We are planning our 11 nights, 10 day trip for November 09 and I could sure use some help.

DAY 1: We fly in SJO 12:45PM and plan to rent a car at the airport and drive straight to AOL where I have a reservation for 4 nights. (I had planned to go to Monteverde from here but the drive there bummed me out)

Day 5: I would like to drive early morning to Puntarenas Ferry and across to Montezuma to stay for 3 nights. I don't have a hotel yet. Is this a good town to visit? Is this a good plan time wise? (driving & ferry)

DAY 8: Drive and Ferry back to Puntarenas and on to Manuel Antonio for 3 nights. We plan to leave around 5AM to drive to SJO on our last day, our plane leaves @ 1:45PM.
Does my plan sound do-able and will it leave enough time for tours and such?

I would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks

Do you still have an interest in going to Monteverde? If so, we did the Jeep Boat Jeep with Desafio - costs about $25 per person, and they take you across Lake Arenal by boat and then drive you the rest of the way - it's a great deal, and the ride across the lake has beautiful views. It cuts about an hour off your travel time. We used taxis in Monteverde - cost was about $5 for one ride and $8 for another, really easy.

Thanks Volcanogirl,
But more I look, the more I like the different scenery of Montezuma compared with the Arenal/Monteverde area. With Arenal, Montezuma, and Manuel Antonio I think we will get a pretty good perspective of CR. I think the Ferry will be fun.
Can you tell me how hard it will be to just wing it on a hotel reservation in Montezuma in mid-November? It sounds like a really rustic town anyway and I just assume keep it cheap for a few days. Do you have any suggestions?
Thank you, Gretchen

Sorry, gret; I haven't stayed in Montezuma yet. In MA, I'd check out La Posada, Costa Verde, and Villas Nicolas if you don't have a spot yet. I think you're fine leaving MA your last morning since you're leaving so early.

We liked Monteverde, but we haven't had a huge burning desire to go back like we have to some other spots in CR. You might do a post specifically asking about Montezuma and get some good replies.

www.ylangylangresort.com

best in Montezuma...

Looks doable

Otherwise per VG...

I've always thought Ylang Ylang looks great - someday we'll make it there!

I would be careful driving to SJO on the same day you have a flight. Especially depending on what day you are flying out. Everyone told us how during the week SJO is total grid lock and can take you hours to travel the smallest distance. Also you need to leave plenty time to pay your departing tax, then check in, and then go through security - for us this alone took about 1.5 hours!