Tweeters,

My wife and I are in the early planning stage for a two week winter birding trip to Costa Rica. I'm looking for advice from those of you that have "been there, done that".

Our initial plan is:
Villa Lapas near Carara in the Pacific lowlands
Saverge Lodge in the Pacific highlands
Rancho Naturalista on the Caribbean slope
La Selva in the Caribbean lowlands

I would appreciate any feedback positive or negative on these lodges.

As neither of us speak Spanish, would you recommend renting a vehicle, or having prearranged transfers between lodges?

Any recommendations for local guides?

Please reply off-list.

Thanks,

Rick & Tina Taylor
Everett