Just wondering is it better to book a tour like vacation to Costa Rica or plan it myself?
Also when is the best and most affordable time to go.

I went to Costa Rica and Nicaragua in July. You don’t need a tour! I did take a day tour to Nicaragua though and I recommend it!

Cr is really easy to get around. We booked day tours, zip lining, horse back riding a day or two in advance.

We did 18 days 5 different places in the North, planned it our selves. Easy to get around.

Highlights were Tamarindo, Santa Elena, Monteverde and Rio Perdio!

Karen
We took a boat from Monteverde to La Fortuna - excellent experience. Great way to see the volcano

I agree that CR is easy to get around; however we booked our tour through G Adventures and found it very cost effective - as well, I was surprised that we had very seasoned travellers in our group of 16 and their reasoning was that there was no wasted time for planning the day or getting lost. Lol.

The problem with booking ahead is that if you find somewhere you love, you can’t spend an extra day or two there. CR was my first big trip after Mexico and I planned and booked my hotels for 2 weeks. I’ve since been to 34 countries and have never booked more than a night or two in advance for this reason. CR is easy to get around, even with a car rental. Fly by the seat of your pants- you won’t regret it

I agree with Shauna. We wing it except for the first couple of days. We like to talk to the locals and get some tips. We usually research possible places to go so we have an idea but it gives you the freedom to stay longer or move on as you like. CR is very easy to get around. We rented a car and had no trouble at all.

Hola! we moved to Costa Rica from Red Deer three years ago and now have a few rental condos. If you would ever like to come to Playas del Coco please let me know. We love to host guests from home. Coco is about 25 minutes from the Liberia airport and is such a great central location to do many day trips from. https://www.kijiji.ca/.../playas-del-coco.../1245724894...
KIJIJI.CA
Playas del Coco Costa Rica | Other Countries | Canada | Kijiji

Do you have any 3 bdrm condos available?

Lesley I'll send u a message

Matt Boehler let's join my parents in Feb lol

Affordable time? Any time except Easter. Most affordable is when you see a low airfare to either airport.
Best time to go? Avoid height of rainy season which is Oct & Nov.
You can travel on your own - rent a car, or take a bus. As Colleen Roberts - O’Brien said, G adventures makes it easy.
For romantic adventure, stay in a treehouse
https://www.fincabellavista.com/treehouses/casa-mariposa/

Chris just posted a really cheap airfare!

Carol, I can’t find that post. Which airline is it?

http://yycdeals.com/calgary-to-costa-rica-401-cad...
YYCDEALS.COM
Calgary to Costa Rica - $401 CAD roundtrip including taxes

Chris, thank you

Breanne, we are going to CR for 4 weeks this spring and I have planned the whole trip myself (with many tips from this YYC group, thank you). Once we are back I can let you know what worked best and what didn’t if you are interested. Just let me know.

Carol, I’d be interestedly your itinerary and feedback afterwards.

Lesley No problem. After we get back I’ll post some info.

That is very nice of you. We have decided that a week was not long enough in Costa Rica so we have decided on a different holiday but I really appreciate all the comments and will use this information in the future.