Hi. We're trying to plan a trip to CR in July and are struggling with some details. With all the experience on the forum, I'm hoping someone can help me!

We have ff plane tix that get us to San Jose the evening of July 12th. Our return tix are for the afternoon of July 21st.

Our plan was to Raft the Pacuare overnight, spend 2 nights at Peace Lodge, 2 nights at Lost Iguana, and three nights at Tulemar in MA. The problem is that with the necessary overnight in San Jose both out first and last nights we're coming up short on time.

I be grateful for any suggestions as to whether we're trying to cram too much into our trip, or if there's a spot we should shorten our stay etc... Is it realistic to drive straight from the airport to Peace Lodge in the dark???? So much to do and soo little time!!!!!!

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

You may want to cut down on your locations. Just getting from the Arenal area to MA takes most of one day. You could get to the Peace Lodge the first night with a driver or taxi, but I wouldn't drive myself in the dark. We did it during the day and it was fine. We spent just our first night at the Peace Lodge, toured the gardens in the morning and headed for Arenal the next afternoon. I thought that was plenty of time there.

Considering the time from MA to San Jose is 3-4hours you should be able to stay in MA your last night and drive in the early morning . Consider flying from MA as another option and if you are driving most of your trip check into the option of rental drop off in MA to fly back. If you are planning the two day 1 night Pacuare raft trip I'd change to 1 day raft trip with your short time in CR, unless that is a big priority.
Have a wonderful journey and remember to praise God for His awesome creation!

Didn't think of returning the car to MA and flying back to San Jose. Our flight out of San Jose isn't until 1:50...that may work. The overnight rafting trip is probably our #1 priority on thre trip, so I think I'd rather sacrifice elsewhere if I have to..

You ask, "Is it realistic to drive straight from the airport to Peace Lodge in the dark?"

No, it is not! Don't attempt it. You will get lost and spend your first night (after a long flight) wandering around in the mountains on pitch dark narrow roads. Sound like fun?

not wanting to start and argument, but i would say it is possible to find peace lodge at night - we found poas volcano lodge at night in the driving rain with no problem - peace lodge is not far from there and i saw many signs for it - all of the hotels in that class seem to have alot of signage even far away and as long as you have your eyes open for them, you will not miss it - just follow the signs for la paz and/or peace lodge after you leave alejuela (on route 130), and you will most likely have no problem (unless you miss a sign )

Peace Lodge offers a shuttle service from the Airport to the hotel, the charge is $60.00., so that may help.
The drive from Arenal to MA will take all day. You may consider flying out of MA the day your flight departs, that may be an option.
Have a great time