If you are going by the Arenal area you can also see the waterfall and the caverns
If you are in San Jose passing by (not that there is much to see/do downtown which is pretty awful) take a look at the Gold Museum http://www.museosdelbancocentral.org/eng/information/index.htm
If you are in San Jose passing by (not that there is much to see/do downtown which is pretty awful) take a look at the Gold Museum http://www.museosdelbancocentral.org/eng/information/index.htm
Judge is right. Tabacon in Arenal and Manuel Antonio are definately a must. However, it really depends on WHAT you are looking for and how long you will be here. Would love to recommend something, but need more details of your expectations.
Jake
Jake
I would have to say that driving here is not for the faint of heart but you are from LA or so it says in your profile
I think you are used to maniac drivers already so it won't be such a shock just keep your distance from cars/trucks as its typical to see anybody stopping without any reason/notice
Also use the mirrors as much as possible and be very aware of what do you have next to/behind your car at any point in time
I think you are used to maniac drivers already so it won't be such a shock just keep your distance from cars/trucks as its typical to see anybody stopping without any reason/notice
Also use the mirrors as much as possible and be very aware of what do you have next to/behind your car at any point in time
Monteverde, a must. Most beautiful sunsets in the country, this is a great time to ride on up the mountains, the place is great, the weather is nice and chilli at night, cozy i should say, hikes on the forest will most def get your mind away from your office.
if you´re interested i´d recommend a few nice places to stay and things to do.
if you´re interested i´d recommend a few nice places to stay and things to do.
Zen,I love Monte Verde.Natural beauty there is stunning.However can only take about two days there.Not much to do.Adam,have been lucky enough to see the volcano on numerous occasions,but you are right,know people whohave gone and didn't see it.Definately worth a shot.Even without the vocano,the hot springs are worth the trip.
U´re right Judge, it´s kind of hard to get up there as well... I lived there for a while so I have a sentimental attachment
I recommend it to everyone though, it´s medicine for the soul!
Are you going to ride a 4x4? cause if you do and decide to head on up to monteverde from Arenal, there is an incredible back road you can take, you'll have to cross some rivers, nothing to be alarmed though, if you're into adventures.
In Arenal, visit the waterfall, that's a must, also try going into Hotel Los Lagos' park, that takes you all the way to the rocks at the bottom of the volcanoe, exciting experience, people have died there as well, which spikes a notch the ride
email me if you're interested in more tips, just let me know where you're interested in going and i'll help you out, I love advising people as to where to go here in CR.
Are you going to ride a 4x4? cause if you do and decide to head on up to monteverde from Arenal, there is an incredible back road you can take, you'll have to cross some rivers, nothing to be alarmed though, if you're into adventures.
In Arenal, visit the waterfall, that's a must, also try going into Hotel Los Lagos' park, that takes you all the way to the rocks at the bottom of the volcanoe, exciting experience, people have died there as well, which spikes a notch the ride
email me if you're interested in more tips, just let me know where you're interested in going and i'll help you out, I love advising people as to where to go here in CR.
Verymuch a Zen-like experience
Once you get to know the community you find yourself surrounded by a very peaceful environment.
There are two towns there, Santa Elena (the center of all businesses) which has been there for a very long time, it was originally colonized by Costa Ricans, and Monteverde, which is further up the hill, towards the top of the mountains, this town was colonized by a group of North Americans that came down seeking for a place to live, running away from vietnam in the late 50´s, early 60´s, Quakers mostly. They found haven in the mountains of Monteverde where they built a school and a cheese factory which is one of the most renouned dairy factories in Costa Rica, known for it´s speciallity in fine cheese. They also decided to buy a bunch of land further from Monteverde, what is now the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, world known for it´s incredible variety of wildlife has been a shelter for the most known biologists around the world. I´m sure you´ve heard about it in National Geographic, Discovery, or any other environment-related network or magazine.
Sunsets are incredible, taking in hand that you are overseing the gulf of nicoya (guanacaste), this is probably the best time of the year to head on up there, if you like nice sunny weather, my fav. time is, though, when it rains, when it REALLY rains, night and day, and you have to walk around with your swamped boots and soaking clothes to the bar down the road (few kilometers) to hang out with your buds.
Incredible place.
Once you get to know the community you find yourself surrounded by a very peaceful environment.
There are two towns there, Santa Elena (the center of all businesses) which has been there for a very long time, it was originally colonized by Costa Ricans, and Monteverde, which is further up the hill, towards the top of the mountains, this town was colonized by a group of North Americans that came down seeking for a place to live, running away from vietnam in the late 50´s, early 60´s, Quakers mostly. They found haven in the mountains of Monteverde where they built a school and a cheese factory which is one of the most renouned dairy factories in Costa Rica, known for it´s speciallity in fine cheese. They also decided to buy a bunch of land further from Monteverde, what is now the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, world known for it´s incredible variety of wildlife has been a shelter for the most known biologists around the world. I´m sure you´ve heard about it in National Geographic, Discovery, or any other environment-related network or magazine.
Sunsets are incredible, taking in hand that you are overseing the gulf of nicoya (guanacaste), this is probably the best time of the year to head on up there, if you like nice sunny weather, my fav. time is, though, when it rains, when it REALLY rains, night and day, and you have to walk around with your swamped boots and soaking clothes to the bar down the road (few kilometers) to hang out with your buds.
Incredible place.
Zen,when I was there,stayed at a place where you could sit in a hot tub and watch the sun set over that incredible view[can see all the way to the ocean}.And I hike through the cloud forrest is a must.Crosssing the last bridge,saw a colony of monkeys just a few feet below us in a tree.An amazing place.Big artist community.Thinking about try to take some theatrical productions there.Either way will be getting back there soon.
Theatrical productions? We should talk, I have some related plans of my own cooking... AudioVisual.
barakazen@hotmail.com
barakazen@hotmail.com
