Trip Coach: October 24, 2006

Portland, OR: My wife and I will be traveling to Costa Rica the week of Thanksgiving and will be staying at the Ecoplaya Beach Resort in the province of Guanacaste. We are interested in visiting Nicaragua sometime during our stay, but have not seen any day tours originating in Costa Rica. We will have a car, but I am not sure whether traveling to Nicaragua by car is a wise idea. Can you provide some guidance?

Rob Hodel: Nicaragua is a great side trip but your insurance on the car will not work and the car is not yours to take out of the country. Take a two night tour that includes Granada and you will not have to drive. Granada is a walking city that is a must see.

_______________________

New Kent, VA: How important is it to rent a car ahead of time when going to a foreign country like Costa Rica over Christmas holidays? Or can I just show up and get a better deal?

Rob Hodel: Over Christmas a resrvation is absolutely needed since locals rent them as well to go to the beach for vacation. There are three companies to use. Europcar, Adobe or Mapache rent a car. There is a lot of confusion on prices and many companies charge an aiport fee, license fee, and insurance of up to additional $200 a week. Its a real struggle to make sure there are no surprise charges http://www.ticotravel.com/costarica/car.htm

_______________________

Summit, NJ: What is the best time of day to see the arenal volcano? and are the springs accessible in the morning? Do you need to pay to see the springs thru the hotel Tabacon? I am planning a trip with the family to Costa Rica in April 2007, after Easter. Flying in and out of San Jose. Kids are 6 and 8 yrs. We are planning to stay at the marriott los suenos for the first couple of days (see Manuel Antonio) and then go to the Arenal/Springs, staying at Paradisus Play Conchal. Thank you. Marc

Rob Hodel: To see the volcano spewing lava at night is a real treat but its up to mother nature, otherwise the early morning is best before the top has a chance to gather clouds. You need to pay to go to Tabacon and there is a limit on the number of people. It tends to get very crowded. The Kioro hotel (http://www.ticotravel.com/hotels/kioro.htm) is new and has their own hot springs. There is a new super resort being built by the people from La Paz Waterfall gardens that should be open then and I am sure it will be unbelievable given what they have done so far. Do not try to do day tours to Arenal from Conchal its way too far. Stay at Kioro or the new hotel I mentioned if possible.

 _______________________

Northbrook, IL: I am researching different tours--one of them has a tractor experience out of, or into, the rain forest. Is this advisable for older people--perhaps with back problems? How long is the ride?

Rob Hodel: You are talking about Selva Verde. If you are having problems with your back there is little they can do for you once the tractor is in the jungle so I would take that into consideration. Why not go to Tortuguerro? The two night tours are a great value, you see alot and its not too demanding.

_______________________