San José Travel Forum

Hey all-

I'm planning a last minute vacation to Costa Rica from March 24 to April 15th. (got some unexpected vacation time) I was warned that this is a very busy time. I've already booked accommadations in the Sarapaqui region durning Semana Santa (April 2 through the 9th). I was hoping to leave a little wiggle room on either side in case the weather should turn. Hate to pre book everyting, but will if it looks like everything will fill up. Hiking is the main purpose of the trip, so I intend to visit a few national parks and expore them as thouroughly as I can. I would be interested in Corcavado, Monteverde, Arenal, and Rincon Viejo. Any information about accomadations and practicalities surrounding these parks would be greatly appreciated. I did rent a car, so I have some mobility.

The week before Easter and Easter week are going to be very busy down there. I would get moving asap on trying to find places and book them. I like to wing it but that really isn't the time.

Arenal.net has a pretty good listing of hotels in the monteverde and arenal areas.

Rincon de la Vieja has about 4 or 5 places right there. The park is about a 45 min drive from Liberia itself. Look in smaller places like Potrero possibly. I don't imagine Liberia itself will fill up so you could easily drive to the beach or Rincon from there. They have some good restaurants around the center green.
http://www.costaricantrails.com/hotels/rinconvieja.html

Corcovado is going to be tough. You could look at a little place like Pearl of the Osa in Puerto Jimenez. I am going to assume their place next door, Iguana Lodge, is full but also worth a try.

Having a car will be a huge help. You could look a little outside of the main tourist areas rather than right in them.

Thanks for you help suzie. Arenal.net is a great website and I have some pending reservations which I hope to finalize tommorow. It looks like I can get accomadations near Corcavado, but the practicalities of hiking on my own in the park and getting around might be better suited for another trip. Do you know anyting about Parque National Chirripo? It looks more accessible from San Jose and sounds very interesting to explore.