oliverdog

this year, we have only 7 days to spend on vacation. should we hold off and wait til we have more time or would this be enough time for a first trip to costa rica? i don't know anything about this destination. what itinerary would you suggest once there? (we would like to explore and not just sit on a beach the whole time). thanks.

mlgb

It's a small country the size of West Virginia, and you don't really need to travel around much. 7 Days is fine.

Depending on what you like, there are a variety of activities around around Arenal Volcano (hot springs, waterfalls, hiking in forest, ziplines, horseback) and you can also do a few nights at a beach resort too.

There is a huge range of beach type areas to pick from depending on your budget and what you want to do, surf, swim, party, jungle, etc. Not a big snorkel destination.

volcanogirl

A lot of people like to do a split between the Arenal area and Manuel Antonio for their first trip; that way you get a balance between volcano time and beach time, have lots of adventure activities, and get to see some wildlife. Depending on your flight times, you may want to spend first or last nights in Alajuela near the airport.

hipvirgochick

7 days is a good amount of time to visit 2 areas. Although the country is small it takes a lot of time to get from place to place so choosing the areas that fit your interests and time of travel is a good place to start. There are so many eco-systems that allow for a great variety of destinations throughout the country. You can only touch the tip of the iceberg in 7 days but you'll get a good feel...and a great vacation. As vgirl mentioned Arenal and Manuel Antonio make a popular combo because those areas are well traveled with lots of options for things to do and easy to get to.

Kinkazote

Oiliverdog. You say you don't know anything about the destination, and therefore, I assume, don't know what you might like to do there, but would like to know if 7 days is an adequate period of time in which to do it. The only reasonable answer is maybe yes and maybe no. Personally, I find the time quite short. I would certainly get a guide book and read up on the place before commiting time and treasure to it.

qwovadis

www.gotmyfare.com

has excellent fly drives at great prices

for you with good but flexible itineraries

like the PathFinder

Most do Central Valley www.arenal.net and

www.manuelantoniopark.com

Easy to do in a week...

Happy Journey,

RAC

Yes and no. You can certainly have a great trip there in seven days. That's plenty of time to see two destinations and experience them while also relaxing.

But, you won't see even all of the 'must-sees' or 'must-dos' in seven days. Maybe 7 weeks. Maybe. We've taken two 10-day trips there and will be taking a third in February.

Best advice: get a guidebook, see what two destinations most appeal to you, and make your arrangements quickly. Hotels in some areas fill up months in advance.

Remember: when planning a trip like this, assume you'll be back.

costaricalover

Happy Holidays,rac. Where and what part of Costa Rica are you visiting this February?

costaricalover

Sorry rac, WHEN and what part...

hipvirgochick

Agree with RAC about the plan to return part. I've been hooked since our first trip, rounding off 3 months there next July, still have several areas I want to visit. It's hard not returning to my favorites and can't imagine a trip that doesn't include Osa.

volcanogirl

If you're like the rest of us, you'll go back!

RAC

We're going to the Osa peninsula. Spending four nights in Drake Bay sandwiched around two nights at the Sirena Ranger station in Corcovado National Park.