joegorun

We're flying in to SJO next Saturday at 10am and renting a 4x4 SUV for the week. Our plan is to drive to Arenal that day and stay 3 nights (probably either Los Lagos, Lost Iguana, Manoa). We have two young teenagers. Any suggested stop on the drive to Arenal to break up the trip? Next we plan to drive to Manual Antonio and stay 3 nights (any suggestions on hotels in MA?). Finally, we will drive to SJO in the morning of our last day in time for our 2pm flight. Does this work or would you recommend otherwise? Do you suggest staying in MA 2 nights and SJO the last night?

Thanks.

qwovadis

www.landsinlove.com makes a nice stop on your way up to

www.arenal.net

www.tabacon.com my fav free best hot springs if your stay there from $149/nt on sites like www.sidestep.com

www.lostiguanaresort.com better rooms but no hot springs

kids also like www.hotelloslagos.com no lava view

stay at www.hotelvillacaletas.com your last night

amazing only an hour or so from the airport

will break up your jurney nicely...have fun,

volcanogirl

Lots of choices in MA. Check out Mango Moon, Costa Verde, Si Como No, Tulemar Bungalows, Villas Nicolas, La Posada, and Buena Vista Villas. We never really stop on the way to Arenal; it's only around three hours, so I would just head there and then eat lunch once you get there. Going from Arenal to MA, it's fun to stop at the Rios Tarcoles bridge to see the big crocs down below. Just make sure someone stays with your stuff in the car. It's a good spot to grab a snack and have a bathroom break; there are some souvenirs for sale too. I'd feel comfortable staying in MA the last night and heading back early in the a.m. Two nights isn't much time in MA.

We love the Lost Iguana; your kids would probably love Los Lagos.

cmerrell

Los Lagos and Lost Iguana are both favorably mentioned frequently on the forum. Lost Iguana will be a bit fancier and more expensive that Los Lagos...

In MA, lots of people have recommended Tulemar Bungalows, Buena Vista Villas, Si Como No, and Costa Verde. Costa Verde tends to be more inexpensive than the others mentioned...

The main thing to consider when driving back to SJO is that you'll want to allow plenty of time. You should technically try to be at the airport 3 hours before an international flight. It will take you 3-ish hours to drive from MA to SJO with no unexpected delays. It's do-able but not entirely without risk as all it takes is one unexpected traffic delay to mess up your day. We took that risk on our first CR visit and made the drive from MA to SJO for an early afternoon flight with plenty of time to spare, but it was a little stressful, driving through unfamiliar terrain and hoping we timed things adequately.

Have a terrific time whatever you decide. Costa Rica is absolutely wonderful!

joegorun

Thanks for all your suggestions. We chose Los Lagos in Arenal. Now trying to decide on a hotel in Manuel Antonio based on cost and availability- between Coste Verde studio, and the bit more expensive La Mariposa, Issimo Suites Boutique Hotel, and the Buena Vista bungalow. Any comments on where to stay for a family of 4?

RAC

Have you looked at La Posada. They have a guest house that could fit an entire family.

volcanogirl

I'd go with Buena Vista, but it's usually pretty pricey.