www.CostaRicaTicas.com

On my trip to C.R. in late April, I will be staying in San Jose at the La Amistad. I'd like to do a day trip
to a Rainforest. I am interested in a Boat ride as well as a Canopy walk . . . and maybe a Zip line.
Any recommendations for a fairly close site? Can it be a one day or must I stay overnight? Also, can
you recommend transportation. If anybody is up for sharing a van, I'd be interested in that. I'll be there
from April 28th for about a week and a half. . .

Sactophotog

Arenal has all of the above plus hot springs and the volcano. Overnight would be necessary at a minimum.

Agree with all this, particularly the overnight part. Especially as you are coming a long distance, you don't want to cheat yourself. Get in touch directly with Bros PuraVida transport (PVT) or One Lucky Dogg for all manner of advice and transport. Your flying the flag (paid membership) gets you personal attention and discounts. Rock on!

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"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

Sactophotog,

You could do most of that in a day trip to Jaco. We could stop off and do the Tarcoles River cruise which is about 2 hours and really a neat trip (http://crocodilerivertour.com/). Then on to Los Suenos Canopy Tour which will take a couple of hours (http://www.canopyvistalossuenos.com/). Then on to Jaco for a look around Cocal and the beach then back to San Jose. Could probably even squeeze in a 2-3 hour ATV tour if we left early enough (http://axrjaco.net/).

If you want a better experience, Arenal or Manuel Antonio would be my suggestions but both you'd need to stay at least one night. Arenal has some great zip lines including a really good one on the way there (http://www.sanluiscanopytour.com/). Best boat ride in the country (IMHO) is the Canoe Negro Wildlife Preserve tour (http://www.arenal.net/tour/Cano-Negro-w ... refuge.htm) but it's an almost all day thing. For a real rainforest experience, do the tour from Arenal to Monteverde by boat/car or on horseback (http://www.arenal.net/tour/monteverde.htm). I personally like Arenal the best because it 1) isn't that hot and 2) the hot springs. There are also other things to do like:

ATV Tour: http://www.arenal.net/tour/la-pradera-atv-tour/
White water rafting on the Toro (http://www.arenal.net/tour/toro-river/) or Balsa Rivers (http://www.arenal.net/tour/balsa-river/)
Canyon rappelling: http://www.arenal.net/tour/pure-trek-costa-rica.htm

For just a boat ride from San Jose, always suggest the catamaran tour to Tortuga Island with Calypso Cruises. http://www.calypsocruises.com/

And of course, I'd be more than happy to provide any transportation needs you might have...

Steve

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The only thing that matters is happiness in all it forms...

Bro PVT's Post is an excellent example of the kind of informed commentary w/ click-thrus that Bro Prolijo used to provide. Don't miss the vid w/stills of the San Luis zipline offerings--puts you right in the picture. This Post will be consulted/used/quoted for years to come. And don't forget: Bro PVT provides his own comments and general convo on the journeys. Hooray for us!

_________________
"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

If you want to get that in quick try the Aerial Tram Atlantic side.

It's like a hundred bucks for everything and they will pick you up at a hotel and bring you back.

Not cheap but quick and well run. You get it all done and stay close to the main attraction.


http://www.rainforestadventure.com/cost ... rial_tram/

There are a lot of choices in Costa Rica, almost too many choices. I've spent a lot of time just researching La Fortuna & Monterverde!

Re: the Arenal to Monteverde by boat/car or on horseback on the arenal.net site, I can see the "By Horseback, Boat and 4x4 Car" combination tour on the arenal.net site. When I click the Rates & Booking link it shows the booking through Anywhere Costa Rica. Are they a reputable outfit with competitive rates? And in general, does it pay to shop around, or are the booking prices pretty standard among the agencies? (for the same activity)

The monteverde.info site indicates that the Monteverde to La Fortuna horseback route is descending and the reverse is ascending but "possible to arrange". How challenging is the La Fortuna to Monteverde horseback route? Is that he same route shown on the arenal.net site? It looks like the route on both sites runs parallel to Lake Arenal. And any issues with rain in July? thanks

After months being dormant, didn't this Thread lively up! Juan Es's mentions as click-throughs:
http://www.monteverdeinfo.com/ and
http://www.arenal.net/

_________________
"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

For a day trip, I have to recommend the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, up near the Poas Volcano. Excellent nature walk, decent restaurant on premises, well cared for and attended. See wild cats, wild birds in captivity as well as snakes, butterfly house is interesting and then a walk past a couple waterfalls. At the end of the walk you can hike up back up or take a bus back to the main entrance.

Excellent choice. For a more up close and personal look: http://www.waterfallgardens.com/

_________________
"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

Recently went to La Paz Waterfall Garden's for the first time since the big earthquake almost destroyed the place a few years back and it was GREAT. Lots of animals, birds, butterflies, snakes, orchids and some great views and scenery make this place a fantastic day trip out of the gulch. Be sure the tour also includes Poas Volcano as the two aren't 15 minutes apart. If anyone is interested, I can post some pictures in the VIP section.

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The only thing that matters is happiness in all it forms...

I can't believe you didn't recommend La Selva! I still show pics you took on that tour you took me on.

http://www.ots.ac.cr/index.php?option=c ... Itemid=348

He did say "rain forests."

I highly recommend this tour

Can you do a day trip to La Selva? If so, who did you use?
Thanks

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I am NOT a Cien Boy!!

I used PuraVidaTransport. He was excellent and even took pictures for me. http://www.puravidatransport.com

It is a world famous biological research station!!

Yes, you can do a day trip easy.