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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!

[Barrett]

Hi,
Thanks for the question. I haven't been there myself but your question sparked my memory that the December 2005 issue of National Geo Adventure featured an article on Puerto Rico's Lost Coast (pg. 28) The basic idea is Surf in Rincon on the W. Coast, then rent a vehicle and drive to La Parguera to dive La Pared on the South Coast, then drive 16 miles to Guanica to the Dry Forest Reserve for hiking and then kayaking to uninhabited islands, then drive La Ruta (get a map from www.itmb.com apparently you really need one) almost to the top of Cerro del Punta, highest mountain in PR.
Hope this helps

[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

[off2thebeach]

This answer is easy! The Pacific West central Coast of Costra Rica will offer yor FAR more to see, do and explore than the East coast. While the Carribbean side is pretty in parts, you will about die of boredom after a day or two.

The very best Costa Rica vacations are experienced by those that are wise enough to visit and stay between Jaco Beach and Manuel Antonio areas. Here is where you will find the best of everything Costa Rica has to offer and plenty of it. Better beaches, tours, excursions, activities, restaurants, nightlife, wildlife and so much more!

The Tamarindo, Flamingo, Liberia, and Guanacaste area's will leave you bored quickly and realizing shorty after you arrive that you made a bad choice in Costa Rica destinations. The West Central coast of Costa Rica is the #1 destination in the country for many great reasons. You should see for yourself and be one of those lucky folks that sta and play there and later realize they made the best choices!