www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Hola. Long time lurker here who just signed up. Planning on hitting SJO in November, but unsure if the week of the 10th or 17th would be better. Trying to decide where to stay-SL or LA. Want to do some non-mongering activities, like a rainforest canopy tour, etc. What would the experienced peeps recommend ? Appreciate any and all advice. Experienced in the hobby in the US, but never done it abroad.

Welcome.

November is a good time to come. The later the better, since it's the start of "summer" (and end of rain) in CR. As for tourist activities, hands down the #1 is canopy tour (aka zip lines). Every hotel has brochures and will book it for you. Besides that, riding ATV in the mountains is fun, but be careful when wet (but you should have no issues in Nov). I almost went over a fuckin cliff when I swirved around a huge pothole and my ATV slid out from under me. I had to pull that Phucker back over with my buddy.

There are volcano tours and rainforest tours. It's all nice and all, but I don't get too excited from staring at monkeys and listening to them howl.

This should answer many other questions that you probably have: viewtopic.php?f=11&t=16357

you have sightseeing tours and adventure tours. My biggest issue is trying to decide on a day to 'waste' on non-mongering activities.

I am thinking of trying the waterfall rappelling on the August trip. Figure... if I can't get arrested, getting killed is the next best thing.

If I do manage to die, I'll write it up in a TR for ya.

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bypassin' kinky, and usin' the whole chicken!!!

Thanks, Orange and BD. I want to do a canopy tour and see some volcanoes. I'll leave the ziplining for next time. Are the volcanoes do-able in a day trip, or is an overnight stay needed ?

depends upon which ones.

Arenal is not really a day trip. You'll want to stay to see everything they have to offer.

I took a day trip that covered the coffee plantation, the Poas volcano and the LePaz waterfall. It was a 12 hour day.

You can plan a early morning trip to Irazu volcano. I am told on a clear morning you can see both the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean from the summit ... in different directions of course.

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bypassin' kinky, and usin' the whole chicken!!!

Lagarto, you're going to have a blast! I agree with your planning: do the dirty but see what else CR has to offer.

I think I'll be there the week of the 10th; if so, I'll give a shoutout.