ron

Hello, I need some advice about travelling in Costa Rica? How far is Arenal to Tamarindo and then how far would Tamarindo be from Manueal Antonio? I would like to combine all three in a ten day vacation? Any advice on places to stay in the area? or tours to take? or would we be better off travelling to the osa for beach/rainforest?<BR><BR>thanks

Ally

Hi Ron. I have not made the drive from Arenal to Tamarindo, but I believe I heard it's about a 5 hour drive. Maybe a little more depending on traffic, weather, etc. The trip from Tamarindo to Manuel Antonio will take ALL day, but it's a great way to see the country! If you make that drive though, start out early. It's hard to answer your question about places to stay as I don't know what you'd like or how much you want to spend! In Tamarindo, I like Capitan Suizo, as do others on this board. For Manuel Antonio, again, so many choices! I've stayed at Casa Verde which was nice, and I've also stayed at Villas Nicolas, which is a condo type place with a kitchen and also enjoyed that very much. I saw a VERY nice room at Mariposa,(not in the 'tower' but in one of the other buildings) but did not stay there. Si Como No is popular on this board too. Next time I go to Manuel Antonio, I'm going to check out Hotel California, as the owner Robbie gives great info on this board and just seems like such a nice woman that I'll be checking out her hotel. Maybe she'll see this and give more exact drive times for you, but I'm fairly certain I have it right. Now, as for the osa...in my opinion, it's the best place for hiking and wildlife, but the beach is not that spectacular, and it's an isolated area so again, it depends on what you want. If you have not been to Costa Rica before, you may be better off with Arenal, Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio, which is also a great area for seeing wildlife. Oh, keep in mind that you'll probably need to spend your first and last nights in San Jose area, near the airport, so you'll really only have 8 days to explore the rest of the country. So, maybe 2 nights in Arenal, 2 or 3 nights in Tamarindo, then 2 or 3 in Manuel Antonio. Have fun!

ron

thanks for the advice. can't wait for the trip

Robbie Felix

Hi Ron,<BR><BR>I think that Ally has it about right. I would consider it a 5 hour drive. You drive all the way around the lake, which is a lot longer than it looks on a map! Tamarindo to MA is about the same, unless you take a ferry, which takes longer, but if you are a ferry fan, as I am, it is worth the extra 1-1.5 hours...The drive is lovely and the ferry is so charming....<BR>You can do all three but you will be doing a lot of driving!<BR>All are lovely places, so I expect you would have a wonderful time. I suggest that you allow two nights in Arenal as the actual statistical chances of catching a volcanic eruption on a clear night are slim, so two nights increases your probability by 50%!<BR>Have a great time!<BR>Robbie Felix<BR>

shawn

We have been to Costa Rica and being the beach bums we are have never been anywhere other than Manuel Antonio. I would second the motion for Villas Nicholas. Thr manager, Cheryl is an expat Canadian. Denis the chef is a hoot and let's not forget Christian. (One look and you will see why!!) Dinner is fun a Karola's just a short walk up the hill. Shrimp and rice on the beach a Mar-y-Samba for about 4US is terrific. The park opens early, 6am I think and that is the best time for seeing/finding the critters. At night check out the lighting bugs. They have "headlights" and well as on the tail. Best unit at Villas N. is 11 up or down. Great views, max. privacy and air movement. Please say Hi the the staff if you go.

Michelle

We just got back from Costa Rica. We thought La Mariposa in Manuel Antonio was way overrated, checked out early, and stayed at Hotel Plinio. The view was great, and the staff was accommodating, but there were no real amenities, and the food prices were obscene. A $10 breakfast was cold eggs and tator tots, when you could walk across the street to Cafe Milagro and get a great breakfast for $5. I am all for spending money, but not wasting it. We looked at rooms at Villas Nicholas, but the bed looked really lumpy (I know its silly). We loved Plinio, it was less than half the price of Mariposa, clean, and run by a great German couple (Hans and Sabena). We stayed in a three story rosewood villa. It had no a/c, but it was on the rainforest side, so it was shady and breezy. They own 17 kilometers of primary rainforest behind the hotel, and we went hiking. No monkeys, but we did see poison dart frogs. We also had an amazing Thanksgiving dinner, and were happy. We liked the Cantina Grill at Costa Verde (for the atmosphere), and would consider staying there on a subsequent visit.<BR><BR>I cannot say enough how dirty the accommodations at Tabacon in Arenal are, but the hot springs and spa are great. I would never stay there again.<BR><BR>San Jose accomodations, we loved Grano De Oro right in San Jose, and Finca Rosa Blanca in Santa Barbara (near San Jose). These two places were my absolute favorites. If you want more detail, let me know. Xandari Plantation in Alajuela, by the airport was neat, but I was freaked by the spiders in our room.<BR><BR>Finally, we took the sunset sail in Manuel Antonio, which was great. We watched dolphins playing in the water near the boat, snorkeled, and then had the freshest mahi mahi while we watched the sunset.<BR><BR>I am sorry if I am rambling, but I just got back and am very excited to share my info.<BR><BR>

ron

what do you all think about manuel antonio vs. corcovado ??? what did you like better?

Chris

We stayed a couple of nights at Hotel California about three weeks ago. Rooms and pool were very nice clean and a good view from the upper floors. Breakfast was good - served poolside. Everyone was friendly. I would stay there again. The nature trail was pretty cool with the tower overlooking Quepos. This hotel is a very good deal.<BR><BR>We also stayed a couple of nights at The Mansion. I can also recommend The Mansion. It is quite a bit more expensive but is nothing short of first class. The meals were incredible.<BR><BR>BTW food reviews:<BR>Karolas was horrible!<BR>Babarojas (sp?) was great!<BR>El Gran Escape was overrated! <BR><BR>Drove from M.A. to Tamarindo. Took us about 4 1/2 hours. Not to bad. Just learn to honk your horn, hit the left turn signal and pass the trucks. Saw many Police with radar guns. They are almost always right after a sign that reduces the speed limit to 60 kph.<BR><BR>Stayed at The Diria. Not great, but not bad. The location is the key to the Diria. Right on the beach and walk to town. It is really the only place with resort type amenities with a good location. Vista villas is across the road from the beach. Cala Luna and Captain Suizo are a ways from town. In Tamarindo eat at Nogis (sp?) and have a beer at the bar only steps away from the beach.<BR><BR>Have fun, we did. If you have any questions let me know.<BR><BR>Later,<BR>Chris