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We are now thinking of traveling to Mal Pais area in August.
Start in SJ, then go to Arenal for a couple of days, then over to Mal Pais. We are trying to find the best place to go for less rain, good beaches, fun for family, without having to travel too far (we only have 8 days).
Help!
Help planning trip to CR? Mal pais in August
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It may be a full day of driving between Arenal & Mal Pais, I'd guess about 7 hours. If connections work, may be a little easier to fly Arenal to San Jose then out to Tambor and taxi to Mal Pais. Also, depending on your flight times you may need to overnight near the airport your first & last nights. Horizon is a nice little hotel in Santa Teresa to stay in, from there you can walk to just about most places.
Malpais is a good base to explore the south of peninsula and organise activities for everybody in your family like sunbathing and snorkelling in isla la Tortuga, animal watching at Cabo Blanco and Rainsong Forest Rescue Centre in Cabuya, canopy, horseback riding and surf in Malpais.
I do recommend Frank's Place hotel which is great for family, they have family rooms, a great pool and a smaller pool for children. You will be at the centre of everything, close to the beach, banks, commercial center, restaurants and bars.
The hotel restaurant is delicious and the people who run it as helpful so you will be to ask them any question you may have. Have a good stay