I'm trying to figure out the best order to see the follwoing areas:
I would like to fly between them as much as possible-but can take the InterBus where it makes sense.
Can fly in/out of SJO or Liberia
(late spring 2017 travel)

Manuel Antonio
Osa (Pto. Jiminez) for Lapa Rios Eco Lodge
Arenal
Tamarindo

Could take off Tamarindo if it makes this crazy

Would like to do this 10 nights-

It's like a brain puzzle-and can't figure out what makes sense! appreciate any help!!

You definitely don't have time for Tamarindo, so I would scratch that one off your list.

I don't think you can fly directly from some of these spots to the others. I think you almost always have to return to San Jose.

With 10 days, cut out Tamarindo and go in/out of SJ.

Alternative 1:

Fly into LIR or SJO, spend first three nights at Arenal.
Then fly from Arenal to Manuel Antonio, spend 3 nights, there, then get private ground transport to Lapa Rios. Then fly back to SJO and from there fly home.

Alternative 2

Fly into LIR, spend 2-3 nights at Tamarindo, then 3 nights Arenal, then fly/drive to San Jose for a flight to Osa for 4-5 nights. Then fly back to SJO and fly home.

thanks-

I think I need to take out Tamarindo (mainly for Capitan Suizo hotel) or Osa

tough choice-any thoughts?

Osa is a "nothing else like it on the planet" type of place. I would vote to leave off Tamarindo.

Though, it bears noting that Manuel Antonio is fairly redundant of Osa, essentially it will seem like Disneyland in comparison.

We love both Manuel Antonio and the Osa. MA has gorgeous beaches inside the park and really easy access to wildlife, tons of monkeys. Good open air restaurants as well. We love Tulemar Bungalows, and they have their own beach.

The Osa has fantastic hiking, amazing wildlife, and feels very off the grid. Have not been to Tamarindo, but that would be the one I would drop too. We stayed at Bosque del Cabo and saw all 4 kinds of monkeys, toucans, scarlet macaws, coatis, agoutis, and an anteater. Excellent guides.

I agree with RAC and volcanogirl. Skip Tamarindo, and stick with the Osa.

Tamarindo is one of the most commercial beaches in Costa Rica, and not one of my favorites. Plus it is out of the way in relation to everything else.

Though you are right about Capitan Suizo. Great hotel run by very nice people.

Lapa Rios is extremely cool. But I would recommend checking out the Drake Bay area of the Osa. I posted a review recently on Casa Corcovado. These are different destinations. But the same ecosystem. Thought the park is a little wilder.

Both are lovely properties. We loved the nature at Corcovado. Once you add in transportation and tours, you are in the ballpark pricewise.

The biggest advantage here is that you can do a fairly easy land transfer from Manuel Antonio to Sierpe to board their boat to Drake Bay. They will transfer you to the airstrip in Palmar Sur for the flight back to San Jose to pick up the car to go to Arenal.

If you plan your flights right, you don't have to spend any more than the last night in San Jose.

I hope this helps. Let me know if I can offer any further advice.

Warm Regards,

Pat Hewitt
Travel Professional

Thanks Pat-I do like the idea of flying as much as possible.
I had friends who did Casa Corcovado-but Lapa Rios looks cool-
I'll look for your review
thanks!