Is 2 weeks in costa rica enough for both coasts?

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Sharon S

Susan A., please don't blame "American yuppies" for ruining it for you. I don't think you meant to generalize--you just saw a lot of ugly Americans there, yes?

I'm afraid those are business people who decide to put Denny's, McDonald's, etc. in Costa Rica, China, Russia, and anywhere else they can make some money. The McDonald's in Alajuela was full of Ticos when I walked by. Most Americans I know would rather *not* eat non-nutritious fast food when travelling.

I've seen icky tourists from the USA all over the world, but have also seen many German and Australian tourists mishaving and wrecking a perfectly lovely environment. It just that there's a higher population of Americans, so you're more likely to notice them than the rich tourists from other countries who might ruin a place's beauty by supporting the exclusive resorts, gated communities, etc.

As for the original question, I'd say that it's impossible to enjoy the best of both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts in only two weeks, without spending a lot of time travelling. If you want to save money, you can ride the national buses to your destinations and not bother renting a car--driving in CR is scary for many.

You should be able to find nice accomodations for under $50/night. I loved the Casa 69 in San Jose and the Hotel Villa Bonita in Alajuela, which is a five-minute drive from the airport. Both are excellent B&Bs for when you have to spend
a night or two in the big city.

On our last trip we focused on the Carribean, and it was incredible. Loved our jungle house (at $50/night) at Coco Loco Lodge in Puerto Viejo. The southern Carribean coast has been slow to accept crazy development schemes like the proposed $40 million marina, which would just be a haven from hurricanes for rich yacht owners all over the Carribean--apparently they are always looking for hurricane-free places to store their expensive boats when they're not using them.

Anyhow, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca has just the right balance of tourists and Ticos, plus a healthy number of Afro-Caribbeans (esp. Jamaicans) to keep the place hopping! I didn't see any fancy resorts there; it's pretty down-to-earth in the area. You can easily hire guides to take you on rain forest hikes, snorkeling, horseback riding, and more. Some tourists stay in Cahuita, too.

Others can write about the pros and cons of various volcanos, and about the rain forests and beaches on the Pacific, etc. There is way too much to do--I'd recommend focusing on one area, then returning another time to go elsewhere in CR.

Paul B

No! You could live ten life times and never get enough of Costa Rica!

VIVA LA PURA VIDA!

Tony Camonte

I personally liked the Pacific side better...sunnier and generally nicer beaches, and also some areas on the Atlantic have a crime problem. Two weeks is enough to see quite a bit, and since its like 5 or 6 hours by bus from one coast to the next I wouldn't worry about seeing both sides.

jae

Yes, I covered a lot of terrain when i was there for 8 days (both coast), but if you can get more time do it

Johnny T

wherever u stay don't be a gringo and stay at your all inclusive resorts the whole trip, get out and explore!

probably just enough time to see everything and not be too rushed. if i were you i would spend 2/3 nights at each stop and move on. make sure you hit:

arenal volcano area - tabacon (pricey) or baldi natural hot springs (cheaper). awesome. probably only need day or 2 here though as nothing else is around, except mont verdi cloud forest, about 30km from arenal but well worth it.

Alantic side beaches, in the north check out witches rock only if you're an experienced surfer, tamarindo a little further south is perfect for beginners. this whole coast is littered with beaches but most are that blacker volcanic sand but there are some beautiful white sand beaches too....check out playa conchal, i think the sea turtle beach is near here too if nature is your thing. Further south is montezuma, very secluded area but by far the best beaches, spend 2-3,4 days there. Manual Antonio park is great for a day or 2...go for long hike into the jungle, you'll love it.

Pacific side beaches are great too, can't really say which are the best. i would go up or down the coast and spend a night here or there. don't rush take ur time!.

Party towns, Coco beach on the alantic side is nice little safe party town. Of course liberia and san jose but like any big city you have to be a little more cautious. group of guys will have absolutely no problem (except for maybe with policia!) but groups of women should stay clear at night or be accompanied.

costa rica is one of my favorite desitnations spots. last time a couple buddies and i rented a 4x4 and toured the whole country! going back to do on dirt back next year. just make sure you have a realible map and take into account rainy season if that is when u go. you'll need 4x4 for some roads. if no 4x4 stay on paved roads.

also, don't be scared to venture into nicarugua or pananama, their both nice and pretty safe as well!

pura vida!

Susan A

I can't answer you in a whole lot of detail at the moment but I can tell you that you can see both coasts in two weeks but be prepared for a lot of driving on roads that are, well, second-world roads. You will probably also find that the next time you go you'll want to devote more time to the areas that you really liked rather than spend all that time travelling, but it's good to check everything out and decide where you do like it best. I will be in Costa Rica for the first two weeks in May and I can't wait. If you go to Arenal, stay at Tabacan Springs (I'm not sure if I've spelled that right) Resort. They have a swimming pool that is naturally heated by the volcano, which erupts almost daily. There's a swim-up bar and you can stay in the pool and watch the volcano erupt day or night. They also have a great reptile habitat there. Near San Jose I would recommend the Bougainvillea Hotel. They have an amazing orchid garden. This time I'll be staying at Tulemar Bungalows in Manuel Antonio, where the monkeys hang out on your deck and stuff. I've never been there before. I can't remember the name of the hotel where I stayed at Jaco beach; I only know that I will probably not be going back there. From what I hear, I wouldn't recognize the place anymore because it's so built up. I hate it that American yuppies are discovering Costa Rica. Like locusts, they always swarm in and ruin a beautiful place. They think they love the beauty but then decide it would be better with a Denny's. *sigh* Sorry about the little tangential diatribe. Enjoy your trip! Look for a Scarlet Maccaw or the Rare and Elusive Quetzel!

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yes thats plenty of time 5 days on each side

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