shaynak

We are going to Costa Rica for two weeks. We are basically only staying in Arenal and Manuel Antonio. Would there be enough to do in Arenal and the surrounding areas for us to stay 5 nights which will give us 4 days there?

volcanogirl

Definitely - Hanging Bridges, Tabacon and Eco Termales hot springs, rafting with Rios Tropicales, waterfall hike, volcano hike, ziplining at Sky Trek, Proyecto Asis animal rescue center, Penas Blancas river float, Cano Negro tour, Venado caves, Lake Arenal, etc. We usually stay about four days when we go. Check out Sunset Tours and Desafio for even more.

Pat_Hewitt

That is a lot of time for just two destinations. But you are picking the two with the most to do. I would vote for these two regions, Five nights at Arenal would be about right.

But if possible, I would add one more destination. Have you thought about Tortuguero? The big buzz in this area is always about the turtles that come in to lay eggs between July and October. But the nature here is very intense, and it is worth a visit even when the turtles are not nesting. Monkeys, crocodiles, parrots, sloths, etc. It is a great spot!

The best way to visit is to take a three day / two night package offered by lodges there. These packages include meals, transportation, guides, and lodging. They generally run back and forth from San Jose. But we have been arranging for private transfers from Arenal to meet up with these tours along the way.

You don't mention your health issues. But I usually recommend this area for folks with mobility issues. Most of the tours offered are easy walks, or by boat. Just a thought.

Otherwise, if Manuel Antonio and Arenal are your only two destinations, I think the length of stay is good.

Hope this helps! Let me know if I can offer any more advice.

Warm Regards,
Pat Hewitt
Travel Professional

shaynak

Dear Pat,
Thanks for all the advice. My health issues are that I cannot have any salt at all or will become very ill. Means I have to eat at home.
Totrugero sounds like it would be so much fun but we already have reservations in Arenal. How long and how would we get to Tortuguero? Bad back so I can't go on the real bumpy roads.

Pat_Hewitt

It takes a full half day to get to Tortuguero. Most of the roads are good. But you will certainly encounter some rough stretches.

I think most of the lodges could deal with your dietary restrictions.

I hope this helps. Let me know if I can offer more advice.

Warm Regards,

Pat Hewitt
Travel professional

Pat_Hewitt

Hi Shaynak,

What is your lodging choice in Arenal? Did you find something that was reasonably priced with a kitchen?

I still think that Tortuguero might be a good choice for you. One of our favorite packages is a mixture of these three destinations. I think it is a good combo, because each area is so different than the others. It is a great overview of the country.

Also, how are you getting around?

Regards,

Pat