I have been searching through the posts and I still am wondering what trip people would reccommend for two people who have about 2 weeks in CR. We are, unfortunately, going during prime season -- the end of Dec - early Jan.
After reading I've decided to spend 3 days in Osa, probably the Corcovado Adventures Tent Camp, or possible the La Leaone Eco Lodge.
Other than that I am wide open. We can rent a car for all or part of the time if that helps. We also want to spend about 4 days on the beach in a surf town - we are both beginer surfers. We are both very active people and would love to hike, kayak, raft, etc...whatever people suggest. I'd like to try and stay as off the beaten path as possible. But, would not hate to occassionally hit towns with a nice mellow bar with good music. And I guess I would say I have a mid level budget for the trip. I figure with this amount of time we have to pick one coast to avoid being in the car the whole time. So that said, where would you suggest we go?
Thanks in advance!
Mmmm...sounds like you are trying to cover every base really- never easy.
First off- its peak time so if you want to pick and choose you need to book now, you won't have the luxury of cruising around and deciding where to stay. I think, for a gentler vibe, after your Osa experience you should head to the Caribbean, the Pacific coast surf towns will be mobbed. To get surf + mellow will be hard, but the Carib coast, Cahuita, Puerto Viejo etc) might be just what you are after. Book soon!!
If you want to hang out in a Surf town you might try Dominical. For white water rafting I recommend Rios Tropicales. For hiking you will have a lot of that in Osa but you could also consider Monteverde Cloud Forest - they have some nice trails. Another fun place to hike is Carara - we've seen green parrots, toucans, agoutis, crocs and of course the scarlet macaw (area has a lot of these). Just near the Park entrance is the Rio Tarcoles - their is an overpass from which you can observe some huge crocs basking in the sun.
Have a great time.
My vote is La Leona Tent Lodge ( Tico owned and operated), if you go in thru the southern entrance via Carate. Catch the colectivo in Pt Jimenez at the Soda Corcovado, 6 bucks or so each way, about 2 hrs or so, when you get to Carate, the lodge will pick your luggage up in a horse cart if they know you are coming or its a awesome hike to the lodge. About 40 min or so. We were there in Feb and I can't wait to go back. Plan on at least 2 days, 3 nights to experience the least that Corcovado has to offer. Not including the time spent in Pt Jimenez going to and from.
Have fun and wish I were there!!
If I were a betting man, I would put money on anything close to Corcovado being booked solid for that time by now.
I would suggest Dominical area.
Wherever you go, I think you need to book NOW if it's not too late.
Ok, so some follow up questions:
I checked and there is still room at both the Tent lodge and Leona Eco Lodge so I will book soon. Is Leona Eco Lodge better just b/c it is nice, or b/c it is actually run by Tico's and thus less Americanized (a plus in my book)
What is the estimated drive from S.J to Dominical and then from there to Corcovado?
Am I right to think that 2 coasts + Corcovado is too much to to in 2 weeks?
Any other suggestions for the Pacific Coast?
How long would people reccommend staying in Domincal?
Oh, and are the Cloud forests worth it, if I am spending 3 nights in Corcovado?
And yes, I want to do everything, but surfing, hiking, and relaxing in chill bars with cool music are my number 1 priorities.
Thanks again!
I'm staying for a couple of days after xmas at Leona lodge. It's been highly recommended by regulars on this forum. I'll be taking a taxi(4x4) from Puerto Jimenez to the camp and back. I like the area btw dominical and ojochal. Beautiful scenery and alot more quiet then the north during the holiday season.
The caribbean is what you're looking for, good surf, relaxing place, lots of activities like kayaking, hiking, rafting is close, canopy, etc...There're nice bars a great places to eat, but you should book as soon as possible.
---------------------
Check out paradise!
www.costaricatreehouse.com
#7
Stop your cheap attempts at getting business, or you will be banned.
OP-
One thing to factor in as the fact that over Xmas and New Years, its PEAK PEAK PEAK. You will have to book 2-3 night minimums over the 2 Holidays in most venues.
Pick a place for Xmas eve and Xmas day 1st. As that may be the most important family time for everyone. New Years in no biggie overall. You may wan to consider a mountian venue like Arenal Lake are, where its cooler, and less crowded than the beaches.
Or, above Dominical, with easy drive south.
Osa-Corcovado is best flown into and out of, but you could leave wheels in Golfito, and water taxi to Pt Jimenez, but your paying for a car your not using.. :(
Try to Fly in/out of Corcovado. Its not cheap anywhere in CR.
trusted partner
