Costa Rica Questions
 

I am planning a trip to Costa Rica in January for about a week, hopefully longer depending on work. I am a mid 20's college student, never traveled outside of US, born and raised in Chicago and living in San Digo. I want to go to Costa Rica to enjoy the beutiful beaches and warm waters. I plan on seeing the Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, Jaco, and Montezuma. I have a few questions. I guess my plan right now is to spend the first night in San Jose, the next two in La Fortuna/Monteverde, the next night in Tamarindo, the next two in Montezuma and the last two in Jaco. Which would be 8 nights.

1. I've heard it's hard to do Monteverde in one night, I don't want to spend too much time away from the beaches. Should I just skip Monteverde and stay in La Fortuna for two nights. I still want to see the cloud forests, is this possilble?

2. I like to party and want to enjoy the nightlife of the beach towns. I was planning to hit up Tamarindo, Montezuma, and Jaco. Is it worth heading up north to Tamarindo or should I just stick to Jaco and Montezuma? Are Jaco and Tamarindo basically the same deal?

3. I feel like there is so much to see in Costa Rica, but it's all generally the same. Will I get a good taste of CR just going to Arenal, Jaco, and Montezuma? What else is around these places that I could see in a week?

4. Any other advice would be greatly appreciated.

You don't want to go to Monteverde for just one night; you really need to stay two or three nights to make the travel there worth it. It's a long bumpy road to get there. You don't want to spend just one night in La Fortuna either; most people spend three. We usually stay four just because there's so much to see and do. I'd give Monteverde a pass this trip if you are really focusing on beach time and party time.

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Do Arenal skip MV go to Tamarindo

best for party skip Jaco too dodgy

Arenal Tamarindo all you have time for...

I agree, an Arenal/Tamarindo combo will give you what you are looking for and still allow you time to enjoy it. Don't worry, you can see the rest on your next trip, we all know you'll be back!

I agree with the above. Arenal/Tamarindo, 3/5 split if you'd prefer more beach time.

It will eat up the better part of 2 days traveling to Montezuma (try it another time as it is cool there, also). Tamarindo is larger (to the chagrin of many) and has more to offer. I never hear from or talk to anyone who has much nice to say about Jaco. A little on the sleazy side.

It would be very convenient if you could fly into San Jose and fly out of Liberia (about an hour from Tamarindo). You're looking at a 5 hour drive back to SJO from Tam. If you select Jaco, it's more like 1.5 or 2 hours. That may make a difference to you. . .something to consider.

I don't want to sound like your mom, but just be careful and keep your wits about you. . .

Thanks for the reponses. I really have my mind set on Montezuma, would a Jaco, Manuel Antoine, Montezuma trip be possible? I read there is a 3 hour ferry from Jaco to Montezuma?
I don't know really though, because I really want to see Arenal, so the Arenal/Tamarindo trip is sounding good.

Once again, thanks.

Also could someone tell me a little more about Tamarindo. I heard Jaco is the main beach partying town. Is there still a lot of fun in Tamarindo and also what other activities are there to do around there?

Jaco is indeed a big party town. Its close proximity to San Jose make it a popular beach location for all Josefinos, but primarily the younger set. Lots of surfing nearby, and it is no secret that it is a hot spot for both drugs and prostitutes. Thus the "seedy" reputation.

Tamarindo is also a major party destination and has been for quite some time. We are way more familiar with Tam than Jaco as we've always avoided Jaco (heading south to spend our time at Manuel Antonio), but frequently visit the entire Tamarindo area. There are plenty of great restaurants, bars, clubs, etc. There is an element of leadership in Tamarindo, though, that has always seemed to be concerned about its reputation and tries very hard to lend it as much respectability as possible. My perception is that, while it is a hopping place, it has never quite picked up the reputation of Jaco. Perhaps because it is more of a tourist destination, and the party-goers tend to be visitors rather than residents. Not sure about that. . .just musing. And in no way do I mean to insinuate that we foreigners "act" better; probably quite the contrary! :)

Tamarindo is close to other areas which you might enjoy: Playa Grande is a popular surfing beach. To the north an hour to so is the Playa Hermosa/Coco Beach (also plenty of nightlife to enjoy).

Do consider your itinerary, though, as it relates to your arrival/departure times. Often it is necessary to spend the first or last nights (or both) near the airport.

I do think you'd be missing out if you scratched Arenal from your itinerary.