Anyone been to Costa Rica?

emilyann4615 · May 2010

My FH and I are thinking about going to Costa Rica. Anyone been there and have any opinions on where to stay, what to do, etc?

KatieJL121 · May 2010

Hi Emily! I've never been to Costa Rica, but my FI and I are in the process of planning our honeymoon to CR for June 28-July 6 of this year, so I can give you an overview of what we're doing. We've decided to stay at a beach in Manuel Antonio for the first 5 nights (haven't decided which hotel yet, but we're looking into luxury resorts like Arenas del Mar), then staying the last 3 nights at a really nice hotel called Arenal Nayara near the active volcano Arenal. We're planning on relaxing but also doing excursions like ziplining, visiting MA National Park to see wildlife in the rainforest, hiking to a nearby waterfall one day and the volcano at night, etc. I bought a couple of books on Costa Rica and they've been really great in helping us narrow down which parts of the country we'd like to go to (it's so diverse!), recommending hotels, restaurants, transportation, etc. I've used these books for guidance but did further research online (thank goodness for the internet!). The best one I have is "Fodor's Costa Rica 2010." I hope this helps!

Pinker26 · May 2010

I am also planning a honeymoon in Costa Rica - we are staying in Mal Pais on the Nicoya peninsula, which is supposed to be on of the best places in CR for surfing. They have lots of day excursions you can do from there - ziplining, parks, snorkeling, an island tour, etc. -- some of the trips you can take are listed here - http://www.malpaistravel.com/ We are also renting a house (which I found on www.vrbo.com) because I think it will be more relaxed than staying in a hotel. It's a really nice modern house with a view of the ocean and a pool, grill, and a hot tub (5 bedrooms for the 2 of us), daily cleaning service, and it's costing us less than it would have to stay in a nice hotel in one of the big tourist areas (arenal, Manuel Antonio). It definitely depends on what you want to do, but if you are into surfing you might want to look at Mal Pais/Santa Teresa

LaFemmeRousse · May 2010

I've been to CR- our basic itinerary was this: one night and day in San Jose, two nights in Arenal/La Fortuna, two days in Monteverde, one night in Quepos, three days/two nights in Manuel Antonio, and then one more night in San Jose before leaving.

Manuel Antonio is the only beachy area we visited, and we liked it quite a bit. Not much help with other parts of the coast, sorry! Also, FWIW, I didn't think that any of the places where we stayed in Costa Rica had much of a "nightlife" as it's usually interpreted, but all of the big touristy areas have at least something going on in the evening.

Reilly626 · May 2010

I recommend Guanacaste for the beaches and all inclusive resorts, then like others said Arenal to soak in the springs of the volcano's steam, and then La Paz (just google it) Its where the bachelorette Trista honeymooned- its gorgeous, you are in the middle of a rainforest, surrounded by waterfalls and butterfly gardens and great hiking. I spent a month in CR. I also enjoyed Volcano Irazu and just hiking in the rainforests seeing the animals and birds. The food is great there as is the fresh fruits, some Ive never had before. People are friendly and helpful. Be wary of your bag and luggage esp in San Jose, there are many thieves there. I hated San Jose for this reason, Id say fly in and move out, its just a city. Try the Tres Leches cake there! Yum! Have fun!

tiffnrich2010 · May 2010

I'm going to be in Costa Rica June 20-27 we are staying at the paradisus-playa-conchal. Never been before but I'll write a review when we get back!!

missmeikrantz · May 2010

I agree with the beach recommendations above - Manuel Antonio was great! But if you're up for it - it doesn't get more beautiful or relaxing than the Tabacon hot springs resort! I forget how far it is from the beach, it might be too far; If not, make it at least a day trip!

carolinabride718 · June 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_anyone-costa-rica-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:11Discussion:346b5f65-3e3f-44c2-9dbe-c8a4394bf249Post:b2a0f549-844c-45f9-b5cc-5869501beba0">Re: Anyone been to Costa Rica?</a>:
[QUOTE] then staying the last 3 nights at a really nice hotel called Arenal Nayara near the active volcano Arenal. We're planning on relaxing but also doing excursions like ziplining, visiting MA National Park to see wildlife in the rainforest, hiking to a nearby waterfall one day and the volcano at night, etc. I bought a couple
Posted by KatieJL121[/QUOTE]

<div>If your going to arenal volcano one of th emost beautiful and magically romantic places i have ever been in the TABACON Resort, I would STRONGLY recommend staying here for at least 2 nights it is truly amazing!</div>

Cataocampo · August 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_anyone-costa-rica-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:11Discussion:346b5f65-3e3f-44c2-9dbe-c8a4394bf249Post:69c939d3-e05f-42d6-a798-e1874039d7d0">Re: Anyone been to Costa Rica?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Anyone been to Costa Rica? : If your going to arenal volcano one of th emost beautiful and magically romantic places i have ever been in the TABACON Resort, I would STRONGLY recommend staying here for at least 2 nights it is truly amazing!
Posted by carolinabride718[/QUOTE]

Tabacon is one of the best places around Arenal Volcano, very natural, very exclusive and full of romance!!!! good call!

Anyone been to Costa Rica?

Re: Anyone been to Costa Rica?

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