Hi,
I have been reading the posts here extensively for the past few days, but I'm getting a little confused for all the options and could use some expert , first hand advice from those who have been there.
I will be traveling with my husband and (very active) 2 year old son. We have about 3 weeks starting around Aug 18 - Sep 7 and want to plan something for about 14-18 days give or take. In the past I have backpacked on my own all over the world -- most recently 5 weeks solo in SE asia about 4 years ago, and 3 weeks in India (when I was pregnant :) ) -- so roughing it is not new to me, except I haven't traveled my child yet (I know there is a branch to ask q's about traveling with children - so my focus here is itinerary, method of travel and activities - keeping child in mind)
One of the repeating themes that I see is that many people want to do to much in too little time -- which is why I can use some input.
We would like to take into consideration the weather when choosing destinations.
In general, we are flexible on the itinerary and destinations. We would live to visit Arenal/La Fortuna/Monteverde area, but based on the "rainfall tables" it appears that it is a little less "rainy" in Sept, so it seems that we should save that for the tail end of our trip....
We would love to go to national parks and places where we can go hiking and see animals and birds and have heard fantastic things about Corcovado --- but is getting there worth the effort? One
We would love to see the turtle nesting grounds if possible -- we have heard great things about Tortuguero and also that Playa Grande near Tamarindo there is another place -- so which one would be best?
We might enjoy a day or two at a beach town, just to relax, but which coast and beach would be the calmest, nicest one to visit late August?
I have read a lot of NYC_Girl_115 and she kindly answered a question about getting to Tortuguero -- and I would love to just take local buses but would we be asking for trouble if we do that since we have a young child? It is hard enough to keep track of one's belonging without trying to keep track of a 2 year old.....
Once we can figure out a tentative itinerary then we can go on to finding budget accommodations -- so for now,
if you had 14-18 days and wanted to visit the places mentioned above, what would be the best route and modes of transportation.
At this time I would probably figure 3-4 days in the Arenal/LaFortuna/Monteverde area but the rest is pretty open
We don't particularly want to rent a car and drive on narrow rainy roads but we may be convinced to do so.....
We are very open to local buses, and prefer less expensive methods of transportation, but if there are "longer routes" in our itinerary, lets say , over 4-5 hours (or it would save 3-4 bus changes), we would be open to paying more for the Grayline or similar buses, and (ugh) would even consider flying for one leg if it makes practical and economic sense but that is not our first choice....
So fire away please :)
Also, just because I didn't mention places, please don't hesitate to recommend stopovers.
Hello Michelle,
First of all you explained you have backpacked on your own and we assume your husband/partner too, so we think Costa Rica is not so difficult for you. For long distances the buses are ok and as quick as Greyline or Interbus or similar. For relative short distances you can use local cabs.
The place for turtles is Tortuguero in this moment, on this page you can find links how to get there and a good BnB.
From there it's easy to go to the southern Caribean coast from Cahuita/Puerto Viejo/Manzanillo for a few days relaxing at a beach with wildlife more or less close.
If you are in la Fortuna make the Caño Negro tour and a hike in the private farm El Silencio with a good guide (mail us for a name and his phonenumber)
Have a nice time in Costa Rica!!
jan & ili
You have so much that you want to see and do, with an infant, personally I would absolutely rent a car. Can you imagine how miserable you might be standing in the steaming rain waiting for a crowded bus connection. Come on???
OK, you're hardy travellers, and yes buses are a fact of life for most Ticos but unless your budget restricts you I think you should hire. Plus out of season car deals are at their best. You need to be confident and experienced normal drivers thats all (if you stick to the roads)- ignore the horror stories.
You have an ideal duration of visit, you won't need to book in advance as it's the green season. Get a car, a map, and off you jolly well go.
We do have some budget restrictions -- and for 2 weeks, it adds up to quite a bit (for us) -- so can you possibly suggest an itinerary were we might combine public transportation, together with a one week car rental, which would be either in the beginning, middle or end.
I'm not sure it makes financial sense for us rent a car and park it for a few days when we have to then spend more $$ to take a boat to get to Tortuguero -- or if we head down to OSO area for 3-4 days.... does it?
My husband suggested that we can start out with the buses, and then if it becomes too difficult, then we can rent a car -- is that realistic? Can cars be rented in most tourist locations/provinces, or only in 2-3 bigger cities?
i have travelled in Cr with small children and while a car offers some nice options when it rains, or you have a lot to carry and he/she has fallen asleep, if you should choose the caribe side (punta uva area is very nice in September; historically it has less rain than any other month there) you will find that it is very easy to get around during the day by bike (you can rent one with a baby seat), the local buses are fairly frequent and cheap and taxis are still cheaper than renting a car. The area is fairly easy to explore with these three options, should you choose to visit there. If you want an option between a car and local buses for the long hauls, you can always use EasyRide which is basically a 12 passenger van that picks you up at your hotel and delivers you to the next one for approximately 25-30 bucks each...still a pretty good deal for what can be a five hour bus trip. The advantage here is security for your stuff, A/C if you need it and as many bathroom breaks as you need. Also I would not ignore the horror stories about driving in CR....for one thing it can be hard to get a vehicle with a baby seat and road accidents are frequent and common.
...whilst road accidents are not INfrequent or UNcommon, why are you safer in a 12 seater van than driving yourself?. Quality of driver?...oh please..........
I did not say the 12 seater was safer....just cheaper...the OP wanted to avoid unnecessary expenses
We live here and travel frequently from the Pacific side all the way to the Panama border on the Caribbean side by bus. You have assigned seats so there is not the fear of having to stand up the whole way holding a two year old. There is definitely the option of renting a car, but even in the low season you are looking at $300+ for the week. If you have 14 to 18 days you could easily hit both coast, and I would recommend it. they are very different. It is good you have the attitude that trying to fit too much into a trip is not a good idea. I think that is one of the most common mistakes people make and they are run so ragged by the end of their trip, they feel like they did not even have a vacation and are more exhausted than before they left. Definitely take time to relax, and be open if the urge hits you to change your itenerary in mid-stream and stay extra days in a place you find appealing. While I agree with boomer about not paying that much attention to the horror stories about driving in CR, I would still recommend that you do not plan on driving at night. There are just too many factors that you might be unfamiliar with in comparison to driving back in your home area.
Thank you all for the helpful information.
I guess can add, that besides, the expense, since we HAVE to drive every day in our regular lives, driving for us is not that appealing or relaxing, especially with potentially treacherous roads and dangerous (other) drivers -- Especially with a small child, we figure it would be nicer for us to relax and be able to point to things out the window as we go by.... Also, regarding a car rental, we have read that a 4x4 has been highly recommend, the Daihatsu should be avoided, and all we have found in terms of rates seems to be in the $400 range and up.... and for us that is a considerable chunk of change...
dkt2u -- Based on the weather -- would it make sense (or any difference) to head to the Pacific Coast first (in August) and then head to the Carribean in Sept?
Also, I am having second thoughts about Corcovado -- it seems fantastic but I don't think that long hikes (6-8 hours) would be appropriate with our son since he is in the "in-between" toddler stage where he wants to walk by himself (run) and is a bit heavy to carry for long periods --- So is it worth the time and expense to get to? What are the "in between" lodging options (not the expensive all inclusive package, and not the $5 sleeping at the ranger stations)?
.... so I'm wondering if we should skip Osa and just head over to Manuel Antonio -- Or could you recommend another park that would be a good substitute for Corcovado?
The itererary that I am thinking of, would be to arrive in San Jose, head over to Quepos for a few days. Make our way up the coast and take the ferry over to Paquera and maybe visit Montezuma area -- then depending on time/weather/mood perhaps heading up to Tamarindo, or cutting back over to Arenal area -- visiting LaFortuna and Monteverde and then taking the back (northern way) via San Carlos, San miguel and Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui to Cariari to catch the bus/boat to Tortuguero, and then head back to San Jose.
Here is a tentative itenerary -- what do you all think?
Day1 arrive early am, take bus to Pacific coast.
Day 2-3 explore Manuel Antonio area
Day 4 head up to Montezuma?
Day 5 relax
Day 6 continue to Tamarindo
Day7 Tamarindo (possible 1 more day)
Day 8 head over to Arenal (maybe see volcano at night
Day 9 La Fortuna relax
Day 10 head to Monteverde
Day 11 Monteverde hike
Day12 head to Tortuguero
Day13 Tortuguero
Day14 San Jose ]
Day15 San Jose ] flexibility to stay extra days elsewhere enroute
Day 16 San Jose]
Day 17 fly home
Does the timeing/spacing sound reasonable? Any suggestions to alter/improve route?
trusted partner
