We are planning to go to Costa Rica for 2 weeks at the end
of May and would be happy to get some tips on the following
questions:
Does anyone know a good car rental company in San Jose or
is it better to rent at the airport?
What's the approximate price for a 4WD per week?
What are good places to go to in 2 weeks time?
What's nicer, the Carribean or the Pacific Coast?
Does anyone know a good hotel in San Jose for approx. $30
per night/double room?
[There are 4 posts - the latest was added on Sat 15 May, 9:05]
Use the form at the end of this page to add your own post.
Topics
| Thorn Tree
| Home
I just got back from a two-week vacation in CR. We didn't
rent a 4x4, but instead flew SANSA air to several
destinations around the country. (http://www.sansa.com/) A
car is very expensive, gas prices are high, and the roads
are horrible. You can get around more quickly and easily if
you fly and/or take a bus.
We visited Tortuguero for an amazing canoe trip deep into
the jungle via the canals. We saw three species of monkeys,
iguanas and other lizards, tons of birds, and caimans. The
village of Tortuguero is small and very remote, with no
roads. It lies between a canal and the Carribean sea. We
loved it. Talk to Gerard at Miss Junie's for a simple room
at $15 per person, and arrange a canoe ride with Kester.
Gerard or Maria at Miss Junie's can arrange it. The beach
there is not for swimming - you can't swim far out in the
ocean because of sharks.
You can't go to Costa Rica without going to the Tabacon Hot
Springs near La Fortuna to relax in the hot river water.
Also, you must visit Manuel Antonio - pristine beaches and
good trails in the forest with lots of wildlife.
Another nice beach is Tamarindo. It's a classic beach town
with good surfing and nice weather.
It will rain in the late afternoon and/or evening almost
everywhere, but it's still plenty warm. Don't worry,
there's plenty of sun early in the day, especially on the
northern Pacific beaches like Tamarindo. Besides, the
thunderstorms are cool - lots of lightening. Rain comes a
little earlier in the day on the central and southern
Pacific beaches. Get up early and plan all your activities
for the morning and early afternoon.
Feel free to email me if you want more info.
Adios.
-Brian
Sorry, I gave you the wrong URL for SANSA air in my
previous post. Here's the correct one:
http://www.costaricainfo.com/sansa.html
-Brian
My choice in San Jose in your price range would be the
Hotel Johnston. It's a little older, but is very well
located, the rooms are large and quiet and there's a desk
clerk 24 hours.
Sometimes the cab drivers at the airport have arrangements
with certain hotels to give them a kickback, and if you ask
for another, they tell you it's full. I can guarantee it
won't be, just insist you be taken to the hotel you want.
We found San Jose an interesting, vibrant city, but there
is a lot of non-violent crime - purse snatching, etc. One
person distracts you while his partner grabs your bag.
We thought Volcan Arenal was magnificient. I'd splurge and
stay at the Observatory Lodge at the base of the volcano.
At night, hire a guide to take you up the side of the
volcano to see the lava flow. There are also some hot
springs there you can float in and watch the lava.
I agree with the previous post, the road are bad and I'd
avoid renting a car unless you really want to.
In general, we found the locals extremely friendly.
Have a great trip.
The Pacific side is much prettier although visit the other side as well. Go to Guanacaste to visit beaches and make sure to see a volcano or two as well as a rainforest. You can see Paos or Irazu (volcanos), they are a days visit from San Jose.
Have a great trip!