Leaving for costa rica 2/6, last min plan. Need help. Flying inand out of Liberia.
1.Plan on driving to Arenal (driving time and best route?) then to monteverde, or vice/versa, which is better? I have read that I cut the time by taking a boat across arenal lake? What do I do with the car. Can the car go with us on a ferry(I am doubtful...)

2.Have a 4X4 reserved for 6 days $450? That sound like more than I have been reading! How do I find this car company called "tricolor"?

3. Then want to head to the Guanecaste coast for some R&R and scuba (want to finish my openwater portion). Any suggestions as to where to head after montverde/arenal area? I have hear anywhere from tamorindo and north? Any suggestion?

Any input would be greatly appreciated. thank you fodors. This site has been so helpful already

There is no car ferry across the lake. If you have a car, you'll have to drive it. You do need a 4x4 for that drive-sections of that road are usually in terrible condition.

Thank you Rufus. What about directions? Is going around the lake the only way? How long will it take us?

Also do think $450 is too much for 6 days?

also any recs for a place to stay on the western coast? Tamerindo or more north like the gulf of papagayo? thanks.

As far as getting to/from Monteverde/Arenal. Some of the companies will drive your car for a fee. I'm not sure how great that is with the rental companies because of insurance.

There are lots of diving possibilities up north. You might want to contact JD's Watersports, they have an open water certification program.