On my next trip I plan to go to Costa Rica. Can anyone tell me any good place to visit there?

Question

On my next trip I plan to go to Costa Rica. Can anyone tell me any good place to visit there?

Answer 1

Well written guide books are probably the best bet here and among the 6-7 books I've read on the subject, the offering from the 'Lonely Planet' series simply titled Costa Rica is the best.  I found it at one of the AAA (Auto  Club) stores or Barnes and Noble books which are in all larger towns.  Of course, you can order it online from:

                             www.lonelyplanet.com

I'm headed back to CR for a couple of weeks soon and that's the book I will use while there.  

My own personal reccomendations are to visit a series of some of the nine active volcanos in the country and Arenal is hard to beat.  Stay around the town of Fortuna or maybe up at the Arenal Observatory Lodge (Good view of Lake Arenal as well as the volcano).  I am one of the majority of visitors who prefer the Pacific coast side of the country because of the beautiful beaches with their Pacific sunsets.  If you go over there, check out the national park called "Manuel Antonio" just south of the fishing port of Quepos.

There are innumerable canopy tours and whitewater raft concessionaires available-Just see your Lonely Planet book for this.  You'll like the people. The 'Ticos' are some of the happiest folks I've encountered on this globe in the universe and you will soon be using their phrase of 'Pura Vida" which means "Pure life"..

Answer 2

I recommend the Arenal volcano, the Monteverde cloud forest, and Manuel Antonio as a few starters. It is up to your personal taste of course but these are several of my favorites.

Answer 3

one word... MONTEZUMA

Answer 4

This is a very broad question and impossible to answer without more information about your interests, likes, dislikes, budget, etc..The best thing to do is to get a guide book (Lonely Planet and Moon guide are my favorites) which will answer your questions.

Answer 5

http://centralamerica.com/cr/

Answer 6

The best idea is to read up on Costa Rica as much as you can.  A lot depends on your budget and how long you'll be there.  My main opinion is to stay away from the cities and enjoy nature, beaches, and resorts (within your budget).  I did not spend a lot on books as I would sit down for a cup (or three) of coffee while I read books about Costa Rica at book shops with these kinds of facilities.  Then I would purchase Only the books that catered to my needs.  And by reading different books, you'll get a better idea of what you might want to do.  If you get interested in real estate, Don't jump in at first sight.  There is a lot to choose from and it seems there are a lot of realtors popping up all over Costa Rica.  Get recommendations from close friends if possible.

Answer 7

Beaches:  Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero, Montezuma, Cahuita, Jaco

Volcanoes: Arenal, Poas

Cities/towns: San Jose, Cartago, Sarchi

Rainforest: Monteverde

Other: Rio Celeste

Really most anything you might want to see is within a 4 hour or so bus-ride, so you can do a lot of things, just be aware that the roads aren't very good and it's mostly public transportation unless you go on a guided tour.  It's fantastic.  Travel is cheap and you can stay in a number of hostels or hotels all around the country for as little as $5/night.  Have a great time.  I hope you love it as much as I did!

Answer 8

I recommend a couple places that are a tad off the beaten path. They're just north of La Fortuna, and you'll wonder why they haven't been exploited to the max (while being appreciative that they haven't been). The two places:

Río Celeste

Venado Caves

Here you can find good information and pictures on the places:

http://www.ruralcostarica.com/rio-celest...

http://www.northerncostarica.com/venado-...

Answer 9

It really depends on what your looking to do but I went a year ago and had a great time. Ill give you a rundown of what we did.

We arrived in san jose and I stayed at the hotel meson del angel and it was pretty cheap and wasn't to bad it was older inside but was sufficient. I think I paid $35 for one night for me and a friend while my mom stayed at a pretty nice hotel down the street wich was really beautiful I think she paid $60-$80 not sure tho. Then the next day we rented a car and started our voyage. First we drove to the poas volcano/huge crator. It was pretty cool there. You can go for a little hike and take great pictures. Then later that day we drove to La fortuna. Now this place was awesome its like three small towns that surround this huge active volcano. Its kinda a tourist spot but not to bad. Theres a bunch of great restaurants and bars where at night time they shut off all the lights sometimes so people can actually see the volcano and its small eruptions. The next day there we rented dirt bikes for like $50 a day. We just rode around all day riding around the volcano and the scenery was great. There were also a lot of good bars there with alot of friendly people. We stayed at a hotel called los lagos this was a beautiful hotel. they have there own zip line tour there which was pretty fun actually extremely fun. Where they serve breakfast they have crocodiles underneath the lounge. Then after that we went to montezuma beach it was the best part of the trip.

    Not sure if this helps but anything you do there will be fun. Its a different culture so youll have a good time. Good Luck.

Answer 10

That is like asking which is the most fun ride in Disneyland, but a favorite places would be Arenal volcano, Avellanas beach, Tamarindo beach, Tortuguero canals, Manuel Antonio and Quepos, Irazu volcano, Guanacaste, etc

Answer 11

I went a few years ago with a girlfriend, and am moving there next year...and I've gotta say, don't miss Quepos.  It's the most beautiful place I've ever been, and it's also got Manuel Antonio National Park, where the monkeys are tame!

San Jose is just ok.  I also really wanted to go to Tortuga (I know that's not the right name, but close...), where the turtles hatch.  Also, DEFINITELY go on one of the zip wires you ride over the rainforest canopy (if you're not afraid of heights!!!).

I went there, and have traveled a lot with Gap Adventures (www.gapadventures.com).  They're all about sustainable tourism, use local, awesome guides, have small groups, and are a great bang for the buck.  Can't endorse them enough - my parents went around the world a few years ago by stringing their trips together.  Lonely planet's great, too, just be careful - their info is not always accurate.  If you are not 18-30 and into hostels and all that, you might want to consider Fodor's (my personal preference).  It'll have more refined restaurant listings and things to do.  I've also heard Moon was good but don't have one.

Don't miss Quepos, though - you won't be sorry.

Answer 12

In Costa Rica I would say:

Volcano Arenal in Frotuna

Sea Turtles and Beach in Tamarindo

and Canopy gliding in Monteverde

Here are a couple links to Costa Rica travels by my friend and I:

http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-ent...

http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-ent...