CR and Panama - itinerary help!
 

Hi! I'm planning a trip for about two and a half weeks to CR and Panama this summer with my husband. It was going to be in late August, but now we may have to go in late July instead.

We want to spend anywhere from one to three nights in each of the following places:
San Jose - 1st and last nights
Arenal
La Paz (Peace Lodge at waterfall gardens)
Montezuma
Manuel Antonio
Puerto Viejo de Talemanca
Bocas del Torro

Is this list reasonable? Should we add or delete any places?
What would be the best order to do these in and how many nights do you suggest for each place? Any reasonable accomodations recommendations, we can spend between $50 - $100 per night, plus a couple possible splurges.
What would be the best mode of transport between each one? We are thinking of renting a 4x4 for at least some of the trips. Would the weather be any different between July or August in any of these areas?
Also, would it be faster to cross into Panama through Sixaola both directions or go one way through the Pacific border and make a big circle?
Thanks for any help you can offer!

Dear LA_FadeAway,
The plan looks very good, and the order, as you list it, is already pretty logical, but may change a little bit. However, you should probably take out one thing, otherwise it will be a little bit too much, in my opinion. It looks like Montezuma or Manuel Antonio would be the best option to skip (but not both!), because getting the two of them would have some repetitiveness, and the drive is a little long (with the ferry etc). I haven't been to Montezuma yet, but I wouldn't skip on Manuel Antonio! It is just such a beautiful place, with wonderful beaches and the national park is a must. In that case, I would do something like this:
Night 1 - San Jose
Day 2 - drive to Arenal, stay 2 nights
Day 4 - drive to La Paz, stay 2 nights
Day 6 - Drive to Manuel Antonio, stay 3 nights
Day 9 - Drive to the Central Valley, and stay the night (otherwise the drive to Puerto Viejo would be very long).
Day 10 - drive to Puerto Viejo, stay 3 nights
Day 13 - go to Panama, for 2-3 days and then drive back to SJ for the last night before you leave.

Obviously, it is just an idea, but I think a good one to work with. I always reccoemd renting a car, if you feel comfortable with the thought. Especially for a trip this long, where you want to get to do a lot, it is the most logical and economic option.
I think the rainy season is a great time to travel in CR, everything is much more beautiful and lush, and at least 15% cheaper.
Hope it helps. Feel free to write me directly for any more info or advice.
Pura Vida,
Neta Talmor

Neta,
Thanks for the advice! I've also been wondering if including Montezuma would be too much. Would it make more since to do Manuel Antonio first, then Arenal, La Paz, Puerto Viejo, Bocas since I would have to come back to the central vally anyway (or vice versa)?

Dear LA_FadeAway,
you can do it the other way around, but I think it is good to start "inland" and end with the beaches. Especially, since many times people don't get to see the volcano, and it can be quite disappointing (but the hot springs compensate, so don't worry!), I think it is good to do it the first few days, and not leave it to the end (so it doesn't leave a bitter taste of CR...). I think it would be a good idea to stop in the Central Valley anyway. Don't try to do too much, you will need a vacation after you are finished with CR!
Pura Vida,
Neta Talmor

Any more advice anyone?

Since you will be driving to Manuel Antonio after you have visted La Paz Waterfall,
Well on your way to Manuel Antonio along highway #1 to Atenas, San Mateo, and Orotina and then onto Jaco..Quepos..then Manuel Antonio,why do you not stop off at Neta's place..if you do not have time to stay a day or so there, then it would be nice to meet her and perhaps have dinner there.!!!
It is not far out fo the way!!!

She has a lovely website.

Have a great time,which I was there again.
Percy

What is her web site? Would that be a good stop over on the way from Manuel Antonio to the Carribean coast?

http://www.costaricafinca.com/index1.htm

Here is her web site it is nice to see and it make you feel very secluded.

And No! from Manuel Antonia to the Caribbean side a stop over at her place on the way back would be perhaps too close, because she is in the Orotino area near Turu Ba RI, the new tourist park attraction.
But on the way going to MA,you will be passing by very close to her location.

Percy

ttt

Thanks for the info Percy!

Dear LA_FadeAway,
Make sure to write me directly, if you are interested in coming to Hotel La Finca Que Ama. If it doesn't work out with your plans, you are always invited to stop by for lunch. I would love to meet fellow fodorites! Let me know.
Pura Vida,
Neta Talmor

I will let you know for sure once we really start to finalize our plans. July is still a ways off, so I keep changing my mind about what we want to do every day :)