I'm going to Costa Rica for 8 days. I've got stays in Arenal & Manuel Antonio. Where else should i visit?

Answer 1

I'd also go to the Monte Verde "cloud forest" - it is a different sort of tropical environment (because it is higher up the mountain) than the lowlands forests.

If you want some real remote backpacking, go to the national park on the Osa Peninsula (SE shore of Costa Rica). Lots of rainforest, parrots, monkeys, and jaguar tracks. There are primitive lodging options along the way (make reservations) or you can bring a tent and stop at those places for a simple beans, rice and chicken dinner. To do it again, I'd backpack at the end of your trip - one day from Seattle and the heat and humidity were tough the first day on the trail.

San Jose is sort of a generic south-central-american capital city. There's a nice museum of pre-Columbian artifacts, but I'd only spend a half day in San Jose and then make your connections elsewhere.

The East Coast is more developed in a tourist/SCUBA kind of way.

Answer 2

The first responder suggested Monteverde. It is close to Arenal. You can take a horse over a mountain pass to get there or you can take a combination taxi, boat, taxi for about $25.00. The Moneverde Cloud forest is there with enchanting trails to hike. Also Santa Elinia. They are similar but different too. The fern trees are amazing as are all the pretty little frogs and keep a look out for the Resplendent Quetzal. I saw two at Monteverde. There is also a canopy tour and other things. The town has several high end lodges and also nice less expensive places to stay. I stayed at Manakin Inn for $15.00 a night. I must warn you that if you go during the wet season--now until November--schedule your activities before noon. And be prepared for wet afternoons. The mornings are almost always free from rain and the afternoons are usually wet. A good time to drink coffee and Imperial, the local beer.

You will want to get up early and hit the local bakeries for breakfast. My eyes were bigger than my stomach. I wanted one of everything. Boy were their pastries good.

Answer 3

Tortuguero has a GORGEOUS beach and sea turtles nest there. There's a very interesting musuem you can visit to learn about the sea turtles. They even take you on a walk down the beach at night to try to spot sea turtles.

There's another village near Tortuguero, I think it starts with an M...It's a really nice little quiet area. The people don't drive cars, they get everywhere by boat or walking. It's really interesting to see how they live.

Answer 4

ISLA SAN LUCAS or should i say in english San Lucas Island.
It is older than Alcatras, its a very old historical hunted prison that is in a Island called San Lucas. Its just 10 miles from Puntarenas.
The boat ride to there is beautiful. Awesome views in the ocean.
Also since you are already seeing the beaches you should see the high mountains or Volcanoes. http://monteverdeinfo.com/volcano.htm
you want to see some nice pictures and maps of CR?
http://nicoyapeninsula.com/

Answer 5

If you contact a local travel agency, they will be able to set up the best itinerary for you, within your wishes and budget!

The places you should or can visit also depend on the transportation you have (tourist bus?, rented vehicle?, public bus?), so if you are not sure about distances and transfer times, the best is to contact the experts.

I recommend TROPICAL PASS, they can help you!
www.tropicalpass.com

Answer 6

visit porta vijeho or something like that... it is next to panama almost.... also visit the rain forest in monte verde... i love that place.have fun

Answer 7

the rain forest or mabe my grandma lol