I'm going to Costa Rica in a month and I've never been! Need advice!!!?

Question

I will be in Costa Rica for about a week at the end of May and plan on flying into San Jose. After that, I am lost as whether to go towards the Pacific or the Caribbean. Does anyone know any good spots to see and stay without being to pricey??

Answer 1

I've been to Tamarindo in Costa Rica & it is GORGEOUS!!! You have to take an Indiana Jones plane to get there, but it is only about a 45 min flight!!! You can go zip lining through the jungle & there are beautiful beaches!!! I went with my dad when I was younger and still had fun!!! No matter where you go I think you will have fun no matter what.  Whatever hotel you are in they usually have a package and things for you to sign up for .

Answer 2

The best spot on the Caribbean is in tortuguero national park. Turtle Beach Lodge is located privately along the coast. It is a 2 hour flat bottom boat ride to get there but it is worth it. Or you can catch a plain from San Jose, also. I recommend the boat ride because you can see much more wildlife. http://www.turtlebeachlodge.com/

It is not along the coast but the Heloconia hotel in Moonteverde national park is also a great spot.

There is ziplineing near by and many local shops. It is a little harder to get to but it is also worth it. Its located almost 3500 feet above sea level in the cloud forests.

On the Pacific, Tamarindo is the place to stay. It is a big surf hangout and the people are friendly. The El  Milagro hotel is a great place to stay. Good price, great food, and its located near some surf shops and nice restaurants.

Watch out for pickpocketing in San Jose and don't go out after dark. The Grand hotel Costa Rica is a good place to stay. I wouldn't stay in San Jose for more than one night. Not much to do.

Answer 3

Go to www.vacationcity.com and talk with a travel agent there.  They can book the whole vacation for you according to your budget.  They have so many options, you won't need to go anywhere else to make your plans.  These are good people that run this travel agency and they have contacts all over the country.  Just tell them what you want to do and they will set you up.

Answer 4

You want to send an e-mail to Earl who is one of Costa Rica's top Tour guide and very reasonable. He can take you anywhere in San Jose and nearby areas that you would want to go. He can pick you up from the Air port and take you to your hotel which should be the Hotel Del Rey, downtown San Jose - ask for Edgar who is the Reservation Manager.

Visit Earls web site: duke of earls.com

His e-mail address is : [e-mail]

Tell Earle that Paul B from Florida told you to contact him.

I would suggest that you spend your first day in San Jose visiting the Jade and Gold Museum and possibly its "Craftsman Market" which is a huge vendors market of all sorts of goodies! Then take a plane to Quepos on the Pacific coast of CR by flying Sansa Air Ways.  You can fly there in 29 minutes and round trip to and from San Jose is only $98.00. round trip!

When In Quepos stay at the Hotel Kamuck (see their website at Hotelkamuk.com) $50.00 a night & continental breakfast.  Visit Manuel Antonio Park/Beach which is five minutes away by cab -  and take advantage of their beautiful beach, etc. their tours and everything else while there. Quepos has a fantastic Huge Gift shop with many, many interesting items and Antiques!

You have to go to the Restaurant up in the Mountains when in San Jose!  Its called "Tiquicia" and their food is out of this world and their prices quite inexpensive.  It overlooks the central valley and at night you see Billions of tiny lights far out into the distance as far as the eye can see.  Earl can also take you there and back to your Hotel.

I will be there myself in June/july for the July 4th celebration!

Good Luck!

VIVA LA PURA VIDA!

Answer 5

i am from Costa Rica and i think the beaches are good view

Answer 6

visit Jurassic Park...

Answer 7

You should spend the first night in San Jose or Alajuela (city near the airport with lots of B&B). Same with the last nigth before returning home. It really depends on how long you are going to stay. Pacific has nicer white sand beaches and it is a lot more developed. North pacific is a 5 hour drive bus or car. Mid pacific is more expensive (around Manuel Antonio) and south pacific is really rainforest and secluded, but expensive because of access. The caribbean is not like most would think, the south caribbean near Puerto Viejo is a place where black people live, lots of European backpackers go and where you will hardly find a hotel with a/c, it is simple, but something for backpackers and exotic travellers. The north pacific is a lot more "international" like Tamarindo or Flamingo, Conchal, etc. Note: to visit volcanoes or do whitewaterrafting, you have to stay in San Jose, it is only possible to do this from here. Let me know if you have more questions.

Answer 8

Heres some advice: TAKE ME WITH YOU! Pretty please? DOnt leave me here in this dismal place! Ill be good and eat my vegitables and I wont talk too much!