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kd2006's Traveler List
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Write a thankful note to show in this member's profile.Compliment kd2006

Alajuela, Monteverde, and the Osa Peninsula

Ask this member a question. kd2006 Recent trip to Costa Rica
11 May 2006
2.5 of 5 stars based on 11 votes
I planned this entire trip over the internet, even drivers to excursions, and of course hotels.
1. Xandari Resort & Spa
Xandari Resort & Spa, Alajuela, Province of Alajuela
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Ave price: $270
If you're looking for an escape from San Jose, but need to stay somewhere close to the airport, this is a reasonable choice. It's relaxing: there are two pools, a spa, good food, and this is a good base to take day excursions from.
2. Poas Volcano National Park
Poas Volcano National Park, Province of Alajuela
AMAZING. Get there in the early morning before the fog builds up and it gets harder to see. You can get a driver through Xandari who can take you there.
3. Grecia
Grecia, Province of Alajuela
Cute, little Costa Rican town near Sarchi featuring a metal church... SARCHI WAS NOT WORTH IT! The souvenirs there can be found elsewhere in Costa Rica.
4. Arco Iris Lodge
Arco Iris Lodge, Santa Elena, Monteverde
This is a wondergul choice for the Monteverde area. Its about a 3 minute walk to town but it's on a quiet hillside. Its calm, peaceful, and I felt really safe while I was there. The owners are kind and helpful. Overall, I loved it. STAY HERE! :)
5. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Monteverde
We found FOUR quetzals and monkeys, it's like being in an oxygen tank.

If you stay at the Arco Iris, Adrian will be your guide. He is a wonderful guide and is very knowledgeable.
6. Lapa Rios Ecolodge
Lapa Rios Ecolodge, Corcovado National Park, Osa
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Ave price: $193
Words cannot describe Lapa RIos. It is amazing. I'm longing to go back.. I miss everything about it. I wish I could have stayed longer. It was worth every penny. Everyone that worked there was so kind and the food was good, too. All of the rooms have a deck with an ocean and rainforest view.
Be prepared, the howler monkeys wake you up at 6AM. ;)
7. Corcovado National Park
Corcovado National Park, Osa
AMAZING. We arranged a trip through Lapa Rios, it was quite expensive. You fly over hundreds and hundreds of acres of rainforest, about a 25-30 minute flight and land on a grass runway. Your guide looks for animals and it's just... amazing.
Explore locations featured in this Traveler List: Alajuela, Poas Volcano National Park, Grecia, Santa Elena, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Corcovado National Park