CR in 2 wks: To Drive or Not ????
 

HELLO ALL: Been planning our trip from all the GREAT posts here.. THANKS for all your help!! Used Gaialink to book... Ralph is "too cool"!! Intinerary:
SJO, P/U Rav4 off-site to Poas Volcano Lodge + La Paz Waterfall Gardens /1 nte
Head to Arenal/ Paraiso for 2 ntes
Head to Monteverde/ Fonda Vela 3 ntes
Back to SJ, return Rav4, La Bergerac 1 nte
2 day Pacuare rafting Rios Tropicales
Back to Bergerac afternoon & overnight
Fly to Osa/ Aguila de Osa / 4 ntes
Return to SJO @ 11am depart for home @ 3pm

Comments, critiques, advice all welcomed!!!

Question is I like to drive and the freedoms that come with it BUT "IS it really necessary with this itinerary??

Thanks again and in advance for your help!!

It looks like a great itinerary to me. As one who also likes to drive, I think you will definitely enjoy the freedom and the fun of "trial and error"! Be sure to post when you return--buen viaje!!

I would highly recommend having a vehicle at your disposal with that itinerary. Otherwise, you may feel "trapped" at times, especially places like Poas and Arenal Paraiso.
Enjoy your trip!

I too vote for driving. We have done a mix of transportation, similiar to yours, during each of our visits.

Sounds like a great trip!

Enjoy!

Drive, savor every bump and blind turn...come back home and realize just how spoiled we are with our roads. Keep your eyes PEELED on the road from Arenal to Monteverde...beyond Tilaran you can get turned around if you miss a few little signs. Kids sometimes spray paint over the km etc. It is half the adventure. Also, eat at the LAZY FROG in Monteverde. Awesome place for wraps with locally grown ingredients and KILLER coffee!

I don't think you need a car. We spent 2 nights at Arenal Paraiso and were too busy with hikes, tours, watching the volcano, and enjoying the pool and mango daquiries to feel trapped.

Maybe if you were going to be there longer you might feel trapped, but not a problem for 2 nights. And taxis are not expensive.

Plus a car is a real pain in the derriere in and around Monteverde.

That said, Costa Rica is such a great place that you'll enjoy it whether you do or do not drive.