Cosmic_Illusion

Hello all,
We are trying to do a last minute trip to Costa Rica for 10 days starting Dec-20 and would really appreciate your help.

Party of 4 travelling - Two adults and Two children (5 and 7).

We still need to book hotels

Day 0 Travel day: Fly into San Jose (late night flight, stay at San Jose)
Day 1: Travel to Arenal (Night 1 at Arenal)
Day 2: Arenal (Night 2 at Arenal)
Day 3: Arenal (Night 3 Arenal)
Day 4: Leave for Monteverde (Night 4 at Monteverde)
Day 5: Monteverde (Night 5 at Monteverde)
Day 6: Morning in Monteverde, leave for Puntarenas in the afternoon (Night 6 at Puntarenas)
Day 7: Puntarenas. Leave for Maneul Antonio in the afternoon. (Night 7 at Maneul Antonio)
Day 8: Manuel Antonio (Night 8 at Manuel Antonio)
Day 9: Manuel Antonio in the morning. Leave for San Jose in the afternoon (Night 9 at San Jose)
Day 10 Travel Day: Travel back from San Jose

Thanks!

qwovadis

On short notice consider getting halp from a skilled agent.
www.lovecostarica.com www.travelexperta.com quick help
will know what is still not booked and get you set up.

For self-guiding www.mapache.com www.costarica.bookit.com
other booking sites that might still have availability.

Good luck!

qwovadis

www.odysseytourscr.com Al and Digo great folks driver/guides
if you do not want to rent a car though I prefer car for freedom flexibility and economy.

sylvia3

Try cabinas pinas for X-mas eve and following in Monteverde: http://www.lospinos.net/
These are in a nice location (walk to town), and several could fit your family. The grounds are lovely, and the owners are great.

sylvia3

If Arenal Observatory Lodge still has Smithsonian rooms, those would be great for a couple of adults and younger children, as they are quite roomy.
A car would be good for your itinerary.

volcanogirl

Be aware that a lot of hotel costs skyrocket starting December 16th - and a lot of places will be full. Some places we like - Lost Iguana in Arenal and Fonda Vela in Monteverde. Nayara in Arenal and Silencio del Campo always get great reviews too. In Manuel Antonio maybe Tulemar Bungalows, Buena Vista Villas, Si Como No, or Mango Moon. In the SJO area, we like Grano de Oro. The Peace Lodge is a really over the top fun place to stay if you're interested - nice waterfalls on the property and great stuff for kids like the nocturnal frog tour, aviary, etc. Not sure what your budget is but traveling that time of year is pricey.

Cosmic_Illusion

Hello all,
Thank you so much for your suggestions. Looks like there still some hotels with vacancies left

The agents at Anywherecostarica.com have been very helpful.

Have a question. Where is it better to be on Christmas Eve and Christmas - Arenal, Monteverde or Manuel Antonio.

Do any of these places shut down for Christmas? We would like to be in a place where we can get something to eat and also be able to do something. Are tours, taxis available on these days?

Thanks!

sylvia3

That's why I suggested cabinas pinos; they have kitchens!