Possible to travel in Costa Rica WITHOUT an itenerary???
Replies: 14 - Last Post: Feb 15, 2013 4:53 PM Last Post By: vtrioreau90
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Possible to travel in Costa Rica WITHOUT an itenerary???
I am planning a trip to Costa Rica in February 2013 and was wondering if it is possible to land in San Jose, have a hotel for the first night of the trip, rent a vehicle...and then just let the adventure begin. In other words, I have a basic itenerary in mind, but would rather arrange accomodations once I am there since you never really know how long it might take to get somewhere, or how long you might want to stay. Does anyone have any ideas on whether or not this type of travle is possible???Normally I am very planned and organized, but for this trip I thought I might wing it...is this even possible in Costa Rica??? Help please!!! Thanks!
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of course it is possible. february is not all that busy for tourism so you shouldn't have a problem finding lodging that suits you.i would do some research about costa rica and various places of interest and have a good map and if you don't know any spanish, learn as much as you can between now and then. it will help you tremendously.
some helpful websites: http://www.yourtravelmap.com for distances, driving times and directions
check this website for up-to-date road conditions: http://www.transito.go.cr/estadorutas/index.html
for information on national parks: http://www.costarica-nationalparks.com
two good websites for general information: http://www.anywherecostarica.com and http://www.costa-rica-guide.com
if you are planning on going wherever your whim takes you, then plan on renting a 4x4. you won't encounter anything like an elephant wallow, but just sometimes bumpy, gravel roads with the occasional mud hole. it will give you more freedom and flexibility.
Edited by: wiremu
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There is no other way to do it in my opinion. Too many variables, too many unexpected interesting unforeseen things, pleasant and even sometimes unpleasant surprises. So I'm on the bus and I fall asleep and the bus sails right through my first choice town or I want Juigalpa but the bus muchacho shouts out for Acoyapa and I unload. Hell, sounded the same to me. And it turns out to be a great little town.No big deal! And you are going to have the luxury of a car!!! Over organization is for the inhibited. Go for it.3
WOW - you are giving me the guts to do this!!! So, I was thinking that February would be high season in Costa Rica. What do you, just drive into a town and ask around???4
do some research ahead of time as to places you think you might like to visit. make a short list of some available lodging in the area, and when you arrive, just drive around and check out the places on your list. as you are driving around, you may spot something you like more than your list. stop and have a cup of coffee or a meal and ask around. then you can make up your mind.february is considered part of "high season" but only the most popular places will be full.
Edited by: wiremu
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I usually research on the go. When you arrive in a city or town it is nice to have some choices to look at for lodging and eating. Sometimes the bus station is not right in town so a taxi is necessary and it is nice to have a location to give them. Sometimes happy accidents happens. With a car, of course, your options expand considerably. But public transportation is a tremendous money saver and has other advantages to me. For example I arrive in Bogota and I'm in a taxi going into the city to a expensive hotel I kind of randomly picked. The taxi driver talks me out of the place I had chosen. First impression; all taxi drivers all over the world do this to taut a hotel but this time I went with my gut and I liked this driver and he took me to a really nice small neighborhood hotel that turned out great at a great price. I went to a nearby friendly bar several times for a beer and the woman owner confessed I was her first gringo customer...ever. So just go with your instincts.7
Well first read a guide book, LP or Moon to get a idea what you want to see. Then you can drive around (4X4) ground clearance, stop where you want for as long as you want. When you get to a place just ask around for a place to stay. Last winter my wife,dog and I traveled around Costa Rica and always found a place to stay. They were nice places too!11
definily possiable. i took a trip to costa rica last year in january and did the exact same thing you are planning to do, minus renting a car. but i worked my way from liberia to san gerado and had no trouble finding a place anywhere i stayed
