volcanogirl

The Arenal area has amazing ziplining and better weather than Monteverde. I'd only hit up Monteverde if you really have a strong desire to see the cloud forest - cool and misty weather and if you want to do some birding - quetzals are there. I think Monteverde is nice, but having been there once we haven't had a strong desire to go back. Our hotel even had their fireplace going to keep things from getting too chilly. The road to get there is long and bumpy. To me other areas offer more to do and warmer weather, but depends on what you're looking for.

sylvia3

The big 3 for 1st time visits seem to be Arenal, Monteverde, and Manual Antonio.
However, after repeat visits, I'd prefer Uvita south to Osa for beaches, green, mountains, rainforest and scenery, and way northwest (like Flamingo, Conchal)for sheer beach suntime. I wouldn't really want to revisit Manual Antonio, and frankly, Arenal-La Fortuna isn't a big draw for me anymore. So, it's entirely personal preference, and trying to do/see it all will have you dizzy.
Why not save Monteverde for another visit? It's a difficult bumpy road, and although lovely, and has zip, hanging bridge hikes, etc., you might find it very similar to things you can do in Arenal.

RnR_travels

Okkk... I'm with you guys. Arenal and MA as our stay locations and we will take these side trips like Dominical, Uvita etc. We eill save Monte Verde for another time.

Is it ok to stay put in MA and take a day trip to smaller locations like Dominical, Uvita etc? That's our plan for now.

We are splitting our stay between Tabacon and El Silencio in Arenal and Issimo in MA. How does it sound thus far???

Now for the transportation bit. based on your inputs, I am getting a private driver/car from SJO to Arenal. Arenal to MA, we will rent a car and take a easy trip down south. to go from place to place within the city, or day drips, we will use local transportation - taxis, buses. This is the tentative plan, but not confirmed. What do you think? Should we change anything?

sylvia3

The drive from SJO to Arenal is easy, and very scenic (esp. if you go through Grecia, etc.); are you getting a driver because of the hour of arrival?
If you have a car, why would you take taxis (let alone bus)on day trips? The car for day trips (to beaches on one side, anything else on the other) will be the smartest choice.

It's a 30 minute drive from MA to Dominical; the main highway is fine for points farther south. Early starts!

volcanogirl

One thing I forgot to mention, if you get remotely car sick, take a Dramamine or something similar before hitting the road - lots of up and downs and twists and turns. I've never gotten car sick before, but CR roads make me queasy sometimes.

RnR_travels

Thanks guys. I have a not so happy news. I tried making the booking at Issimo suites in MA and I was disappointed by their response. It's all sold out for the dates I want. Can you give me some other economical and good options for MA. I'm ok if it's as expensive and as good as Issimo looked. All others that I am seeing are so expensive or extremely blah...

volcanogirl

A few popular spots are Mango Moon, Costa Verde, Si Como No, Villas Nicolas, Posada Jungle Lodge, Arenas del Mar - not sure what your budget is.

sylvia3

Maybe do a quick look for Domenical/Uvita and do the day tripping to MA?
You might check out VRBO for MA:
http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals...manuel-antonio
You can also check out other spots (Playa Ballena, for example:
http://www.vrbo.com/245722)

MFNYC

For your night at Casa Bella Rita, Steve will cook you dinner (at a nominal fee). It's worth it. He's a great cook, and there aren't many options in the immediate area without a car. He can cook just about anything. I had read in advance that he makes the best ribs around, so I requested that. They were delicious! We ended up having a family-style meal with Rita & Steve and the other family that was staying there. It was very enjoyable. Staying with Rita and Steve is like staying with old friends.

mangoemily

You could look and see if there is anything open in Manuel Antonio at Tulemar - it has a private beach with kayaks which is great! They might have something open, they have bungalows, and some other great one bedroom properties. Just depends on what your budget is, but they also have a central location in Manuel Antonio http://www4tulemar.com

shillmac

We are very fond of Tulemar Bungalows. . . love that private beach.

Also, just a side note, Tabacon has a fabulous spa (Tabacon Grand Spa). It would be well worth your time (if you are a spa girl) to spend 2-3 hours there one day. I've had the massage, chocolate scrub, and facial. . .all were delightful. Pricey as heck, but what the heck, it was an awesome afternoon!!!!

ttdragonfly

A vote for Villas Nicolas in MA! We stayed there and would return in a heartbeat, beautiful, clean, great staff AND a monkey highway right past our balcony! ( it even has AC! )