shellie_13

Hi there,

I am coming to Costa Rica from Europe later this month. I have arranged a place to stay in Tamarindo until Jan 3rd and I am now trying to determine the best next step. I have 6 more nights to plan and was considering doing 3 night in Manuel Antonio ( there is availability at Hotel CostaVerde). I was then planning either:
a) 3 nights in Monteverde (there is availability at Fonda Vela) OR

b) 3 nights in Fortuna/Arenal area - I am only starting to check availability of some places now.

I am swaying towards Manuel Antonio and Arenal. Am I right ?

Also, what is the best route - Tamrindo to Arenal to Manuel Antonio to San Jose ???

Any thoughts much appreciated !!!

RAC

Depends on what you want to do with your time--MV is more isolated and has more eco-intensive activities, while Arenal is more developed has the cool volcano and a wider variety of options-hot springs, trips to Cano Negro, rafting, etc.

It's easier to drive into Arenal--the roads to and from MV are horrendous.

qwovadis

www.arenal.net would my choice

although Fonda Vela is nice

Your routing is good

Arenal MA SJ

Have fun,

volcanogirl

I would definitely have Arenal on the list - it's my personal favorite. Between MV and MA, it depends on if you want to be in a cloud forest with a cool climate or in a warm climate at the beach.

shillmac

Routing either way, Tam, Arenal, MA, SJO. . .or switch and do MA before Arenal. Very close to same amount of travel time involved.

Agree you might enjoy Arenal a bit more than Monteverde, but there are those who really prefer Arenal (not many, but a few who have their reasons). Both are pretty touristy (by Costa Rican standards, not U.S. standards). Monteverde had sort of an unusual vibe for us. . hard to explain, but Arenal suited us better. We have since found places very similar to Monteverde (cloud forest) that we prefer, less crowded, etc.