just booked a cheeap flight to Costa Rica... now what to do while i'm there???

[ED Larry]

hey everyone.... been ages since i've been on here.... and it's been ages since i've been on a vacation... damn work!!!!

well i just booked a flight to Liberia, costa rica... and now i need to figure out what to do while i'm there. I know Liberia is quite close to Tamarindo Beach, which i think i will stay there for 2 or 3 nights.... maybe try surfing out, hopefully a dive trip if they offer one.... but other than that I know nothing about Costa Rica....

I have 7 nights there... so after 2 or 3 in Tamarindo, I have 4 nights to figure out... I wouldn't mind heading to do a hike, and possible a canopy tour... I just have to be back to Liberia after a week of fun.

Has anyone flown into Liberia before? I wonder how easy it is to get to Tamarindo... if anyone could give a suggestion or 2 on how to spend some of my days that would be awesome.... after working for 2 years straight with no vacation, I have a feeling a week isn't going to be enough... I'm going to want to stay there much longer... never been on only a week trip... i guess there a first time for everything....

thanks everyone in advance for your help...

cheers,
ed

[mbo108]

I know the buses in Costa are incredibly cheap so you shouldn't have too much trouble getting around if you go that route. Then again you could rent a truck if you wanted.

I would definitely check out the surfing while you're there but thats me. Have fun.

[jengt]

I flew into San Jose, so I can't help you with flying into Liberia.

I spent my week between Monteverde/Santa Elena and La Fortuna. I didn't spend anytime along the coast. Omi & Freespiritz did, so you may want to PM them for coastal advice.

If you want to do a canopy tour/zip-line, THE place to do it is in the Monteverde area. From what I was told, they were the ones to start it. I did the Selvatura company's tour. AMAZING!

As for hiking, there are places to hike EVERYWHERE. I spent 5 hours hiking in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

Whatever you do, enjoy! I had a blast in my short 8 days there.

[freespiritz]

Buses should get you everywhere without problem. I didn't make it to Tamarindo/Nicoya Peninsula though, only to Manuel Antonio further south, but if I remember right it was a two-bus hop from Monte Verde to Liberia. Monte Verde would probably be your best/closest bet for ziplining and cloud forest.

I'm not sure what there is to see around Tilaran and Arenal but you could check those out..I think there's white water rafting on the Corobici River as well which is in the same area. Good luck and have fun!

[AKguacamole]

You will have a blast! My advice? Don't do Tamarindo too long Tama-gringo is its new name. It's pretty, but prices are high, everyone tries to sell you stuff, and there are some other awesome spots to check out in northern CR.
The beaches just north of Tamarindo are supposed to be amazing (but touristy as well)... try to check out Playa Cocles, Playa Negra, and if you can get down the coast any, I've heard Playa Samara is awesome. When I was there I stayed at Playa Langosta (about a 2 minute taxi outside of Tamarindo; actually walkable). I volunteered working with turtle species on the beach there for Las Baulas national park. There's a great surf break out there, and a lagoon.

[ED Larry]

well i just got a horrible call... the airline company has just cancelled the charter that i was on, so right now i'm screwed....

they called me yesterday and said there not running the flight anymore, i'm pissed!!! i was really looking forward to getting away from the snow!!!

time to try and get a last minute flight.... wish me luck.