maryvh

This is our plan so far:
D1 Arrive SJ, drive to Arenal
D2 Arenal
D3 Arenal
D4 Drive to Monteverde
D5 Monteverde
D6 Monteverde
D7 Drive to Manuel Antonio
D8 Manuel Antonio
D9 Manuel Antonio
D10 Manuel Antonio
D11 Manuel Antonio
D12 Manuel Antonio
D13 Drive back to San Jose
D14 Flight home
This is probably too much time in Manuel Antonio - any suggestions on other place/places to go that will not regular long drives? We don't want to fly anywhere, so we are kind of limited. We have been to Tortuguero before so don't want to repeat that.

shillmac

Just a thought and something I would do based on previous experiences. I'd leave Manuel Antonio early on day 10 and drive 1.5 hour south to Dominical, look around for an hour or so, then head to San Isidro (by 10:00 a.m.). From there, I'd drive north to San Gerardo de Dota and the Savegre Mountain Lodge, arriving early afternoon (or by 1:30 or 2:00 at least). I'd spend 3 nights here, then head back to San Jose as planned.

OR, I'd spend Day 10 (and one night) in Dominical and drive to Savegre on Day 11, staying there 2 nights.

This is a gorgeous area of the country--high in the cloud forest with cool temperatures-- and I truly think you would be so glad to have experienced it. I realize you will have already spent cloud forest time in Monteverde, but this would give you a different experience, I believe--in a different part of the country.

As much as I enjoy Manuel Antonio, I would get tired of it after 3 days or so.

OR, I'd spend a couple of night at La Finca Que Ama (between San Pablo de Turrubares and Puriscal) before returning to San Jose. Great place to relax!

Another idea--I'm full of them on how to spend YOUR time in Costa Rica
Return to San Jose earlier and spend a couple of days on day trips--up to the Rio Sarapiqui through Braulio Carillo Parque Nacional (the Highlights Tour is outstanding--Vulcan Poas, coffee plantation, part of La Paz Waterfall Garden, Rio Sarapiqui)--look it up!). Or take a day and go down to the Orosi Valley, Lankaster Gardens, Vulcan Irazu--this would be a fun day for you--very beautiful that area. It can be done independently or with a small group--or private driver. OR spend a day rafting the Pacuare--heck, you could even do the 2 day rafting trip.

My point is: with the time you have, you could enjoy lots more of the country than your itinerary as is allows.

maryvh

Thanks, Shillmac, for all your wonderful suggestions. Will check them out!

dfarmer

You do have a wonderful amount of time. Shillmac's suggestion to go south to Dominical and then over to Saverge is one that we are looking at.

Also for this loop (Saverge, Dominical, MA), we are looking at a place called Rafiki Safari Lodge, since we have been to MA, I wanted to look at something different in the area. I have only read a few reports on this place, but you might look at it and see if it would be of interest to you.

koa

I agree with shillmac, thats way to long in Manuel Antonio. Two or three days is enough for Manuel Antonio. I personally enjoyed Dominical.

dariow

I would spend less time in MA. Shillmac's suggestion of driving south is a good idea or you can drive north towards the Nicaragua border. To save time, you can fly back to San Jose instead of driving. The flight from Quepos to San Jose is less than 45 minutes.

Have fun in Costa Rica.

Earthtraveler

If you head down to Dominical you should stay a night and visit the beach Playa Uvita. Much more beautiful
than Dominical beach and great for a swim. The horse ride to a waterfall in the beautiful forested hills nearby Uvita, Finca La Merced ,was a highpoint of our last trip. $35 pp for 3 hours. La Merced is 15 minutes south of Dominical.I liked San Gerardo de Dota also but one day was enough for me. Saw the Quetzals with the guide from Trogan. Trogan Lodge is also very nice.