rmvca

First time traveling to CR in October for 9 nights (10 days): Current plans--1 night in San Jose (late flight arrival), 5 nights in Manual Antonio, 2 nights at Arenal Volcano, 1 night in San Jose (flight leaves early the next day).

1. At MA, we're planning on a few tours including the canopy safari, a guided hike in the Park, the mangrove boat tour, a sunset cruise-- Any other suggestions? Thoughts about an ATV tour?

2. In MA, where's the best place to buy a watercolor painting, jewelry, or local crafts?

3. Is driving from MA to Arenal Volcano worth the drive? Thoughts? Other suggestions?

volcanogirl

We found a lot of nice artwork at the Si Como No hotel's gift shop. I believe the name of it was something like El Regalo? They had nice paintings, watercolors, wood carvings, etc. there, and it was a pretty good size. As a bonus, they have computers where you can check your e-mail for a minimal fee.

Going to Arenal is definitely worth it. There's zipines, natural hot springs, the amazing Cano Negro river tour, and just seeing the lava flow down the volcano is worth it. We liked Arenal more than MA. The Lost Iguana is a great hotel there - wonderful volcano views.

hipvirgochick

Regarding your question about "is it worth the drive" from MA to Arenal...do you mean the drive itself, or Arenal? Arenal is definitely worth 3 nights, but it does appear you have several activities in MA so it's your choice on taking a night from MA. Arenal volcano is beautiful and quite a sight!

Since you're doing canopy in MA you could skip that in Arenal unless you want to do in another place (they're all different). There are great hot springs (I've only been to Eco-Thermales, but recommend), Venado Caves, Cano Negro Tour (really loved this one, takes you up the Rio Frio to the Nicaraguan border and your guide will spot many types of animals and birds, includes lunch), Fortuna waterfalls and other hikes, hanging bridges.

rmvca

This is great information! Thank you for the feedback regarding the shopping at MA and Arenal Volcano.

volcanogirl

You may want to also check out Tabacon - probably the most popular hot spring, but they keep raising the price, so people are going to Ecotermales and Baldi. We thought it was worth seeing once; it's pretty elaborate, but next time we want to try Ecotermales.

shillmac

http://costa-rica-guide.com/Weather/...rMap.html#rain

This map will give you an idea of what to expect in both areas with rainfall. Arenal might be a little drier, generally speaking, in October. Not sure, but you can check it out.

My choice would be 3 nights MA and 4 nights Arenal, having done both--and we love the beach! Ziplines are better at Arenal (there are 2 excellent ones) and you absolutely should not miss the Cano Negro Tour while there--nothing like it at MA.

At the very least, you might consider 4 nights MA, 3 nights Arenal. I wouldn't do the 5-6 hour drive for just one full day. Arenal has a LOT of activities to offer. One day wouldn't begin to allow you to experience the area.

Si Como No is a good rec for gifts--also La Buena Nota in Manuel Antonio.

Tabacon is a lovely hot springs resort and I think everyone should go there once. The spa is excellent and, although inside the hot springs, it is separate, so you CAN go there without paying for the hot springs. Day passes for the HS are now at about $55 no food included. $70 with a meal (lunch or dinner).

Been to Baldi--wouldn't recommend. Eco Thermales seems to be a better choice these days--lots of good reviews for it, although I can't recommend it first hand--many many others have.

Have a great time--the rainfall map MIGHT come in handy helping you decide how many days where, Oct. being the height of the rainy season. That said, we've been in Oct. and experienced only light rain occasionally. You just never know!

Have a great time--you're gonna love it!

volcanogirl

Yes, check out SkyTrek in Arenal for ziplines; we got rained out, so we didn't get to go, but it gets rave reviews. I plan on doing it when we get back there one day. Have fun!

cmerrell

I'll just throw in another endorsement for including Arenal in your itinerary, and agree that 2 nights won't be enough.

If you are willing to donate 1 to 2 nights from MA to Arenal, you'll have a wonderful gameplan and get to experience two different types of ecosystems. Definitely be prepared for rain. As shillmac said, you just never know with the weather.

We didn't do much shopping in Arenal (too busy with the other activities), but in MA found some nice stuff at Cafe Milagro's little gift area, and also at La Buena Nota that shillmac mentioned. We actually did most of our shopping at the Peace Lodge/La Paz Waterfall Gardens gift stores (and could have done a lot more damage there, time permitting...). You don't have La Paz on your list, but it's worth consideration. It's about an hour out from the SJO airport. We stayed at the Peace Lodge our first night in CR, enjoyed the gorgeous waterfalls and gardens for part of the next day and then headed up to Arenal. Something to consider...

volcanogirl

Good point, cm, the La Paz Waterfall Gardens are wonderful!

rmvca

Thank you all for the additional information regarding Arenal, the shopping tips in MA, and some other things that we may wish to consider during our trip.