Six of us (three generations) are planning to spend a week in Costa Rica early Nov. We the parents in mid-30s, our children two and seven yrs old and their grand parents in sixties. All are energetic and enthusiastic travellers. We have obtained or ordered about 4 or 5 travel guides (LonelyPlanet, Moon guide, Rough Guide, Adventure, EcoTravel, etc.) but I find FT advice when available is better suited for me.

The emphasis is on eco-tourism. We understand that it may be raining but complex schedules do not permit travel Dec-Mar. Would like a rainforest tour, stay at a tree house or some such and a little bit of hiking. Budget is higher-end ($100+ per person per day).

Travel is on AA into SJO (some are on award and the rest are purchased at the current sale for about $500 from US West Coast).

Personally would prefer some FF mile earning hotel but Mrs would like a place with local character.

We do enjoy eating local food while travelling - any good recommendations?

I could not find a board for Central America so I guess Costa Rica fits into this Latin America board.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by enjoystravel:
Six of us (three generations) are planning to spend a week in Costa Rica early Nov......</font>

I am scheduled to be in SJO on Friday, will be back Monday. I normally go there once/twice a year. I'll post a long update next week (I've gotta get fresh lowdown from friends there )

1. This is your first trip - Two days in SJO, fly to Tamarindo; 5 days, back a night to SJO before flying home.

2. Keep the Carribean side for a later trip.

3. Yes, it is the green season, so what it rains a couple of hours a day, and then it clears off.

4. Fresh fruits and fish is the norm, though the tico/ticas consume a lot of chicken.

5. The country is very eco-conscious, and most of them are very literate about the environment.

6. Marriott, Holiday Inn, Intercontinental, Best Western, Sol Melia are represented if you want miles http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif Outside SJO it is gonna be difficult.

7. Avoid renting and driving a car.

Pura Vida

More later

[This message has been edited by akhullar (edited 08-06-2002).]

The Melia San Jose is between the airport and downtown and is ok. It has a big pool, a spa, and a small casino. It is close enough to town. San Jose is worth a few hours, and two museums -- the militay one and the jem one. Several neat local hotels are in the downtown area, including one I liked - something like Don Jose a few blocks north of the main street and I recall near the Holiday Inn.

The beaches that time of rainy season are not the best, especially the bugs -- bring alot of repellent.

The Arenal volcano is neat IF it isn't cloudy. You can stay on the hillside, or just use the spa for a few hours.

You can take a day or half-day trip to local San Jose area volcanoes (sp??) that are worth it.

There are multiple forest lodges throughout the country.

The Tortugero area is well worth it. Several lodges are there. Boat rides, hikes, and best of all -- watching the turtles lay eggs at night in the sand.

BUT be careful since crime is on the rise, especially in certain areas. Ask those questions. Don't drive on your own since that is the easiest way to be robbed.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by minatonka:
The Melia San Jose is between the airport and downtown and is ok. It has a big pool, a spa, and a small casino. It is close enough to town. San Jose is worth a few hours, and two museums -- the militay one and the jem one. Several neat local hotels are in the downtown area, including one I liked - something like Don Jose a few blocks north of the main street and I recall near the Holiday Inn.
.............</font>

Don Carlos ? Del Ray ??? Avoid hotels downtown. Just got back yesterday from SJO, stayed at Marriott while in SJO.

Another thing that I'd add is that do take a bug repellant or two for this time of the year (green season).

We had exceptionally clear skies in the day this past weekend, and some great hiking opportunities in the Central Valley (orsi area) area.

I would recommend the pacific coast at a small town or big village called Quepos!

I´ve been there a couple of years ago. Wonderful beaches with surfers from all over the world, very nice and affordable privat hotels and a good choice of restaurants with all kinds of cuisine.

National park San Antonio is nearby, if you want to make hiking tours.

You can take a cheap domestic flight (20 minutes on a propeller cargo plane - what a funny event!!!!!) or take a bus (about 6 hours ride!!) for just a few dollars.

You´ll see a lot of the country.

Going to Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park for hiking is a good idea though it doesn't come close to "eco" status...more beachie and commercial though no destination resorts. The town of Jaco is another beach town, on the road to Quepos. The Marriott Los Suenos is a new destination resort w/ golf, etc. There's a small, little visited park named Carrara before you come to Jaco and it's a great place for the kids to see lots of the animals that are unique to CR.

Tamarino is a similarly popular beach town (more travel time-fly to Liberia) with lots of non-destination hotels. The Capitan Suizo is my favorite hotel. Great beach, bar, and pool. You can book day trips to various places from the hotel.

You might consider Monteverde (try El Sapo Dorado for lodging) for an eco destination. Lots of hiking, adventures, set in a cloud forest. If you're tempted to go to Arenal Volcano don't go around the northern part of the lake as the road is always in major disrepair and you'll tear up your rent-a-car. (The town of Arenal is on the W edge of the lake but the volcano and hot springs are on the E edge) BTW, if you like sightseeing and don't mind driving, the arterial roads are good. The access road from the Pan American Hwy to Monteverde is unpaved and rutty and part of the adventure. It isn't dangerous, just slow going. Things aren't far apart in Costa Rica but everything takes 4 hours to get to.

The city of San Jose isn't worth spending more that a half day in but it does make a good place for a base for many day trips. I'd drive to Cartago, to Volcano Irazu where if it's clear you can see both the Atlantic and Pacific. The drive up the mountainside is gorgeous especially when you're looking down at the clouds. At 13,000+ feet you won't do much hiking on that trip. The road from SJ to Irazu is excellent. You could day trip to the hot springs at Arenal but go through the town of La Fortuna. Jaco is 3 hours, Quepos 4+, Irazu 2, Tamarino 6.5.

There's a Hampton Inn within a mile of the airport though if you want to stay in San Jose check out El Grano d'Oro. It's an outstanding small hotel just off Paseo Colon where you get great rooms, service, and the best food in the country.

If you want about an hour drive to a restaurant with the most amazing view go South of San Jose to "Ram Luna" in the town of Asseri. You wind up this mountain to an excellent restaurant that overlooks the entire city of San Jose and the central valley. What a sight! Whatever you decide to do you'll have a great time. Remember to drink some Guaro and go to a supermarket and buy lots of coffee (about $1.80/lbs).