I am so excited ... hubby just agreed to a trip to Costa Rica in October. I have read that it is rainy season, but we are okay with that as we live in the desert and rarely get rain. The plan is 8 days between Manuel Antonio and Arenal. In Arenal we are going to stay at Nayara but recommendations for Manuel would be appreciated.
For those having been to CR, what are the highlights and must do items? I know hubby wants to go and hike the volcano and I want to see the wildlife of Manuel Antonio. but that still leaves several days of planning to do. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
We went in February. We stayed in Tamarindo. Here is what we did:
•surfed at Playa Grande •relaxed, swam, etc at Playa Langosta • Playa Avellenas, ate at Lola's and saw Lola the pig who sometimes swims in the ocean •went zip lining, rappelling, horseback riding and tubing at Rincon De la Vieja national park • went to Playa Conchal which was an amazingly beautiful beach!
Post by PinkSquirrel on May 2, 2014 14:05:26 GMT -5
I've gone twice during the rainy season and never thought it was a big deal. I liked the afternoon rain. That said, October is the one month I've heard can actually get bad enough to put a damper on a good time.
We loved, loved our trip in March. We stayed in Arenal, Monteverde and south of Tamarindo. Loved every single hotel! It was a country I cant wait to get back to.
I can't remember where we stayed in Arenal, but I don't remember being wowed by it. So, no hotel recommendations there.
If you're in to hot springs then the Tabacon spa is worth it. They do sell a limited number of evening passes. I can't remember if that includes dinner, but if it doesn't don't bother getting the food it wasn't great.
We stayed at the Arenas del Mar in Manuel Antonio and loved the natural feel of things. We got a good rate because we were there during the rainy season. We did have very gray skies which was kind of depressing on the beach, but I think that was more due to a tropical storm than normal Costa Rica weather.
Also did the Nayara. Wonderful place! Several couples we met at the Nayara also later ended up at the Arenas del Mar, so we had a fun group to hang out with when we wanted.
We stayed at the Arenas del Mar in Manuel Antonio and loved the natural feel of things. We got a good rate because we were there during the rainy season. We did have very gray skies which was kind of depressing on the beach, but I think that was more due to a tropical storm than normal Costa Rica weather.
Also did the Nayara. Wonderful place! Several couples we met at the Nayara also later ended up at the Arenas del Mar, so we had a fun group to hang out with when we wanted.
I second Arenas del Mar.
The resort has a great beach front location, and a wonderful natural ambiance.
I can't remember where we stayed in Arenal, but I don't remember being wowed by it. So, no hotel recommendations there.
If you're in to hot springs then the Tabacon spa is worth it. They do sell a limited number of evening passes. I can't remember if that includes dinner, but if it doesn't don't bother getting the food it wasn't great.
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