Hello!

I am looking to plan a trip to CR at the end of May. I have several questions, and am hoping to get some guidance.

1. We land at 12:15pm in SJO - I was wondering if anyone had a name/contact info for a driver from SJO to Arenal. I thought this might be easier than doing a shuttle for the first leg.

2. In Arenal, my husband does not want to rent a car. What hotel would be the easiest to get away without a car? I was thinking Hotel Silencio del Campo.

3. Also, I was planning on spending 4 nights (3 full days) in Arenal, 2 nights (1.5 days) in Monteverde, and 4 nights (3.5 days) in Manuel Antonio. We will spend our last night in SJO. Does this sound like the best plan??? I really wanted to stay in Osa at BdC but given fund limitations will have to hold onto that thought.

4. Will we be ok just getting Hep A and tetanus shots?

5. Only the Monkey Room at La Posada Jungle (MA) is available. Is this still a good option?

6. Is Grayline or Interbus a better option for shuttle rides?

I REALLY appreciate any help! This forum has been so great in planning trips!
Thanks so much!!!!

With your fairly early arrival time at SJO, I would think you could save close to $100 by booking a transfer to Arenal with Interbus. A driver is going to cost about $150.

As to your itinerary, it's a very good one. The one thing I would do differently is schedule 3 nights at Monteverde and 3 nights at Manuel Antonio. Monteverde is a rough ride for such a short stay. We've done Manuel Antonio in 2 nights and also in 3. Three seemed like plenty. But what you have is certainly okay. You'll have a wonderful time!

You're good to go with the shots. And you'll still have the Osa to look forward to on another trip! We were there 6 or 7 times before finally making to the Osa OR Monteverde.

I don't have any experience with Greyline, but think Interbus is very hard to beat.

The trip sounds great and shillmac always has sound advice. We used Interbus and had no problems with it, in fact it was enjoyable and we'll be using them again in March. In Arenal El Silencio del Campo is pretty convenient as far as into town for dinner or Eco-Thermales. Some of the other tours offer transportation. We loved SDC and would stay again in a heartbeat. The owners and staff give incredible individual attention, the bungalows and grounds are great and the breakfas too! They have free hot springs behind their property a ways, we didn't make it to them though. From what I've read taxis and busses are cheap and plentiful in MA, I don't think you'll need to worry about getting back to your hotel. We wanted to stay at La Posada, but it was already booked for end of March. It's small and very popular now, so I suggest you book soon.

Just to agree that interbus would work out great for you, I think there latest shuttle leaves somewhere between 2:30-3:30 from the Garden Court/Hampton Inn hotel area (couple minutes from airport).

I can't adress the shots, as I've never got any for CR myself.

At La Posada you will be close to the park and have several dining options right around, plus you can taxi to many places for a fairly low price. Have fun!

Wow! Thanks so much for all of the helpful input! We are almost all booked - I just have Interbus left to reserve.

I really appreciate all of your help! This forum is a lifesaver!

Just a quick note on the Hep shots... we did them (myself and our kids - husband did not). Found out that you need two - 6 months apart. We only had the first one, so we had some protection. We felt fine about that. Our doctor did not advice malaria pills, but said Hep shots are always a good idea for traveling in general. I know that the medical folks don't always share the same opinion on this topic. We were comfortable with our plan.

If you want to book a transfer call this company. They are really helpful and they do all the organizing with the service provider.

http://www.anywherecostarica.com/

Look for Transport in the right side column. They also compare the prices for private and shuttle style transfers.

Have fun.

I really love Osa, but like everyone said, maybe next time. You honestly could plan your entire trip in the southern pacific, from dominical to Pavones!