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I am all set for a trip to Costa Rica next month. I will be staying for a few days near Arenal Volcano and a few days in Bijagua de Upala (flying through Liberia). I have rented a 4WD car. I'm mostly interested in a relaxed pace and doing lots of quiet hiking and bird watching. I'm also interested in booking some tours or activities in both locations. There's many different tours in both places and I'm a little overwhelmed with trying to pick! [more inside]
posted by forkisbetter around Costa Rica at 1:04 PM - 4 answers

I'm planning to travel to Costa Rica for a week and a half or so in December for a solo trip. I'm kind of stuck on the planning due to lack of time and mental capacity and need to just get flights and the first couple of nights in order and then plan the rest over the next few weeks. Where would be a good starting place / home base for the types of day trips I'd like to do? [more inside]
posted by mireille around Costa Rica at 9:45 AM - 4 answers

I am looking for some advice on this late May itinerary to Costa Rica for an 11-12 day trip. We are thinking Pacuare River--San Gerardo de Dota-- Drake Bay. We are looking for a less touristy experience with beautiful scenery and wildlife. Does this plan sound reasonable? [more inside]
posted by TrarNoir around Costa Rica at 7:55 AM - 3 answers

On a strange whim the other day I was looking at property in Costa Rica and stumbled on a house I can afford. It's in a walkable neighborhood in Guanacasta, a short drive to a tourist area (Samara). Is this a realistic idea? Has anyone done something like this solo? What should I watch out for? Does anyone who lives in Central America have any advice about relocating? I'm prepared for climate, flooding, bugs and lizards, ineffective post, and good internet. What am I unprepared for? [more inside]
posted by irisclara around Costa Rica at 5:45 PM - 17 answers

Traveling to Costa Rica in early February with my fully vaxxed/boosted mom. Help us decide if this is crazy, or will probably be OK. [more inside]
posted by quantum around Costa Rica at 9:15 AM - 4 answers

Please take me step-by-step through the process of getting from my plane to my hotel in San Jose, Costa Rica. [more inside]
posted by Mid around Costa Rica at 7:09 AM - 6 answers

We have a spur-of-the-moment week in San Jose, Costa Rica. We have a hotel booked. Can you suggest places to see in San Jose and environs? Unfortunately we have poor Spanish but are willing to spend a bit to have an interesting experience if MeFites have personal recommendations. We love art, crafts, good food, theater, (but recognize that without Spanish this is likely not viable). We are not beach people - we are city people. We have booked tours to visit Carrillo National Park and Irazu volcano, and expect to be awed. But what about the people who live in San Jose? Where is the human culture? Galleries, museums, craft galleries, restaurants, coffee shops - whatever - please advise!
posted by citygirl around Costa Rica at 8:51 PM - 4 answers

My sister and I are going to Costa Rica in mid-February 2019 and plan to stay 4-5 nights in the Arenal Volcano area. I am overwhelmed with trying to choose lodging. [more inside]
posted by ITravelMontana around Costa Rica at 4:58 PM - 3 answers

My brother and I are taking our parents to Costa Rica for their 50th wedding anniversary at the end of March. We'll be there as a whole family for a week, flying into and out of Liberia, and then my wife and I will be staying for 3 extra days after everyone else goes home. Where should we go, that we can get to fairly easily from Brasilito, where we'll be at the end of the first week? More details below about the kind of stuff we're into. [more inside]
posted by crookedgrin around Costa Rica at 9:59 AM - 3 answers

Yay - we're going to Costa Rica! Sad panda - we'll only be there for one day .What would be the most kid friendly way to make the of our little time there? [more inside]
posted by littlerockgetaway around Costa Rica at 10:07 AM - 2 answers

What should we do in Costa Rica when we visit in February? [more inside]
posted by JenThePro around Costa Rica at 8:48 AM - 8 answers

Leaving the Arenal region of Costa Rica to return to Toronto today. We're staying in a lush, insecty area and there's tiny ants and spiders all over everything. Pretty positive they'll be plenty in our packed bags. [more inside]
posted by dripdripdrop around Costa Rica at 7:29 AM - 3 answers

Inspired in part by this recent question, Mr. DrGail and I want to go to Costa Rica this winter. I know we're behind the curve in planning this trip, so I'm hoping you can help. Our interests and other particulars are inside. [more inside]
posted by DrGail around Costa Rica at 1:42 PM - 7 answers

Hey, I'm going to Costa Rica December 5th to 19th this year. I am in over my head as far as planning where I will go and stay. Can you help me? I'd like to get reservations all set, and I have no idea what I am doing. [more inside]
posted by Stewriffic around Costa Rica at 6:22 AM - 11 answers

Does anyone have any recommendations for great places to stay in Costa Rica for a family with older kids (teens/20s)? [more inside]
posted by feathermeat around Costa Rica at 7:48 PM - 4 answers

Building on my previous question, I now want to get specific. We will be in La Fortuna (2/23-2/25), Monteverde (2/25-2/27) and Quepos (2/27-3/2). [more inside]
posted by falsedmitri around Costa Rica at 8:23 AM - 6 answers

We are staying in Quepos, Costa Rica in late Feb/Early March. About 1/2 the time will be spent around Quepos, the other half a road trip to Arenal/Monteverde. [more inside]
posted by falsedmitri around Costa Rica at 4:28 PM - 16 answers

I'm going to Costa Rica for the first time in a few weeks. I am by no means a seasoned traveler, so I'm looking for tips on packing smart and light for ten days in the rainforest during the rainy season. [more inside]
posted by vraxoin around Costa Rica at 9:24 AM - 9 answers

Going to Costa Rica in 7hrs for 10 days. Ive been told I need to get out of San Jose ASAP, so where should my journey begin? [more inside]
posted by AMWKE1984 around Costa Rica at 8:36 PM - 8 answers

A friend (read: guy I've been seeing for two months) is leaving to Costa Rica for a week. I'd like to give him a gift of something that's inexpensive, personal, and that he'd find useful on his trip. [more inside]
posted by Everydayville around Costa Rica at 3:20 PM - 11 answers