Costa Rica

[matrignano]

Going in mid January for 2 weeks with 3 (guy) friends. We're looking to go backpacking round the country, with the occasional hotel thrown in, and want to do a good mix of excursions/day trips, beach time and nightlife.

What are the "must dos"? Any recommendations?

Any particular precautions/preparations needed (aside from vaccines)?

[matrignano]

Is everyone busy with work or something...

[Kneetrembler]

Big Game Fishing
Tree walks
Quad Bike trips in some serious places both on the coast and inland

[matrignano]

Kneetrembler said:

Big Game Fishing
Tree walks
Quad Bike trips in some serious places both on the coast and inland

thank you sir. Any particular locations where the above activities can be enjoyed at their best?

[Jos Notstoppen]

I went on a trip up a volcano (not active) fantastic view from the top, one way was Pacific the other the Atlantic. There was 3 craters at the top, each filled with different coloured water. Had to be an early start before the cloud covered the peak. Sorry cannot recall the name though

[Kneetrembler]

Jos Notstoppen said:

I went on a trip up a volcano (not active) fantastic view from the top, one way was Pacific the other the Atlantic. There was 3 craters at the top, each filled with different coloured water. Had to be an early start before the cloud covered the peak. Sorry cannot recall the name though

Exactly the same as me, I was there some years ago as well.

The place that I was Quad biking initially through the Croc & Banana Plantations was in San Jose Central about 1.5 hrs from the Aeropuerto and the second place for the Quad Biking and Game Fishing was in Manuel Antonio National Park, for the Game Fishing via Marriott Resort Hotel and in the village a lado for the Quad Biking up through the area behind, + loads of other things.

Costa Rica is a really great place for a lot of things.

[Craikeybaby]

I was there in February (with the Mrs) we focussed on the north west area, our route was:
La Fortuna - Arenal Volcano (stayed at Arenal Backpackers, best hostel I've ever stayed in)
Mondeverde - Cloud forest, this is the place to go for the canopy walks/zip wires in the rain forest
Montezuma - Hippy beach village, quite touristy well worth a stop, there's also the Cabo Blanco nature reserve, you can go via public bus for much cheaper than the organised tours. There's also the waterfall to walk to.
Santa Teresa - Surfing!!! Runs into Malpais, a bit off the normal backpacker route and seems to have a much better pace of life, great food and did I mention the surfing?
Tamarindo - A bit of a party town, felt like a bit of a let down after Santa Teresa.

I blogged while I was away, so there's plenty of details there, but if you have any questions ask away!