NewbeTraveler

I'm tweaking my travel plans for early March. And am looking for some suggestions of sites or places to stop along the way from the San Jose airport to Lost Iguana Hotel in Arenal. Thought it would be nice to break up the 3 hour ride.

Open to anything: Lunch place (arriving just before noon), wildlife, nature, waterfall, coffee, crafts, local town less touristy than Arenal or Manuel Antonio. Will have car and driver.

I would love suggestions!

Thanks,
Melissa

sylvia3

You could go up via Poas volcano; the national park is well worth a visit (earlier the better, though). The "back way" (north) into Fortuna (Arenal) is very scenic.

MichelleY

Be careful to keep am eye on your car and belongings. Break-ins are common.

sylvia3

I see that warning often, but in many CR visits, have never had it happen, nor have I met anyone who did (although I'm sure it does).
However, 35 miles from my home, in a busy parking lot at Rocky Mountain National Park? Yup.
So, be smart, as you would travelling anywhere in the world. By the way, it's also nice to take the more popular drive and stop in some of the small towns along a different route, through Naranjo and Grecia (some colonial sights).

volcanogirl

We've met a lot of people who have had it happen. One poor couple in Monteverde was hiking in head to toe I heart Monteverde gear because all of their luggage was stolen out of their locked car so they had to buy new clothes. Their camera was stolen too. We also had friends who rented a place, and it was broken into and all their things stolen. Of course it could happen anywhere. I think the worst thing for them was losing all their photos.