Vacation in Malpais, Costa Rica
My wife, Lauren, and I just returned last week from our wonderful vacation in Malpais, Costa Rica. Even though it was the rainy season, we had a great time. We stayed at the Moana Lodge and met some really cool people. We made some great new friends with the owners, Aidan, a crazy, larger than life Irishman, and Vicky, his beautiful Costa Rican chica and soon-to-be wife.
We flew into the San Jose International airport, then took a small, puddle jumper flight to Tambor using Sansa airlines, and finally an hour taxi ride to Malpais. Since it is off the beaten path, it remains unspoiled by large commercialism and floods of tourists. The lodge was perfect, we had some great authentic food, we got to enjoy huge beaches with very limited tourist traffic, we rented a quad and rode through the mountains and jungle over to Montezuma, and we just got to hang out, relax, and have fun. I can highly recommend to everyone a trip to beautiful Malpais and a relaxing stay at the Moana Lodge. If you plan on visiting and have any questions or just want some tips, feel free to post a comment.
Enjoy the photo slidshow below; I hope to add some comments to them this weekend.
-ewH
Popularity: 8% [?]
July 30th, 2007 at 12:39 pm
Hi Eddie,
I was just linked to your blog from another article and reading through your face book stuff. Pretty cool.
I came across the link and slide show you have to Malpais. You're right in saying it's beautiful and largely uncommercial/unexploited. I'm not sure if you see the irony in stating that on your enormously public blog.
cheers,
James Saley
September 10th, 2007 at 2:38 pm
Hello,
I am going to Mal Pais the second week in October and I cannot wait! Where did you go to rent ATVs and how much were they? There is 8 of us and I definately want to be able to explore as much as possible! Thanks for your time and nice pics.
Yours
Mitch
September 10th, 2007 at 4:17 pm
Hi Mitch,
You should have a great time, but I must say, I am a bit jealous!
I rented our ATV through one of the hotel owner's trusted dealers. I have heard about some shady/unsafe quad rental places there, so it was nice to go with one with a good rep. I stayed at the Moana Lodge, so you may be able to ask them the name of the guy they deal with. http://moanalodge.com/contact.html
I think the prices usually run between $50 - $75 per day, but I cut a deal with the guy for a weekly rate. I highly recommend just keeping a quad handy so you can adventure through the mountains, around the coast, or just around town. I hope this info helps, have a great time!
Cheers,
ewH
May 29th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Opiniones de gente de verdad sobre asuntos de verdad en Costa Rica: http://tiquiciadeverdad.blogspot.com/