I've never been to the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica before and I'm planning a short trip (about a week) in early September. We're looking for nice beaches to stay at with a happy medium between mellow and interesting, beautiful and accessible.
We'll be flying in and out of San Jose and I'm thinking of going to two of the following places for a few nights, but I don't know which would be best: Tamarindo, Samara, Montezuma, or Quepos / Manuel Antonio. Because it's a short trip I'd like to keep travel times reasonable; based on the map, I think I'm leaning towards Montezuma and Quepos.
Which places would you choose? And which route would be the most ideal?
Any advise is tremendously helpful. Many thanks..
martin3000
1
sean94110
What time does your flight arrive? How are you getting around once in Costa Rica? Having a car rental can make a difference with travel times and places to go.
With only a week, I'd do a combination of Montezuma and Manuel Antonio. Assuming your flight arrives early in the morning, you can take Interbus to Montezuma and stay there for 2-3 nights. Then take a water taxi to Jaco and then catch a public bus or taxi to Manuel Antonio. You will probably want to stay in Alajuela for your last night.
2
martin3000
SEAN - Thanks so much for your advice, very helpful.
We are looking to arrive in San Jose sometime before noon (buying tickets this week) in order to take a bus.
I was hoping to not rent a car because of the cost, also we're looking for 1 or 2 beaches to go to and stay put for a few days - be kind of lazy and stay in a comfortable place. Any recommendations you have along those lines is great. What's your favorite beach in that area?
I checked out your blog and it was terrific, I was just in San Francisco earlier this week. Thanks again.
4
spin
I would not go anywhere on the Pacific coast if I were traveling to Costa Rica looking for a mellow place for sun and fun in the month of September. You may have nice mornings, but plan on rain in the afternoons.
The Caribbean coast south of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca has the best weather in September. Getting there by public bus and using local transportation is simple, easy and inexpensive. Plus, there is plenty of sightseeing and adventure options.
A short (less than 7 days) Pacific beaches run by public buses might include Jaco, Manuel Antonio, Dominical and Uvita with the Ballena Marine National Park (great snorkeling). These are short bus runs, so you can take them in the afternoons while or if it is raining.
You can either retrace your steps back to San Jose or take a bus from Dominical to San Isidro de General and then on to San Jose via the "Mountain of Death."
Plan to spend your last night near the airport. Don't forget to save $26 exit fee per person. Enjoy
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