twoinluv

Yikes - our computer crashed and I lost my vacation files. So I'm starting from scratch on my new Dell (never buying another brand as this one is so stable and reliable).

Anyway, we are flying into Costa Rica Sun, Jan 16 and returning home Mon, Jan 24. Here is my temporary itinerary, and I'd like suggestions. Am I trying to cram too much stuff in? Have I allowed enough time for travel?

Sun, Jan 16: drive to Arenal
Mon, Jan 17: volcano hike, waterfall hike
Tue, Jan 18: hot springs, canopy ziplines
Wed, Jan 19: drive to Monteverde
Thu, Jan 20: tour Monteverde cloud forest, treetop suspension bridges
Fri, Jan 21: drive to San Jose & take a plane to Manuel Antonio
Sat, Jan 22: spend the day on the beach in MA
Sun, Jan 23: see the park and do a jungle tour
Mon, Jan 24: fly home

I feel like so much of the itinerary is eaten up by travel between places. But my husband really wants to see Monteverde, and that means 1 day of travel there and 1 day of travel back for only 1 day of touring the cloud forest. Just doesn't seem worth it, but I can't figure a quicker way there. No airports, or helicopter rentals that I can find. And driving is a long time. Suggestions on any of the above info???

Jenny

Jessie_

This looks like a fine itinerary. If you get up and get going to Monteverde you will still have a few hours to do something that same day so it won't be a total loss to travel. The Butterfly garden is something you could do in an afternoon or just drive up the road and investigate some of the artisan shops. Finca Ecologica is a place you can take a hike in for as much or as little time as you want.

One thing, it will take you about 3 1/2-4hrs to drive to the airport, then more time to turn in the car, more time to get to the airport and then check-in/sitting time. Add in the flight time and it could possibly take longer to get to MA that way than it would to just drive.

For a fee you could leave the car in MA and fly back to SJ to make your flight home. If you don't want to pay for a car rental while in MA you could arrange to turn the car in when you get there and then just take taxis while there.

ps I am on my second DELL and love them too.

shillmac

The good news is that the scenery is great for driving! You have a busy itinerary, but that's okay. I think you have allowed enough time to enjoy and get a feel for all 3 areas.

We have a friend who tells everyone Costa Rica is "not such a great place". I think it is because he tried to see the entire country in 10 days or less. Plus he loves museums and cultural things. Well, that explains a lot! You need time to enjoy the areas you vist, and you need a deep appreciation for nature! Enjoy!

rex_skidmore

twoinluv - what information do you have to support your statement that Dell is so stable and reliable? We are about to buy another computer and have been shopping. Thanks!!

twoinluv

Jessie - thanks for the info. I like your idea of a one way rental, simply driving Monteverde to MA, leaving the car there, and flying back to San Jose.

Does anyone know how long of a drive it is from Monteverde to MA? Is there perhaps a better, closer beach? We've been to the beach dozens and dozens of times in other countries, so we are looking not necessarily for a beach excursion as much as we are something unique to do while at the beach (ie: MA park, jungle tours, etc).

Rex: I've purchased a new computer every 18 months over the last decade. Every other computer I've had crashes on a regular basis. I run a lot of big programs and it seems many systems just aren't stable. However, this Dell has not crashed once, the software it came with has stopped EVERY single pop up, it has detected a number of viruses that I woudl have otherwise received from e-mail. In general, I am very pleased with my Dell.

rex_skidmore

"However, this Dell has not crashed once, the software it came with has stopped EVERY single pop up, it has detected a number of viruses that I woudl have otherwise received from e-mail"

Those are s/w functions, right? My current computer performs same way, using Earthlink's pop-up blocker email s/w and Norton AntiVirus.

"I run a lot of big programs and it seems many systems just aren't stable."

You're on Windows, not Linux, right?