Hannah11

We will be in Costa Rica for 8 days in January with our two young adult children. We have already booked the Finca Rosa Blanca for two nights upon our arrival (we realized that there is not as much to do in that area as elsewhere in the country, but the hotel looked really nice and it seemed that checking in in the late afternoon and then having to leave the next morning would not really have given us an opportunity to enjoy it) and then three nights at The Springs Resort and Spa in the Arenal region. We would then like to head to Manuel Antonio for two or three nights, but have not booked a place there yet (waiting to hear if there is availability at Tulemar Bungalows). I have a few questions though: (1) Should we rent a car (as we are planning) or get drivers? Will the latter be much more expensive than renting? We are fairly adventurous and used to driving in foreign places, but would like the trip to be relaxing, and I hear that driving can be pretty stressful in Costa Rica. On the other hand, I like the flexibiity that driving on our own would offer. (2) Should we spend three nights in Manuel Antonio or two nights there and then one night in San Jose before we leave? Our flight home is not until 3:30 pm. I think I want to see a little of the city, but maybe we will have enough time to do that at the beginning of our trip while we are at the Finca Rosa Blanca? Can we comfortably leave Manuel Antonio in the morning and make our afternoon flight? (3) Finally, does this itinerary make sense or would you suggest something different? Should we consider other hotels in Manuel Antonio? Thanks for your help!

volcanogirl

With a flight that late, I think you'd be fine to stay in Manuel Antonio your last night. It took us about 4 hours to go from MA to SJO. You sound like you're up for driving and are fairly adventurous. I think you'd like the freedom a car would give you. Things in Arenal are spread out, and things in MA are fairly close together. To give you an idea of costs, it's around $140 for a driver to take you from SJO to Arenal. Can go up or down a few bucks, but that's the general cost. Buena Vista Villas shares property with Tulemar Bungalows if you want to check them as well. You might also like Mango Moon or Si Como No. In general, San Jose isn't that attractive - there are a few museums if you want to check those out.

volcanogirl

One heads up that you may already know, Manuel Antonio national park is closed on Mondays, so make sure you account for that in your schedule.

qwovadis

arenasdelmar.combest for me in MA

tripadvisor.com/members/natureguide best MA guide by far

www.mapache.com always rent for freedom flexibility

odysseytourscr.com driver/guides good more expensive.

Have fun!

volcanogirl

Oops, I made a typo up above. It took us about 3 hours to go between MA and SJO. If you get a driver, you can usually book it through your hotel when you reserve it - that's worked for us.

Kinkazote

I would certainly try deal with San Jose at the beginning of your trip. Look at Tucan Limos website www.tucanlimoservices.com to see tours in that area. Driving in and around (as opposed to through) downtown San Jose would not be my choice. Your reasons for choosing a driver or rental are pretty thorough. It's your choice. If you do rentals, the vehicle should be big enough to carry people and luggage. And it should not be left unattended. Some of the Tulemar properties are older. However, at this late date, you should be looking for any suitable or affordable availability. Do a search on "Manuel Antonio Hotels" and start making simultaneous inquiries to a few.