I'm planning a trip to Costa Rica. I haven't decided how long yet. I know at least a week -probably 10 days. I want to stay long enough to feel like I really got to experience Costa Rica. I'm starting at Playa Conchal and staying at the Westin and was thinking of staying there for 4 days. After that I was thinking of going to Arenal. I'm very interested in the nature/wildlife aspect of Costa Rica and, from what I've read, Arenal seems to be a good spot for that. I don't think I'm interested in going to San Jose. Can I plan a trip and see everything and just stay in Playa Conchal and Arenal or should I add another spot to my trip? I'm probably going to get a car. Are there areas I could make a day trip out of near those areas? How many days should I allot for each area? I'd like a very well rounded and exciting vacation and don't want to leave feeling like I've missed out on something.
Starting in Playa Conchal. Where next?
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The beach at Conchal is lovely, one of the prettiest in the country. We stayed in Brasilito at a small hotel, so can't comment on the Westin.
We loved the afternoon/sunset catamaran cruise on the Lazy Lizard out of Flamingo. We went to some offshore islands for kayaking and snorkeling. The visibility in the water is not great, but it was still fun.
Arenal would probably be a good 5 hour drive or so since it's about 3 hours from Liberia. It offers many activities - Hanging Bridges, SkyTrek zipline, thermal springs, La Fortuna waterfall.
We stayed at Arenal Paraiso, enjoyed it, had thermal springs, zipline and horseback riding on site. It's a bit out of town, but no problem since you will have a car.
Don't miss the Cano Negro Boat tour - great wildlife viewing. We loved Eco-Termales for hot springs.
Assume you are flying in/out of Liberia, not SJO? No need to go to San Jose. If you are staying both places 4 nights, then with your travel days you wouldn't have too much time for another destination. But if you add another one, I'd suggest Monteverde for cloud forest setting.
Have fun!
Colibri, can you tell me anything more about the snorkeling? What is there to see? How far out are the islands? THX
4d - we probably spent an hour or so heading out to the islands, pulled up near a small beach and people either went kayaking or snorkeling. We saw several schools of fish, a bit of coral, but if snorkeling is high on your list, you are better off in Belize or Mexico. Costa Rica is known for many great activities, but snorkeling is not tops there.
I would head southwest to after your visit to Arenal and stay at Villa Caletas as a home base. From there it's just a short drive to just about anywhere in that vicinity. www.hotelvillacaletas.com/
Is the best way to get to Arenal is driving?
It's for my honeymoon. What hotel usually is the most 'romantic' in Arenal?