We are two active 66 year olds and were just in CR for 3 weeks in Feb., about a week of which was with our daughter and husband in a tiny village above San Isidro de General, very UN touristy. We drove up to a cloudforest reserve there up on the slopes of Costa Rica’s highest mountain, near there. We also rented a 4×4, good decision as it meant you could explore without fear of getting stuck. From there we stayed at least 2, usually 3 nights everywhere we went, to have two full days to explore an area. We decided the northeastern peninsula would be just too much driving, do not expect to cover distances at anywhere near the speed one does in the US. We took folding bikes but found it too steep to bike most places any distance from the coast with the exception of the Arenal Lake area. Osa Peninsula is worth it! We stayed at Corcovado biohostel ( info@corcovadofoundation.org) a few miles and across a small river from Drakes Bay, very affordable and peaceful. Our hostess arranged snorkeling to Isla Cano and jungle outings for us and found us a bird guide, a local farmer from whom we learned alot about the area’s natural history. You do have to spring for about $100 per person really to get into the national forest, unfortunately, but that is the system which helps protect the area, and these tours provide information, equipment, and usually a nice local restaurant meal together, too, afterwards. One tour group that was family run was Pacheco. We also went to the east side of the peninsula and stayed at Bolita Rainforest Hostel; you hiked up a steep but not terribly long trail so it was very isolated, lots of wonderful birds and wildlife. And HOT! Near the coast it was HOT. Bolita also found us a local bird guide. We were glad to have the 4×4 as crossing the peninsula entailed crossing two rivers, the locals were helpful about the best route. Everywhere else we were on paved or gravel roads, it can be done without 4×4, but often, not easily! It was February, and we took a pass on Manuel Antonio as we heard it is VERY crowded. We spent 3 days at Paraiso Quetzal in the Gerard Dota area, wonderful birds and walking, and again, they arranged a bird guide for us, well worth it. Then drove up the west coast and into the mountains to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, sooo beautiful and again, very happy to have the 4×4 on narrow, windy, and potholed roads. So many rainbows. We found a beautiful airbnb with an extremely knowledgeable host on wildlife and birds; https://www.airbnb.com/trips/v1/a27eda46-b55e-44f8-b2cb-acbd36ef2070/ro/RESERVATION2_CHECKIN/HMRDCH54HF. At Arenal, we avoided the crowds by staying in El Castillo, on the road called El Million; beautiful walks and lots of birds. don’t miss the Butterfly Conservatory. It’s also worth it to get close to the mountain with a visit the Arenal Observation Lodge & Trails, they have a great tower you can get wonderful views, even if the mountain is a bit cloudy. Have fun, but be aware that the cost of Costa Rica’s stronger environmental protection than other Central American countries are the higher prices; making for a stable economy with much less poverty. Hope this is helpful.

Hi Boulderdoc!

Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear about your skiing accident. I hope your recovery is going well! 🙂

Since you’re in the beginning stages of planning your trip, I’ll start by asking if you’ve yet tried our Costa Rica Destination Tool (https://www.diycostarica.com/costa-rica-destination-tool/). It’s free for DIY Costa Rica members like yourself. The reason I ask is because we built the tool specifically for this purpose, to help travelers determine which destinations they should visit during their trip. The tool is designed as a questionnaire, and all you need to do is select the criteria that appeal to you, and the tool will instantly tell you which destination(s) we would recommend you visit. Since you’re trying to decide between Monteverde, Tortuguero, Manuel Antonio, and destinations on the Osa Peninsula, I’d recommend giving the Destination Tool a go, to see if it helps you narrow down the destinations you’re already considering, or if it suggests other options that align better with your interests and needs. 🙂

Pura vida!