We are planning our second trip to CR for this Feb. Is the breakdown of days reasonable considering driving time? We are both in our early 30s and want to include surf and nature (such as Monteverde)in our vacation.

Day 1: Arrive in SJO 9:30am, drive to MA, spend 3 nights
Day 4: Drive to Monteverde and spend 2 nights
Day 6: Spend somewhere closer to SJO
Day 7: Take a 5:30pm flight back home

Is it necessary to stay closer to SJO on the last day?
Is there another location to replace the 2 nights at Monteverde with? I realize that 6 nights is not a lot of time but that is all we can get off from work and we are in need of some sun and relaxation!

Hi JBQ, we had a wonderful first visit to Costa Rica in June 2005. I recommend you switch your days, and allow 3 nights for Monteverde, and only 2 nights for Manuel Antonio.

If you feel you need all 3 nights in Manuel Antonio, then I recommend you go to Arenal instead of Monteverde. (the drive to MOnteverde is worse, and also it seems to get more afternoon rain, and even though it was my #1 favorite area in Costa Rica, I wouldn't consider going there for less than 3 nights.

I assume you have done some research? Reading other people's trip reports is the best way to get a feel for what Monteverde and Manuel Antonio are like, that's what helped me!

Thanks for the suggestion but we went to Arenal this summer and we loved it but it is too soon to go back.

Another option for you would be to drive from Manuel Antonio down to Dominical where you then head inland to San Isidro del General. There you could get on the highway back to San Jose. About an hour north of San Isidro (at the 80 km marker), you can drive down into the valley (you will be very high and it is cold!) to the Hotel Savegre de la Montana mountain lodge. It's a great place to spend a couple of relaxing days, do some trout fishing, hiking, birding, horseback riding, etc. Nice area, pretty property. Just an alternative--and an area not so overly crowded with tourist. The hotel is owned and operated by the Chacon family--wonderful people. The area was recently dedicated as a national park (Los Quetzales). Seeing a quetzal would be a highlight for you! That's something you would probably do at Monteverde as well. Savegre is also a cloud forest area, and it would be a little easier to get to.

Check ahead of time with Marino Chacon for tours of the area--great guy--he'll make sure you have a wonderful time! Just a suggestion. . . .!!

And as for the cold, it gets warmer as you descend into the valley. But still, you'll have fireplaces in the junior suites--much like Monteverde. The hotel has an all-inclusive rate for 3 meals per day.

I agree with Shillmac that the San Gerardo de Dota area and Chacon's lodge is a wonderful spot to spend a couple of days.

Totally different in ambience and natural history than MA, and vastly less touristy than Monteverde.

A beautiful stream set in a pretty valley, splendid cloud forest and wonderful birds including the quetzal.

The lodge is cozy and the Chacons are excellent hosts. One of our favourite places in CR.

cheers

Jerry