What part of Costa Rica is best for a one week trip, to include beaches and rain forests, some shopping...?

Question

...with a minimum of time spent on busses going from one place to another?

My advice so far is to go to the Pacific coast side, but what region is best, in your opinion?

Answer 1

I personally do not know, but my girls parents just got back. will check it out and get back with you later.

ps: i will fit in a suitcase! :)

blessings

)o(

Answer 2

I would recommend Arenal and puerto viejo. Arenal for rain forest and nature. Puerto Viejo for the beaches and both for shopping.

Answer 3

I wish I could help. My son lives there, and yet is stuck in the city and rarely gets out to beaches or forests.

The Pacific side is where the surf is, I know that much, (but it's little help).

My ex-wife may help - but you may get better help from tourist web sites.

I know there are no straight roads - so allow a lot of time to get anywhere. San Jose airport is very busy place. The traffic in San Jose is like LA or NY.

Answer 4

The best thing about CR is that you can travel in just hours from the Atlantic to the Pacific.  So don't worry about losing time travelling.

If you want to go to the beach, I recommend going to Guanacaste, on the north pacific side.  You can go from the Airport in Alajuela (near San José- a 4 hour drive) or arrive at the Liberia Airport and in few minutes you can be at the beach.

There you can travel between amazing beaches like Potrero, Flamingo, Papagayo, Tamarindo, etc.  You will find endless recreational activities like surfing, horseback riding, biking, canopy, kayak, birdwatching, etc.

If you want to do some shopping, you can go to Tamarindo or Liberia, you'll find many souvenir and gifts shops from local artists.  

If you are thinking of shopping like in malls, you'll have to go to San José, there are a lot of shopping malls like Multiplaza in Escazú and Zapote.