Cat:Central and South AmericaForum:0EE6C0BADiscussion:3f201d23-a312-45c2-84c4-7278fb8e40da
Costa Rica
Two Friends Planning a Trip to Costa Rica
My friend and I will be spending the month of February 2009 in Costa Rica. We wanted one month of tropics in the middle of our winter. We're young, in our early 20's and going the super budget rate,
My friend and I will be spending the month of February 2009 in Costa Rica. We wanted one month of tropics in the middle of our winter. We're young, in our early 20's and going the super budget rate, planning to stay in hostels and camp. Our main goal is to just sit on the beach. This trip is kind of a gift to ourselves after bartending most every day of this past summer in a fishing town in Alaska. So adventerous we are.
We usually are turned off by tourist stuff with guides and what not. We just want to kick it.
I could use lots of suggestions to at least get the first destiniations planned and see how we might like to block out our time down there.
My friend and I will be spending the month of February 2009 in Costa Rica. We wanted one month of tropics in the middle of our winter. We're young, in our early 20's and going the super budget rate (hostels and camping). Our main goal is to just sit on the beach. This trip is kind of a gift to ourselves after bartending most every day of this past summer in a fishing town in Alaska. So adventerous we are. We usually are turned off by tourist stuff with guides and what not. We just want to kick it. I could totally use lots of suggestions to at least get the first destiniations planned and see how we might like to block out our time down there. Posted by Galactica
Hi Galactica,
You probably want to visit the northern Guanacaste province between Tamarindo in the north and Nosara further south. Seek out pristine beaches where you can camp out safely.
It it sounds like going to the Osa Peninsula is a good option for your. Again, seek out Corcovado for camping and beach. Since you are on a budget and have an entire month, public buses are probably fine, but be prepared to do a lot of walking.
Finally, Gandoca-Manzanillo in the Caribbean South is also an option. There you will be able to find cheap accommodations and a good vibe.
I disagree, and tell everybody to stay away from southern Costa Rica. It is a pretty "partyville". The real Cost Rica is up north. I lived in Panama for 9 years and have been to Costa Rica 6 times, in all the regions.
If you go to Punteranous, you can take an inexpensivr ferry 10 miles across to the Nicoya Peninsula. A favorite with the backpackers by the way. You will also be near the Island of Tortuga. That picture is in every travel guide for CR, i've ever seen. Everything there is cheaper and not so touristy? Enjoy!
I recommend from Tamarindo north actually, and we loved Flamingo Beach, etc. Nice sandy beaches, but for the younger crowd, more things are probably happening at the surfing spot the Tamarindo area. Also - on the way to the beach, suggest you hang a couple days by La Fortuna - and see the great sights of Volcan/Volcano Arenal - and visit the botanical gardens/hot springs at Tabacon. You can drive around Lago Arenal over to the Tamarindo/Flamingo area.
I have yet to get all the way down to the Osa Peninsula, and it's supposed to be beautiful - but it will be more humid than the northern Flamingo area.
If you are into diving or sail fishing - the little islands just off Flamingo are great - and I swam/dove with 22 foot Manna Rays, and they are gentle giants.
Since you're going to have plenty of time, I suggest you take in Arenal/ Tabacon area. Even though it is developed the waterfalls, aviary, butterfly areas at La Paz are beautiful. Staying there would be expensive i imagine but if you are driving you could combine a visit to La Paz and El vocan Poas(go in the AM) on the same day. I've been in CR 4 times and did a little something different each time. I have not been into the center rainforest around Monteverde.
We went to Costa Rica in Aug end. Similar to you, we do not like going to the ultra touristy spots and prefer to see the "real" country. My travelogue is posted on http://www.travelplannersblog.blogspot.com, so that will give an idea of what all is there in CR to do and see. The one place we wanted to go and did not have time to go is Osa.
Overall our trip was fantastic. We used a english speaking (American born) travel agent who lives and operats in CR to help coordinate our destinations and travel from one place to another. He was fantastic, really moderately priced and we had a great time. Good luck. Feel free to ask specific questions about our trip.
I would have to agree with the previous post whereas they suggested Dominical. If you want cheap and affordable without all the 'touristy' things that Guanacaste has, then its your place. I just returned from Tambor in the north in Puntarenas and it was much more pricy than down near the Dominical area. You want lush, untouched, raw rain forest, laid back attitude and amazing beaches then Dominical is it. Check out http://www.sellingcr.com/costa-rica/beaches/dominical-costa-rica
Pura Vida!
PS: by the way I live near Dominical so this isn't coming from a 'visitor' but someone who lives here.
Personally I couldn't imagine going to Costa Rica just to lay on a beach. There are so many great things to do in Costa Rica.
If you just want a beac, why not the Riviera Maya. I'm sure you could find a great beach in your budget there.
(Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio & Playa Flamingo are great, but in Costa Rica I think you will hear the call for adventure and the idea of relaxing will go out the window)
