Costa Rica

DH and I are looking into vacations for next summer, and we are debating where to go!

We were originally thinking an all inclusive, but also want somplace with excursions or something to do!
Has anyone ever gone to Costa Rica? Was thinking we could almost split the time - half staying near the volcano (resorts near there look awesome!), and half staying somewhere on the beach?

Any thoughts/advice on Costa Rica? Also want something relatively budget friendly! TIA!

Costa Rica

I would def split your time. We did Manuel Antonio and arenal. Arenal has the hot springs, volcanos, etc. Manuel Antonio has the beaches, monkeys in the parks, etc.

Re: Costa Rica

DH and I LOVE Costa Rica. We've been there 2xs and we are DEFINITELY GOING BACK! It's our favorite place outside the US.

It's a great vacation and can be done on a tight budget. Definitely book excursions directly with the companies and not with a travel agent...it's way cheaper. We've stayed in several parts of the country, used an amazing driver to take us from one part to another, and gone on many many excursions. I'm happy to give you info. Feel free to FM.

Re: Costa Rica

We went last year and we stayed at the hilton papagayo. Would've been nice to split the trip in half and stay near the volcano. But they do have excursions that take you to see it if your not staying nearby.

Re: Costa Rica

Love love LOVE Costa Rica, like, I want to move there.

DH and I went in August 2012 and June/July 2013. I'm pregnant and due this summer or else we'd probably go again!

We stayed in Arenal, Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio, and Drake Bay. All amazing and all very different. FM me with any questions.

I also have a fantastic travel agent that works for a great company if you're interested. While you don't NEED a TA, I've used her for both of our trips and have recommended her to others that love her as well. I did hours upon hours of research and went back and forth with her to create the perfect itineraries for us. Also, you have an advocate there for you while you're in a foreign country, God forbid anything goes wrong (which in our case, never did) In regards to PP, tours cost the same through her company than going directly through the tour company and this way, you know it is a safe, reliable company. If you happened to find the same excursion with the same company for cheaper, the travel agency would match the price.

I do not recommend an All-Inclusive in CR. There is just SO much to do and see...and lots of good food/restaurants. DH and I did not spend a ton of time at the resorts. In a country like CR, I wouldn't want to be tied to the resort for the majority of the time. JMO.