psychoidiot

Hi,

There's a group of 6 of us flying into San Jose from July 6th to July 13th. The group is torn between the beach and the volcanos, but seeing as we have such little time, it's probably best to do one or the other.

I would also love recommendations for places to stay, things to do (I just know about hot springs and ziplining? and volcano hikes) , places to eat, which rental car agency we should go with.

We do have a budget which is unfortunate. The original plan was to say 4 nights in San Jose as Plane + hotels is about 600 per person from Chicago, but the fun places are 3 hours away right? We have a budget of about $700 per person for transportation and hotel costs. The plane ticket is around 500, so it leaves only 200 for hotel and car rental fees.

Let me know if we should just stay in the city, but I would really love to go to Arenal at the very least.

volcanogirl

Things we like in La Fortuna Arenal - zipline at Sky Trek, the Cano Negro tour, the Penas Blancas river float, Canyoning through La Roca, hot springs like Eco Termales or Tabacon, tubing at The Springs, the Hanging Bridges hike, volcano hike, and waterfall hike.

In Manuel Antonio, tour the national park, see tons of wildlife, go to the beach inside the park, do the Damas mangrove tour, do the Villa Vanilla spice tour.

Take a look at those and see which area appeals to you more. Tours can be pricey, but you can do some things on your own like hike the waterfall, etc. You definitely have time to do both areas if your budget would allow it.

Restaurants in La Fortuna, Don Rufino, La Choza de Laurel, El Novillo, and Soda la Parada.

In MA, Barba Roja, Cafe Milagro, Salsipuedes, and Ronny's Place. Kapi Kapi is also popular but expensive.

I'd avoid staying in San Jose if you can. Both La Fortuna and MA are about three hours from the airport, and they're about five hours between the two of them.

MichelleY

Go to Arenal.

volcanogirl

We used Alamo for our car rental on our last trip. It was about $60 per day. I'd recommend getting the GPS - about $12 or so.

SiteC_er

Another vote for Arenal.

psychoidiot

crap, I read our plane tickets wrong.. we are only going from the 9th to the 13th. =(

Is it still possible to stop at Arenal for a day and then spend time at MA? Our flight is at 1pm on the 13th and we get in at 11am (if spirit isn't late or delayed) for the 9th.

Are there lodging where we can fit 6 of us or should we need to get at least 2 different rooms?

colibri

So you only have four nights? Do not try to do two locations, but decide whether you want beach time at MA or adventure activities in Arenal. It's about a five hour drive between the two, so you would eat up most of a day doing a transfer. Plus, on the 13th you'll need to be at the airport by 10 am.

You could check out lodging with family rooms or suites. Arenal Green's Villa sleeps six with three queen beds, but that's a lot of people sharing. Two rooms might be an easier fit.

volcanogirl

Agree if you only have that much time now, stick with one location. It takes about five hours to go between Arenal and Manuel Antonio. Not really worth it to go for a day.

MichelleY

Stay in Arenal. So different.

psychoidiot

as an update my friends just disregarded me and decided on Jaco.

volcanogirl

Jaco has a reputation for being a party spot.

MichelleY

... and not the nicest.

psychoidiot

Well I couldn't plan fast enough for them. =( Would it be possible to go to Arenal and come back to Jaco? *sigh* I really want to go to Arenal, but they want the beach.

psychoidiot

Thanks everyone for your comments:

Any suggestions for things and places to eat in Jaco?

We probably will spend 1 day at the MA state park.

(Is renting a car preferable over private driver?) There are 6 of us though.

MichelleY

You need to price it out. An auto large enough for 6 would be very expensive.

volcanogirl

Most people on these boards tend to avoid Jaco, but nearby Playa Hermosa is supposed to have good surfing, and we've seen wild scarlet macaws in the trees driving through that area. The croc tours on the Rio Tarcoles are fun. I believe they'll pick you up in Jaco. If you want to do a guided tour of Manuel Antonio national park, Manuel Antonio Expeditions is great; Juan Brenes is a fantastic guide. You can do it on your own but will see more wildlife with a guide.

Latitude9Lisa

Tours in the Jaco area will provide transportation to area attractions so there is no need for a vehicle BUT I agree you should price it out. Friends did a day trip to Arenal (with two young children too!) but it was an extremely long day. They left at 7 a.m. and returned at 11 p.m. and this was with a private driver. They determined what they wanted to see and do which really worked out. You can email me if you'd like more info. Where are you staying in Jaco? I really like the southern end of the beach and Club Del Mar is great. A little less expensive is Club del Sol. So many great restaurants in Jaco ... Graffiti and Lemon Zest are the best in the area for gourmet. Bubba's Fish Tacos is excellent and directly on the beach. El Hicaco is a seafood restaurant on the beach, a bit pricier but lovely ambiance. Really too many great restaurants to list here! For chocolate treats and sweets, go to Cacao Lounge. Absolutely decadent chocolates, tarts and cheesecake. Let me know if I can help any further. [email protected]