Where's the best place to travel in Costa Rica?

Question

My husband and I are planning a trip to Costa Rica and I find it completely daunting. There's the central part, the mountains, the south pacific, the north pacific. He wants to dive and I want to explore nature. Neither of us are into roughing it nor are we 5-star resort people either. Any recommendations?

Answer 1

The Guanacaste area. That way he gets to drive from national park to national park and you get to see nature. Also, in the Guanacaste area you'll be close to the Nicaraguan Rio San Juan where you can cross the border into Nicaragua and visit either Los Guatuzos (a beautiful and amazing protected area full of biodiversity, a RAMSAR wetland)  or Indio Maíz Biological Reserve and make little side trips to Ometepe (Largest volcanic island in a lake in the world) in Lake Nicaragua (2nd largest lake in Latin America) and other islands in the Lake include the Solentiname islands, it is an archipelago and on Mancarrón and San Fernando Island there is an artisan community.

Answer 2

Well, if you plan to have a car, there is no reason to try to limit the trip to just one region of the country (unless the trip will be only a few days). Even people who get a vacation package for a week usually visit several 2-3 areas.

On the map Costa Rica seems huge since it has so many destinations, but it really is only the size of West Virginia. So I suggest that you use the links provided to the Anywhere Costa Rica site and see what is available in the many regions and destinations of Costa Rica (links below) and base your decision on the sights and activities available, and how much time you have.

I would recommend to everybody visiting Costa Rica:

* Volcano Arenal - http://www.arenal.net

* Monteverde Cloud Forest - http://www.monteverdeinfo.com

* Manuel Antonio National Park - http://www.anywherecostarica.com/nationa...

Arenal and Monteverde are the two most unique experiences in the country, in my opinion. You can visit beaches in many parts of the world but accessible cloud forests and active volcanoes are not nearly as common.

Both Arenal and Monteverde are inland, so no diving. But Manual Antonio has both nature and is on the Pacific so I am sure there will be diving there.

Another option would be to fly into Liberia ( http://www.liberiacostarica.com ) instead of San Jose. The reason is that San Jose is about 3 hours to the nearest beach, while Liberia is right in the Guanacaste ( http://www.anywherecostarica.com/guanaca... ) region where there are tons of beaches very nearby.

This tip will save you from wasting part of a day driving back to the airport, or staying overnight in an airport hotel.

Answer 3

La Fortuna is amazing

Visit Volcano Arenal



Go up to the Mountains in Hereida

La Paz Waterfalls

Definately go to some HOTSPRINS, a must!  Lots in La Fortuna

Here is a link to some amazing things to do while in Costa Rica.  You will have a blast!  

http://www.igougo.com/travelcontent/Jour...

Answer 4

Lonely Planet Costa Rica has good information. It's very hot and humid with lots of insects, so take repellent if Homeland Security will let you get onboard with it. Tico's aren't crazy about Americans, nor is any other culture that I know of. Take care as there is a lot of crime, especially robberies. Check out the Tico Times online for a look at what's going on locally.

Answer 5

This is a very broad question and impossible to answer without more information about your interests, likes dislikes, 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 6

Carribean side is best for diving, but use mosquito repellant as there's a dengue epidemic there right now...be careful...lots of crimes of opportunity there...I'd recommend Uvita, Dominical area, and check out San Isidro de General.  Malpais on Nicoya peninsula is very nice...Tamarindo is developed and touristy, but good for a couple of days...Jaco is getting really over developed, and is earning a rep. for drugs and prostitutes...Costa Rica is a beautiful place and there's lots of nice people there, but keep your guard up as it is easy to get ripped off.

Answer 7

at montezuma you'll find a lot. a small cozy town that has everything you need. there is a beach and rivers with waterfalls you can swim in them. there is a lot you can do there. enjoy that place

Answer 8

Costa Rica is a small territory country with huge diversity (beaches, volcanoes, rainforest, cloud forest, etc). The good thing is that in a week you can get to see a lot of this country.  Today you can be diving in the North Pacific Coast and tomorrow hiking in the the cloud forest of Monteverde. There are all sorts of accommodation types in this country. There are inexpensive yet comfortable and clean hotels where you can stay.

Send me an email and I will be more than glad to help you out.

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