I'm about to leave Delta Air Lines and lose my travel benefits--a friend suggested taking a quick trip to CR for a few days by myself.

He suggested flying into Liberia--I'm looking for cheap, fun things to do--like hiking, beaches, good local food, exploring. Wasn't sure if I needed a car or could hang in Liberia...seems like a stop-over for most travelers rather than a destination.

Might go in the next day or two--any help would be much appreciated, thanks!

-Mark-

Rent a 4X4 for sure. Easy to get around that part of the country. Check out Playa Hermosa 30 minutes from the airport. Several beaches in the area. Eat at Ginger! Stay at El Velero or Villas del Suenos Take the "monkey road" down to Playa Potrero and Playa Flamingo (35 min or so). Go to Playa Brasilito while in that area and drive the beach over to Playa Conchal where the water is crystal clear. Happy Snapper in Brasilito a good place to eat as well. . .also Outback Jack's. Tamarindo is 30 min. further south from Playa Flamingo. Lots of good restaurants there. . and shopping. But if you want to stay away from places that are obscenely built up, Tamarindo isn't for you! Good way to spend a few days! Have a great time. . .

Thanks, Shillmac--lots of great suggestions!

If you had your choice, would you rather fly into San Jose? Would there be more to see/do there?

Also--was just looking at driving to Arenal and maybe staying at Leaves and Lizards. It looks like a 3-hr drive, which is pretty long.

I was considering driving up there, staying 2 nights, going to the Volcano, hiking, etc. and then driving back to the airport.

Thoughts? I'm getting excited, but there's a lot to consider doing for a first trip that's crazily short!

I would do the trip to Arenal. When my husband and I were in CR in October two years ago, it rained like crazy. Of course, you could very well have gorgeous weather. Arenal would give you enough to see and do in a short time span. Have fun!

Just wanted to say that we love Arenal - if you have time, do the Cano Negro tour with Sunset Tours to see lots of wildlife, and visit Eco Termales in the evening for great dinner and hot springs. The Hanging Bridges is a nice hike too, and of course there's volcano watching if you have good weather.

We would totally do CR and include Arenal for a two day vacation!

Great quick trip!

Might be able to avoid some rain by flying into Liberia and doing things up that way. I'd say there is more to do if you fly into SJO, but then that all depends what you enjoy.

Enjoy your vacation!

In light of your wish to see Arenal, a great choice, I'd fly into SJO and drive. It's about 2.5-3 hours from the airport, very simple. I think it could take you a little longer than 3 hours if you take the Liberia-Arenal route, and the highways aren't in as good condition. Very scenic between SJO and Arenal. There are 2 ways you can go. The more scenic route will add about 20-30 minutes, through Zarcero and Cuidad Quesada (San Carlos). The slightly closer route takes the San Ramon exit and up through La Tigre.

Just to clarify. . .both routes from SJO to Arenal are quite scenic!