Costa Rica in early Jun or Jul?

[Fi2]

I’ve been sitting in a lot of hold points, just waiting for summer vacation to hit, and found that I can (did) book Costa Rica, for what I now understand as the beginning of their rainy season.

If you’ve been there, would you bother to make the flights from the East Coast?

 

[igopogo]

I have been to Costa Rica three times in June. While there were moments with heavy downpour, every day had sunshine and many did not have rain. Much like the southern US in the summer. Be prepared, but it’s a beautiful country and a great time to visit.

 

[10spro]

Costa Rica is beautiful. I would highly recommend it to anyone. We were there end of May, and it rained most every day, very heavy a few times, but then the sun came out. We really enjoyed our time there and look forward to going back one day. We flew into Liberia and stayed on the west side, which I think is the drier side, it rains a lot more and harder in other areas. The humidity was off the charts though. I felt like I was always wet and never dried out.

 

[LisaH]

Going in early July. Plan to visit Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, Arenal/La Fortuna and Guanacaste/Tamarindo Beach for two weeks. Will let you know how rainy it is.

 

[LisaH]

BTW, where is the Marriott vacation club located?

 

[jmhpsu93]

BTW, where is the Marriott vacation club located?

About 50 miles SW of San Jose. It's a town called Playa Herradura, which is close to Jaco (a big surfing destination).

Don't equate distances to here in the states (though living in the Bay Area you know that 10 miles as the crow flies can be 30 in the car). It's probably close to two hours.

 

[LisaH]

Good to know. We will pass Jaco on our way to Manuel Antonio. May make a stop to check it out.

 

[Fi2]

Considering the distance and travel involved, I’m now thinking it’s too aggressive for me to squeeze a weeklong Costa Rica trip in this summer — maybe plan for two weeks minimum?

 

[LisaH]

Considering the distance and travel involved, I’m now thinking it’s too aggressive for me to squeeze a weeklong Costa Rica trip in this summer — maybe plan for two weeks minimum?

If you are going for two weeks, I will suggest the second week be at Monteverde and Arenal/La Fortuna.

 

[Fi2]

If you are going for two weeks, I will suggest the second week be at Monteverde and Arenal/La Fortuna.

Thank you for this, and in anticipation of your report-to-come, after your trip this summer. I didn’t realize how involved in-country travel requirements might be, thus sincerely appreciate the encouragement, wisdom and experience you (and other tuggers) kindly share.

As to humidity, my kids and I have endured weeks in SE Asia, and even mainland China, during pre-covid summers, so I imagine we’d be “okay” traveling, as long as we go with a more thoughtful plan than my day has thus far afforded me!

 

[Norcal5]

If you are going for two weeks, I will suggest the second week be at Monteverde and Arenal/La Fortuna.

We are there for 9 nights in December. The first night is in San Juan. Should we do 2 nights in La Fortuna then 6 nights at Los Suenos, or 3 nights La Fortuna then 5 nights Los Suenos?
(The Springs in La Fortuna is $1500/night versus $400 at Los Suenos)

 

[LisaH]

This will be our first trip to Costa Rica (other than one day stop from a cruise ship to Tortuguero National Park) so not too sure. Arenal and Monteverde are supposed to be beautiful with rain and cloud forests, volcano, and wild lives. The interior would be a nice contrast to the coastal area. In Arenal, we will stay at the Arenal Observatory Lodge since we are into birdwatch, wildlife and hiking. The Spring Resort looks really nice and we might buy a day pass to visit its hot springs.

 

[10spro]

Keep in mind that driving in Costa Rica is much different than the US or UK. If not a main road, streets can be poorly marked, and it is recommended not to drive after dark if you are not familiar. Factor in slow traffic and bad roads in deciding how far to venture out in any day. Luckily we found Waze to be pretty good, but still we were very cautious, plus we don't speak the language, so there's that.

 

[igopogo]

This will be our first trip to Costa Rica (other than one day stop from a cruise ship to Tortuguero National Park) so not too sure. Arenal and Monteverde are supposed to be beautiful with rain and cloud forests, volcano, and wild lives. The interior would be a nice contrast to the coastal area. In Arenal, we will stay at the Arenal Observatory Lodge since we are into birdwatch, wildlife and hiking. The Spring Resort looks really nice and we might buy a day pass to visit its hot springs.

Arenal springs is like Disneyland, including the cost there’s another hot springs right in the town of La Fortuna that will serve you well for probably 1/4 of the price. I think you would have to ask the locals, it’s literally ring the bell on an almost unmarked gate. I’ll see if I can track it down.

it’s been a while but I really liked a resort in Monteverde called Villa Blanca. They had some great naturalist guides. It can be a bit of a ghost town in the summer though and you definitely would want to make sure there are other guests staying, otherwise they may not offer any excursions.

 

[igopogo]

Las Termalitas de Arenal. Don't let me push my budget agenda on you, but definitely take a look on TripAdvisor and see if it might be interesting. I said 1/4 the price, truly it's more like 1/10 the price of Tabacon.

 

[LisaH]

Las Termalitas de Arenal. Don't let me push my budget agenda on you, but definitely take a look on TripAdvisor and see if it might be interesting. I said 1/4 the price, truly it's more like 1/10 the price of Tabacon.

Excellent! Thanks! Much cheaper than Arenal Springs or Tabacon which we also considered buying a day pass.

 

[Fi2]

Las Termalitas de Arenal. Don't let me push my budget agenda on you

I’m happy to take recommendations of lower cost and greater “adventure”! Once my youngest was old enough for me to take on trips of a month+, my kids and I would primarily play “tourist” during the < 2weeks my husband joins us for a needed restful break from his work. But before or after his arrival, the kids and I will happily “travel” on a stricter budget, literally and figuratively enjoying the local flavor, to better afford the time away.

 

[Venter]

We are here now. It is a great resort and great country. Rain season starts late May early June and goes through to August. The temps are a bit cooler but still good. Some days it rained a lot for an hour or so and then clears up. Other days it is nice and sunny with rain at night. Humidity is higher this time of year but not Florida unbearable. The hotel amenities and activities includes paddle boarding, a bucket of balls and clubs for the driving range, kayaks, tennis racket and courts, s'mores etc etc. Tours around the area are well worth it. Did full day at Adventure park horse riding to a waterfall, ATV's through the jungle and zip lining including fruit after each activity and lunch included. Did a trip with Costa Cat to Tortuga island including snorkeling, banana boat and hiking with lunch included and drinks which was excellent. Wr enjoyed our time much more than in Cancun and the trips and activities were of the same or higher standard than in the Bahamas. We will definitely return.
One plug for a great restaurant we found by accident about 40 minutes from the resort on the way or back.
Directions:
Sabor a la leña Koka
+506 8337 6863

Sabor a la leña Koka · VCQP+RF3, Autop. José María Castro Madriz, Provincia de Alajuela, Coyolar, Carlos Gómez, Costa Rica

★★★★★ · Restaurant

maps.app.goo.gl

We also attended a sales presentation and am seriously thinking of buying to be able to come back with less hassle. Rented one night from another points owner. Booked two nights with own points and rented three nights through Marriott.com

 

[igopogo]

“Lunch included” is such a great custom with Costa Rica tours, and I have yet to be disappointed.

 

[TravelTime]

We were there in July 2019. The weather was fine. It rarely rained except a drizzle. We were on the dry side so maybe that’s why. We might have had 1 day with more rain but it did not affect our day. We stayed at Penisula Papagayo at the Four Seasons Costa Rica for a week. We started at the Westin Playa Conchal for 3 days which I really liked. We have not yet stayed at the Marriott timeshare but I am sure it will be great. We have been to Costa Rica twice and I loved it both times.

Remember I am the Tugger with high expectations so if I love something, then it is pretty amazing. LOL

We won the lottery with our Four Seasons Aviara week, which is rare to win in your first year of ownership. FSA said it was a very low entry year. We own 2 EOY gold weeks so we also had double the chance to win that year. Four Seasons Costa Rica is the best resort we have ever stayed at. Very upscale. I had realistic expectations so I was wowed with our room and the view.