I am planning to visit the N. Pacific region of Costa Rica in mid Sep. Can anyone recommend any cool inexpensive (approx. $60 for double) places to stay by Rincon de la Viejo and Santa Elena? Also are there any small cities, beaches, stops, must-sees that you can recommend down the Nicoya Peninsula to Montezuma? I heard that this will be the rainiest time of year so driving along the coast may be impossible. Is there a good route that you can recommend? I have 9 days there.
Thanks!

I have no idea about the weather in September, although the NE is the driest part of CR, but the Palo Verde reserve might prove worth a day or tow, if you are interested in wildlife. No frills accomodation, but good food served communally.

There's a trip report and probably some photos (find different links in the birds, mammals and reptiles sections towards the end of the report) on our site at avengerpenguins.com .

The beach road (aka "the monkey trail") is impassable at several river crossings in Sept. You'll end up using route 21 (Liberia, Filadelfia, Santa Cruz, Nicoya, Naranjo) down the center of the Peninsula to travel north/south and popping out to the beaches on side roads.

Hacienda Guachipelin is an excellent choice in the Rincón area (the park recently started closing on Mondays as a economy measure, so take that into account when planning).

One really cool place to stay is in the bunkhouse at Barra Honda National Park.

Pura Vida & Buen Viaje!, Ray
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