My husband, 17 year old son and I will be in Costa Rica for seven days starting June 7th. We're renting a 4 x 4. We want to raft the Pacuare, so will be heading to Turrialba for two days. We wonder if it'd be best to spend the rest of the time in Arenal or Manuel Antonio. We appreciate any suggestions you may have.

www.riostropicales.com best for rafting

and/or

www.hotelcasaturire.com my fav place to stay

probably would head to

www.manuelantoniopark.com

www.tulemar.com Villa Mot Mot

for little beach time...

Pretty rainy round the volcano these days...

Have fun,

I think it really depends on if you're more interested in seeing the volcano or spending time at the beach. We prefer Arenal over MA, but we're not relax on the beach type people.

Thanks for the replies. Since the volcano is erupting, it seems like a good timeto visit Arenal. How long of a drive is it from Turrialba to Arenal? Do you know if there is rafting on the Pacuare every day? Some info indicates we should book from a hotel in Turrialba. Any comments? We'll check out riotropicales now.

desert_rat,

How did you select your 4X4 rental? Many posts indicate insurance + rental can be pricey.
Do you have recommendations?

Thanks
Travelincane

I would raft and head up to Arenal. Stay a couple nights and if you like it, stay. If you don't, spend the rest in Manuel Antonio. It's been raining in both areas I hear so I wouldn't let that be a deciding factor for next week.

We ended up booking the car through Vamos and relied on our visa card to for part of the insurance. The 3rd party waiver cost $70.00.

We're supposed to be going to Guatemala for a wedding on Saturday, June 5th and then heading to San Jose. With all of the happenings, we haven't booked anything other than the car in San Jose. Do you think we'll be ok just arriving in Turrialba and finding a hotel and raft trip? How about doing the same in Arenal and/or Manuel Antonio?