Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm planning a trip to Costa Rica and I have a few questions. What time of year is the best time to go? I have heard of Americans getting kidnapped, is it dangerous? What are the best packages, or what should I not miss when I go? Any websites on Costa Rica travel or trip deals would be great. Thanks for your help in advanced.

Ah, prepare for a good time. I have been twice and I will go back in an instant. I went in february both times, I believe that during that time it is their drier season, it rained hard once or twice, with a nightly shower. This time of year was amazing, I saw hundreds of frogs which is basically what I went for, as well as reptiles, mammals and insects. Everything was out while I was there it seemed. I have never heard of kidnappings, my sister stayed in costa rica for 5 weeks on a spanish immersion just walking around freely in san jose and other cities and she didn't have a single bad experience. So I guess that is a good sign that if a 16 year old female didn't get kidnapped or attacked then just about everyone else should be fine. On my 2nd trip I went through ACIS travel company. This was a tour put together by one of my teachers. The first trip was on a different company that I cannot remember, but they were both very good. Some of the places I really enjoyed there were the Selva Verde Lodge http://www.selvaverde.com/ . They have guided tours on their property which are very good with lots of herps, birds and insects. You can also go on non guided trails around their main hotel area where I saw more frogs than on the guided tour through their jungle property. Another place which is near Selva Verde is La Selva Biological Reserve, here they have amazing tour guides, and tons and tons of wildlife, this is one of the best reserves in Costa Rica, http://www.ots.ac.cr/en/laselva/ . Another great place is Tortuegero National Park. Its 7 hours away from san jose by, bus, and boat combined. It is very secluded and there are lots of nice hotels in the area. You go on canal tours and see everything from a nice little boat, with chances to go up on land at different biological stations. In that area we saw caimen up close, and solid red pumilios. This is the hotel I stayed at, it was very nice http://pachiralodge.com/ . Some advice would be, bring extra clothes, lots of film with a good camera, and have an open attitude. It is one of the friendliest countries in central/south america. You can see pictures from my 2nd trip here http://www.frognet.org/gallery/MarkJemison-CR .
Mark
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my tanks and frogs
.7 Green and Black Costa Rican D. Auratus
.4 D. Azureus

Thanks for all the great info Mark.