Hi,

A friend and I are planning a trip to Costa Rica July 22-July 31 (the first time for both of us) and I wanted to get some feedback on our itinerary so far and would love any suggestions from seasoned travelers! Our trip is 2 days in Arenal, 7 days in Jaco/Playa Hermosa with a day trip to Manual Antonio.

We are flying into SJO and trying to figure out if we should take a public bus or private shuttle to Arenal. I've read that Interbus, Grayline and the Costa Rica Shuttle are all good but we are on a budget so we were considering taking the city bus (I know that Interbus will pick-up/drop-off at your hotel-does anyone know where you catch the Costa Rica Shuttle?). We would have to catch the city bus at Calle 12, Avenida 7 but can't find reliable bus schedules online and don't want to wait hours between buses (our plane lands at 10:30 am). Does anyone know where to find reliable schedules online?

We hope to get to Arenal by 5:00 pm and are planning to book a Junior Suite at Mountain Paradise...unless anyone has a better suggestion? We were thinking of going to the hot springs that evening and doing dinner somewhere nearby. After that we basically have 1 day in Arenal, we were thinking of hiking the volcano and going to La Fortuna Waterfall?

After that we go to the beach! We decided to stay just outside of Jaco for a little tranquility and go into Jaco a couple of nights for dinner and drinks. If you have time let us know your favorites and we'll check them out! We definitely want to do a canopy tour at some point and were thinking about surf lessons while here. One day is reserved to visit Manual Antonio.

One last thing, our plane departs at 2 pm and with Interbus the earliest arrival to SJO is 12:45...I've read you should arrive at least 3 hours early for your flight?

Well, thanks in advance for tips or ideas on any of the above and pura vida!

Just my take on things:

Add another day or two to Arenal

Stay in Manuel Antonio instead of Jaco area

Spend last night in a budget airport hotel

Sorry I can't recommend bus options

Good luck with your planning.

I'd tend to agree with MichelleY. There's tons to do around Arenal. It's defintely deserving of more than one full day.

I have never stayed in Jaco, but I think most people who know Costa Rica well would prefer Manuel Antonio as a home base. MA has a lot of hotel/restaurant options and is a fun area with some beautiful beaches. If you decide to stick with your Jaco plan, keep in mind the Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Mondays, so you'll want to plan your day trip there on a different day of the week...

Can't help with the buses either, sorry.

I would do Interbus if at all possible. MUCH more comfortable than puplic bus and a lot quicker. If budget is that restricted, I hope someone can help with the scheduels, I can't, sorry. Normally, I would also agree that Manuel Antonio would be better to stay in, but since you won't have a car, Jaco is much more easy to negotiate without a car. You can stay in one of the many, many hotels in/around the main strip and walk everywhere.
I would also agree that Arenal is worthy of more than just one day. Three hours is a good idea for airport. Not always needed but it can get very crazy at certain times, (paying exit tax, checking in and having all bags checked, going through security to get to gates and then going through security again at the gate..so better safe than sorry!

I would also say to give Arenal more than 1 day. It is actually best to stay in 1 or 2 areas if you are in Costa Rica for a short time. Renting a car is the best option as it makes you much more independent.
Check out the Dominical/Uvita area just S. of Manuel Antonio as it is not as crowded as MA and has beautiful beaches, lots of activities, and many great restaurants.

I also think Domincal would be a better area than Jaco.

I respectfully disagree with posters wanting to stay in Dominical over Jaco. And believe me, I can't believe I'm even saying that as I normally would not suggest Jaco. But in this case I think stellastereo has a great plan to stay 'just outside of Jaco (Hermosa is great) for a little R&R and still be close to Jaco for activities. I was a little scared of Dominical last time I was there. (about 6 months ago). For a budget vacation, this area could be a little sketchy as far as petty theft is concerned, more so than Hermosa/Jaco. Just my opinion.