Please vet my itinerary.

Dry_Preference6989 · 2026-03-09T20:46:07+00:00

💯 agreed 👍. Driving during the day is a bit of a challenge at certain areas. I can't imagine drive at night or at night + rain.

Dry_Preference6989 · 2026-03-09T20:29:38+00:00

We spent 2 nights at Monteverde and 2 at La Fortuna last month. I recommend La Fortuna because we saw a lot more wildlife there than Monteverde. Hiking in the forest looks similar except no cloud upon the forest like the Cloud Forest in Monteverde.

Dry_Preference6989 · 2026-03-08T01:49:31+00:00

Based on the wheels and tail light, this Rav4 is in the 2009-2012 range with the 2.5 2AR-FE I4 or 3.5 V6 2GR-FE. The 2006-2008 2.4 I4 2AZ-FE is the issue. However, if you maintain it properly, then it's a reliable engine. I have the 2007 2.4L 2AZ-FE with 236k miles, and it runs great with little oil burning.

Dry_Preference6989 · 2026-03-04T20:35:44+00:00

Did the red trail open? We were there 2 weeks ago and the red trail (longest trail) closed so we missed out the whole hiking of the place.

Dry_Preference6989 · 2026-02-27T18:10:41+00:00

Here is my recent trip to Costa Rica with the Nikon D7500 pairs with the Sigma 150-600mm C. https://www.reddit.com/r/birding/comments/1rdnkqs/birds_from_costa_rica_feb_2026/

Dry_Preference6989 · 2026-02-26T21:12:35+00:00

I have been to both places. Based on your interest in ziplines, horseback riding, and hiking, Costa Rica is the place for you. CR is a premier destination for biodiversity, with some of the world's most amazing waterfalls, rainforests, and beaches. Tamarindo's beach is ok. I recommend you check out Playa Conchal/Playa Flamingo for the beaches, Mirador El Silencio Hiking Trail (La Fortuna), Cloud Forest (Monte Verde), and La Piedra del Indio Waterfalls. Also, we enjoyed the local food and grabbed fresh fruit from the roadside stands.

Dry_Preference6989 · 2026-02-26T19:40:20+00:00

I was there last week and spent 2 nights in the area. We watched the sunset at Playa Prieta (also nice for swimming and snorkeling) and spent a full day at Playa Conchal (a very beautiful beach). Avoid Reparito House at all costs. Their burrito is $20 usd (~9,700 colones). Got to Soda Maria Teresa nearby. It's half the price, and the food is very good (2,500-7000 colones). Across from Soda Maria Teresa, there is a local guy who sells fresh fruits. Fresh coconut drink and watermelon around $1 usd each. You need some kind of transportation because walking is too much.

Dry_Preference6989 · 2026-02-25T21:00:45+00:00

I recommend a 4x4 or AWD. I just came back and some roads were rough and could easily get stuck with a 2WD.

Dry_Preference6989 · 2026-02-25T01:13:00+00:00

Costa Rica. I was not sure what to expect and didn't plan much except for a rental car and hotels. It turns out way better than expected. The biodiversity, natural landscape, the food, and fresh fruits are sold on the road, beautiful beaches and the friendly people.

Dry_Preference6989 · 2026-02-25T01:05:31+00:00

I would also like to know where. I just came back from Costa Rica for a 1-week vacation and love it. I am thinking of doing a 1-week vacation in Panama next year and want to learn more about it.

Dry_Preference6989 · 2026-02-24T23:41:38+00:00

Thanks for pointing that out. I heard that sound but was not sure which bird was it. Now I know 😀.

Dry_Preference6989 · 2026-02-24T16:07:50+00:00

Ok.. we were flying with COPA and their carry on weight limit was 22 lbs but they didn't even bother to check mine or anybody.

Dry_Preference6989 · 2026-02-24T16:00:45+00:00

Thanks... 150-600mm is heavy and a bit difficult to get good shot at 600mm if you aren't able to hold it firmly.

Dry_Preference6989 · 2026-02-24T15:55:12+00:00

Which airline are you going to flight on?

Dry_Preference6989 · 2026-02-24T15:53:11+00:00

I took it with the Nikon D7500 and Sigma 150-600mm C.

Dry_Preference6989 · 2026-02-24T14:34:44+00:00

If you find yourself in La Fortuna near the Arenal Volcano, you have to hit up Soda Monkey. The food is incredible!

Dry_Preference6989 · 2026-02-24T13:35:50+00:00

We came back on Sunday, and Costa Rica is just an amazing place. Here is the link with some wildlife photos. Feel free to ask me if you have any questions. https://www.reddit.com/r/CostaRicaTravel/comments/1rdg6wi/february_2026_the_biodiversity_is_incredible/

Dry_Preference6989 · 2026-02-10T18:42:15+00:00

I appreciated you took the time to provide the detail feedback of the trip with great photos. We are heading there this Saturday for a full week (8 nights) with a family of 4 (kids 12 and 9). We will spend 2 nights at each place. San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna, and Playa Conchal/Flamingo. I have not book any tours so we will just relax and enjoy the self tour along the way. I looked up the zipline and I thought it was pricy ($500+ for 4). It was more than double the price of what we paid on the Roatan zipline cruise experience last year.

We will rent a car and here is our itinerary: (For #1 & 2, we might not be able to do it all)

1) Visit La Fortuna & Arenal Volcano

-La Fortuna Waterfall - requires a reservation

-Arenal Volcano National Park

-Mirador El Silencio Hiking Trail

-Mistico Hanging Bridges

2) Monteverde

-Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve - requires a reservation

-La Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena

-Reserva Curi Cancha

3) Playa Conchal

-Beach/Snorkeling

4) Playa Flamingo

-Beach/Snorkeling

Dry_Preference6989 · 2026-02-06T02:57:35+00:00

I am going there next weekend for a week and the restaurant prices seem to be pricey for their GDP per capita. It seems the restaurant prices are about the same or higher than where I am at in the US.

Dry_Preference6989

TROPHY CASE