Hi Matt and Jenn!
thanks so much for this amazing resource! My wife and I are going to be in Costa Rica from 1/28 through 2/11 and we have a general lodging/travel question for you guys
looking at all the great lodging options around Monteverde / Santa Elena area – we’re wondering what your thoughts are on how to choose…there’s so many great options – we’re wondering this:
should we stay close to Santa Elena so we can walk to cafes and bars in the evening? Or stay further out in a more rural setting and just drive into “town” when we want to.
my first thought is that staying a little further out in the jungle means driving around at night (to/from restaurants, getting groceries, etc…)
but maybe it’s no big deal? or maybe we choose a place that limits our time on the roads after dark?
my wife and I are bird nerds and will be spending most of our time on guided nature walks looking at birds…that’s main priority over night life and bars if that helps.
anyway – thanks in advance!
Paul & Leigh
Hi Paul & Leigh,
Driving locally around Monteverde and Santa Elena at night isn’t a big deal as long as you aren’t staying way out of town. The roads are pretty good and at that time of year the weather should be nice. So either one would be good. We wrote a Monteverde Hotel Guide that should help. It has our favorite options. If you are birders, you’re probably already planning a visit to Curi-Cancha, but if not check out our post about it. There is a ton of variety there. Have fun!