10 days in Costa Rica?
 

Hi - we are planning a trip to Costa Rica in mid August. We currently have a ten night vacation in mind and our itenirary is as follows: fly into Liberia and spend 4 nights in Tamarindo, drive to Arenal Volcano area and spend 4 nights, then drive down to Manuel Antonio for last two nights and fly out of San Jose. We would be renting a car. My first question is if this is too much planned? We have two boys but they are older (10 & 12) and don't have an issue with driving / spending time in car seeing the country. The problem I have found is that, timing of our flights means we leave on a Saturday & return on a Tuesday. There are very limited direct flights to / from those airports so not a lot of flexibility. I just found out that Manuel Antonio is closed Mondays which means it is not a great place to end our vacation since we leave Tuesday. Is there a better way that makes sense with driving times? I also have an option to add an extra day at beginning or up to three days at end (although flights more expensive & extra hotel costs). I'd love any advice..........I want to enjoy our time there and not be rushed and also have enough time in each destination to do some activities and see the sights.

Thanks!!

I probably wouldn't drive all the way to Manuel Antonio to spend only two nights, especially if the park is closed when you're going. I love that area, but you'll already have beach time at Tamarindo. I'd either increase your time or drop it. You could spend the last couple of days doing the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Poas, Doka Coffee Estate tour, etc. if you don't increase your time in MA.

The Arenal area is our favorite - tons to do there - zipline at Sky Trek, hike and swim at the waterfall and hike the Hanging Bridges, do the Cano Negro tour to see wildlife, raft with Rios Tropicales, visit the natural hot springs like Tabacon, do the Penas Blancas river float, tubing at The Springs, the Proyecto Asis animal rescue center, and waterfall rappelling with La Roca.

Thanks Volcanogirl! Are those trips you suggested (waterfall gardens,etc) day trips from Arenal area?

I just found direct flights that cost a bit more if I did trip in reverse.....fly into San Jose, drive to Manuel Antonio, then to Arenal, Tamarino and fly home from Liberia. And these flights give me 12 nights rather then 10 so I can spend an extra day in Manuel. My question is the trip to MA worth the extra cost (flight & hotel) or should I just stick to 10 night trip and divide time equally between Arenal & Tamarindo?

Nope, they're closer to SJO, thinking you might stay someplace more central if you only have two days. We like the Peace Lodge - kids would love it; it's kind of pricey though. About an hour from SJO.

I haven't been to Tamarindo - have only been to Arenal and Manuel Antonio, both of which I really like. It's really up to you if you think it's worth the extra cost; MA has tons of fairly tame wildlife. We stayed at Tulemar Bungalows and saw lots of monkeys and sloths right on the property, even a cute baby sloth. Lots of good open air restaurants in walking distance. Tulemar has their own beach with free kayaking and boogie boards. The beach inside the national park is gorgeous. Lots of wildlife there as well. Manuel Antonio Expeditions is good if you want to do any tours.

Between Arenal and Manuel Antonio, if you end up going to both spots, be sure to stop at the Rio Tarcoles to see the huge crocs. Your kids will love it; you can also buy a fresh fruit smoothie at the little stand there.

That time of year, the turtles are nesting in Tortuguero. Maybe fly into SJ, transfer to Tortuguero for 2 nights. Then finish up with Arenal then Tamarindo. Or fly in/ out of SJ and finish up with Manuel Antonio or Peace Lodge.

http://tortuguerocanals.com/index.html