Before anyone criticizes me for not doing my homework, I will say right out I have not done my homework. My husband and I just booked flights to San Jose for a 6 day trip leaving in a few days (and that includes flying) because our daughter will be away at camp and we have to go do something, so we decided why not? We need one destination…we can rent a car…we just want to relax and hike and be child-free. Neither of us has time to plan, or even pack really, so we are going to just go. I realize we will not see much and that is ok. We want to be out of our city (Chicago) and see something green. I was thinking Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui because it was recommended on this forum and not far from San Jose. We have travelled SA and CA many times, and speak spanish. We would prefer to be away from hordes of tourists. No beach needed and no zip lines. Simple accommodation. Budget. Hoping for somewhere beautiful, quiet and in the rainforest. Thanks for any advice.
I am here in Chicago, at your service.
Sarapiqui is a great area for a few nights, maybe 3 max. Its low key and old school, you can take a nice morning river boat tour, and also raft or kayak the Sarapiqui, depends which area you want...do both. Easy to reach via bus from SJ too, although all the bus terminals are downtown SJ, and SJO is in NW area in Alajuela...40 minutes away. Driving from SJO to there can be done many ways, the best would be thru the mountains and along the southern/eastern flank of Paos...GORGEOUS road and scenery...
This place is a really neat and the owner and family is a leading conservationist, trying to save habitat for the Macaw, as well rehab any animal/bird people bring him...
http://posadaandrea.wix.com/andreacristina
From there, you could bus or drive, from Pt Viejo Sarapiqui to Guapiles, and get a bus to Cariarri, and then connect to a bus to La Pavona (leave car here in secure parking) and the boats meet the busses and take you to Tortuguero Village. No need for car as Tortuguero has no roads, all boats...
http://www.tortuguerovillage.com
Another option to change up the scenery from the city, and enjoy a tad cooler and less humid climate, is to head to Arenal area, and do side trips to Tenerio/Celeste Waterfalls and Cano Negro....if you have a rental car.
What time does you flight arrive? One problem in CR is most flights get in after 2PM, and by the time you clear Immigration/Customs, then go off site for the rental car, its 2 hours later, and it gets dark at 6pm. Its best not to drive at night in CR unless just headed to dinner down the road. Its also a tad confusing, even in daylight...especially rush hour...no thanks.
You could fly in get a car, and head due north to Paos Volcano Lodge a night, (45 min from SJO), then head to Sarapiqui next day, or, head to Arenal, via cool towns of Sarchi, San Ramon and Grecia...
http://www.poasvolcanolodge.com
It also tends be raining late afternoons, especially in mountains, and on caribe side, may micro climates...its rainy season now, very green and lush.
I think you are doing it just perfectly.
Personally, I like the south of CR. You can also consider hiking in the parramo near San Gerardo de Dota and see the quetzales.
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