Am I Rushing the Itinerary to get it all in? Help...
 

My family and I are flying into San Jose staying over (due to late flight) and then heading to Arenal area for 3 nights. We want to cover the volcano, zip lines (if kids are old enough) and some fishing for my husband. From there we plan to head to the Southern Puntarenas Coast- thinking of spending 3 nights in Santa Theresa and then 3 nights in Montezuma. THe last night back in San Jose for early flight. Do you think it makes sense to break up the coastal night stays? I'm torn and thinking of doing it this way so that the Santa Theresa area fills the ideal long vast beach with great sunsets and the Montezuma area we get the waterfalls and cove-like beaches. I'm just questioning if I'm pushing it and we'll feel too rushed? I realize the two areas aren't too far apart so that helps. This planning is tricky between travel and driving times- I thought 11 nights would seem lengthy but when planning it I start to feel like it's rushed. : (
Any advice is appreciated.
p.s. My husband and I have been to Arenal before so we definitely want to keep the stay for 3 nights in that area and I realize a good part of the first day in Santa Theresa is spent getting there...
Thanks for any help you can offer.

If you are really torn between Santa Theresa and Montezuma, then I think your plan is fine as long as you don't mind checking in and out the extra time. It only takes about 45 minutes to get from one to the other, so you wouldn't be spending much time transferring. The other option is to stay in one spot, and then take a couple of day trips to the other.

I like to move around if I can have at least three nights in one area - I just like to explore and see if I prefer one area over the other and which one I'd want to come back to on a future trip. If not, I always wonder what I missed!

Thank you...so many details but like you said at least I'll know which area we really prefer once having stayed in each for 3 nights.
Have either of you experienced car sickness w/yourselves or kids? I recall getting a migraine from the bumpiness 10 years ago, hoping some of the roads improved but I don't know if the kids will feel sick. We'll have AC & 4wheel drive so I'm hoping it will be okay.

Thanks again, happy times in Costa Rica for all. : )

I live on Dramamine when taking road trips in Costa Rica. The roads have not improved that much in the seven years or so that we have been going. Lots of curves heading up to Arenal, so best to be prepared.

I never get carsick in the states, but yes, I take Dramamine every time we get in the car in CR. Lots of hills and curves like colibri mentioned.