Post # 1

Member
252 posts
Helper bee
- Wedding: January 2014 - Costa Rica destination
Ok Bees my Fiance and I are 10 days away! We are working with fournineteen weddings specifically Barabara and so far so good. We will be in the Guanacaste region at a time share I beleive playa del Ocital?- but we are renting a car…. So QUICK!!!!!!!! Give me your favorite spots that are worth for us to see!! Ready and GO!!!!!!! I have ten days to plan an itinerary !!!
Post # 3

Member
1362 posts
Bumble bee
Hi! I’m from there (here!). There are TONS of gorgeous places around that area, you could take the scenic tour through the Rincon de la Vieja volcano, go to the Arenal volcano and spend some days at the hotsprings and maybe visit Rio Celeste (which is AMAZING). There are horseback riding tours and canopy there and some yummy restaurants. If you want more of a beach scene then beaches closer to you are Playa Potrero, Playa Tamarindo, Playa Grande, Playa Conchal amongst others. Some AMAZING beaches but that are farther (around 3-4 hours) are Playa Montezuma and Playa Santa Teresa. These beaches have the waterfalls and tiny surf towns (my personal favorite). I think you will also be in the country for some of the biggest parties of the year, it’s called Palmares. If you’re into drinking and concerts then that’s the place for you. I’m not sure who’s coming this year, last year one of the highlights was Maroon 5, before that Smashing Pumpkins came and Sting came a couple of years back. Of you could get down south I think it’s also whale season so you could intercept the whale migration 🙂 Or it might be turtle season in which case stay up north (check on that one, it’s really cool). That’s all I can think of off the top of my head, whenever you’ve figured out where you want to go please let me know and I’ll help you out some more!
Post # 4

Member
9552 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
I spent a semester in Costa Rica and it’s a wonderful country! If you’re up in Guanacaste I have to recomend Monteverde – that’s where I lived and it’s beautiful in the cloud forrest. Do a night tour in the reserve! The hot springs at Arenal would be great on a honeymoon. If you’re looking for a great, off the beaten path location, I like Ricon de la Vieja. My favortie location is Corcovado, but it’s quite remote (why I like it). A really good option that is more accessible is Manuel Antio, which is where most ticos (what Costa Ricans call themselves) vacation. The only place that I don’t recommend is Puerto Limon.
In general the people are very nice and helpful. Many speak English or are very patient with bad Spanish. And the term “gringo” isn’t usedd as an insult there (in case you’re used to that from Mexico, or somewhere). Feel free to PM me if you want! and have fun!
Post # 5

Member
8581 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
cloud forest, arenal volcano, canyoning (repelling down waterfalls)
i stayed at tabacon for a few nights, amazing!
i can’t remember the hotel name that i stayed at in the guanacaste region.
Post # 6

Member
252 posts
Helper bee
- Wedding: January 2014 - Costa Rica destination
@minipenguin: So far I did plan Arenal and the Rincon de la Vieja… I would like a place where we can bathe in hot springs, mud baths and get a couples massage… where would you suggest -but not super pricey. Also is La Lola’s really good to eat for a fancy night out? My wedding planner has us eating outside the night of the wedding at Father Rooster – but now I wondering why she choose that place…. I heard it has a great view? I am also SUPER nervous of the Time Share we are staying at Baha De Turquesa Residence- I read swome not so great reviews and now starting to freak out… be are renting a car so I guess we can go wherever we want. All I know is want- some decent days laying out in the sun, ziplining, mud bathes, and some places of serenity….. so maybe you can help!
Post # 7

Member
843 posts
Busy bee
@minipenguin:
@JenGirl:
Hijacking the thread for a moment. We have a few excursions planned, are we supposed to tip guides or what is proper?
Post # 8

Member
31 posts
Newbee
Check out Tabacon!!
http://www.tabacon.com/costa-rica-resort-the-grand-spa-5.html
It’s in one of the most beautiful parts of Costa Rica. It’s so lush and vibrant–you would have to drive a lot to get there, but the drive is gorgeous. And mud springs await!
Post # 9

Member
9552 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
@meke: It depends on the location and type of tour. If it’s a national park, the tour guides are publicly employed and I didn’t usually tip them. If it’s a zip line tour and you only spend a few minutes with a person, I might not tip, or tip a small amount. If it’s a private tour company, and your guide is spending a signficant amount of time with you, I did generally tip. Maybe $10 per person for a hald day. The majority of tourists to Costa Rica are from the US, so tippiing (in the tourism industry) usually runs similarly to the US. Except the dollar goes further there, so I adjust tipping to be appropriate for the cost of the service. Does that make sense?
Post # 11

Member
159 posts
Blushing bee
we got engaged in costa rica at the most romantic place EVER. kura design villas in uvita… we were lucky enough to go during their soft opening and got an unbelievable rate. top notch service and only 6 couples can be accommodated on this mountainside hotel… imagine, only 12 guests on the property and your hotel overlooking the pacific ocean and the jungle. we will never be able to top anything like this. so check it out if yall have time!
we also stayed at tabacon in arenal! pretty great too!
Post # 12

Member
490 posts
Helper bee
I went surfing in Nosara about 2 years ago and it was amaaaaazing! Specifically went to Playa Guiones which is gorgeous, peaceful, non-commercial and ranked by National Geographic as one of the 20 best surf towns. Good for beginners but enough action to keep experienced surfers interested as well.
http://adventure.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/trips/best-surf-towns-photos/
I stayed at Casa Tucan which was super cute and had a great outdoor restaurant/bar area where it was easy to meet other surfers and travelers but the Harmony Hotel is supposed to be the best/most romantic spot to stay near the beach if you’re looking for a honeymoon hotel.
Post # 13

Member
252 posts
Helper bee
- Wedding: January 2014 - Costa Rica destination
Just got back from our wedding- thank you everybody for your advice. Costa Rica was AMAZING!!!!! Our professional photos have yet to arrive buthere are some pics that were right from our cell phones 🙂 It was the best time of my life!!!

