www.CostaRicaTicas.com

This will be my first trip to CR and I've got a 11 day trip booked. I've been doing a lot of research and definitely plan to do a lot of day trips but was thinking of spending at least a couple of days staying outside of SJ. Would definitely plan to spend at least one night over by the Arenal Volcano any suggestions on hotels/resorts over there? I saw an Arenal Lodge as a CRT sponser was wondering if anybody else had stayed there. I was also thinking about staying 2 nights or so at a nice beach resort. I know JACO has got the surfing and night life but I know that there are other more pristine beaches in CR. Any suggestions on beaches/resorts to just relax at? I'm not looking to splurge but willing to pay about $100 to $125 a night. Any responses or even links to other threads with info would be greatly appreciated.

if your going to costa rica for pu*sy .....make all your days in san jose .....dont leave town ,all the day trips and beaches are a waste of time .....you want beaches go to florida ,,,your here for pu*sy ...stay in san jose !!!!

Besides Arenal Lodge, check out Los Lagos resort. I believe the standard room rate in high season is $110. Nice place, do a search and you will find a couple of reports. The place looks exactly like it does on the website.

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In honor of Jimmy V week, "Don't give up, don't ever give up!"

There are many good options for lodging in La Fortuna (Arenal) in the $50 - $100 range. On this board, there are a number of threads dealing with the topic of Arenal lodging and hot springs.

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Blue Devil

Pura Vida...enjoying life to the fullest...

If you want pristine nature, head to the Penisula de Osa, best flying there as the roads suck.

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“Good people sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.” And we are the guys that keep them in Eggs & Grits

Good choice on getting out of town a bit. After 3-4 days in the depressing atmosphere of the gulch, I would be tempted to wrap a noose around my neck. For some nice, relaxing beach time head down to Manuel Antonio for a few days.

yeah it's so depressing thousands of us keep going back over & over & over.....

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"cuz I'm a back-door man" Jim Morrison-1969

I'm with Thirdworld on this. I really like to get out of SJ and do some normal touristy shit as well. A few days in SJ to clean out the pipes, then some relaxing beach time, then a few more days of whoopin it up in SJ is a perfect vacay for me.

Manuel Antonio is beautiful and offers many activities such as beaches, zip lines, atv tours, fishing, etc. Here is a good map of the area:
http://www.cupotico.com/maps/Manuel%20A ... 0maps.html
Any hotel from # 48 Hotel Costa Verde (my personal favorite) down to the park are easily walkable to the beaches and park. Tons of great restaurants too.

You can fly from SJO to Quepos on Sansa or Naturalair for @$60, or take interbus (my suggestion) from door to door for @$35 each way.

PM me if you want more info. I have dozens of photos as well.

Enjoy your trip amigo, and start looking at your calendar now to start booking your second trip (It helps with the withdrawl)

Yeah, I get burned out after a few days in the gulch, too. I've always enjoyed getting out and exploring this diverse little country. Bringing along a favorita adds some fun to the roadtrips.

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Blue Devil

Pura Vida...enjoying life to the fullest...

Thanks for all the great tips and information, I'm definitely excited about my first trip both the SJ and other parts. 8Ball I may just pM you later for some more info.

Thanks