Ideas, Tips, Traps - Central America

[SYD]

Two of us will be returning home from SJU <post cruise> in March 2018. Already booked QF J award fares SYD-LAX <Ret> and a one way AA F/J flights to SJU.

We have just under 2 wks to fill in and looking for ideas probably in and around Central Am (Costa Rica, Panama, maybe Cartagena at a stretch). We've never been to those before. We've seen a bit of Mexico already so want to venture further afield but passing through might be a consideration.

Main criteria:
- nice, interesting places to visit
- good fare deals (especially J)
- good QF SC earn if possible (ie AA YUPPs) but no marathon status runs.

I did see SJU-SJO one way F/J on AA for US$365 but they dropped off before March dates opened.

There were well published LAX-PTY (v.v) YUPP fares but they also seemed to have gone.

We were relatively lucky with LAX-DFW-MIA-SJU (F/F/J) and managed to book that for US$365 the day before it also disappeared! Although my 1st preference would have been LAX-MIA non-stop on a 3 class 777 but new SCs earn has halved that...

Should I sit tight for a month or so and hope AA goes on Sale again? Or just find best available? I've registered on AA.com for fare alerts but I've not received one of those for years.

Any tips for places outside of SJO, hotels, ways of getting around and places to avoid.

I expect to be at least Gold with HH, IHG and Accor which may influence hotel selection / benefits.

 

[bsb]

Just flew out of SJU yesterday (where at least 3 AA flights were cancelled and I spent 9 1/2 hrs enjoying the wonders of SJU airside). When in PR I'd stay an extra day and go to Bioluminescent Bay. I'm a jaded well travelled person who's 'seen it all' and that was one of THE most amazing things I have ever experienced. I stayed at Condado Hilton, but there is a lot in Condado which is where I'd recommend. I also hired a car for a day - it's easy to drive in that country.

Was in Costa Rica in Nov and one thing I'd say is, don't stay in San Jose for too long, it's got very little to redeem itself. But the country as a whole is beautiful. I based myself in San Jose and did day trips to the Pacific Coast and Arenal volcanos, both of which I wish I'd stayed longer at as the days were long (but manageable) I did a threee day tour to TURTLE BEACH LODGE - Tortuguero National Park Costa Rica Hotel which was the perfect amount of time. It's basic, but I saw some great wildlife. Having been to CR I would, in hindsight, have allowed 8-9 days and stayed longer at places.

 

[SYD]

Just flew out of SJU yesterday (where at least 3 AA flights were cancelled and I spent 9 1/2 hrs enjoying the wonders of SJU airside).

Oh, what was the issue?

When in PR I'd stay an extra day and go to Bioluminescent Bay. I'm a jaded well travelled person who's 'seen it all' and that was one of THE most amazing things I have ever experienced. I stayed at Condado Hilton, but there is a lot in Condado which is where I'd recommend. I also hired a car for a day - it's easy to drive in that country.

Thanks. Will look into that. We have three whole days free pre-cruise. Also booked into the Hilton.

Was in Costa Rica in Nov and one thing I'd say is, don't stay in San Jose for too long, it's got very little to redeem itself. But the country as a whole is beautiful. I based myself in San Jose and did day trips to the Pacific Coast and Arenal volcanos, both of which I wish I'd stayed longer at as the days were long (but manageable) I did a threee day tour to TURTLE BEACH LODGE - Tortuguero National Park Costa Rica Hotel which was the perfect amount of time. It's basic, but I saw some great wildlife. Having been to CR I would, in hindsight, have allowed 8-9 days and stayed longer at places.

Yes, that was my thinking. Try and get to the Pacific Coast for the bulk of the time.

 

[SYD]

Can anyone recommend fly or drive SJO to XQP?

Trying to finalise the itinerary I started in May(!) After SJU decided to use UA points to fly direct to PTY for a couple of days. Plan is to then fly to SJO and head straight to the west coast. Short of going to a TA, it doesn't look like I can get PTY-SJO-XQP on one booking so we would have buffer seperate flights for what is probably a 3 Hr drive. Plus will have wheels for the stay.

Thoughts?

Any hotel recommendations in Alajuela? Will stay o/n before flying back to LAX.

PS
My Pre-cruise SJU hotel (Hilton Candado) that I booked in March is closed to 01 Apr while it provides accommodation to relief workers....