Discussions

Thinking of going to Costa Rica. Don't want to stay at an all inclusive. Would like to rent accommodations through Airbnb and travel around the countryside hiking and visiting. Would like some feedback from anyone whose done this. one of my questions is whether you can visit the national parks without having to book tours. Any other feedback would be appreciated.

Yes you just pay the admission fee at the gate. As a tip don't pay the extra to have a guide take you through the parks. They claim a guide will help you spot birds and other animals that tourist otherwise wouldn't. We did a guide in MA but wouldn't suggest it, there are enough guides walking around with others and if you see them stop just walk over and see what they are looking at for free.  
 
I would likely suggest flying in to San Jose and renting a car however you could do the same from Liberia it just seemed easier to use SJ as a base and then head South and then back North but either or will work. AirBNB and VRBO had tons of vacation rentals.

We just returned from Costa Rica 3 weeks ago. It is a fantastic country especially for what you want to do: hiking and visiting. There is never a shortage of things to see or wonderful people to meet.  
 
We flew in to Liberia and stayed in 3 different locations on the Pacific Coast (Tamarindo, Uvita and Manuel Antonio). We rented places through VRBO in all 3 spots and it couldn't have been better, All three locations had different things to offer and we were so pleased with all of our accommodations. The National Park near Manuel Antonio is beautiful.  
 
If you want more info on the VRBO locations we stayed in and others we know of feel free to PM me.

Stop in Jacó for a night or two. Neat little town. Awesome zip lines. The volcano up in Arenal if your into hiking. Lots to do and see. Definitely a minimum 2 week trip. We drove our rental up to Nicaragua and parked and walked across the border. That was an interesting adventure I'd like to maybe do again. Just driving down the coast you will see and find tons of things to stop and do. Careful if you are driving at night we stuck mostly to do daytime, gets a little crazy on the roads at night. Have fun.

you a PM.

I don't have any PMs...