Nenna asked 7 years ago
I am trying to plan a trip to Costa Rica in March next year. Thinking of going for around 10-11 nights, flying in and out from San José. Been reading around but can not find exactly what I want.
The plan is to spend the first night in San José, as we come in late most probably. Then rent a car and head northwest. I want to go to Montverde Cloud Forest, maybe go horseback riding there? But can not find any sites working for that. Anyway. Thinking to spend 2 nights there and then go somewhere else. And this is the question- where to go?
I would like to see rainforest and waterfalls, preferably these you can go for a swim in. Maybe go horsebackriding there instead of Montverde. Around 3 nights and we will have a car.
Then drive back to San José and leave the car, then go to Tortuga for 3-4 nights, depending on the time frame.
Where is my waterfalls? Any place where on the way where we can stop by the ocean? We are 2 adults.
Thank you so much!
Jenn and Matt Staff answered 7 years ago
Hi Nenna,
March is typically a pretty dry time (for most of the country). So for good waterfalls and lush rainforest that time of year we would recommend an area on the central/southern Pacific Coast, called the Costa Ballena. There is even a horseback tour you can do that brings you to one of Costa Rica’s best waterfalls. That area also has beautiful beaches. Another note about your trip; 3-4 days in Tortuguero might be too much time. Most people spend 2 or 3 nights max because, although amazing, there really isn’t a ton of activities to do there. You can do most everything in a full day or two. Hope this helps and you have a great time!
Nenna
replied 7 years ago Oops, wrote an answer to my own post, please se above!
After looking some more the plan became San Jose (1 night flying in) La Fortuna (2nights), Moteverde (2 nights), Paquera close to the ferry (2nights) and then to Tortuego. (3 nights) before spending the last night close to the airport before flying home.
If going to Costa Ballena, which really does look nice, in which order is good? We are having a car until the time we leave for Tortuego.
Thank you so much for your site, it is a great help!
One last question, do you think it is possible to go from Paquera with morning ferry at 5.30, give back the car in San Jose and take the bus/boat to Tortuego? The last boat leaves at 4.30 according to the schedule I found?
Kind regards and thanks again!
Hi Nenna, It might be easier to go to Tortuguero first since you will be starting from San Jose that first day. I’d say get there earlier in the day, spend 2 nights there, then do 3 nights in La Fortuna (lots to do here), 2 in Monteverde, and round out your trip in either Paquera or the Costa Ballena (Paquera would be closer). This would save you from cutting all the way across the country at the end. That scenario (morning ferry at 5:30) would make for a very long travel day and you’d be getting the last boat to Tortuguero, so no room for excess traffic, or mix ups.
Thank you so much, will look into doing it that way!
Thank you so much, will look into doing it that way!