ateabag

Originally thought we could fly from Granada, Nicaragua to Arenal in a day, but alas, flight times have changed. We now leave Granada @ 1;30pm arr Liberia @ 2;05pm. Now the ? is whether to overnite @ Casa Conde del Mar & connect to the 10;45am flight to Arenal-arr 11;15am or try the drive. Reading the posts it appears it is about a 4hr drive & we would need to collect the car. When does it get dark late Jan??
part 2;
If we overnite & fly to Arenal the next day, we would like to rent a car at Arenal, sounds like they will bring the cars to the airport?? Also, we would like to rent from Tricolor-do they have an office there or will they bring a car to you at the Arenal airport?? Expert advice needed. Thx, again!

Jeff_Costa_Rica

It gets dark about 5:30 year round, and never varies by more than a few minutes.

The Arenal "airport" is just an airstrip a few miles east of La Fortuna. A van meets every flight and takes you into the center of town for $5 one way. It also takes you back out there to board a flight. There are no real facilities at the airstrip except a vending machine that never seems to be working.

Tricolor is just in San Jose and at the San Jose airport as well as in Liberia. Alamo is in La Fortuna.

ateabag

Thx, JeffCR,
Called Tricolor this am & they will bring a car up to the Arenal airport for us. From my calls,I am getting mixed info as to if we drove, if we could make it by dark. I have heard 2 1/2-5hrs. What is your experience?
Part 2; Sounds like you have some knowledge of Nicaragua, as well, so another ?, pls. We would like to book a tour with Ometepe tours as I have read glowing reviews. Their www seems to be removed, so called this am. The lady was very sweet & really trying to help me but my language skills are very limited. Is a day tour for Ometepe necessary to book ahead or can one just do so upon arrival at the docks in San Jorge? We will be staying at Pelican eyes & I thought I gathered from the lady I talked to that they would even come to pick us up. Can you give me any insight, pls? Many, Many thx x2.

Jeff_Costa_Rica

If I'm reading you right, Liberia to Arenal, starting at 2:05 p.m.? No, you couldn't make it by dark, and it isn't a road you should be driving at night.

There is no shortage of Ometepe guides who will greet you at the docks in San Jorge, but their quality is VERY uneven. If you want to do a guided tour, it really is best to arrange it in advance with a reputable company.

Jeff_Costa_Rica

Oops. Wait. One correction. San Jorge is the departure point on the mainland for the boats to Ometepe. You'll arrive at Moyogalpa on Ometepe island and that's where all the self-appointed guides will greet you.