Search VoyageForum
FR
Hôtel Punta Leona au Costa Rica English translation pending
by Lynebo · 2006-02-20 · 1 reply
Je quitte le 13 mars pour le costa rica j'irai à punta leona, J'aimerais savoir si quelqu'un est déjà aller, comment est l'hôtel, la plage et est-ce que c'est loin de Manuel Antonio et le coût? Est-ce que je peux y aller en bus ou il y a des forfaits avec l'hôtel? Y a t-il des chaises sur la plage? Est-ce que la température est très humide?😊 Merci😏
Itinéraire pour le Costa Rica English translation pending
by GeMontréal · 2006-02-04 · 5 replies
Allô!

Je voudrais tout simplement savoir si c'est un bon trajet de voyage, considérant le temps et la température du 16 avril au 5 mai 2006. Est-ce possible à faire?

Arrivé à San josé, ensuite Cahuita, Manuel Antonio, Cabo Blanco, Monteverde, volca Arenal et le volcan POas...

Puis, si vous avez des noms d'endroits où dormir à ces places pas trop chère pour 4 personnes, j'en serais très heureuse...

Ah oui! pour avoir des cours de surf ou tout simplement en faire, c'est où que c'est le mieux?

Je vous remercie ge
Puntarenas au Costa Rica English translation pending
by Isa4 · 2006-01-20 · 22 replies
Bonjour,

Mon copain et moi partons pour Puntarenas le 27 Février 2006, nous voulons monter le volcan irazu et aller a Manuel Antonio, est-ce mieux de louer un vehicule, d'y aller en autobus et sommes-nous mieux d'y aller par nous même ou organiser.

merci
Hôtels en Jamaïque English translation pending
by Roxylaydy · 2006-01-14 · 9 replies
salut, moi je vais a tout les an en jamaique mais cette année nous avons décider de faire le tour de l'ile en trois jour . J ai besoin d, information sur de petite hotel que nous pourrions arreter sans que ca nous coute trop cher dans le bout de port antonio, un peut avant et bien apres kingston .j'attend de vos nouvelle merci
Apnée au Costa Rica English translation pending
by Juliefleurie · 2005-12-11 · 1 reply
Je m'essaie encore!! Je ne peux pas croire qu'il n'y a pas d'endroit pour faire de l'apnée sur la côté pacifique du Costa Rica??? Je vais à Samara, Montezuma, Manuel Antonio, Uvita et au Corcovado Lodge... Connaissez-vous un spot à l'un de ces endroits? Merci beaucoup d'avance! Julie
Sites incontournables et acitivés au Nicaragua English translation pending
by Petitk · 2005-11-23 · 13 replies
bonjour je men vais au nicaragua dans un mois pour une duree denviron 3 semaines et je voudrais savoir quelles sont les endroits a voir absolument et quelles activitées sont a ne pas manquer. merci davance !
10 jours au Costa Rica English translation pending
by Symbole · 2005-11-03 · 5 replies
Bonjour,

je pars 10 jours début avril au Costa Rica. Pouvez-vous m'indiquer les sites incontournables à visiter ?

Merci par avance.
Séjour au Costa Rica et au Mexique English translation pending
by Indescri · 2005-09-04 · 6 replies
Bonjour,

lors de notre tour du monde, nous allons passer 15 jours au Costa Rica et presque 1 mois au Mexique, entre Juin et Août 2006. Pour l'instant, notre itinéraire au Costa Rica est le suivant : Tortuguero, Puerto viejo et Cahuita, Dominical, Manuel Antonio. (J'y suis déjà allée il y a 7 ans et j'ai vu Arenal, Santa Rosa et Puerto Viejo). L'itinéraire au Mexique va de Mexico à Cancun, en passant par le Chiapas et le Yucatan. Je suis à la recherche de bons plans concernant les hébergements, les choses à ne pas manquer, les activités interessantes... et aussi les mauvais plans à éviter... Nous sommes avec trois enfants de 10, 7 et 3 ans... donc si vous avez des conseils pour les occuper, n'hésitez pas.

D'avance merci
Costa Rica: programme de voyage et sécurité English translation pending
by Ulysse57 · 2005-09-02 · 3 replies
Bonjour a tous je pars en voyage de noce au mois de Décembre au costa rica avec l'agence de voyage "image du monde" paris 13ème. Est-ce que quelqu'un connait cette agence ? Au programme Tortuguero (balade en bateau), puerto limon, playas cocles (farniente a la plage), volcan turrialba, volcan irazu, cartago, san gerardo de dota, dominical, manuel antonio, rincon de la vieja, lac arenal, rafting, cheval, etc ... On a loué un 4x4 et j'ai vu sur le net que san josé et puerto limon craignent au niveau sécurité surtout pour les touristes en loc de vl (ce qui est mon cas) vous en pensez quoi ?
Trajet Orly - Roissy (France) English translation pending
by Lutis · 2005-08-22 · 13 replies
Bonsoir,

J'aimerais savoir comment on peut rejoindre Roissy a partir d'Orly et surtout combien de temps ca prend car j'ai pas beaucoup de temps, sachant que le trajet aura lieu en heure de pointe (vers 18 h).

Merci pour vos reponses
Plongée en apnée au Costa Rica English translation pending
by Laura001 · 2005-08-15 · 5 replies
Bonjour à tous,

Je veux faire un voyage au Costa Rica cet hiver. J'aimerais savoir si vous connaissez des endroits ou nous pouvons faire de la plongée en apnée au Costa Rica?

Merci!
Visiter la réserve de Corcovado au Costa Rica English translation pending
by Eva44 · 2005-07-25 · 5 replies
Bonjour, Nous avons décidé de partir au Costa Rica l'année prochaine pendant 15 jours et pour le moment notre circuit s'orienterait plutôt vers Tortuguero, Cahuita, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde et Montezuma...J'ai très envie d'aller visiter la réserve de Corcovado mais j'ai peur qu'en 15 jours il nous soit difficile de descendre si bas étant donné l'état des routes...(même si nous avons choisi de prendre un 4x4!) Pourriez-vous me dire s'il est possible de visiter le parc de Corcovado en vue de mon circuit et pour seulement 2 semaines? J'aimerais également savoir s'il y a une différence significative de climat entre les mois de juin, août et septembre (sachant qu'il s'agit de la "saison verte" dans tous les cas!) car nous n'arrivons pas à choisir quel mois partir...!😕 Merci beaucoup, Eva
Que visiter à Malte? English translation pending
by LaurentBr · 2005-07-12 · 3 replies
Hello à tous,

Il y a peu de temps, nous étions encore sur l'idée de partir à Chios pour ces vacances, mais à cause d'imprévus, nous avons opté pour Malte.

Nous partirons pour 1 semaine, et logerons à St Paul (je sais...touristique à mort) au 'Mercure St Antonio' (petit déjeuner). Nous avons loué une voiture pour 4 jours pour quitter les rues commerçantes pour partir à la rencontre des autochtones.

Nous savons déjà que nous irons visiter la Valette et que nous irons faire de la plongée à Gozo. ( 2 jours de voiture )

Nous savons aussi qu'une fois la voiture rendue, nous irons une seconde fois sur Gozo en hélico (tant que l'on y est).

Voilà, résumé en gros, notre 'pré-planning' pour nos vacances, il me reste 2 jours de voiture à planifier...

Voilà, j'attends tous commentaires de votre part, et si vous avez des suggestions pour les 2 autres jours en voiture, je suis tout ouïe..

Bien à vous,

Laurent.
Y a t-il de belles plages au Costa Rica? English translation pending
by Nessie2 · 2005-06-06 · 65 replies
Je ne me suis pas encore plongée dans la préparation de mon voyage. J'aimerais savoir si au costa rica il y a de belles plages 😉
Samba do Brasil... et la musique brésilienne English translation pending
by Primicita · 2005-04-01 · 27 replies
2005 est l'année du Brésil ! On l'a bien compris ...

Mais perso, je ne connais pas beaucoup d'artistes brésiliens et serais ravie de découvrir ou mettre un nom sur certains airs qui me viennent en tête lorsque je pense "Brésil".

Gilberto Gil, Joao et Astrud Gilberto, Antonio Carlos Jobim ... je connais ... mais aprés ??? La musique brésilienne ne se résume pas à ces 4 là si ?

Ah si ! Je connais Cibelle (album de 2001) .

Et vous ?

Primicita !
Carnet de voyage au Costa Rica English translation pending
by Gurvan · 2005-03-21 · 0 replies
Bonjour !

Nous sommes allés visiter le Costa Rica l'été dernier. Notre carnet de voyage est en ligne à cette adresse :
http://gu.mottais.free.fr

Toutes les photos de notre voyage sont en ligne (Alajuela, La fortuna - Arenal, Quepos - Manuel Antonio, Cahuita Puerto Viejo).

N'hésitez pas à nous envoyer vos commentaires !!

Gurvan
Hébergement au Costa Rica English translation pending
by Méderic · 2005-01-02 · 8 replies
Bonjour Je cherche un hébergement pas cher dans les endroits suivants (cabinas ou hôtel) Nou sommes une famille de 4 personnes

San José Montezuma San Miguel Ocotal Cahuita Puerto Jimenez Tapanti Turrialba Manuel Antonio Dominical Ballena

ainsi que des restos bon marché dans les mêmes endroits

Autre question: Comment aller à l'île Tortuga et quel est le prix du voyage? Y at'il des cabinas à Carate ? Merci Méderic
Les plages en Jamaïque en septembre English translation pending
by Clarence · 2004-12-08 · 3 replies
j'aimerais partir à la jamaïque début septembre. Quel est le temps à ce moment là et comment sont les plages. Merci d'avance
Adresses d'hôtels au Costa Rica English translation pending
by Partimonkiki · 2004-10-26 · 8 replies
Hello,

Mon mari et moi partons dans 10 jours au Costa Rica et nous recherchons des bons plans pour dormir à moins de 40 euros mais sympa avec si possible possibilité de cotoyer la population, soit petits hotels, soit chez l'habitant du côté : du volcan Arenal, de Quepos/Manuel Antonio, de Poas ou de Tarcoles / Carara. Merci infiniment à ceux qui auraient de bonnes adresses à nous indiquer.

D'autre part, n'étant pas longtemps sur place, nous envisageons de louer quand même un 4x4 et ne pas nous déplacer uniquement en bus. Y a-t-il des choses à savoir lorsque l'on loue ce véhicule ? On pense le louer en arrivant à San Jose, si qq'un avait une agence de location à nous conseiller...

Merci bcp pour vos précieuses aides
Suggestion d'hôtel au Costa Rica English translation pending
by Bizbiz · 2004-06-15 · 7 replies
Bonjour ! Je planifie un voyage au Costa Rica et j'aimerais avoir vos suggestions d'hotels dans les régions de la pénisules d'Osa, près du parc national de Carara (Jaco, Manuel Antonio) et à San José.

Notre budget pour 2 personnes est d'environ 70 $ US incluant le coût des repas.

merci pour votre aide

Pura vida 😉
Conseils sur le nord de l'Argentine English translation pending
by Snarfsnarf · 2004-05-17 · 5 replies
Salut à tous🙂

En décembre, j'ai 10 jours à partir de Mendoza pour visiter le pays. Je pensais voyager en bus (budget limité) et me rendre : A San Juan visiter la vallée de la lune (1 journée) A Salta faire la boucle Salta Cafayate Cachi Salta...ou/et aller à San Antonio de los Cobres (3 jours) Aux chutes d'Iguaçu (coté argentin et bresilien) et visiter les missions à ignaçu. (2 jours) Visiter buenos aires (s'il reste du temps) et retour à Santiago du Chili pour l'avion.

J'ai plusieurs questions....selon vous est ce possible selon le temps imparti??? y a t il d'autres chose à isiter dans le même coin???

A Salta vaut il mieux louer une voiture pour faire cette visite (les différentes boucles)??? A combien cela revient il?? A quelle agence peut on louer??

Connaissez vous le prix pour faire Mendoza Salta en bus??? et Mendoza San Juan???

Je vous remerci par avnce

S😉
Réservation d'hôtels et transport au Costa Rica English translation pending
by Voyageuse13 · 2004-03-14 · 18 replies
Bonjour,

Nous partons 2 semaines au Costa Rica fin mars.

Quelqu'un aurait-il des adresses d'hôtels petit budget à Quepos ou Manuel Antonio ? Toutes nos demandes par Internet pour la date du 30 mars restent négatives et je pense qu'à cette date, il nous faut réserver.

D'autre part, est-il facile d'explorer Tortuguero à partir de Limon et revenir par l'intérieur (bateau + bus) sur San José ?

Encore une question. Nous serons sur place la semaine de Pâques. Les bus circulent-ils les jours avant Pâques et pendant le WE de Pâques ?

Toute autre information sera la bienvenue.

Merci.
The Arco Seco: A Still Undiscovered Region of Panama
by CasaFofo · 2026-06-02 · 4 replies
When planning a trip to Panama, you often hear about Panama City, Bocas del Toro, Boquete, or even San Blas. Yet, there’s a region that remains relatively under the radar in travel guides: the Arco Seco.

Located on the Pacific coast, between the provinces of Panamá Oeste, Coclé, Herrera, and Los Santos, the Arco Seco enjoys a generally drier climate than the rest of the country. Even during the rainy season, you’ll often find more sunshine here than in other parts of Panama.

For travelers who love alternating between beaches, nature, hikes, and local discoveries, this region is definitely worth a detour.

A few ideas for visits:

• The beaches of La Ensenada, El Palmar, Punta Barco, and Coronado

• Surfing at El Palmar, one of the most well-known spots on the Pacific coast

• Kitesurfing at Punta Chame, which is highly reputed!

• El Valle de Antón, nestled in an ancient volcanic crater, with its hikes, waterfalls, artisan market, and hot springs

• Various hikes offering stunning panoramas

• The waterfalls in the San Carlos and El Valle areas

• Golf at Vista Mar or Coronado

• Fishing villages where you can still buy freshly caught fish directly from local fishermen

What I particularly love about this region is that it lets you discover a more authentic and peaceful side of Panama while remaining easily accessible from Panama City.

I’ve been living in San Carlos for several years now, and I’m still discovering new places, trails, beaches, and hidden gems.

If anyone is planning a trip to this region and has questions, I’d be happy to share my favorite spots and personal recommendations.

Looking forward to exchanging tips with you!

Joëlle
Our road trip through the American Southwest for summer 2026
by Mitch341 · 2026-05-14 · 42 replies
Hello! The itinerary is pretty much set for August 2026. Yeah, I know it’s gonna be *super* hot. But it’s the only time we can get away.

So, here’s the plan: Montpellier-CDG-Dallas.

Stay from July 31 to August 26, 2026: Car rental – check, Hotels – check, Itinerary – almost check, Photo gear – check, Budget – check, 🤪 Meal planning – meh, we’ll see... Walmart, of course, for the cooler when we arrive.

And now, without too much detail...

Fort Worth: The Longhorns and the Stockyards; JR’s ranch (for the missus); Medal of Honor Museum – Arlington.

Houston and NASA Space Center: See the Gulf of Mexico/America.

San Antonio and the missions.

Fort Stockton for an overnight stop.

El Paso via Guadalupe Mountains: El Paso and White Sands.

Tucson and the Pima Air & Space Museum: Tombstone, Bisbee.

Phoenix:

Still working on the program.

Sedona: Round trip around the area via Flagstaff and Williams, or the Grand Canyon (already done) – we’ll decide on the spot.

Albuquerque: Santa Fe, Turquoise Trail, Los Alamos.

Amarillo via Route 66: Old Route 66 in the city; Big Texas Ranch Steak 😏.

Dallas: JFK Museum; Perot Museum; West End district.

And through it all – the road, the road, and more road!!!

We’ll adapt day by day based on our mental and physical state (we’re not exactly spring chickens).

Return to France: Dallas-Montpellier via CDG.

Cheers!
Family trip to Cape Verde: questions about accommodation and activities
by Slaeinte · 2026-03-27 · 3 replies
Good morning! We're heading to Cape Verde for 2 weeks at the end of April—São Vicente, Boa Vista, and Santiago. We’re a family of 5: 3 kids (4, 6, and 12) and 2 adults.

My questions revolve around beaches (a spot with interesting snorkeling and safe swimming for the kids), accommodation (kid-friendly, parks nearby, pool, beach, or nature—more like guesthouses or family-run pensions), hikes (accessible for kids), and whether renting a car makes sense depending on the island, even though local buses are an adventure in themselves.

**Santiago:** - Beach & snorkeling: Tarrafal, Quebra Canela in Praia, Ribeira da Barca (okay for kids?), Águas Belas? - Any nice places to stay? - Hikes: Malagueta?, Baobab Boa Entrada, Pico António (accessible? elevation gain, time to climb, difficulty, interest for kids?)

**Boa Vista:** - Beach + snorkeling: Santa Mónica, Praia de Chaves, Gatas, ... Estoril Beach in Sal Rei maybe? - Can we swim at Turtle Bay to see the turtles even though it’s not nesting season? - Any nice places to stay? - Hikes: Viana Desert? Can we explore it solo by renting a 4x4 and easily find the points of interest? - Is it worth renting a 4x4 for our stay in Boa Vista?

**São Vicente:** - Beach + snorkeling: Laginha, Porto Grande, Praia Grande, Baía das Gatas, São Pedro...? (safe, good snorkeling?) - Any nice places to stay? - Hikes: cliffs?, Monte Verde?

Thanks for your feedback, great tips—especially for accommodation where we’re totally in the dark! And your thoughts on whether renting a car is a good idea and which beaches are safest for kids.

See you soon! Christophe
Two weeks in Santo Antão and São Vicente – trip report
by Jeanne2303 · 2026-03-01 · 4 replies
Hi everyone! The forum has been a huge help during my moments of doubt, and since Cape Verde isn’t a destination with many discussions, I felt I had to share my trip report 🙂

First, the EASE: I could never validate it from my phone—I tried 50 times without success, and on the computer, it worked the first time. Then, Cabo Verde Airlines: forget online check-in. I went to the airport early to get my window seat (and in the end, the plane wasn’t full—I had three seats to myself, so I could finish my night peacefully). No in-flight entertainment for those who don’t sleep on planes.

Monday 9: Flight + arrival at Antonio’s (Oia Mindelo Guesthouse). Antonio’s apartment is up on the hill, but really, it’s only a 10-minute walk to the beach and 10 minutes to the city center (depending on where in the center). He picked me up at the airport (1000$). I continued relaxing by doing... nothing on the beach. Dinner in town at Café Mindelo: a pretty place, but otherwise meh—expensive and not necessarily good (2100$ for a beer and a fish that didn’t seem freshly caught as advertised). Tuesday 10: Antonio offered to do a tour of the island (for cheap), and we left with his other guests (a lovely English couple, 76 and 77 years old). Stops at Salamansa (I felt something special on that beach—I could’ve stayed there for an hour doing nothing), then another scenic spot, a restaurant, and Baias das Gatas (I took a quick dip, but to me, it had less charm than Salamansa). Then we crossed the island to return to São Pedro (beautiful but windy; the village looks cute). Exhausted, I went to bed early because of the ferry to Santo Antão the next day. Wednesday 11: Antonio took me to the ferry, and we’ll see each other again since he’s hosting me at his aunt’s place during Carnival. On the ferry, I had a Booking.com reservation for what I thought was in Ribeira Grande (the town), but it was actually *in* the ribeira—specifically in Manta Velha (aluguer to Cruzinha ~600$). I thought I’d fallen into a hole, but I ended up loving it—Casa Familiar Gilda. Gilda is a divine cook (dinner for 1000$—don’t eat lunch, or there won’t be room), the village has a typical rural Santo Antão vibe, the place has great energy, and you can get around easily by aluguer. Thursday 12: I left early by aluguer to Ribeira Grande (250$), then another aluguer to Ponta do Sol (100$)—a sleepy beauty at that hour—to do the Ponta do Sol-Cruzinha hike, finishing in Cha de Igreja. Departure at 8:22 AM from the cemetery in Ponta do Sol, passing through Fontainhas (those doing it the other way will have a fabulous climb at the end 😏), and let’s go! I loved this glimpse of rural life—past or present—the sea is stunning, and we were shaded most of the way (though it goes up and down, it’s manageable). The arrival at Cha de Mar is breathtaking, and Cruzinha is a charming little town (arrived at 12:30 PM). I’d brought my swimsuit after reading there was a beach, but I packed it back up—too many waves and big pebbles. I continued to Cha de Igreja (25 more minutes) after a short break (ask for the path that doesn’t go by the road). It’s adorable with its church square (you don’t see this layout much elsewhere). I might’ve stayed longer to enjoy the place, but a taxi driver asked if I wanted to return to Manta Velha (1000$), and like a fool, I said yes (it was 2:30 PM—I could’ve waited for the 4:30 PM aluguer for 100$, but oh well). But since I still had energy, I decided to see if I could find a grog distillery. I ran into a French guy arriving at Gilda’s, and we ended up talking to Rodrigo, who explained everything from A to Z about how they make grog (the simple cane juice is amazingly good—but the work is clearly tough). Friday 13: Transfer to Xoxo on Djalma’s advice 😉, where I’d booked a room at Casa Xoxo. I did the hike to Rabo Crusto... it’s tough, but I kept quiet when I saw a pregnant woman doing it with her two little ones 😄. There’s also a distillery I didn’t linger in, and I took a tea break with that wonderful landscape before heading back. I couldn’t find the path Jean-Michel had told me about (take a right at the village entrance), so I went back down to the water reservoir to turn off and take the waterfall path (anyone can point it out if needed). The bedding at Casa Xoxo was perfect, but the dinner atmosphere was less family-like. Saturday 14: No one at Casa Xoxo could tell me when the aluguer passed, so I scarfed down my breakfast and headed down a bit. I found one (not sure if he’d planned to work, but there were three of us, so he left). Arrived in Ribeira Grande, an aluguer driver told me the coastal road to Porto Novo was closed and we had to take the Corde road—but no one was leaving, so we’d have to charter... Sometimes, you just have to say it: aluguer drivers say there’s no ride just to make you pay the private price (3500$). But this time, it was true! With another French couple, we wanted to go to Tarrafal. Our driver called the Porto Novo-Tarrafal aluguer to wait for us. The Corde road is stunning—more different landscapes (thorny forest, misty peaks...). Changed aluguers in Porto Novo and headed to Tarrafal. Another world—lunar landscape on the way. Arrived in Tarrafal and relaxed. Sunday 15: Hike from Tarrafal to Monte Trigo, left at 8 AM, and I’m glad I did—I was in the shade until about 9:30 AM, then the sun got strong. Beautiful walk, arrived in Monte Trigo around 11:30 AM. The people weren’t particularly friendly, but oh well. Swam at the little beach in Monte Trigo (the water is *so* good). I waited for other French people who had “booked” a boat for the return. Came back with Javi (50 min—1000$ each), who lent us masks and snorkels for some snorkeling. Had grog with Ludo, Estelle’s husband, who was waiting at the bar, then filled my grog bottle at the *mercearia*. I admit, it’s delicious, but I don’t remember much of that evening 😇🤪. Except Javi put on a show saying he’d been robbed, had no money, and needed to pay the boat owner, etc. People paid again (apparently not me, since Ludo, Estelle, and I arrived at the restaurant after Javi’s drama). FYI, Javi does this often—my host had warned the couple renting the other room to watch out for him because he scams people for money. So Javi is 35 with hazel/special-colored eyes. But if you don’t repay the “service,” the day was still great. Monday 16: Several of us were taking the late-afternoon boat, so we chartered an aluguer (7000$) to avoid the 6 AM one—trip—boat to Mindelo. Antonio picked me up at the ferry, and boom—Carnival! I found a spot on Rua de Lisboa. My neighbor was from Santo Antão just for Carnival, spoke French, and explained that last year’s Carnival started 3 hours late because a float couldn’t fit under the power lines 😏 (like they don’t know the height by now hahaha). On Monday, it’s the teachers (nice—kind of a warm-up) and the Madingas. Once they passed my spot, I followed them along the route—I LOVED it! By midnight, they still hadn’t reached Praça Nova, and the police told them to speed up, but I loved that energy! Tuesday 17—Mardi Gras: Beach day, then Carnival! Antonio had bought me a seated ticket just in case (300$). Ended up in front of a punch stand, where I ran into two French women I’d met in Manta Velha. Two guys from Mindelo talked to us, and we did Carnival with them. And what was bound to happen, happened: a float couldn’t pass because... it was taller than the power lines 😏😏😏. The dancers kept dancing while the crowd tried to lift the cable. Finally, a guy in a tree climbed higher and used a pole to lift it... and the parade could continue 😉. Around 12:30–1:30 AM, when the concert was supposed to start, the power went out. I went home and later learned the concert started around 3 AM. Wednesday 18: I went home because I was taking the boat back to Santo Antão, heading to Casa Familiar Gilda. Walked the loop from Manta Velha. Thursday 19: Left early for Ribeira da Paul to do the loop to Sandra’s House. It’s truly breathtaking! Back at Gilda’s, I chilled. I wanted to go to Sinagoga’s natural pools, but the hike had worn me out. Friday 20: Return to Mindelo on the red company’s ferry—no comparison: way more comfortable than the blue company’s, especially for someone prone to seasickness. Beach. Exhausted, I struggled to sleep because the shop on the ground floor of my rental had a party until 3 AM (and the windows aren’t double-glazed—*hi*—but that’s common in Mindelo). Saturday 21: Ran into Estelle and Ludo by chance (the city’s small), and we arranged to share a taxi the next day since we had the same return flight. Beach (I tried Lazaretto Beach, but nope—not great—dead fish + weird smell = bad signs). So Laginhia was fine, and in the evening, a restaurant with singers, then Caravelle (the ground-floor shop didn’t bother me since I got home when they were saying goodbye 😏). Too bad—I dance salsa, bachata, kompa, zouk, but not kizomba hahaha, but it was still fun. Sunday 22: Took a taxi with Ludo and Estelle (1200$). Arrived *ages* before takeoff (no exchange office—get escudos in town if you have any left). Boom—CDG, boom—RER... home.

There you go—a super long trip report. Not sure if it’ll help, but the digital detox was amazing. These two islands are very different but so beautiful. I only got a glimpse, but they’re worth the trip. I was lucky to see Carnival (what joy in that city!) and happy the Cambodia ticket (my first idea) was way too expensive 😉
On the Roads of Costa Rica
by Yadin · 2026-02-28 · 7 replies
Hello everyone, I’m happy to welcome you to this new travel journal. We’re heading to Costa Rica together—a Central American destination that dreams are made of for many French travelers and attracts crowds from France.



It was the country’s wild nature and safety that convinced us to go, since we’re traveling with our 7-year-old little one. We didn’t have much vacation time in February 2026 (only 12 days), so we optimized as much as possible.



Here’s the itinerary: Wednesday, February 11: Flight from Marseille to San Jose via Paris and Atlanta Thursday, February 12: Pick up the car, drive to Poas Volcano, visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens Friday, February 13: Poas Volcano and drive to Manuel Antonio Saturday, February 14: Manuel Antonio National Park Sunday, February 15: Nauyaca Waterfall and Playa Linda Monday, February 16: Drive to Monte Verde and Santa Elena Reserve Tuesday, February 17: El Tigre Waterfall Reserve and Treetopia Park Wednesday, February 18: Monte Verde Reserve with a guide and drive to La Fortuna Thursday, February 19: Sloth guided tour, Observatory Lodge Park Friday, February 20: Arenal Volcano National Park, Termalistas del Arenal hot springs, and night tour Saturday, February 21: Return to San Jose, flight to Paris via Atlanta Sunday, February 22: Arrival in Paris and flight to Marseille. That gives us a solid 9 days in the country.



Budget breakdown: Costa Rica is an expensive country, but no more so than France. However, almost all hikes and waterfalls are paid entry, which can really add up. For meals, sodas (6–10 €) are cheaper than restaurants (10–20 € per dish).



Flights: We chose Delta Airlines for the price: Marseille to San Jose was 740 € per person (modifiable, with checked baggage and seat selection included). Other direct flights from Europe were priced between 1200 € and 1600 € with more restrictive conditions. That’s 2220 € for the family.



Accommodations: Alajuela, first night: 139 € (1 night) at Rodeo Estancia Boutique Hotel, with personalized airport pickup, transfer to the hotel, and a briefing from Vert Costa Rica agency the next day. Poas: 66 € (1 night) at Cabañas Tierra Fértil (entire apartment). Manuel Antonio: 394 € (3 nights) at La Palapa Ecolodge (hotel in the jungle). Monte Verde: Chalet Aloha Monteverde Cloud Forest (2 bedrooms): 125 € (2 nights). La Fortuna: Arenal Dream Garden (1 bedroom): 217 € (3 nights). Total: 941 €.



Car rental: I went through Vert Costa Rica agency (Vincent is a French expat who set up the agency in Costa Rica and makes great YouTube videos with useful tips). I rented a 4x4 that was delivered to the hotel the day after arrival and returned at the airport before the flight. The total was 772 €, including full insurance (zero deductible), a child seat, and a phone with a Costa Rican SIM and WhatsApp. The rental company was Poas Rent a Car. The vehicle was well-maintained—no complaints. Gas: 100 € for the whole trip (3 fill-ups).



Activities: To get discounts, I bought the pass offered by Vincent, which paid for itself after just one activity. It cost me 30 € (promo since I rented the car through him). Prices are for 3 people. I’ve added stars to rate them: La Paz Waterfall Gardens ****: 112 € Poas Volcano National Park *: 33 € Manuel Antonio National Park ****: 35 € Nauyaca Waterfall ***: 25 € Santa Elena Reserve **: 45 € El Tigre Waterfall Reserve ****: 141 € (with meal) Treetopia (ziplining, suspension bridges) **: 250 € Guided tour of Monte Verde Reserve ***: 113 € Sloth guided tour (with breakfast) ***: 115 € Arenal Observatory Lodge (with meal) ****: 102 € Arenal Volcano National Park *: 34 € Termalistas del Arenal ****: 20 € Night tour ***: 116 € Total: 1171 €.



Meals: 600 € My favorite restaurants: Poas: Food court Mercaditas in Fraijanes Manuel Antonio (near La Palapa): La Langosta and also El Patio Near Nauyaca Waterfall: Ricar2 el Avión Between Manuel Antonio and Monte Verde: Soda D’Calle Santa Elena: HG’s Food Guadalupe (between Monte Verde and La Fortuna): Soda Río Piedras Arenal Observatory Lodge restaurant Arenal Oasis Ecolodge restaurant



Other expenses: 300 € (groceries for breakfast, drinks, ice cream, souvenirs, etc.) Total overall: 6065 € (about 2020 € per person).

Now, here’s the day-by-day account of this beautiful trip.

https://voyageforum.com/images/posts/small/1772295011-z8mILBEUXHU8Ajz.jpg
Recommendations for a luxury cruise from Santiago to Buenos Aires
by Lsg1955 · 2026-01-04 · 5 replies
Hello,

We’ll be doing this cruise with an extension to Easter Island and Iguazu Falls.

Has anyone got any recommendations?
Where to spend 6 weeks in Costa Rica in early 2026 for a retired couple?
by Reist · 2025-06-07 · 15 replies
We’re a retired couple in our 70s looking to spend six weeks in Costa Rica between mid-January and mid-March 2026. We’d like to stay in comfortable bungalows (2x3 weeks) and rent a car for the entire period. We enjoy light hiking and some beach time, but we also love relaxing on a shaded veranda, reading, and unwinding. Which places would suit these preferences? We have a lot of experience with this kind of stay in the French West Indies or Indian Ocean islands but have never been to Central America. Does anyone have good tips?
Finalizing our Panama itinerary
by Blogob · 2025-03-24 · 2 replies
Hi there,

After a lot of hesitation about our Central America destination (trip in July), we finally decided on Panama.

For this country, we're looking for info to fine-tune our itinerary.

To avoid spending entire days in the car, does anyone have any firsthand experiences or suggestions for towns or villages to stop at: Between Panama City and Valle de Anton? Between Valle de Anton and Pedasí (Santiago, Parita, Chitré)? Between Pedasí (or another nearby village) and Santa Catalina? Is Isla Cébaco worth the detour? (How do you get there?) Is there another departure point for Coiba (other than Santa Catalina)? Between Santa Catalina and David (is Boca Chica worth the detour?) Between David and Boquete? Between Boquete and Bocas del Toro?

Also, we’ve seen that Panama is known for its waterfalls, some of which look stunning—like Cascada Macho de Monte and La Silampa.

Do you know of any waterfalls that are easy to access (we’re traveling with a child) and don’t require hours of hiking?

Thanks in advance if you can help! (Of course, we’re researching everywhere, but nothing beats real-life experiences.) :)

Advanced search

Your search

More filters

Filters

By member

Display