1

That is a very broad and general question. What research have you done? Have you got yourself a guidebook, like MOON or LP? Might want to check out the National Geographic Explorer Costa Rica too.

I would not really be too concerned about where to eat at, or play at, you have entire country, 25 national parks, two coast, and volcanoes, rivers, lakes, mangroves, waterfalls, beaches, rainforest, cloudforest, surfing, scuba, snorkel, windsurf, kite board, quads, ziplines, canoes, kayaks, bikes, trams etc etc etc.

I suggest you rent a place for a week at the end for nice beach time, surf lessons, and relaxing. But otherwise, to explore and discover Costa Rica you need to move around, as the key parks and micro climates are all spread out and far apart, and a good 2-4 hours between them, with busses, even longer in some cases.

So, have a look here, and then get back to us with a real question on how to discover CR.

One neat place to eat is the cargo plane at Manual Antonios Costa Verde Lodge.

To Parks to see-

Caribe-
Tortuguero
Cahuita
Ganduca

Central-
Arenal Volcano
Selva Verde
Paos
Monteverde Cloudoforest
Cano Negro
Tenorio/Celeste Waterfalls
Rincon

South/Osa

The gem of the country, Corcovado/Drake Bay

Getting to all those will take about a month.

Great surf beaches

Tamarindo
Samara/Nosara
Mal Pais/Montezuma

Links-

http://www.anywherecostarica.com/destinations

Caribe:
http://www.tortuguerovillage.com/
http://www.puertoviejosatellite.com/tours.php

Central:
http://www.arenal.net/
http://www.rincondelavieja.net/

Beaches:
http://www.nicoyapeninsula.com/nicoyasouth.php

Osa-Corcovado
http://www.corcovadoguide.com/

2

Thanks for the advice.
Doing the normal research I do before a trip - on here - trip advisor and my LP book.

Will defn be doing the 5 days on a beach at the end - any good suggestions?
Lee

3

It depends where you will be coming from, as far what beach would make the most sense.

4

The Arenal area

The Arenal, nested within the flat, rich lands of San Carlos, the Arenal Volcano rises up like a natural monument from the rainforest. One of many remarkable sights in the area, this mountain of fire symbolizes the adventure and mysticism of the region.

Known as the adventure capital of Costa Rica, the Arenal Volcano/ Fortuna area offers numerous activities. Activities range from highly charged adventures such as white water rafting, cannoning and caving to less intense adventures such as hikes through the rainforest and soothing swims in hot springs.

With its rolling hills, cattle farms, rainforest and Costa Rica’s largest lake, the Arenal area’s verdant landscape is bio-diverse. The region’s attractions include the Arenal National Park, the Fortuna River Waterfall, the Cano Negro Wildlife Reserve and the Rio Celeste National Park.

You can visit Arenal as part of a day tour, but you will regret not staying for at least one night since there is so much to see and do. Typically, I recommend a minimum two-night stay.

While in Arenal:
Visit the Fortuna River Waterfalls: About three miles from town, magnificent waterfalls cascade into the rainforest. You will have the opportunity to hike and swim in the river.

Go rafting on the Sarapiqui River: The River has Class III and IV rafting for adventure aficionados and Floating Safari Class II rafting for slower paced, nature lovers. Both are excellent tour choices, featuring amazing scenery, interesting wildlife and thrilling adventure.

Try cannoning: One of the country’s top adventure activities, you will rappel down a waterfall inside the rainforest. Unforgettable experience

View the forest from Hanging Bridges or the Sky Trek / Tram: Both are impressive hikes in the rainforest, and the Sky Trek features suspended bridges plus the aerial tram and the canopy experience. What a way to see the jungle!

Stop in at the Arenal National Park: Visit on your way to El Castillo and the Sky Trek. You learn all about the Arenal volcano and its history.

Eat your way through the town of La Fortuna: Many restaurants in La Fortuna serve typical Costa Rican meals. We recommend la Vaca Muca, the Steak House and the Rancho La Cascada for after-hours cocktails. On the weekend,
Go Latin dancing at the Nido de Aguila (Eagle’s nest) disco.

The Monteverde area

The rare phenomenon where climatic conditions cause cloud and mist to be in regular contact with the vegetation is the cloud forest, and few exist in the world. Monteverde is one of the few destinations where cloud forests are easily accessible to visitors. This magical environment enchants visitors and entices them to fall in love with nature.

Spending one or two nights in Monteverde is a memorable part of a Costa Rican vacation. Nature lovers visit this secluded part of the country in search of exciting nature trails in the Cloud Forest, adventurous canopy rides, and relaxing evenings in the cool and crisp climate. Cozy mountain lodges provide the opportunity for romantic, intimate moments.

Monteverde offers many attractions and activities, among them, canopy tours, the Sky Walk / Sky Trek, butterfly farms, orchid gardens, day and night nature hikes, a cheese factory, tours on horseback, and ATV tours. We recommend a minimum one-night stay with at least two full days to enjoy the region. Day trips also offered from Arenal and Guanacaste.

While in Monteverde
You must visit the Cloud Forest National Parks of Monteverde and Santa Elena. Both parks have short and long hiking trails, which take from two to six hours to climb. As two of only a few unspoiled Cloud Forests on Earth, they are a unique experience.

The Serpentarium is a zoo dedicated to snakes and reptiles. It’s worth a visit to observe the many varieties of snakes that live in Costa Rica’s Cloud Forest.

Visit the famous Monteverde Cheese Factory. The Monteverde region founded by Quakers, and early on, they established this factory as one of their only industrial activities. Tour the facility to learn the process of producing different cheeses. Taste-test the products and the superb hand-dipped ice cream at the end of the tour!

Experience the Sky Walk / Sky Trek or the Canopy Tour. Costa Rica boasts over 50 canopy tour experiences, but two of the originals are set in Monteverde. The mist of the cloud forest makes this the most magical canopy experience in Costa Rica.

The San Jose area

San Jose is Costa Rica’s capital and home to a quarter of its population. A city tour provides a cultural experience for tourists who want see Costa Rican lifestyle. Other travelers may prefer to take day trips to other regions of the country. Popular attractions near the city include the Poas and Irazu Volcanoes, white water rafting, the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, the Turu Bari reserve, Orosi and Cartago (home of the country’s largest Catholic church) and the renowned Rainforest Aerial Tram at the Braulio Carrillo National Park.

San Jose is home to the country’s top restaurants and some of its best entertainment. The downtown area offers interesting sights such as the National Museum, Children’s Museum, Gold and Jade Museum, the National and the Melico Salazar Theatres, parks, plazas and the Central Avenue walking boulevard.

Typically, guests arriving on evening flights and/or departing on early morning flights choose to make San Jose their home for the first and/or last nights. Many visitors choose to stay an extra night or two to enjoy the sights near the city, take a white water rafting trip or experience the city’s cultural and social life.

While in San Jose:
• The best class III and IV white water rafting trips are available as one- and two-day trips out of San Jose. The Pacuare River, one of the world’s top three rivers for rafting and kayaking, is an especially unforgettable adventure and remarkable day trip opportunity.
• The Poas Highlights tour is a well-designed one-day tour that visits the Poas Volcano and National Park, the La Paz Waterfall Gardens and the Doka Coffee Plantation. Visitors will witness one of Earth’s largest craters, five magnificent waterfalls, and Costa Rica’s largest butterfly farm and learn about coffee plantations and production.
• Climb the Irazu Volcano and see the Orosi Valley, take a trip east, past the city of Cartago, to the Irazu Volcano, one of the country tallest peaks. Additionally, tours visit the Orosi valley, a fertile landscape with scenic views and interesting towns.
• Take in San Jose’s top museums and buildings. Downtown, a number of landmarks and attractions are within walking distance. Visit San Jose’s Cathedral, the renowned National Theatre, the Plaza de la Cultura and the Gold Museum. Continue on to the National Museum where you can learn about Pre-Columbian Costa Rican cultures.
• The Turu Bari Park is located nearby, in the Orotina Region.

• Other sites in the neighborhood include the Costa Rican Congress, Democracy Square, the Jade and the Children’s museums.
• To the west is the town of Sarchi, home to the country’s known crafts and souvenir shops.

Central Valley
Costa Rica’s Central Mountain range surrounds a large valley, which is home to the country’s four largest cities, and approximately half of the population. Climate conditions in the Central Valley make this an extremely pleasant place to live, with moderate temperatures year-round, beautiful mountain views and many interesting places to visit.

The Tamarindo area

The Tamarindo/Flamingo Pacific Coast region encompasses the popular coastal area from Playa Langosta to the south and Playa Potrero to the north. The area known for its unspoiled beaches, world class surfing, challenging golf courses, fishing, exciting towns, nightlife and many lodging options

Large resorts along with small boutique hotels offer visitors many lodging alternatives. Easy access to the beaches and many restaurant and entertainment options make this region in western Guanacaste a tourist favorite. With close proximity to the Liberia International Airport, this popular beach area is easily accessible from anywhere in the world.

If your memorable vacation requires championship golf, world-class fishing, romantic beach walks, surfing on challenging waves or sun and relaxation, the Tamarindo area is the perfect destination.

While in Tamarindo:
• Explore the beaches. From Playa Langosta all the way to Playa Negra in the south, and Playa Grande, Playa Ventanas, to Conchal, Brasilito and Flamingo in the north.
• Hike the dry tropical forest on a tour to the Palo Verde National Park.
• Visit the Rincon de la Vieja National Park, and some of the mud baths and hot springs in the region.
• Buena Vista Lodge Horseback ride. The Buena Vista also features hot springs, and is adjacent to the Tenorio Volcano.
• Shop for souvenirs in Liberia
• Play golf at Hacienda Pinilla in Playa Langosta, or at the Garra de Leon golf course at the Paradisus in Playa Conchal.
• Explore the native mangroves in Tamarindo on a sea kayaking tour.

• Embark on a sunset cruise off the shore of Tamarindo Beach. View spectacular sunsets on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast as you sail through Tamarindo bay.
• Watch the giant leatherback turtles nesting during a special night tour only available from mid November to late February. This is a miracle of nature that be seen in select places around the globe, during a few months of the year.
• Cross the border to Granada in Nicaragua and visit another Central American country while you are in the region. This long day tour will take you across the northern border and through southern Nicaragua, visiting Lake of Nicaragua and the picturesque town of Masaya, home to many artisans. The highlight of the trip is a visit to one of Latin America’s oldest cities, Granada. The Colonial city is full of interesting architecture, colorful buildings and friendly people.

The Papagayo area

The Gulf of Papagayo is becoming one of Costa Rica’s primary beach destinations. Home to the ultra-luxurious Four Season Resort and too many all-inclusive four and five-star resorts, Papagayo is popular among beach and sun seekers.

Papagayo Bay offers calm water conditions as well as open ocean beaches with large waves, and the beaches have dark and white sand. The region covered with dry tropical forest and mangrove vegetation, typical of Pacific Coast beaches.

Average stays in this region range from five to seven nights. Day tours to other regions of the country, including Arenal and Monteverde are available. Popular activities in this region include horseback tours, (on the beach or inland to rainforest private reserves), canopy tours, deep sea fishing, sunset cruises, floating safaris and visits to national parks such as Palo Verde, Santa Rosa and Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. An increasingly popular day tour is a visit to Nicaragua’s colonial city of Granada.

As a popular beach destination, many visitors opt to make this region their home base for visiting the country, arriving and departing from Liberia International Airport, located less than 30 minutes away.

While in Papagayo:
• Explore the beaches south of the Gulf. Panamá, Hermosa and Playas del Coco.
• Hike the dry tropical forest on a tour to the Palo Verde National Park.
• Visit the Rincon de la Vieja National Park, and some of the mud baths and hot springs in the region.
• Vista Lodge Horseback ride The Buena Vista also features hot springs, and is adjacent to the Tenorio Volcano.
• Shop for souvenirs in Liberia
• Play golf at the Arnold Palmer Signature Championship course at the Four Seasons Resort in Papagayo.
• Experience the thrills of the Witches Rock Canopy Tour, one of the country’s top rated adventures.
• Watch the giant leatherback turtles nesting during a special night tour only available from mid November to late February. This is a miracle of nature that only seen in select places around the globe, during a few months of the year.
• Cross the border to Granada in Nicaragua and visit another Central American country while you are in the region. This long day tour will take you across the northern border and through southern Nicaragua, visiting Lake of Nicaragua and the picturesque town of Masaya, home to many artisans. The highlight of the trip is a visit to one of Latin America’s oldest cities, Granada. The Colonial city is full of interesting architecture, colorful buildings and friendly people.

The Nicoya Peninsula area

Go off the beaten path and visit the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. This area features what many consider the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. Underdeveloped, with no crowds, breathtaking scenery and fine accommodations, the Nicoya Peninsula is one of the –best kept secrets in Costa Rica. From Punta Islita to Playa Tambor, getting there is an adventure in itself.

The best-known towns in this region include Montezuma and Malpais; both are very popular with the surfing crowd. Elegant and even luxurious accommodations found in resorts such as Punta Islita, Flor Blanca or Tango Mar. The area features diverse activities such as canopy tours, yoga, ATV tours, horseback, surfing and sport fishing. If you dare to explore on your own, you can discover many unspoiled beaches.

The minimum recommended stay is three nights due to the remote nature of the region, and how long it takes to get there.

While in the Nicoya Peninsula:
• Surfing and Beach Hopping: Great beaches and superb surfing near the towns of Malpais and Montezuma. Isolated, white sand beaches provide opportunities for romantic strolls, sunbathing and relaxation.
• Sport fishing: Boats with experienced crews and service rented at most resorts. Whether you choose the halfday in-shore or the full day offshore expedition, you are guaranteed fun and excitement. Bring the catch of the day back to the hotel for the chef to prepare it for dinner.
• Day tour to Tortugas Island the Island (no connection to sea turtles) is located near the Nicoya Peninsula. Day tours to this white-sand, turquoise blue ocean water island start with a drive to the Pacific port of Puntarenas, followed by sun-drenched voyage in a Catamaran. Once on the island, many activities are available, including beach volleyball, snorkeling and nature hikes. A lunch buffet is included.
• Tours on horseback and ATVs: Explore this unspoiled area by visiting the tropical dry forest, virgin beaches, mangroves and waterfalls. There are many sites to -discovered all around the Southern Nicoya Peninsula, where you are guaranteed to avoid the crowds.

The Central Pacific area

The Central Pacific beaches stretch from Playa Herradura (Los Sueños) to Manuel Antonio and further south to Playa Dominical. The principal tourist centers are the towns of Jaco and Manuel Antonio.

Jaco is known for its surfing and nightlife. It has dark sand beaches, magnificent waves, and is renowned for its fishing and surfing. Luxurious accommodations are available nearby in Playa Herradura. The famed Los Sueños Resort features Central America’s best marina, superb sport fishing, and a great golf course.

Manuel Antonio is the most popular destination in Costa Rica, yet the government has been able to keep this famous national park unspoiled. Here you can find almost any type of adventure activity and tour such as sport fishing, sea kayaking, catamaran cruises, white water rafting, canopy tours, nature hikes, tours on ATVs, horseback and surfing.

The Central Pacific is a wonderful destination for both families and couples. This region is easily accessible from San Jose by air on commercial flights, or by car.

While in Manuel Antonio / Central Pacific:
• Must visit Manuel Antonio National Park: Observe spider and white-faced monkeys, sloths and iguanas; hike trails through the mangroves; and lounge on pristine beaches
• Take a day trip to Dominical, where you will find great beaches and superb surfing. One hour south of Manuel Antonio
• Sport fishing in Quepos. Home to some of the world’s best sport fishing -- Boats with experienced crews and great service be reserved on site.
• Experience sea or estuary kayaking in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean Waters, and get a great workout at the same time!
• Visit the rainforest or the dry tropical forest on the new Pacific Aerial Tram. Take in the amazing scenery on the two-hour drive to the site of the Aerial Tram.
• Go on an eco-adventure at Turu Bari Nature Park! Turu offers many activities including Canopy Tour, Sensational Cable (gliding through the air “superman style” at up to 60 mph), horseback riding, aerial tram, hiking trails, gardens, a butterfly observatory, and a farm area.
• Great for families or groups with multiple interests
• Embark on a full day cruise to Tortugas Island. This white sand beach offers the opportunity to relax in the catamaran on the way to the island, and enjoy fun and relaxation under the sun. A succulent beach BBQ is served at lunchtime.
• Enjoy an exciting open sea expedition in search for dolphins. Embark on a full day dolphin and whale watching tour in the deep blue Pacific Ocean waters off the coast of Manuel Antonio.
• Explore the mangroves guided by experts. This tour presents a unique opportunity to spot the local wildlife traveling by boat to this unspoiled, pristine ecosystem. Expect close encounters with white-faced monkeys, sloths and many bird species.

The Corcovado area

Corcovado, located in Southwest Costa Rica, on the Osa Peninsula, is one of the last significant virgin rainforests in Central America inhabited by thousands of plant and animal species, including which are endangered, This is one of the most biologically diverse places on earth and the main attraction is nature watching at Corcovado National Park.
The area is isolated and difficult to access. The best way to visit is to fly into Puerto Jimenez or Drake and then stay at one of the lodges in the outskirts of the National Park. Various day tours into the park are available. The weather is hot and humid, and the area receives a tremendous amount of rain.
This extraordinary area offers many activities including hiking, snorkeling, diving, horseback riding, surfing, swimming, and sea kayaking and fishing. The beaches in this region are untouched by development. Corcovado is the perfect destination for the adventurous traveler who wants to experience nature in its truest form while staying in rustic accommodations.
While in Corcovado:
• Visit the Corcovado National Park. Two biological stations: San Pedro and La Sirena provide starting points for exhilarating nature hikes. To take full advantage of the area, use the services of an expert guide.
• Tour Isla del Cano (Cano Island). Many experts rate this spot as among the best for diving. You can also snorkel, explore nature or relax in the sun. The boat ride to and from the island is itself a worthwhile tour.
• Go on a dolphin and whale watch. The waters off the coast of Corcovado are full of grey dolphins, and are on the migratory path for whales from North and South America. Experts will guide the boats in search of these magnificent ocean mammals offering tourists a responsible, close encounter with these magnificent creatures.
• Venture on a canopy tour. Take this one-day tour to experience the thrills of the canopy, especially if you have not done so in other regions.
• Go on sport fishing expedition. Many lodges, such as Crocodile Bay and Aguila de Osa, specialize in deep sea sport fishing. Fish for the abundant billfish

The Tortuguero area

The village of Tortuguero lies on the northeastern Caribbean coast, approximately 50 miles north of Limon. It is accessible by plane, boat or car. Most people come to the region to visit Tortuguero National Park to watch the sea turtles. This is one of the principal nesting grounds for the green sea turtle and during the summer, thousands of turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. The park is also home to numerous other creatures, including monkeys, sloths, parrots, manatees, land turtles and numerous species of freshwater fish.
A system of waterways and lagoons crisscrosses the park and are the primary form of transportation in the area. There is numerous boat tours offered on the canals. You will see impressive flora and fauna, from the water. Be prepared though -- this is the wettest region of the country!

While in Tortuguero:

• Catch a glimpse of the sea turtles as the lay eggs during nesting season.
• Take a nature boat tour.
• Snook /Tarpon Fishing along the canals
• Bird watching in the rain forest

5

Thanks for all the comments - esp the long and extensive one from ricenbeans that I am working through.
Flights are now booked and this is the rough plan

Fly into San Jose and stay 3/4 nights
Visit Poas and Irazu
On to Monteverde for 5 nights
Round the corner to Nicoya peninsula 4 nights poss longer
Down to parque National 5 nights and then back to San Jose
From San Jose over to Tortuguero 4 nights
San Jose and Home
3 nights to play with

What is this plan looking like to anyone ?
Might change the order if anyone suggests a good travel plan that reduces hours on buses etc.
We have 27 nights to play with.

We really want to see a couple of volcanos - walk in the cloud forest - see as much wildlife as possible (10 year old daughter) experience good food and nice architecture and a couple of activities such as zip wire.

Thanks

Edited by: Jordanleeindia