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Anywhere Costa Rica | Tagged Posts
2018
3
October
Is it possible to explore Costa Rica without joining a tour for snorkeling and rainforest trips?
3
October
Question:
Humans say...
Michael
One of the best rain forests in the world is in Costa Rica. Parque Nacional Corcovado has 2.5% of the world's biodiversity, which is one of the largest in the world (comparable to the Amazon).
It's pretty hard to get to though, as it's at the very South western part of the country. It was only open to the public within the past decade so it's still very remote and fairly untouched.
When we went back in March we saw coaties, crocodiles, sloths,bats, different types of monkeys, and even rescued a bunch of baby sea turtles that had just hatched and coaties were digging them up. We ran the survivors to the ocean. It was one of the best overall experiences I've ever been on!
Also if you're on the pacific side, Manuel Antonio Park is neat to check out too.
Michael
Parque Nacional Corcovado is their official fb page. I tagged the wrong one
Renée
There’s an online travel agency called Anywhere Costa Rica that helped us plan a trip (not a tour group) a long time ago. We were very happy with their services. The prices were no more than booking directly and they organized the transportation from place to place. They can also book your hotels and activities if you want, but it’s customizable.
Linda
Renée W thanks! Will give them a look.
Tania
It’s easy! You definitely don’t need a tour. You will love it!
Michael
Tania yeah honestly the hardest part was just getting out of San Jose. Driving around that city was sketchy but it was a fun challenge.
Linda
Yikes!
Tania
Yes! The traffic! And the honking! Lol!
Amanda
This is a great site with a lot of helpful tips and tricks on CR.
https://www.facebook.com/Mytanfeetcom/
Kathryn
I'm here now with my family. Started. San Jose and drive to Nosara. We are in monteverde now and heading to La Fortuna. Easy to do all my yourself. You can arrange guided tours once you know where. Online reviews are are a great tool. Hardest part so far is the driving. Most are paved highways, but less travelled areas are gravel and it makes for slow driving. Strongly recommend bringing an unlocked cell phone, buy a SIM card at the airport and use google maps to navigate. Good luck!!
Linda
We found the buses to be great. Affordable, safe and comfortable. It’s more expensive but we also rented cars in some places. We were doing travel by postcard - you look at postcards and go “let’s go there”. That is totally doable in CR. We loved the cloud forest.
Brad
We stayed in 2 locations. We took shuttle buses which were not cheap. The first place was at hotel bula bula. Wonderful, in a jungle right next to beach. Just a shirt water taxi to tamarindo. One of our favourite places in the world so far. The second spot was in coco beah. It wasnt nearly as nice but a short cab ride to two very beautiful beaches
Tarina
We’re in Costa Rica right now and booked everything through #KimKim
Kristi
Tarina thanks, I am checking out Kimkim right now as I am planning a trip. Thanks for the tip! Have an amazing rest of your vacation!
A.I. says...
Exploring Costa Rica: A DIY Adventure
Costa Rica is a nature lover's paradise, and with its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and friendly locals, it's no wonder that it's a popular destination for travelers. If you're considering a trip to this Central American gem and wondering if it's possible to explore it without joining a tour, the answer is a resounding yes!
Planning Your Itinerary
One of the best parts about traveling to Costa Rica on your own is the flexibility to create your own itinerary. With a week or so at your disposal, you can easily combine snorkeling, turtle watching, and rainforest exploration into one unforgettable adventure.
Start by researching the different regions of Costa Rica and deciding which areas interest you the most. The Pacific coast is perfect for snorkeling and beach time, while the Caribbean side boasts lush rainforests and vibrant biodiversity. Tortuguero National Park, located on the Caribbean coast, is a renowned destination for turtle watching, with guided tours available during nesting seasons.
Transportation and Accommodation
Getting around Costa Rica without a tour is relatively easy. You can opt for a rental car, which gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, or take advantage of the country's reliable and affordable public transportation system, which includes buses and private shuttles.
Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious eco-lodges. Consider booking a few nights in different locations to experience the diverse landscapes and cultures of Costa Rica. Many beach towns and rainforest lodges offer on-site activities and tours, which can be an excellent way to immerse yourself in the local environment.
Tips for a Successful DIY Adventure
- Learn some basic Spanish phrases to communicate with locals and navigate your way around more easily.
- Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, and a good raincoat or poncho for the tropical climate.
- Respect the local culture and environment by following Leave No Trace principles and supporting eco-tourism initiatives.
- Be open to serendipitous encounters and unexpected adventures – some of the best memories are made when you least expect them!
With a little research and planning, a DIY adventure in Costa Rica can be an incredibly rewarding and memorable experience. Embrace the opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and vibrant culture of this amazing country at your own pace.
Sites
Linda
This group has been great for advice in the past to trying again. Looking at Costa Rica. How difficult is it to do without joining a tour? Looking for a week or so, snorkeling, maybe a trip to turtles and rainforest. Thoughts? Advice?