Everyone has been really great in helping us plan our 18 day trip to CR (leaving next Thurs)

I have asked/received advice on the San Isidro del general area from this board. Our last 5 nites (before our last night in Alajuela) are presently booked as a timeshare exchange there.

Researching, we realizing it is kind of isolated there. We had planned on visiting Hacienda Baru, Dominical, Ballen marine park (maybe trying to find a whale watching tour) Playa Uvita, and the mineral springs near San Gerado (sp)

I know the drive is hairy and kinda dangerous over the interamerican highway, but extremely beautiful I'm sure.

The possibility of exchange for Hotel del Sur reservation(In San Isidro del general) to Villas Taranovas Palmas came up today.

This place is 10 minutes from the SJ airport, in a supposed residential area with a view of the mountains off the interamerican highway. I realize that basically it is in SJ. The villa is 100 times nicer than San Isidro, but that is not real important. I know we can take tours from SJ and we will have a car (they have private parking)

Here's our itinerary so far:
Alajuela - Orquideas Inn
next 6 days Quepos/Ma Hotel LA Colina
next 3 days - La Fortuna, Montana de Fuego
next day -Selva Verde Lodge
next day - Peace Lodge
next 5 days were planned for San Isidro
last day - Orquideas Inn

Here's the millon dollar question (I am so confused at this point)

Would you stick with San Isidro del General (straight up from Dominical in the mountains)

or take the Taranova Villas outside of San Jose and do day tour things? I believe this place is near the Hotal Irazu.

I have to decide by 10 pm tonight, so please if anyone can help us decide we would appreciate it.

We are torn between beauty/remoteness and practicility/less hassle.
Thanks

Hate to be a pest. have to make a decision by tonight. Does anyone have any advice? Thanks

I think my post will confuse you even more. If I had to chose I would never go for anything so close to San Jose for 5 days. If you want really beautiful place consider San Isidro del Genaral. Would you consider Savegre Hotel? It is only two hours from San Jose but suppose to be amazing for those who are looking for outdoor activities. I read interesting posts here on this place. We never been there but it sounds perfect. Do you like hiking, horseback riding or do you want to stay on the beach? I remember your concern was driving through San Jose, right? If you stay in Savegre Hotel they will transfer you from anywhere and you won't need a car anyway. If you are looking for luxury this place is not.

Hi Pat,
Thanks for replying. The reason I am considering exchanging our reservation for San Isidro del General (timeshare) is because of the driving through the interamerican highway (cerro del muerto more specificly) Plus the limited things to do once we get there. (the best agenda I could come up with was Hacienda Baru, Ballen marine park, Dominical and Playa Uvita, plus some hot springs in San Gerado)

The other timeshare is located on the main highway 10 mins form the airport. (which is a much nicer place, but I am not really a resort person. We just have a timeshare that we use to supplement our trips but this time it's use has been a nightmare!)
The plan I came up with if we do exchange with that one is day trip to Irazu, Cartago, Lankester gardens, Orosi valley (us driving), Sarchi possibly, one day Tortuga cruise,Turu Bari park (aerial tram over Tarcoles, plus hiking the park)Also doing a day trip to Braulio Carrillo nat park.

So this is my reasoning and why I can't decide what to do. I wouldn't stay close to SJ normally but at this point I am just trying to salvage this leg of our trip. I know neither choice is anywhere near being perfect, but I am trying to make do.

Care to give me anymore advice? I am torn. Thanks for responding.

Aw Paula,
You aren't going to mess up either way. If you stay at the new place, you can add Poas to your list of things to do. . .very beautiful up there. . good for a half day. Your other ideas sound just fine as well. you can also do a river rafting trip, I think. . .if you can find one for one day. . .check with Adventuras Naturales or Rio Tropicales. I am thinking you SOUND like you'd rather hang around San Jose. . .I wouldn't stay in TOWN for 5 days, but there are definitely some great day trips in and around there. The San Isidro time sounds nice to me as well simply because I haven't been there yet and would like to go. The problem is the 5 days. It is actually a little lengthy for either place. . .but you might as well build in some time to relax near the end of your trip. . sounds like a good chance to do it! Also, don't overlook the fact the San Jose itself is definitely good for at least a day of "touring" there is a walking tour of the city that is good. .there are neat things to see there as well. My husband and I enjoyed catching a performance one night at the Teatro Nacional--simply beautiful on the inside. . .something we don't ordinarily do. . .so I think you are leaning the right direction! Have fun!

Thanks agin Shillmac.

You have been a big help on our trip. I did go ahead and exchange for the place in the San Jose area. I am kinda sad. In a weird sort of way I was looking forward to driving to San Isidro del general, but my boyfirend wasn't. I know it would be simply stunning. It was just going to be so involved traveling down there from the Peace Lodge and trying to avoid SJ during rush hour, then getting past Cerro del Muerto before the afternoon fog came in. Not to mention checking out and trying to hoof it back to Alajuela for our last day without being late and ending up paying an extra day rental.

You are right it will be more relaxing in the end. Thank you, and everyone else for all of your help. I promise to post a trip report when we come back. (on a lighter note I just got an email today that the Peace Lodge was able to switch us from a regular room to a deluxe. Couldn't believe that one = ) )This will be quite a splurge for our budget, but one that sounds like it is worth it!

Paula, congratulations. You made a right choice as there are many day trips from San Jose. Enjoy your trip and let us know.

Pat- any particular day trips you recommend. we are planning a similar type trip - day trips out of san jose next year. how much do they vary in cost?

Is it better to hire a car and driver (anyone besides Oscar from vista del villa available?)

Dear Joanel,
take a look at a post called Driver/guide in Costa Rica (I'll bring it to the top). That may give you some info on drivers. It mostly talks about 2 specific drivers I've worked with, but the prices are basically the same, for most private drivers/transfers.
Feel free to write me directly for any more information.
Pura Vida,
Neta Talmor

Paula,
I think you made a wise choice. Actually, you can still do a day trip over Cerro de la Muerte through Savegre Lodge. They provide round-trip transportation to and from San Jose, a guided hike at the lodge and lunch. I can't remember the exact cost, but you can check it out at www.savegre.co.cr.
Terri

There's your answer! A day trip on Cerro de la Muerte! Have a great time! Check out the Highlights of Costa Rica tour. .excellent! About $79 per person for an 11 hour day, 2 meals--several cool activities including Poas Volcano, a jungle cruise on the Sarapiqui, etc.