Costa Rica

[midtown 3350]

Anyone ever been all the way down to the border with Panama in CR?   Hilton has a pretty sweet looking property in Puerto Jimenez and I am racking up a shit ton of Hilton points I could use.  Looks like a drive I don't really want to do.  I can fly Sansa down from SJO.   Is it worth is to go that far down?  I was just in Boca Chica Panama and I do like that it feels really off the beaten path.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g309284-d23584149-Reviews-Botanika_Osa_Peninsula_Curio_Collection_by_Hilton-Puerto_Jimenez_Osa_Peninsula_Provin.html#/media/23584149/679061415:p/?albumid=101&type=0&category=101

[justhookit 4205]

On 4/18/2023 at 2:03 PM, midtown said:

Anyone ever been all the way down to the border with Panama in CR?   Hilton has a pretty sweet looking property in Puerto Jimenez and I am racking up a shit ton of Hilton points I could use.  Looks like a drive I don't really want to do.  I can fly Sansa down from SJO.   Is it worth is to go that far down?  I was just in Boca Chica Panama and I do like that it feels really off the beaten path.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g309284-d23584149-Reviews-Botanika_Osa_Peninsula_Curio_Collection_by_Hilton-Puerto_Jimenez_Osa_Peninsula_Provin.html#/media/23584149/679061415:p/?albumid=101&type=0&category=101

There is pretty much nothing in Puerto Jimenez itself but it has access to good fishing out of there or Golfito. Also some world class surfing nearby. The draw down there is Corcovado National Park which is absolutely amazing.

Ive spent a ton of time in Golfito but I’ve only flown through Puerto Jimenez. The flight from SJO stops there before flying across the Golfo Dulce on the way to Golfito. It’s a 3 minute flight.

Edited April 25, 2023 by justhookit

[midtown 3350]

14 minutes ago, justhookit said:

There is pretty much nothing in Puerto Jimenez itself but it has access to good fishing out of there or Golfito. Also some world class surfing nearby. The draw down there is Corcovado National Park which is absolutely amazing.

Sounds damn good to me.  Maybe Ill spend a few days down there and then jump up to MA for a few days.

[Born to Run 6598]

Anyone ever been all the way down to the border with Panama in CR?   Hilton has a pretty sweet looking property in Puerto Jimenez and I am racking up a shit ton of Hilton points I could use.  Looks like a drive I don't really want to do.  I can fly Sansa down from SJO.   Is it worth is to go that far down?  I was just in Boca Chica Panama and I do like that it feels really off the beaten path.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g309284-d23584149-Reviews-Botanika_Osa_Peninsula_Curio_Collection_by_Hilton-Puerto_Jimenez_Osa_Peninsula_Provin.html#/media/23584149/679061415:p/?albumid=101&type=0&category=101

Its my favorite areas in Costa Rica and I've been all over the Pacific Side. It's very much off the beaten path. Not much in Puerto Jimenez, but there is enough. Further down the road there is very little tourism (yoga retreats, a few restaurants and bars) but some awesome beaches. Playa Tamales, Playa Sombrero is one of my favorites and there is no sign. Matapalo is a gorgeous beach and great break. Many great beaches beyond that it gets even less crowded then completely off grid. I would explore that area. Decent internet service up to Matapalo.

Pavones across the Gulf is even more remote, bring cash as there is no ATM in town. It's more of a surf town and can be completely empty or packed to the gills with surfers depending on the infrequent swell. Unless you are trying to surf the second longest left in the world, I would explore the other side of the Golfo first.

You don't need 4wd up to Matapalo, I'm unsure beyond that. The road is much better than 6 years ago. You do need a car. It's easily 7hours by car from SJO so try and get flights to PJ. They were completely book last trip so we had to drive. It took forever to get to Pavones and the road sucks after Golfito.

Get a boat for a day and explore The Gulf. It's a freaking gorgeous Fjord. You can snorkel, and catch some small tuna and deceny snapper in calm seas.

Went to mass in PJ and all the locals ride thier horses and leave then tied up outside. It's quite the sight, all these Ticos in full western wear and cowboy hats speaking Latin

[Spaulding Smails 1610]

Firming up our plans for CR.  Arriving 8/2 to Liberia.  We're staying three days at Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel up in the jungle / mountains, then five days at the JW Marriott on the beach south of Tamarindo.  Me, wife (no pics) and two kids (15 & 11). Booked a full-day offshore trip.  The rest is kind of up in the air.

Any must-do activities or restaurant recs in Tamarindo?

And, I'm really trying to figure out if we're going to rent a car or not.  I have one booked, but trying to figure out if it makes sense to do that or rely on a charter service given how spread out we are.  Just looked and the JW is 30 minutes from Tamarindo.  We're more "eat in town / explore" than "hang out at the resort" people FWIW.  So, we're more likely to run around than stay camped out at the beach for five days.

[closetojumping 65245]

Sorry for not keeping up with this thread, but we’re pondering going somewhere new in Costa Rica just before the school year starts. My wife is saying “Los Suenos” looks fun. I normally take my boys offshore for half a day, so nothing serious like what some of you guys do, but we’ve caught tuna and wahoo and barracuda many times in CR, Grand Cayman and The Bahamas, so it’s fun. Anyway, outside of that we just do the beach and golf and so forth for a few days. 

Any experiences in that area or thoughts? Wondering if it is a good option not too far from an airport. 

[justhookit 4205]

2 hours ago, closetojumping said:

Sorry for not keeping up with this thread, but we’re pondering going somewhere new in Costa Rica just before the school year starts. My wife is saying “Los Suenos” looks fun. I normally take my boys offshore for half a day, so nothing serious like what some of you guys do, but we’ve caught tuna and wahoo and barracuda many times in CR, Grand Cayman and The Bahamas, so it’s fun. Anyway, outside of that we just do the beach and golf and so forth for a few days. 

Any experiences in that area or thoughts? Wondering if it is a good option not too far from an airport. 

Los Suenos is fine. Get a condo or house on the property instead of staying at the Marriott. Your wife and kids will love the pool at the hotel. The golf course is really pretty but not always in the best of shape due to all the rain. The “beach” there is not as nice as elsewhere.

[Chewbacca 7827]

Sorry for not keeping up with this thread, but we’re pondering going somewhere new in Costa Rica just before the school year starts. My wife is saying “Los Suenos” looks fun. I normally take my boys offshore for half a day, so nothing serious like what some of you guys do, but we’ve caught tuna and wahoo and barracuda many times in CR, Grand Cayman and The Bahamas, so it’s fun. Anyway, outside of that we just do the beach and golf and so forth for a few days. 
Any experiences in that area or thoughts? Wondering if it is a good option not too far from an airport. 

Tulemar, my dude. You're welcome.

And go fishing with @justhookit.

[midtown 3350]

Either Tulamar or Parador if you want high end. There are tons of other small spots all over MA depending on your preferences

[Kringelbert Fishtybuns 945]

Any dinner/late lunch recommendations on the way from SJO to Nuevo Arenal?  Planning on going the east route through la Fortuna around the volcano but it looks equivalent to go the west route.

Would be 6 adults and 3 kids  (including a baby). Nothing fancy, but looking for a good casado pit stop on the way up there.

We land at 1pm and probably have 2 or 3 cars.  Just don’t want to have some of our drivers doing to much nighttime jungle driving (based on their daytime, city driving).

[Wally Pryor 5388]

On 7/15/2023 at 8:31 AM, closetojumping said:

Sorry for not keeping up with this thread, but we’re pondering going somewhere new in Costa Rica just before the school year starts. My wife is saying “Los Suenos” looks fun. I normally take my boys offshore for half a day, so nothing serious like what some of you guys do, but we’ve caught tuna and wahoo and barracuda many times in CR, Grand Cayman and The Bahamas, so it’s fun. Anyway, outside of that we just do the beach and golf and so forth for a few days. 

Any experiences in that area or thoughts? Wondering if it is a good option not too far from an airport. 

Tulemar. You won't be disappointed. 

[closetojumping 65245]

2 hours ago, Wally Pryor said:

Tulemar. You won't be disappointed. 

My wife booked us at Flamingo Beach in a nice condo at a resort, 100 feet from the beach. It had good reviews and was only 45 minutes from Liberia, so it won out for her. I had her read a bit of this thread and her concern when researching Tulemar was the drive for the kids. They travel a ton, but that's about 10 hours door to door for a 4 night stay, returning the night before school starts. Y'all rec it strong enough that we're considering a longer trip to there in the future, with or without the midgets in tow.

[Wally Pryor 5388]

17 minutes ago, closetojumping said:

My wife booked us at Flamingo Beach in a nice condo at a resort, 100 feet from the beach. It had good reviews and was only 45 minutes from Liberia, so it won out for her. I had her read a bit of this thread and her concern when researching Tulemar was the drive for the kids. They travel a ton, but that's about 10 hours door to door for a 4 night stay, returning the night before school starts. Y'all rec it strong enough that we're considering a longer trip to there in the future, with or without the midgets in tow.

You'll want to go back to CR again. Tulemar will still be there. 

[closetojumping 65245]

10 minutes ago, Wally Pryor said:

You'll want to go back to CR again. Tulemar will still be there. 

For sure. This will be our 6th time hanging out down there. With United paring back direct flights to Grand Cayman for some reason, it will be damned near annual.

[justhookit 4205]

20 hours ago, closetojumping said:

My wife booked us at Flamingo Beach in a nice condo at a resort, 100 feet from the beach. It had good reviews and was only 45 minutes from Liberia, so it won out for her. I had her read a bit of this thread and her concern when researching Tulemar was the drive for the kids. They travel a ton, but that's about 10 hours door to door for a 4 night stay, returning the night before school starts. Y'all rec it strong enough that we're considering a longer trip to there in the future, with or without the midgets in tow.

Playa Conchal is considered the best beach in CR and it is right next to Flamingo. It’s worth a visit. Other than that I’ve only spent a day in Flamingo. Coco Loco on the beach is really good and I am sure there’s some good stuff in the new marina there. A few friends of mine just spent 10 days there fishing and hanging out if you need some more recs.

Tulemar is really nice and recommended so highly here for a reason, but there are a ton of other really nice options too. And you can always fly Sansa from SJO to Manuel Antonio. Fifteen minute flight that works great if you can time your arrival early enough in the day.

[Shaddie 1684]

On 4/25/2023 at 9:47 AM, justhookit said:

There is pretty much nothing in Puerto Jimenez itself but it has access to good fishing out of there or Golfito. Also some world class surfing nearby. The draw down there is Corcovado National Park which is absolutely amazing.

Ive spent a ton of time in Golfito but I’ve only flown through Puerto Jimenez. The flight from SJO stops there before flying across the Golfo Dulce on the way to Golfito. It’s a 3 minute flight.

@justhookit

Any guide recs out of PJ? Going there after Thanksgiving. Just want some eating fish so not sure what might be best option. Offshore or inshore for grouper/snapper. 

[justhookit 4205]

17 hours ago, Shaddie said:

@justhookit

Any guide recs out of PJ? Going there after Thanksgiving. Just want some eating fish so not sure what might be best option. Offshore or inshore for grouper/snapper. 

http://4costaricafishing.com
This is the best outfit down there. The head guy Bobby McGuinness is kind of a prick, but he can fish. He runs their big boats though and it sounds like you’d be fine with their smaller boats.

Edited July 30, 2023 by justhookit

[Dbeasy 15526]

On 7/17/2023 at 12:00 PM, closetojumping said:

My wife booked us at Flamingo Beach in a nice condo at a resort, 100 feet from the beach. It had good reviews and was only 45 minutes from Liberia, so it won out for her. I had her read a bit of this thread and her concern when researching Tulemar was the drive for the kids. They travel a ton, but that's about 10 hours door to door for a 4 night stay, returning the night before school starts. Y'all rec it strong enough that we're considering a longer trip to there in the future, with or without the midgets in tow.

We flew down and had a driver going back to minimize car time. 

We didn’t crash and die going down to Manuel Antonio, although we took off from a dirt runway outside of Arenal, with a buzzard sitting at the end of the runway, so that was a positive. Although three weeks later that same plane did crash and kill some people. So, my recommendation is a bit iffy. 

[midtown 3350]

5 hours ago, Dbeasy said:

Although three weeks later that same plane did crash and kill some people. So, my recommendation is a bit iffy. 

50 50

[justhookit 4205]

Love this country. In town for a few days in Los Suenos. Flew in last night and got my fill of Imperial Light and Chileguaro, marina day today, tomorrow taking a boat ride to Quepos and back. 

Edited October 3, 2023 by justhookit

[justhookit 4205]

Anyone coming down this year? Going on month 2 right now and here until late April. They changed the entry stamp from 90 days to 180 which makes things a lot easier. I’ll be back for all of July and August too.

Prices are noticeably up for almost everything, still a bit cheaper than Texas but not by much anymore. It’s also much more crowded than I’ve ever seen it.

@immamac my last Burnt Endz koozie went overboard while we were fishing the other day. Need more por favor.

[midtown 3350]

1 hour ago, justhookit said:

Anyone coming down this year?

I've got a few other CA countries to hit including Guatemala next week but might look at a trip during rainy season aka Octoberish. Its been too long

Edited February 6 by midtown

[4HE 156]

On 2/6/2024 at 10:26 AM, justhookit said:

Anyone coming down this year? Going on month 2 right now and here until late April. They changed the entry stamp from 90 days to 180 which makes things a lot easier. I’ll be back for all of July and August too.

Prices are noticeably up for almost everything, still a bit cheaper than Texas but not by much anymore. It’s also much more crowded than I’ve ever seen it.

@immamac my last Burnt Endz koozie went overboard while we were fishing the other day. Need more por favor.

We are binging the kids and my in-laws down the last week of May. Staying at a house in Tulemar. I booked the Caribsea and Sportsman for a full day trip. 
I’m in desperate need of a vacation so it can’t get here soon enough. 
How is the real estate market these days? Every time we go I get closer and closer to pulling the trigger on buying a place down there. 

[justhookit 4205]

15 hours ago, 4HE said:

We are binging the kids and my in-laws down the last week of May. Staying at a house in Tulemar. I booked the Caribsea and Sportsman for a full day trip. 
I’m in desperate need of a vacation so it can’t get here soon enough. 
How is the real estate market these days? Every time we go I get closer and closer to pulling the trigger on buying a place down there. 

I think it’s a fairly good time to buy. The market definitely seems softer than it was the first 2 years after Covid. I’m currently in the process of buying something.
They are struggling a little bit with the cartel violence but so far it really isn’t spilling into the general public or tourists. But I’m definitely a little more cautious about where and what time of day I go somewhere than I was even just last year.

[wild_turkey 3279]

Wife and I are wanting to take our 18-month old somewhere in late July or late August and are considering CR. We've never been before. We already have adult luxury vacations to Ibiza/Mallorca and St. Barth this year, so this would hopefully just be an easy family getaway. We've also considered places like San Diego or Riviera Maya, but we thought CR might give us a chance to dip our toes into a new country for us.

I realize lots of people go there to fish or do adventure excursions, but we aren't looking for that. We want a good hotel, preferrably with a good pool and close to a decent beach. That gives the kid some stuff to do and we can mostly relax. It seems somewhere near Tamarindo would fit the bill. Someone I follow on IG just did a similar trip to Cala Luna Hotel which looks nice.

I've read the rave reviews about Tulemar on here but it's a longer drive and it looks a little bit dated or possibly timeshare-ish in the photos. Maybe the internet doesn't do it justice, but I think the 3 hour drive from SJO would not be ideal. At that distance, we would probably lean towards Nayara Springs, or just pick a different destination altogether.

Any suggestions or reasons why this trip might be a bad idea for our situation? Is the rainy season going to be too much of a factor? Thanks.

Edited May 1 by wild_turkey

[wild_turkey 3279]

double post

Edited May 1 by wild_turkey

[justhookit 4205]

14 hours ago, wild_turkey said:

Wife and I are wanting to take our 18-month old somewhere in late July or late August and are considering CR. We've never been before. We already have adult luxury vacations to Ibiza/Mallorca and St. Barth this year, so this would hopefully just be an easy family getaway. We've also considered places like San Diego or Riviera Maya, but we thought CR might give us a chance to dip our toes into a new country for us.

I realize lots of people go there to fish or do adventure excursions, but we aren't looking for that. We want a good hotel, preferrably with a good pool and close to a decent beach. That gives the kid some stuff to do and we can mostly relax. It seems somewhere near Tamarindo would fit the bill. Someone I follow on IG just did a similar trip to Cala Luna Hotel which looks nice.

I've read the rave reviews about Tulemar on here but it's a longer drive and it looks a little bit dated or possibly timeshare-ish in the photos. Maybe the internet doesn't do it justice, but I think the 3 hour drive from SJO would not be ideal. At that distance, we would probably lean towards Nayara Springs, or just pick a different destination altogether.

Any suggestions or reasons why this trip might be a bad idea for our situation? Is the rainy season going to be too much of a factor? Thanks.

The bolded part is exactly why people go to CR and love it, so I think you’ve already answered your own question.

Obviously I love CR and Tulemar but there are a bunch of other options in the Manuel Antonio area for resorts. Most aren’t going to fit what it sounds like you are looking for though. Same really goes for Tamarindo. It sounds like if you want to stick with CR you’d be happier at one of the high end resorts north of there - the W, Westin, Four Seasons, etc.

 

[brownboy 46]

Sucks that AA dropped the non-stop flight from Austin to Liberia last month.  Took that down there a few times the last 2 years.  Of course you can still get to LIR with a connection.

[Party_Taco 3882]

Sucks that AA dropped the non-stop flight from Austin to Liberia last month.  Took that down there a few times the last 2 years.  Of course you can still get to LIR with a connection.

AA’s abandonment of AUS is a tragedy… so many routes just gone.

[wild_turkey 3279]

The bolded part is exactly why people go to CR and love it, so I think you’ve already answered your own question.
Obviously I love CR and Tulemar but there are a bunch of other options in the Manuel Antonio area for resorts. Most aren’t going to fit what it sounds like you are looking for though. Same really goes for Tamarindo. It sounds like if you want to stick with CR you’d be happier at one of the high end resorts north of there - the W, Westin, Four Seasons, etc.
 

Thanks for the input. I guess I’m wondering if CR is still a worthwhile destination if we’re not going there for the sake of fishing, ziplining, or other adventure activities? Is is a good place to simply relax?

I’m reluctant to stay at the properties you mentioned because we have an aversion to large resorts and an anaphylactic reaction to all-inclusive. We’d much prefer a smaller boutique hotel that has nice rooms and grounds, and it appears there are some of those in that area.

[midtown 3350]

I'm always relaxed in CR. There a tons of small boutique properties all over MA.  Something like this might be up your alley

https://www.espadilla.com/site/

 

[justhookit 4205]

12 hours ago, wild_turkey said:

Thanks for the input. I guess I’m wondering if CR is still a worthwhile destination if we’re not going there for the sake of fishing, ziplining, or other adventure activities? Is is a good place to simply relax?

I’m reluctant to stay at the properties you mentioned because we have an aversion to large resorts and an anaphylactic reaction to all-inclusive. We’d much prefer a smaller boutique hotel that has nice rooms and grounds, and it appears there are some of those in that area.

 

3 hours ago, midtown said:

I'm always relaxed in CR. There a tons of small boutique properties all over MA.  Something like this might be up your alley

https://www.espadilla.com/site/

 

Maybe I misread what you are looking for, but also it sounds like you don’t want to do the drive to Manuel Antonio (there’s also a 15 minute flight on Sansa that works if you can coordinate arrival time with their schedule). But yes, CR is a great place to relax like midtown said. Tamarindo is much busier and touristy than Manuel Antonio but probably has more options for you with easier beach access. CR has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but those aren’t really close to most of the resort and resort towns. the Tamarindo public beach is just ok, but Playa Conchal and a few others nearby are great.

[midtown 3350]

The drive really isnt bad.  Most gringos take the shuttle which has a nice stop at the souvenir and food place.  That chicken plate slams.  Car rental also pretty easy a tiny bit of spanish would help.  Other than closures its 15x easier than a drive on 10 or 35 etc

[justhookit 4205]

@wild_turkey one place I always seem to forget about in Manuel Antonio might be perfect. https://www.losaltosresort.com
If yall end up in Manuel Antonio we will buy y’all some drinks at the marina or somewhere.

Wish I was more help in the Tamarindo and northern area but I’ve only been up there twice.

[DalTxHornFan 3130]

I'm with a group of couples that have rented a large beachfront house in Playa Langosta in February.  Anybody have any knowledge of that area?  Have not seen it mentioned on this thread.  Thanks.

[tbone_ 14408]

Anyone know a wedding planner in CR?

[NeverMarryAStripper 22241]

Don’t do it

[justhookit 4205]

18 hours ago, DalTxHornFan said:

I'm with a group of couples that have rented a large beachfront house in Playa Langosta in February.  Anybody have any knowledge of that area?  Have not seen it mentioned on this thread.  Thanks.

Pretty sure that’s really just the southern part of Tamarindo. Lots of tourists. Good food and drink spots. It’s very dry in that area and hot, not as much wildlife as the central and southern parts of the country. Some really nice beaches within a 30 minute drive that are considered the best beaches in all of CR. The main Tamarindo beach is just ok, I didn’t venture all the way down to what they call the Langosta beach so not sure how it is.

[tbone_ 14408]

Don’t do it

She’s not a stripper.

Pretty sure that’s really just the southern part of Tamarindo. Lots of tourists. Good food and drink spots. It’s very dry in that area and hot, not as much wildlife as the central and southern parts of the country. Some really nice beaches within a 30 minute drive that are considered the best beaches in all of CR. The main Tamarindo beach is just ok, I didn’t venture all the way down to what they call the Langosta beach so not sure how it is.

I though Tamarindo was a cool town, fwiw

[Frank Drebin 5824]

3 hours ago, justhookit said:

Pretty sure that’s really just the southern part of Tamarindo. Lots of tourists. Good food and drink spots. It’s very dry in that area and hot, not as much wildlife as the central and southern parts of the country. Some really nice beaches within a 30 minute drive that are considered the best beaches in all of CR. The main Tamarindo beach is just ok, I didn’t venture all the way down to what they call the Langosta beach so not sure how it is.

During Christmas, we stayed in the neighborhood near the JW Marriott resort by Playa Langosta.  The beach was close to the house we rented.  That beach was really pretty.  Much nicer than Tamarindo's beach.

 

[Bevo 13823]

On 4/25/2023 at 9:47 AM, justhookit said:

There is pretty much nothing in Puerto Jimenez itself but it has access to good fishing out of there or Golfito. Also some world class surfing nearby. The draw down there is Corcovado National Park which is absolutely amazing.

Ive spent a ton of time in Golfito but I’ve only flown through Puerto Jimenez. The flight from SJO stops there before flying across the Golfo Dulce on the way to Golfito. It’s a 3 minute flight.

I've stayed in the Botika hotel and fished from there. What do y'all want to know?

[4HE 156]

Tipping etiquette for the concierge and house staff for a house in Tulemar. Concierge has been good, house staff have been excellent. 
 

I like to tip very well, but just don’t have a concept of what that should be. Percentage of house rental?

[justhookit 4205]

4 hours ago, 4HE said:

Tipping etiquette for the concierge and house staff for a house in Tulemar. Concierge has been good, house staff have been excellent. 
 

I like to tip very well, but just don’t have a concept of what that should be. Percentage of house rental?

Knowing the price of Tulemar I’d say 20% or less of the price of the house rental for everyone. Divide that up between house staff and concierge however you feel fit but a lot depends on how much they’ve done for you. 10% would still be a really good tip; they don’t expect anything at all really.

[Wally Pryor 5388]

Booked a family trip to Tulemar late Fall. 

Looking at doing some white water rafting on one of the days if anyone has recommendations. 

[HookEm 2492]

On 7/17/2023 at 12:00 PM, closetojumping said:

My wife booked us at Flamingo Beach in a nice condo at a resort, 100 feet from the beach.

I LOVE Flamingo Beach.  Perfect waves and water temperature.  It is honestly one of my favorite beaches anywhere all things considered.  Early one morning, I went for a run and just took my shoes off and ran into the water when I was done. I was the only one on the whole mile long beach for quite a while.  I also second the Coco Loco rec. 

I also really like Playa Conchal - one of the more unique "beaches" anywhere.  It isn't a sandy beach, but made up of millions of tiny smooth shells, that are almost the same as sand but more colorful and interesting. The waves sound awesome as they crash and filter through the tiny shells.  And the water is clear because you don't have sand and silt ruining the clarity - so you can snorkel.

[justhookit 4205]

4 hours ago, Wally Pryor said:

Booked a family trip to Tulemar late Fall. 

Looking at doing some white water rafting on one of the days if anyone has recommendations. 

@midtownhas an interesting experience 

[midtown 3350]

Do you mean the part where 6 Americans died the week after I did the same route they did? If so then yeah.  If your outifitter says we cant go you should listen to them

Sorry it was only 4

https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/22/americas/costa-rica-raft-deaths/index.html

 

Edited June 16 by midtown

[Wally Pryor 5388]

Well, if we see 6 inches of rain I'm guessing we won't even be consulting our outfitter about whether we want to deal with 4 and 5s on the Naranjo vs. 2 and 3s. 

[sidis 9990]

headed to nayara gardens/springs/tented camp for a week in mid-july. fly into liberia and then car transfer down there. planning to just stay there and enjoy that spot.

looks like @Augustus enjoyed it cruising through this thread. any can't miss elements while there from anyone?

[Augustus 3061]

On 7/2/2024 at 3:27 PM, sidis said:

headed to nayara gardens/springs/tented camp for a week in mid-july. fly into liberia and then car transfer down there. planning to just stay there and enjoy that spot.

looks like @Augustus enjoyed it cruising through this thread. any can't miss elements while there from anyone?

I've been beyond blessed to travel to several foreign cities/countries, including much of Europe, the middle- and far-east, Mexico, central America, and I can state unequivocally that Nayara has the best customer service in the world.  I was blown away with so many things--too many to count--but I'll name a few:  The outdoor showers.  Who knew it would be so awesome to shower outside in the rainforest each morning.  The housekeeping staff comes not once, but twice per day.  The hotel grounds are enormous, so you can order a golf cart and driver at no charge, beyond what you might tip.  The whole place is surrounded by jungle and full of great jungle "music" at night, from the monkeys to countless birds species.

After 4 nights there, we drove to Manuel Antonio and rented lodging just buried in the jungle, and again, you can request a driver to take down through the rain forest to get to a private beach.  (I was alone, sitting in a beach chair and reading a book--I needed a day of relaxation before the remainder of our trip--I looked down and saw something tiny crawling across, and when my eyes adjusted, it was about a million teeny crabs moving toward the ocean.)  This hotel is called Los Altos, and it was the first time for me that an elevator opened right in my room.

Besides the national park, you'll need no help to find plenty of places to see/things to do.

If you're eating in one the many outdoor restaurants, you'll want to be wary of the capuchins.  They'll steal food right off your plate.

Edited July 4 by Augustus