Costa Rica Travel Forum

I have a ten day trip planned in early December. I plan on seeing Arenal and one of the cloud forests. Can you tell give me some input on a good beach destination fairly near to these areas where I could do some snorkeling and see some of the sites on the Pacific? I prefer a non resort type of environment.

Thanks,
Jack

Arenal is a great choice on your list. Don't forget a stop by a hot Springs (Tabacon being the most renoun, but there's other). It's resort-y, but really really really worth it. Go at night, after trekking on the Arenal. Stay at the San Bosco, an affordable and well equiped hotel in the midlle of the action in Fortuna. Hike to the Waterfall, and don't forget your bathing suit.

Cloud forest... hmmmm.... Well, there's a lot of that in CR! I think in 10 days, you better pick the forest that's closer to your route. Maybe the Monteverde park. The best place in CR for cloud forest, birds and non-resort environment!! Maybe the Braulio Carillo park? Or the submerge Tortuguero Park, ma favorite place in CR! Travel by bus from San Jose toward the east on the Carribean line, pass throught the Braulio Carrillo Park, head toward your Banano boat ride and continue to Tortuguero (you can check my page for a more detailed itineary...). Stay in town, avoid big resorty lodges. Hire local guides to travel throught the park. Stay at Miss Junies!

And then, go south and reach Cahuita, the nicest little raggae town on the Pacific. Coral reef and snorkling. Relax and small village. Enjoy!