KVR

We are planning a trip to Costa Rica for June, 2012. I started a preliminary itinerary just so we could see what the costs would be, but would like some input. Hoping to keep below $3,000 for 2 adults not including airfare. Is is really neccessary to add in Monte Verde? Any other suggestions for additions or substractions? Thanks

Day 1 – Arrival
• Transfer to Hotel
• Check In Peace Lodge (Deluxe Guest Room)
Night Tour of the frogs

Day 2 – Poas
• Guided Waterfall Gardens Tour

Day 3 – Poas to Arenal
• Transfer to Arenal
• Check In Nayara (Deluxe Guest Room)
• Ariel Tram & Butterfly Gardens

Day 4 – Arenal
. 4 in 1 combo tour of Arenal Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfalls, Volcano National Park and one of the hot springs (which one?) Baldi Hot Springs, Eco Termales Hot Springs, Tabacón Hot Springs, Tikotu Hot Springs, and Los Perdidos Hot Springs
http://www.arenal.net/tour/arenal-4-in-1-combo/

Day 5 – Arenal
• Cano Negro Boat Tour

Day 6 – Arenal to Manuel Antonio
Check in (need a hotel)
What else to do here?

Day 7 – Guided tour of the Manuel Antonio National Park

Day 8 - Transfer to Airport

Enchanting_girl

For hot springs I would recommend Baldi either Eco Termales, I´ve been to both and I really enjoyed my stay there.
Manuel Antonio is my favorite place, I´ve stayed in Si como no hotel, I really love the hotel and the views.
Hope this helps.

volcanogirl

The most popular springs are Tabacon and Eco Termales. Tabacon is pretty elaborate with big waterfalls, water slide, etc. Eco Termales is smaller and charming, locally owned; they serve a nice chicken dinner. Be sure to check out hand feeding the hummingbirds while you're at the Peace Lodge; they only do it twice a day. That was one of our favorite experiences. The waterfall gardens are easy to tour on your own. I probably wouldn't spend the money on a guided tour there unless you have your heart set on having a guide. We did enjoy the nocturnal frog tour that you mentioned. Popular spots in Manuel Antonio are Si Como No, Buena Vista Villas, Tulemar Bungalows, Mango Moon, La Posada Jungle Lodge, Costa Verde, and Villas Nicolas if you want to check them out. We went sailing which was nice, enjoyed the beach and a guided tour of the park, went snorkeling (pretty bad so I'd skip it) - you can also horseback ride with Finca Valmy and do a Damas mangrove tour. Remember that the park is closed on Mondays.

KVR

We are thinking about adding another night to Peace Lodge. Do you think that would be necessary?

If we do the Cano Negro Boat Tour in Arenal is it basically the same as the Damas Mangrove tour in Manuel Antonio?

I like the look and location of the The Falls hotel in Manuel Antonio. Is that a good place? We don't need to be on or near the beach that's not what this vacation is about.

volcanogirl

Two nights at the Peace Lodge is just about perfect, enough time to see and do everything and get to relax a bit. I've done it in one night before, and you have to rush around a little bit, and after two days, I'm ready to move on to other places. I haven't stayed at The Falls, but it gets consistently good reviews.

KVR

Thanks for the info. I think we'll just stay with the orginal itenarary.

My TA was looking at booking this through Solar Tours and they stated that no longer offer Peace Lodge as it's not up to their standards. I was wondering what that meant? Are there any issues I should know about?

How far from MA back to San Jose for a departure flight? Do I need to stay over night in San Jose the last night?

The Falls offers a spice tour that looks interesting. I think we'll just go with them. The hotel and location looks good.

hildapacuare

Hello,
Are you interested in visiting the caribbean coast?
My husband and I run a nature reserve north of Limon. June would be the time to see the leatherback turtles hatchlings plus three species of monkeys, crocodiles many mammals and birds. The web page is turtleprotection.org
Hope you come

volcanogirl

There was an earthquake near the Peace Lodge about two years ago, and it caused some damage, but from all the raves the property is getting, it seems like it's back in order. That may have had something to do with it. Check out tripadvisor for the latest reviews. It's a beautiful property. MA to San Jose took us about 3 hours. It's really up to you whether you want to drive back the same day or night and depends on your flight time.