1st timer to CR, leaving on Sunday,need advice
 

First, thanks to all you wonderful folks for your previous advice/recommendations in helping me plan this trip. I have learned so much from all of you in reading these posts and can't imagine taking this trip without the valuable guidance you have provided.

I will flying into Liberia, renting a 4x4 reserved through TriColor and driving to a condo in Tamarindo. (I know, but have to please the surfers!) Spending two nights in tourist hell then leaving early on Wednesday for overnight stay in Arenal at Los Lagos. Plan to do Skytrek's 3p zipline tour - tentatively reserved through Wave Expeditions - then possibly evening hiking followed by Eco-Thermales hot springs. Will be picked up at 8:20 by WE Tour for rafting trip on Toro River, return around 4pm.

My first question is since we will be checking out of Los Lagos on the morning the rafting tour picks us up, where will be a safe place to leave our vehicle with our overnight bags? I emailed the hotel last week to see if we could just leave it on their property but have not heard anything.

Also, as we will be arriving back to the hotel at 4pm, we will, unfortunately, have to drive back to the condo in Tamarindo in at least 2 hrs of darkness during the final leg which I am not too crazy about. I have a great map (Bernsdton & Bernsdton, thanks Jill!) and am a careful driver and fairly experienced elsewhere including Europe but the Bundesautobahn doesn't have alot of potholes either. Not really sure what I expect you to suggest here as another overnight stay in Arenal is not an option for the itinerary.. just whining, maybe? And if you offer me any cheese, Guanacaste, so help me.. (lol)

I would definitely not leave my luggage in an unattended vehicle in Costa Rica. Ask the hotel to store it for you while you are on the rafting tour. I am sure they are used to doing this.

I also would not drive to Tamarindo in the dark. The roads are pretty good for much of the way from Arenal, but for several miles just before you reach Tamarindo there are many potholes you need to avoid. Do spend that night in Arenal. Change you itinerary if necessary. I am serious. You don't want to spend the night in a broken down car in the middle of nowhere.

We visited my daughter who lives and works in Tamarindo last August and even SHE would not drive those roads at night.

When we arrived at Los Lagos hours before check in they kept our luggage behind the desk for us while we went out to lunch. I'm sure they would make a similar arrangement with you. I would ask about it during check in.

I agree with not driving into Tam at night. We have friends who live near there and every couple of months we get a 'latest road horrors' email. Last I heard they were ripped the road up [again] to prepare it for repaving....

Jerry

Yes, as stated before absolutely do not plan on driving in Costa Rica after dark (which is around 6 pm year round) and never leave anything unattended in your car, even for a short time. Don't let the cautions scare you just use common sense and you will be fine. The road to Tam is good for the first half or more but after that it is a challenge to decide if the ditch next to the road is smoother than zig zagging from side to side on the road. Don't under estimate the word pothole until you see this road for yourself. Besides the scenery is so beautiful you would not want to miss it in the dark. I flew into Liberia and stayed at the El Punto. They will pick you up at the airport and TriColor will pick you up from there in the morning. TriColor was great and I returned mine in San Jose. El Punto is right in town in Liberia and next to a new big market and a shopping center with Internet Cafe and a great Italian place. Take your time and enjoy and always leave more time than you think for driving in Costa Rica. It is the best way to see the beautiful country!