cooper1

my husband and I are planning a trip to costa rica in mid may for 6-7 nights. Would love for someone to give us advice on our itinerary. We know we want to spend at least 3 nights in Arenal at the lost iguana. From there we are not sure where else we should go. Considering, Conchal (Paradisus),M/A (Si Como No), Peace lodge. ANY suggestions on destinations as well as hotels would be greatly appreciated.Also, we can go in and out of either airport. Thanks so MUCH.

shillmac

If you go in and out of Liberia, your itinerary could start with Arenal and end with Conchal (just over an hour from the airport). Conchal is a beautiful resort--we love it there. All of your choices are good--you would be quite pleased any way you choose to go; unless you want to have some beach time--then you would, of course, need to go to Manuel Antonio or Conchal. Conchal is about 5 hours from San Jose, Manuel Antonio 3 hours. Arenal in about 2 or 3 hours from Liberia and the same from San Jose. Manuel Antonio is probably 4 or 4.5 hours from Liberia.

Many first time visitors like to combine Arenal/Manuel Antonio. Try to do at least 7 nights if you can. The last one will very likely need to be spent near the airport, depending on your departure time. If you want more beach time, you could get by with 2 nights are Arenal. It will take you 6 hours to drive from Arenal to Manuel Antonio. About 4 hours from Arenal to Conchal.

cooper1

shillmac,
Thanks so much for your reply. The info regarding travel times will be a big help.

We frequently vacation in the Caribbean so the beach is not a high priority for this trip. Our primary interest in the rain forests, wildlife, and the local activities/tours.

We are trying to decide whether to park ourselves at Conchal's beautiful resort and pool after Arenal or venturing to another rain forest.

We are also pondering the idea of skipping Conchal and M/A and spending a day or two at La Paz/Peace Lodge.
What are your thoughts.

shillmac

I haven't stayed at Peace Lodge, but I absolutely LOVE the central valley and could easily spend a week there every time we visit Costa Rica. In fact, this past summer, we stayed in Alajuela and spent 8 days just venturing out in all directions. You certainly wouldn't go wrong staying central with Arenal and La Paz. The little towns of Zarcero, Sarchi, Grecia, are wonderful and fun places to visit. The Rio Sarapiqui area is also beautiful as is the drive through Braulio Carillo Parque Nacional. My thoughts are "draw straws"--you're going to enjoy any of your options a great deal!

Paradisus and Si Como No are both two of our favorite places.

If you've read many of my posts, you also know we love a wonderful little hotel south of San Jose between Puriscal and San Pablo de Turrubares called La Finca Que Ama.

www.costaricafinca.com

It is very quiet and "off the beaten path" down there. Takes about 1-1.5 hour from the airport and is within 45 minutes of Turu-Ba-Ri Park and a couple of hours from Manuel Antonio. The hosts, Neta and Arbel, are such lovely people who so enjoy entertaining and visiting with their guests. 3 nights at Arenal and 3 nights at La Finca would give you 2 very different areas to explore.

cooper1

I would also like to ask anyone if they know where would be a good place to go white water rafting.Some place safe and fairly slow for a beginner. shillmac, your AWSOME!!! I know all the first- timers really appreciate your help.

dfarmer

About Peace Lodge, it is only just over an hour north of San Jose.

We stayed here the end of our trip in 2004, and was extremely pleased. If you can, try to stay at least 2 nights here.

You can visit the waterfalls during the day at your leisure. The butterfly farm is incredible, as well as all those beautiful hummingbirds.

You can visit Poas Volcano easily from here. As well as many other things.

It is a more pricey accomodation for CR, and a bit over the top in all that it offers, but a great place. I'm sure you have visited their website and probably ask yourself, "does it really look like that" Well yes it does! Stunning.