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[Incrediblelife]

Hey all!

I was in CR last year by myself and did the west coast, this year my fiance and I are thinking of going there (he hasn't been there before) and are debating upon doing the west or east. I'd like to see the east since I've already seen the west, but I also want him to see the best of CR. There's definitely more on the west, but we're going for quality not quantity.

Any suggestions of places that you've been and loved? Both towns and accomodation recommendations would be great!

Thanks!

Jenn

PS We're looking at doing Jamaica as well - any recommendations on accomodation there (not expensive though) would be greatly appreciated too!

[Janice]

Hi, I just returned from 3 months in Costa Rica and travelled to both east and west coasts. I think that the Caribbean side is so worth checking out. Tortuguero, north of Limon, is so amazing - is only accessible by boat and you will see every kind of rain forest animal you would ever want to see! And then south of Limon, is Cahuita, Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo. I spent time in Puerto Viejo and rode my bicycle down to Manzanillo. I love Puerto Viejo and spent Christmas there. It's very laid back with lots of reggae and calypso music and the most amazing restaurants! Check out my blog under JP122163 and see the pics.

If you have any more questions about "Mar Caribe" of Costa Rica, let me know. I'm in post travel depression upon returning to Calgary where it's cold and snowy so any chance to talk about CR is great!

Good luck!
Janice

[denis159]

It depends on what you want to see!

If you want to see the Arenal Volcano area, Monteverde cloud forest and Manual Antonio areas, it will be easier from the west! If it is your first trip to CR, those are must to see! The caribeean coast is also somewhat different, uncrowded, nice beaches, smaller hotels... but less possibilities. Another difference is you can get rainy days on the caribeean coast in the dry season.

I suggest both east and west! :-)

Denis

[semi-backpacker]

I agree with Janice, Tortuguero on the Caribbean side is a MUST see in Costa Rica. I was in CR for 3 months, did plenty of excursions, and nothing really beat Tortuguero. I'm from the Caribbean, so I was not impressed with CR beaches at all, but I'm partial to white sand, clear blue water. I wasn't blown away by the capital, San Jose either. There were many other pretty areas, mountains, volcanos, etc....but if I had to choose one: TORTUGUERO

[worldliest]

Both are very different sides of the same coin. They both offer plenty of adventure. The Central Pacific has some nice areas, Jaco is not one of them. For an island feel you go to the Caribbean for more developed areas the Pacific. Costa Rica has something for everyone.

[ashleybrown]

I went to Manuel Antonio, Puerto Zimenez, Zancudo, Pavones and more. It's just incredible. Would love to visit Costa Rica again. As far as accommodations are concerned you can check out a good local directory of Costa Rica. It would help you a lot. You can check out this site.


http://www.crneeds.com/

[trinitrish]

I went to CR in mid april for two weeks and did a road trip from Alaujela to to Pacific Coast and Back.

Alaujela, Arenal, Monteverde, Brasalito, Playa Flamingo, Tamarindo, Playa Grande, Playa Coco, Nicoya, Manuel Antonio, Jaco, Alajuela, Cartago.

This is mainly in the Central and western side of Costa Rica. It was a wonderful and packed trip completed in two weeks! I recommend it!