4 day trip help - Looking for wildlife + aqua adventures | Costa Rica - Lonely Planet Forum

ONLINE

Sun, 27 Mar 2016 23:06:24 +0000

Hello,

We're a group of friends from Canada and found a great flight deal to San Jose. We will be there form Friday May 13 - Tuesday May 17.

I've been reading a lot about the various things Costa Rica has to offer. I understand that it's possible to do day trips from San Jose while keeping San Jose as our base.

Can anyone help advise whether it would make more sense to get out to Manuel Antonio / Arenal on the first day and just return when we're flying out? We're mostly interested in wildlife. However, I would love if we can get to an area that also has great diving (I'm the only diver in the group). Alternatively, I wouldn't mind spending time surfing as well.

Thanks for your help!
Jay

ONLINE

Mon, 28 Mar 2016 00:08:34 +0000

You have time for one area. The one area, with the most wildlife, nature, and bio diversity, is Tortuguero Canals and Rainforest, period. Arenal is a volcano, that is not active. Manual Antonio is a developed resort area for honeymooners and families, the park is small, and crowded. Closed Mondays.

Head to Tortuguero, and then to Cahuita, then raft the Rio Pacuare back to SJ...the end

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ONLINE

Mon, 28 Mar 2016 02:53:17 +0000

I'd just head to Cahuita and enjoy, but that's me.

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Wed, 30 Mar 2016 06:47:26 +0000

I agree with Mr. Moto that you should head to Tortuguero if you're most interested in wildlife. Manuel Antonio was quite crowded and disappointing. While it is possible to do day trips from San Jose, you'd waste a lot of time getting in and out, and San Jose itself is rather underwhelming. I'd try to pick one area and head there.

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Fri, 31 Mar 2017 01:01:10 +0000

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