COSTA RICA + Plus

[sunvalley]

I noticed some folks discussing Nicarauga, particularly along the Pacific Coast near the Costa Rica border. We've been to Costa Rica several times, but we're intrigued by the idea of going to Nicarauga. Any suggestions, ideas for a trip? Thanks!

[bonniejoy03]

Hi Abby8885. We will be visiting Finca Rosa BLanca in San Jose and then on to Hotel Punta Islita (my favorite!) Where will you be going at that time? Rainfall is a hard one to predict. The rains can come anywhere from May to December. We have even had rainy spells in January! Typically it is not a soaking rain unless there is a hurricane or if a front sits over you. (We had this in Anguilla in November about two years ago...total gray for 8 days!) We have learned to go with the flow. I do find that after the rainy season, the little bitty bugs seem to be around more. Never had too much of a problem with them in CR but more in Belize in November. We do bring "slop" sneakers. I would highly recommend when you go in the rainy season and if you plan to hike or do outdoor activities (other than the beach) to bring yucky sloppy sneakers. This helps if it is muddy. I love to go any time of the year to CR. I know you will enjoy it!

[bonniejoy03]

CR and Nicargua are relatively close (about an hour drive from Tamarindo to the Nicaraguan beaches.) We love it there because it is less developed and less touristy than CR. I would recommend going now before it gets too touristy. For ideas, I would recommend flying into Managua and staying at Los Robles for the night (small, intimate property.) Then, I would recommend a visit to the volcanoes and / or Lake Nicaragua (you can actually stay out on one of the islands.) Granada is a charming colonial city with an interesting past due to a notorius American named Walker. (interesting story.) Then, head to the beach area to San Juan del Sur and definitely visit Morgans Rock (an ecolodge...read my blog about the property.) THere is also a "villa" community called Pelicans Eyes about four blocks from the beach. This would be a nice alternative if you wanted to self-cater. This year was the first we flew into CR and transferred by car to Nicaragua. This wouldn't be my first choice of how to get to Nic. There are also flights from Tamarindo to Granada. Lots of folks visiting CR opt for this entrance into Nicaragua. Please do not hesitate to ask more...I would love to share!Lake Nicaragua with the volcano in the background.

[abby8885]

Bonniejoy03,

We didn't have a particular place in mind yet, still researching at this point. Due to the rain trends, we have started to look into the Chan Chich Lodge in Belize as an alternative. Have you been to the Chan Chich? If so, what's your recommendation between the Chan Chich and the Punta Islita? My draw to the Chan Chich is that it's right on Gallon Jug Estate and there appears to be a lot of activities in closer proximity. Also considered going into Guatemala for a couple days pending any issues crossing the border, etc.

Thanks!

[bonniejoy03]

Hi Abby8885. You will have the same rain situation in Belize as CR. It depends on what you want to do. I have never stayed at Chan Chich but your activites will differ from Punta Islita. At Chan Chich, you will be more involved in nature activities and sightseeing. Punta Islita is more of a beach resort. They do have nature activities but not to the extent of Belize. (even though you can add Ambergris Caye or Plancencia if you want the beach while visiting Belize.) If it is raining at Chan, it could get quite muddy. Also, I think you might have more bitty bugs in the rain forest during the rainy season. As you can tell, I'm a little more partial to a beach holiday! Guatemala is great to see. From Northern Belize, you can go into Guatemala and visit Tikal. If you need tour company recommendations for that area, I could give you the company we used. At that area, you really don't have major border issues. Great ideas.

[sunvalley]

I agree - Belize has a different feel to it than the resorts on the Guanacaste Peninsula in CR. Belize is small,moreover, and you could do a threefer there. You could do three days at a beach resort on one of the cayes (great snorkeling and bone fishing), three days at a jungle resort on the mainland, and three days at Tikal in Guatemala. The flights there are short and frequent - easy to get back to Belize City.

[travel2fun]

bonniejoy03 wrote:

Hi Abby8885. You will have the same rain situation in Belize as CR. It depends on what you want to do. I have never stayed at Chan Chich but your activites will differ from Punta Islita. At Chan Chich, you will be more involved in nature activities and sightseeing. Punta Islita is more of a beach resort. They do have nature activities but not to the extent of Belize. (even though you can add Ambergris Caye or Plancencia if you want the beach while visiting Belize.) If it is raining at Chan, it could get quite muddy. Also, I think you might have more bitty bugs in the rain forest during the rainy season. As you can tell, I'm a little more partial to a beach holiday! Guatemala is great to see. From Northern Belize, you can go into Guatemala and visit Tikal. If you need tour company recommendations for that area, I could give you the company we used. At that area, you really don't have major border issues. Great ideas.

bonniejoy03, I know you are a great advocate and fanof travel to Costa Rica, however, haven't noticed a bit of over crowding recently? Has too much tourism begun to taint paradise?

[bonniejoy03]

Hi Travel2fun. Yes. I have constantly been posting about getting to some of these places before they grow too quickly. I think we have seen this already in CR. That is why we have been heading to Nicaragua and just spending fewer days in CR. Nicaragua is still less developed but it continues to grow.



We have watched as the airports in CR have grown. That is a great predictor of things to come. When we first started to go to CR, the airport was old and run down. We actually had an "international incident" when a crazy man ran on the run way and threw rocks at our plane as it was heading up the runway! There was no fence at the time around the airport. (the reports say that the same man was taking out runway lights the night before!) Anyway, the airport has been modernized and added more space. The airport is bustling. You wait forever in lines. Its crazy.Liberia airport is just as crazy as San Jose. The bottom line is that more and more people find out about our "paradise".



Even though Costa Rica is becoming more "touristy", it is still a lovely spot with many out of the way areas...you just need to know where to look!!!(Relatively deserted beach in Costa Rica. Hard to find this anywhere in the world!)

[claassenam]

Hi Bonniejoy and T2F,

I've been to Costa Rica a couple times over the past five years and did find a lot of growth in tourism the second time around. However, calling most areas touristy - at this point - is a stretch to me. Compared to the Caribbean and other beach destinations we've been, the beaches in Costa Rica are completely empty! I've only stayed at small surf locations on the Nicoya Peninsula and further south. Tamarindo is crowded and busy, but it is so easy to get away from locations like that. I did notice a difference in the airport facilities the second time around, the first time there we had a similar "small town" experience where the runway lights stopped working and we were stuck for an extra night!

As tourism continues to grow, tourists looking for a beach of their own can certainly find them off the beaten path. At the same time Bonniejoy, I am continuing to keep Morgan's Rock on my mind and have that on the radar for the next year or two - it sounds fabulous! We would probably combine that with our favorite little surf hotel in Nosara (CR).

Bonniejoy and Omegaet - did either of you take an excursion to the Arenal volcano or stay at the hotel there? It's a great hotel connected to the volcanic hot springs and with a very nice - yet natural - spa. A great trip for a day or two.



Message Edited by claassenam on 05-08-200705:13 AM

[omegaet]

claassenam....no on the trip to Arenal. A friend, who lives outside of San Jose, always raves about the hot springs, etc., etc., and spends several weekend a year there.



Our last trip to Costa Rica was approximately two years ago (mostly to spent some time trekkingin Monteverde and some relaxation at Punta Islita [LL auction package] before heading home). We probably will not be returning to Costa Rica and time soon....it's a great destination with diverse activities, but access has become much simplerfor more and more people.For us, ease ofexternal access translates to over-crowding.....and that can behuge problemsfor the basic infrastructures of a developing country. We tolerated the drive from San Jose to Monteverde simply because the Cloud Forest is such a unique environment. I would encourage anyone who has never visited Costa Ricato go and sample the variety of options...including some fabulous beach destinations such at Punta Islita.