill and there is  a cove the sand is mande up of tiny tiny cocina shells and its soft on your feet! the water is crclear here too and very calm. very cool.  also I would say that tamarindo is a fun place but extremely touristy and busy and dirty and loud..4 wheelers everywhere..not the peaceful place you imagine costarica being. my favorite place there is manuel antonio!!!!!!!!! there are huge cliffs that over look the ocean..all hotels and b& Bs r up on the cliffs w aweso,e water views and there is so much lush and tropical forrest surrounding you. monkeys swing in trees just outside your windows and balconies. its awesome there is also lots of resturants and bars..nice beach..you can go to one end of beach for seclusion /and surfing or at other there is a little beach bar on the sand w food and drinks.  or more seclusion in the park--coves w pretty beaches. we love to stay at villa nicolas..they have a website www.villanicolas.com (cant believe i just gave up my best kept secret!) dont go to jaco--it sucks.  zip line is way cool!

Answer 3

Something almost nobody goes to is the Boston gold mines near Las Juntas de Abangares.  People are working surface and underground by hand methods.  It is an odd thing to see.  There is some stuff for tourist in las Juntas and and old Mining museum nearby but it is far more interesting to get out to Boston where they are working.    

You can get meals and rooms in Las Juntas,.  It is a bit more then 1 hour south of Liberia.  in the dry season you can get to the Boston area from Las Juntas in 20 minutes.  If its wet you may not be able to drive in at all, and have to walk the last 1/2 mile.

Answer 4

Friday night the hotspot was the Monkey Bar.  It was a little walk outside of town but was the popular spot to be.  As you climbed the long staircase from the street level, the music was blaring and the vibe was casual and fun.  

On Saturday night, the place to be was Babylon as there was a live reggae band playing, ladies night,   Once again the whole town was there dancing, drinking, playing pool.