JAJD

Hello! My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to Costa Rica for the first week in April. We fly in to San Jose and are interested in going to Arenal Volcano, Tamarindo and then Mal Pais. Is this an aggressive route for a 7 day trip? We really would like to go to Mal Pais so wondering if we should skip Tamarindo and just head straight to Mal Pais? Any feedback/guidance would be so helpful! Also – are there any other places you would recommend as a must-see? Thank you in advance!

volcanogirl

Personally I wouldn't do more than two locations in a 7 day trip. To me, it's too much moving around. I'd stick with Arenal and one beach location.

incabod

I agree with Volcanogirl as usual, I would not try 3 places, you only have time for 2. You can get some ideas on driving times here and it will help a bit - http://www.yourtravelmap.com/costari...hp?&width=1280

There are some long drives involved in what you are thinking which is why it doesn't really work.
Cheers

JAJD

Thanks for the quick response, volcanogirl. I had the same feeling but wanted to confirm. Do you have any recommendations for Arenal? Knowing that we are very interested in Mal Pais, do you think Arenal is the best place for us to go as our 2nd location? It is our first trip to CR and overwhelmed by all of the places to see!! We know we want to see the Volcano, rainforest, waterfall, hikes, zip line, but not sure where to even start. Or if there is a must-do/see. Would appreciate any insight. Thanks again!!!

volcanogirl

I love the Arenal area, so I do think that's a great pick. It has a lot of what you're looking for including the volcano, a beautiful waterfall hike, zip lines at Sky Trek, hiking at the Hanging Bridges and volcano, and also the natural hot springs. There's also the Cano Negro tour if you're up for something all day and the Penas Blancas river float if you want something closer. Check out Sunset Tours and Desafio to get some ideas of what you'd like to do. There's not currently any lava, but we still love the area, and it's fun to see the volcano when the weather cooperates.

Inca, we do pretty much always seem to be on the same page!

JAJD

Thank you incabod! That site is extremely helpful!! If you have any insight on my questions to vgirl, I would be so appreciative.

Vgirl - THANK YOU!! I am going to look up your suggestions today/tonight. I may have follow-up q's

Thx guys!

volcanogirl

You're welcome, J - for hot springs we like Eco Termales and Tabacon if you want to look those up too.

JAJD

Thank you!! Will do. Just thought of something else. What are your thoughts on renting a car vs. bus vs. driver? I know we definitely want to rent a car to explore for a portion of the trip, but should we rent for the entire week and that will be our mode of trans from airport to Arenal to Mal Pais and back to airport?

Arenalbotanical

Your mistake was flying into SJ. Depending on the hour of arrival and departure you may be forced to spend one or even two nights in that craphole.
Liberia ( usually more flight $$$ ) makes the route you are doing into a breeze.
PS. Do NOT drive at night.