I've travelled frequently to Central America yet never Costa Rica. I'll be visiting in late July with a small familial unit. Looking to spend 'round $150/$200 per night each. Keen to find a lodge or bungalow on the Caribbean side in a resort adhering to Ecotourism principals. Activities featuring diving, fishing, sea kayaking, hiking and surfing are crucial. Prefer smaller lodges or compounds of not more than 40 vistors. An intimate spot where the emphasis is communicating with like-minded travellers from around the globe during meals or beers. Small and tidy bungalows are preferred as are three healthy meals served by the host. Defintely not the cattle-call or cruise package traveller although my father is used to staying at high-end resorts. Alas I'm attempting to stike a balance. Accessible via Cessna Caravan or bus from San Jose. Proximity to a small village or town is desirable. 7-10 days with one full day in San Jose. Leads, tips and help much appreciated. You can also email: Dresdendaze@yahoo.com. Thanks!
Have you read a guidebook yet? Moon is best for CR, but the LP is fine as well.
I can not answer your Eco Friendly questions, and most the smaller Lodges and Inns practice conservation as best they can afford. In regards to Resorts, there few in the entire country, so your inquiry is odd in the fact you done little research to make such claims for your travels.
On the Caribe coast, you have 4 main areas, Tortuguero, a protected beach for turtle nesting, not for a beach vacation, and then you have Playa Cahuita, a small 4 street town, killer afro caribe cuisine, a funky music scene, and a refuge on the south end for snorkel and hikes, no resorts.
The next main town is and epicenter for the beaches is the Pt Viejo area, a ramchackle clustered town, great food and music scene, off the beaten path, and a vibrant nightlife on weekends. But, the key is to stay south, on Playa Chequita, Cocles, Punta Uva or Manzanillo.
The Cari-Blu bungelows are a nice secluded set of natural feel bungelows, just south of town, which is where you want to stay, and just rent a bike and or hitch/walk.
The largest resort on the coast is the Cashew Inn I think, and its rather sterile and has been the object of local scrutiny for its poor eco policy and and planning, would stay there regardless...
I like the Villas Del Caribe, on the ocean (Not many places are directly on beach), they have full kitchens, stocked fridges, patios, bbq and a reef just off shore. Selvyns cabinas in Punta Uva is a favorite too, he is also a great chef. If you do a search on the TT for other places, use "Pt Viejo Caribe" for key words.
In Manzanillo, is the PADI diveshop Aquamor, whcih can arrange kayaks, hilkes, canoe trips in the freshwater lagoons and tours of the protected Gonduca refuge, which can be hiked on foot, horseback, and kayaked down the coast, all arranged at either the park entrance, or Aquamor.
All inclusive and resort atmosphere is best on the Pacific side, (but not a good value in CR, and not the reason to come to CR), is Playa Cochal resort is nice, with eco harmful jet skis and your isolated form the locals, then you would have the Four Seasons in Playa Papagayo, and the Marriott Los Suenos and marina for deep sea fishing and time shares.
Here is a link to the areas as well on the Caribe:
http://www.greencoast.com</a>
tim has good advice ....i would also recommend the punta uva area...pristine beaches ...great snorkelling off Manzanillo just south of there...I like to stay at Casas Viva which is located with great beach access on Punta Uva...Only four houses there complete with kitchens ...beautiful grounds and very very quiet...no bar or restaurant but easily accessible by bus or bike in Puerto Viejo or Playa Chiquita..you can cook there and occasionally there is a communal meal which is informally arranged with Dave and Jeanie the owners, so if you want that this is probably not for you..however it is incredibly beautiful and quiet except for the howler monkeys and the pounding of the surf and one of the most beautiful places I have found....if you cannot find them on the web pm me and i will give you the details
My experience has been that http://www.greencoast.com website is very old and not reflective of travel today in Puerto Viejo.
Puerto Viejo satelitte (which I admit is owned by a friend of mine) has more comprehensive information. It was formed in response to lack of info.
As for a place like you want... Not sure. Tall order.
Hey Collin....cool website.....
Thanks!
PS- The ground needs to be shaded green more, its gray.....:(
HI,
If you are looking for nice bungalows I would recommend you Azania Bungalows, I stayed there last year with my family and it was great.
Bye,
Louise
Thanks for the comment on the Puerto Viejo Satellite Map Ticotim! I've done a lot of work on it. As for the color of the ground...well, I'm just happy Google has given us detailed images of the area which they haven't for most of the Costa Rican beach communities.
To the original poster: many of the places on the Caribe are eco-friendly...that's basically the vibe there. I love both Banana Azul and La Costa del Papito.
Edited by: Irene_Adler
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