Hi All,

I'm reaching out to my trusty summitposters again! Our family adventures have been fantastic because of the wonderful feedback I received in the past.

Here is the scenario:
2 teenagers in tow
limited funds
10 days

ecolodge suggestions? cool places not to miss? where can I find a decent map?

Thanks!!!
TL

NatGeo makes a nice map of Costa Rica.

Are you going to be on the Atlantic or Pacific side?

Arenal

Chirripo National Park was really cool. I love surfing, but I ended up enjoying my stay in the mountains more than the beach for some reason. We didn't climb Cerro Chirripo, but we stayed in San Gerardo De Rivas and went on some pretty amazing hikes the 3 days we were there. If I went back I'd plan it out better and make the trek to the peak.

ecolodge suggestions?

Turtle Beach Lodge is really nice. Or at least it was really great when we were there.

http://www.turtlebeachlodge.com/

Even if you don't stay there, makes sure to visit the area.

cool places not to miss?

Some of the coolest places are Rincón de la Vieja and Volcán Arenal (though touristy).

Volcán Poás and Volcán Irazu are neat volcanoes that area very easy to get to.

If you have several days at your disposal, Cerro Chirripo is a great hike as are the surrounding peaks.

Scott wrote:

cool places not to miss?

Some of the coolest places are Rincón de la Vieja and Volcán Arenal (though touristy).

+1

I second the recommendation for Chirripo National Park. We particularly enjoyed the hiking in the Cloudbridge Nature Reserve. (http://www.cloudbridge.org)

I can highly recommend the Trogon Lodge in San Gerardo de Dota which is great for bird watching. Here is a photo of a Resplendent Quetzal which I took: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mdv_graupe/5915123667/

Places to man bike?

sorry

Places to MTN bike? how about camping?

tigerlilly wrote:Places to man bike?

?

+ 1 to above. That said, if budget is a consideration, I found Panama to be more affordable.

Don't miss the chance to view lava flowing down an active volcano at night (Arenal).

In February the beach was so hot that even swimming was unbearable and we retreated to an air-conditioned hotel every afternoon; the hills were much more pleasant.

Fifteen years ago, everything was dirt cheap. Going rate for air-conditioned motel rooms was $10 a night. Good maps weren't really necessary, the Lonely Planet guidebook was enough. There was hardly more than one highway, and for the secondary roads you'd best ask the locals about current conditions, even in a Jeep.

As gringos, you (or at least the men in your group) can expect to be approached by pimps upon arrival in a tourist town (prostitution is legal), but they're polite.

We are used to camping or hiking to a cabin. Wondering if that is possible?

Anyone been to the Osa Peninsula?

Also, if I want to see lava....where do I go? do the volcanoes still spew lava out?

We are used to camping or hiking to a cabin. Wondering if that is possible?

For Chirripo, you hike and then stay in a cabin. There is good backpacking at Rincón de la Vieja.

Anyone been to the Osa Peninsula?

We were there briefly. Nice place, but it was really hot. I think to get to Corcovado though, the only way is to fly (unless things have changed).

do the volcanoes still spew lava out?

Arenal is the most active volcano in Costa Rica and spits lava on and off. The last eruption was September though, so it's hard to plan something like seeing an eruption in advance.

Scott, where did you stay when you visited Corcovado. Is it worth it to shlep all the way down there?

I did a lot of reading over the past few months and for some reason I got fixated on Corcovado National Park.

I really like animals and this seemed like a worthy adventure.

Unfortunately, this park is wrapped in enough red tape to make it a decent Christmas package.

1) you need a permit to get in.
2) you need a guide
3) you need to reserve a spot in the park if you want to stay overnight (can't reserve further out than 30 days from your arrival)

A new rule was established in Feb 2014 that says you must bring a guide in with you if you want to visit Corcovado National Park.
Guides are $150-$200 a day. So, if you want to go in for a few days, you basically have to take out a second mortgage. Are they trying to discourage people from entering the park? Cuz' they are doing a good job. They do not take wire transfers or credit cards. You have to pay in person when you get there, or ask a travel agent to pay it for you ahead of time and reimburse them.

I'm thinking this is worth writing up a trip report on and submitting it. There is a lot here I'm not telling you. It would save some poor soul days of research and pain.

A report would be appreciated.