XOXO

HI! This is my 2nd attempt to post this- Apparently I had timed out, so if you need more info, email me at [email protected] since I am going to give you the shortened version of my message:

my FI and I went to costa rica last aug. and LOVED it. We stayed in Puerto Jiminez wich is south. Where we stayed it was very rural with barely any electricity or AC, but the cfabina's where we stayed were nice and cool. We had solar powered lights, but used candles at night. We also had a fan. We had stayed at the iguanna lodge (www.iguanna lodge.com). which is right on the beach. Plenty of things to do and you book your own activities. the owners of this place were very helpful in planning. It was also very cheap as the american dollar was worth 300 colones. The wildlife was unbelieveable.

I would highly recommend it! you do have to book this place yourself on line though, I was a little nervous about it but the people you are dealing with are wonderful.

let me know if you need any more info!

Kelly

PS_ I can recommend more resorts if you like that are less 'rustic' I loved it and I am a princess who needs comfort

We are planning a costa rica honeymoon in January. (We're getting married in oct but we are both in school and are going to take a short trip after the wedding then longer one in Jan)

I'm trying to decide b/w a costa rica cruise on Windstar or just going there and staying at a resort.

The cruise sounds great , the only thing that worries me is that some say that cruise line is an older crowd... I'm trying to find out if that is a popular honeymoon cruise.

I'd love to hear what you decide!

Pepper

Thanks. I'll let you know what we decide. Some of my coworkers have been there and they loved it.
I have some info from them on hotels, ect. I'll try to dig it up. I know one woman stayed in a few different parts of the country-we will probably do this if we decide against the cruise. The open air bugaloos sound really cool but I think I would be too worried about the weather and the bugs-it could be uncomfortable. Maybe you could do that for a few nights only?

We also love animals and nature and we tend to get bored places were there is nothing to do but sit on a beach. So Costa Rica seems perfect!

The only negative thing I've heard is from my FSIL
But she was a student at the time and wherever she stayed was very run down, so I would suggest not going too low budget on the hotel. I think a luxury hotel there is like a moderate hotel here.

Good luck!!!

The country is small enough to drive all around but its the condition of the roads that makes that uninviting. It takes a long time to get from one place to another.

Our average roadtrip was 3-4 hours (San Jose - Monteverde, Monteverde - Arenal, Arenal - San Jose).

We met people in Drakes Bay (Osa Pennisula) that had actually driven there, and they weren't happy about it. It took a long time over very bad roads. It really depends on where you're going to determine whether it makes more sense to drive or fly.

Also, the rental car angencies have large deductibles of the cars and and very anal about the condition you return them in. You pay for any damage you cause. (though we did manage to sneak some undercarriage damage by them - it was caused by my husband trying to avoid one rock in the 'road' and hitting another)

Iguana Lodge is also on Osa. Osa is said to be the 'untouched' Costa Rica, and it is. So if you go there don't expect air conditioning and room service. We had a beautiful bungalow and ocean views and good food, but the bugs and humidity took some getting used to.

While in CR we did the following activities:
horseback riding on the beach
canopy tour
white water rafting
scuba diving
rain forest hikes
kayacking
hot springs
and of course, relaxing by the pool/beach

places we stayed:
Hotel Montana Monteverde
Arenal Observatory (recommended for views but not for hotel or food)
Xandari - excellant! great to stay at when you have to be near the airport
La Paloma Lodge (Osa)

Other recommendations:
Tabacon resort & hot springs (arenal)
Montana del Fuego (arenal)
Arenal lodge
Villa Caletas (Jaco - near Manual Antonio)
Si Como No (Manual Antonio)