Possible vacation to Costa Rica
 

Fist let me say that I THOUGHT there used to be a Tilted Travel forum but maybe it's gone now... or maybe my memory is shot. Either way, this seemed like the best place because I am asking for someone else's knowledge.

A friend of mine said to me that she would love to rent a house in Costa Rica for a week with a bunch of people. My question is does anyone know the best area's to stay and/or do and see things. On the other hand what about the bad area's (if there are any) to stay away from?

So far in just casual browsing, there are some GORGEOUS homes/mansions/villas to be rented there.

If anyone knows anything about Costa Rica that would be beneficial or interesting for a person visiting there, please feel free to add your input.

Well, it depends on what you want to accomplish. The neat thing about the place is that there is a nice range of environments to enjoy. There are rainforests, beaches, volcanoes... do you like adventure stuff? Nature stuff? Do you want to relax at a spa or tan at the beach? Do you want to get stupid drunk in a big cheap house without having any run-ins with the locals? Do you want to dance and soak in the pura vida spirit with the locals?

I went a few years ago, so I have a few recommendations depending on what you're looking for. :)

Well the group that so far seems to be interested would be rather large and I think everyone would like to do different things.

I am sure that the beaches will be a must for at least 1 day. The rainforest as well. Stupid drunk at the house will probably be on the list a few nights.

Adventure as in rock climbing no, not really.

How about driving? I am thinking about renting a car while we are down there... is it a good idea?

Monteverde cloud forest is a good place to go; be sure to get a guided tour, otherwise you'll miss a lot of interesting stuff. Tabacon hot springs is good if you like the idea of relaxing in a hot pool with a drink in your hand and a view of an active volcano. And if you spend any time near Puerto Viejo de Limon (on the Caribbean coast just north of Panama), try to have dinner at La Pecora Negra. It's an excellent little restaurant a few miles south of town.