Hi
We are going to Costa Rica in two weeks and want to experience cloud forest. Since I've heard that Monteverde is very popular and we'd like to avoid the bigger crowds I'd like to ask if there are any alternatives to Monteverde preferably south of San Jose or on the way from San Jose to Limon? We'd really appreciate recommendations regarding specific lodging as well!
Thanks so much
Eric and Sofie
Yes, Braulio is gorgeous, few people, and a gorgeous drive too...just expect more rain, depending on month.
http://www.anywherecostarica.com/attractions/national-park/braulio-carrillo
Thanks a lot for answering!
Cool. We'll be in CR 2nd - 15th of April.
Do you have tips on where to have our base for hiking in Braulio? Specific lodges etc?
Thanks so much!
Hi Eric and Sofie,
First of all: I haven't been there myself, BUT two friends of mine have gone recently and they came back in high spirits: San Gerardo de Dota.
It's about 1,5 hours from San José (passing through Cartago going southeast towards San Isidrio) and relatively high (like any place where you are likely to find a cloud forest), so better take a jacket.
In San Gerardo de Dota my friends were fascinated by nature. Also, they could follwo their passion of hiking through the cloud forest and doing some bird watching: in San Gerardo, you'll have the best chances to spot a Quetzal, who was considered the "God of the air" by the Maya. If you are into mountain climbing, you can conquer the Chirripó, Costa Ricas highest mountain. Also, San Gerardo is famous for its trout: people come frmo San José to buy fro their restaurants, so if youÄRe into fishing, you should have a good time, too.
As far as lodging is concerned, my , w stay at two seperate hotels: Cabinbas Miriam's Quetzals, which is a budget choice, and at the Savegre Hotel, which is actually run by the gentleman w3ho founded San Gerardo some 40 years ago.
Also, you can go to the Bajos del Toro, near the Poas Volcano. There is a beautiful waterfall, the Catarata del Toro and nearby, you'll find the National Park Juan Blanco Castro, which also is a Cloud Forest. The Catarata del Toro Bed & Breakfast is highly recommended.
Kind greetings,
alemantico
Hi,
San Gerardo de Dota is a great alternative to Monteverde. If you want a more rustic expertience, try nearby Providencia, Armonía Ambiental or Cabinas La Piedra.
A base to Braulio Carrillo, it depends on which you want to visit, Volcan Barva (closer to Heredia) or Quebrada González (after the Zurqui Tunnel). You could choose a lodge for the two nights near the Barva area, go early in the mornign and visit the Barva side, and then the following morning move to the Atlantic side. I can't recommend hotels in the area, I have visted Braulio as a day trip from San José.
Yes I have been to San Gerrado and its great, but its not really close to SJ when all said and done, 2 hours is more accurate IMO, and even further from Rt #32 to Limon/Caribe side...you would then go back to Rt 32 via Turrialba then to Siquirres, which is all gorgeous two lane mountain roads...
If it's got to be on the way to Limón, Braulio Carillo is the best alternative.
If, however, I put Braulio, Bajos del Toro and all I heard about San Gerardo in comparison, I believe IÄd send them to the latter, since it simply combines more than the other two have got to offer.
I believe that Braulio Carrillo is more a day trip thing, although the way there is indeed spectacular.
How about going to Craulio and then spend a few days in a lodge near the Rio Pacuare?
Kind greetings,
alemantico
Thanks a lot everyone for your input, it's very appreciated!
We'll be going by San Gerardo on our way south so that is a great alternative. Can anyone recommend a certain hike with / or certain viewpoints in the area? I will be shooting film and look for spots to capture the forest and clouds from some kind of clearing. I do this at dawn and dusk so it can't be too far away from a place where we can stay the night.
Rio Pacuare seems really nice as well. Any tips on specific points with lodging and nice settings for filming along it?
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