Pls, be kind, I am still trying to become educated.
Hubby & I are planning a 2 wk CR trip Jan-Feb. We would like to fly where it makes sense, drive the rest. We understand some of the challenges of the later.
Here is draft #1, pls help fine tune.

Day 1. Fly into San Jose-Hotel Grano De Oro

Day 2 Is it worth setting aside a day to see the city & recoop ??

Day 3: Fly into Tortuguero -Tortuguero Lodge

Day 4; Boat around park

Day 5; travel [drive??]to Mondeverde -Monteverde Lodge

Day 6; see the reserve

Day 7; drive to La Fortuna-tour waterfall & volcano. Overnite again at the lodge??

Day 8; Drive?? to Playa Tamarindo-Tamarindo Jardin de Eden

Day 9; Playa Samara

Day 10; Fly to San Jose. Overnite at Villa Bonita? close to the airport

Day 11; Fly to Corcovado. Casa Corcovado Jungle lodge

Day 12; park

Day 13; Fly to SJ-overnite at Villa Bonita

Day 14; Hubby-home-me on to South America

We have not booked anything to date due to family emergency. Will we be able to get reservations for early next year or would this be more realistic for '08.
Thx in advance for your help & patience with my ignorance!

I think you are trying to pack too much into this time frame. I will give you a look at how it will work out for you.

Day 1
Most of us frequent travelers don't recommend San Jose but we have all (or most of us)stayed there at least once. Grano de Oro is a lovely place and having to go into San Jose will certainly give you a greater appreciation for the lovely countryside that you will be seeing. It will also give you a different look at the people. It is about a 1/2 hr drive from the airport. If you fly Sansa, you will have that drive again in the early am if you fly out that second day.

Day 2 Go ahead and go to Tortuguero today if you can.
If you get into the country super late and don't want to make that horribly early flight you could stay in the city this day. I personally would recommend you start out at the Vista del Valley instead if you are planning on two nights. If you want to be closer to the airport (Sansa) you might enjoy Orquideas Inn. Just on the outskirts of Alajuela where the airport is. VdV is a little further out but sooo beautiful. When it is really looked at, the time from Grano de Oro would be about the same to Sansa airport as Vdv. It would be a longer drive to the airport than Orquideas by several minutes in the morning. If you stayed at VdV or Orquideas for the day you could take a trip up to La Paz Waterfall Gardens for a few hours. Hope that made sense LOL. Feel free to ask me to explain that again if you need me to.

Day 3? Fly into Tortuguero for sure- very early flight. Boat tour during the day.
Day 4....do you really want to spend another whole day in a boat? Not a whole lot more to do. There is a chance you could see stuff you didn't see the first day. If not...very early flight back to San Jose.

Day 4 another boat tour or fly back to San Jose.
This is where I start changing things. You were off to a good start. I would recommend that you head for Arenal first. You can pick up a car in Alajuela near the airport. Plan on about a 2 1/2 hr drive to La Fortuna/Arenal.
Overnight in Arenal
Drive to Monteverde (you can't tour Arenal from Monteverde or vice versa).About 4 hr drive. Afternoon Monteverde/night Monteverde. Early tour of the reserve. Leave for Tamarindo today(this is a surfer town-for something a lot quieter you could go to Flamingo or slightly less quiet go to Playa Hermosa) in pm. About 4hr drive to any of the above.

Getting around on the Nicoya is very time consuming. I would suggest just another night in Tamarindo or wherever.

Drive back to San Jose area for travel night before flying to Casa Corcovado. About 5 hr drive. Villa Bonita or Orquideas Inn is fine.

2 nights CC

suggestions
I would leave for Tortuguero on the second day if you can. I would also,if you feel you need to slow down a little or need an extra day someplace else, skip Monteverde. It is a tough drive up and you wouldn't be there long enough to really enjoy it.

You should be okay for 07 but I would really start firming things up by Sept. if you have some places that you really feel you want to stay at.

I didn't work out exact days for you because I didn't know how you wanted to do things exactly. Hope I gave you some info that will help you better see how the trip will play out with travel times. You were also thinking that you could visit Arenal from monteverde which you really can't do.

Personally I would cut out 2 of the locations, like Monteverde & Samara. I also wouldn't go to the Osa unless I could spend at least 3 nights there, preferably 4. Agree with suzie to head to Tortuguero on day 2.

ttt

Ambitious plans - but you are severely underestimating the drive times between locations. The driving is not like driving in the US (or anywhere else). It takes a toll.

I don't think its worth sticking around San Jose for a day. I agree w/ the other poster that you should do Arenal first - but I think you should go to Monteverde after that. I loved Monteverde. Take the "jeep-boat-jeep" even if you have your own car you can pay someone to drive it to the other side. On the J B J they drive you to Lake Arenal boat you across and drive you to your hotel in Monteverde. It cuts an hour off the drive and its a nice boat ride.

Monteverde (or La Fortuna) to Tamagringo will take you at least 4 hours. Tamagringo - Samara will take you around 2 hours. You can do it - but its a lot of driving and not a lot of relaxing when you drive on back to back days like you have planned. You will barely have time to eat and sleep - then you'll be back in the car - or hopping on the next plane.

First of all, thank you once again Fodorites for your kind help.
Also, thank you for your concern about the driving. I know what you are saying I have read about it but I am sure experiencing it is the real thing. Hubby works for a large ride company, has taken driving courses & driven some pretty challenging roads overseas. He says it should prove part of the adventure but appreciate the cautions & the times are especially helpful.
Ok, again, pls be kind but tell me if this draft looks better or has any major flaws.
Day 1; arrive San Jose-overnite close to airport-will look into kind suggestions.
Day 2; Fly to Tortuguero-boat trip-overnite Tortuguero lodge
Day 3; Fly back to SJ-overnite again
Day 4; pick up car-drive to Arenal-overnite there
Day 5; Drive to Monteverde-overnite there
Day 6; early am tour of reserve-drive to Flamingo or playa hermosa [any suggestions for accomodations, pls?]
Day 7; another day on Nicoya peninsula
Day 8: dive to SJ
Day 9; fly to casa cordova
Day 10; day & nite in casa cordova
Day 11; fly to Sj
Day 12; hubby flies home, me on to SA
Many Thanks once again. I will await your replies!

Nice itinerary, but I'd strongly recommend 2 nights Tortuguero, and AT LEAST 2 (3 would be much better) at both Arenal and Monteverde. It just doesn't sound as if you are allowing any time at all to enjoy each area once you have arrived. Each is so special and unique its own right. . I'd hate for you to feel as if you've done nothing but travel your entire vacation with no time to relax and enjoy the places in between transfers! Same thing with Flamingo and Casa Cordova (?, never heard of that one. . .on the Osa Peninsula?). Do try to spend at least 3 nights on the Osa.

A good rule of thumb for really making the most of your travel time is :

7-8 days, 2 locations

9-10 days, 3 location

12-14 days, 4 locations

We just spent a month with 8 locations, including 4 nights in the San Jose area, beginning, end, and middle. It felt just right. And we are people who have been known to do a little hopping around ourselves, 2 nights here, 2 nights there. It has caused us to want to return to a few places and stay longer!

I agree with everyone too much driving we have driven CR twice and getting to Arenal and Monteverde are both most of the day events...on the rode to monteverde we ended up in the middle of a tour de CR bike race and rain so the trip was long!! You need a day to recoup once you arrive...then you have a full day of driving to go back to playa hermosa...i'd spend more time in Arenal and then go out to the coast or stop at the BUena Vista Lodge in Guanacaste they have a great canopy tour, great horses and you get to drive up a real bumpy road to get there!!! Take your time to enjoy!!

Listen to the people above. Even your 'revised' itinerary has much to much driving /travelling. You would have little chance to enjoy any of the locations you visited.

Jerry

No need to stay overnight in SJ again on day 3. The Tortuguero flights are really early and you could get your car and get to Arenal by lunch time easily. You could even spend the day on the road and stop up at La Paz Waterfall Gardens on your way then swing around to Arenal from there. You definitely need at least 2-3 nights in Arenal. If you take the scenic route you won't have time to see much in the Arenal area until the next day. If you go directly from the car rental you will have a day and a half there which should give you time to see more. A lot depends on what you want to do there. You will have been to Tortuguero so you could skip Cano Negro and the Sarapiqui areas. I think CN is fascinating but it will be another boat tour.

Drive to Monteverde through Tilaran.
Monteverde...2 nights at least. So much more up there than just Monteverde Reserve. I love that area and have been up there several times.

Head down the mountain on the other side (this is my favorite way to travel up and down the mountain-drop dead views and, usually, beautiful rainbows)to head towards the Nicoya/Guanacaste area. 2-3 nights in this area.

Leave Guanacaste-4-5 hr drive to San Jose. Leave early enough to turn car in and catch mid afternoon Sansa flight to Drake Bay (Casa Corcovado).

Okay, no more about how much and how awful the driving is. You are obviously seasoned travelers and know what you can handle. The only really rough ride is up to Monteverde although the road to Tamarindo can be full of potholes. Do allow plenty of time if you try to drive from Guanacaste to SJ and catch a flight that day for DB. There can be all kinds of things happen on the road like cattle being moved, an accident, or it could be smooth sailing (for CR anyway LOL). I have seen worse roads in other countries.

Are you still planning on Los Roques? My husband, his father, and our son spent a week there bone fishing. They got terribly sick from something and my father in law ended up in the hospital when he got home.

spend as little time as poss in SJ, it!
s a dump|
i,d choose one of either samara or tamarindo.
tamarindo has a better party scene, but samara has more good priced restaurants and the sea is better for swimming, you should also visit the next beach, playa carrillo for some of the best sunsets in costa rica.
santa elena is next door to monteverde and is less crowded.
you can get a jeep-boat-jeep transfer from santa elena to la fortuna, its beautiful and less hassle than driving yourself, shuttle buses in CR are cheap and reliable:

check out my travelblogs for more info:

http://costa.rica.typepad.com/tamari...ome/index.html

http://costa.rica.typepad.com/samara...ome/index.html

http://costa-rica.typepad.com/santa_...ome/index.html

http://costa.rica.typepad.com/la_for...ome/index.html

Thank you again for your time & patience in trying to educate a CR first timer!
Draft #3
Day 1; arr SJO-overnite Orquideas Inn
Day 2; early am flight to Tortuguero [where is a good place to look for good internal airfares?? Also, Would appreciate any advice on accomodation recommendations. Spent yesterday researching & my head is spinning. We usually try to immerse ourselves in the culture & enjoy residences with local charm, clean & good value. We do enjoy AC but know it is not always possible in remote areas. Also, it is always pleasant to have friendly & helpful hosts. ]
pm wildlife spotting boat ride I've been to the Amazon so I feel one nite here will suffice
Day 3; early am flight to SJO-pick up car [any rental company recommendations? Hubby thinks 4wheel drive sounds like the way to go. Also, have read logistics are a challenge-what maps do you find helpful??] 2 1/2 hr drive to La Fortuna/Arenal-perhaps La Paz waterfall gardens if timing works- Help, pls on where to stay
Day 4; Tour area - perhaps the falls. 2nd nite there [will consider adding day here for Cano Negro or xtra nite]
Day 5; Drive 4hr? to Monteverde-looks like from my reading Fonda Vela gets good reviews-any room recommendations??
Day 6; early am reserve visit- I read it is good to book in advance??
pm butterfly garden, hummingbird gallery & orchid garden. I have have done canopy viewing-from the jungle -2nd nite-Fonda vela?
Day 7; drive Monteverde via Tilaran for Nicoya peninsula-4hr? Investigating Flamingo & Hermosa-any lodging recommendations??
Day 8; tour area-2nd nite there
Day 9; possible 3rd nite
Day 10; early am departure for 4-5 hr drove to San Jose to turn in car & pm flight to Casa Cordova-here I am reading good things about Bosque del cabo-I am also reading that one must book in advance to see the park-is that a good idea for Jan-Feb? 2nd nite here
Day 11 ;Flight back to San Jose-perhaps La Paz waterfalls if arrival is early enough-& unable to do earlier-overnite Vista del valley
Day 12; Hubby home, me onward
Notes; I hear what you are saying about the jeep-boat-jeep but how does that work with the rental insurance as I know you need to specify the drivers?
Venezuela has been sidelined, still on the list but I read about the anti-american demonstration earlier.
Hubby has agreed to 2wks & wants a little time home before he has to go back to the office. We are active travelers. Thanks again, could not have done the traveling I have without you!

I would cut about half your locations so that you can really enjoy your trip. Personally I wouldn't fly to Tortugero to spend only 24 hrs there, nor to Drake Bay to spend only 1 1/2 days there. You're trying to cram way too much into only 12 days, I would consider 3 places, maybe 4 max.

The 2 airlines are Sansa & Nature Air, you can book directly on their sites.

Looks better!

Sounds like you are still up in the air as far as which part of the Osa to go. I do worry that you are only talking about staying one full day. Not long enough for that area but then two weeks for me isn't long enough so hopefully you will get to see what you want. You can get into the park easily as a day trip from Casa Corcovado and people have said they have seen some good stuff. Haven't been there but it is high on my list based on others reviews.

Bosque del Cabo can arrange for a driver and guide into the park but it will require a 1 1/2 hr drive to the end of the road and then another 30-45 min walk on the hot beach to get to the entrance. At that time of year you probably should arrange it ahead of time from there. In all honesty, we have stayed in several places around the park entrance and have hiked in the park there and we have seen more wildlife at Bosque del Cabo itself than anywhere. With only one full day you might be better off skipping the park and just wandering the trails at Bosque. You could do a nature hike with Philip at Bosque who is a great guide. You might be able to do an afternoon kayak tour in the mangroves near Pto Jimenez and tie it in with the sunset kayak tour out in the Gulfo Dulce.

As far as Tortugero goes, my husband spent a lot of time in the rainforests of South America in the 60's and early 70's. Way before it got built up/torn down. He still thought Tortuguero was worth the time. He actually lived with Indian tribes in several countries. He was really heartbroken at the changes when we went to Iguazu Falls a couple of years ago. I for one am glad to hear you are skipping Venezuela for this trip. We aren't the most popular country down there right now.

Fonda Vela is a well thought of hotel. I haven't stayed there but did stop and take a look at it. I have stayed at a couple of pensions, the Heliconia, and Monteverde Lodge. It is good to arrange for a guide at least the day before and the earlier in the am the better for the tour. That is a great time to see the Quetzals as they have come up the mountain to breed. The Hummingbird gallery is right there at the Monteverde reserve btw.

Contact Desafio Tours or Monteverdeinfo.com. for specifics. They both offer the jeep/boat/jeep transfers and will do the car transfer up/down the mountain.

Just a couple of things, ateabag (interesting screen name, by the way!). . .

You asked about a map. The laminated Berndston & Berndston is excellent. I bought mine at Barnes & Noble (they can be ordered as well).

Also lodging recommendations: At Flamingo, the Flamingo Beach Resort is a great place to stay. Well managed, decent rooms with TV, AC, and bathtubs, huge pool/swim up bar, great proximity to one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, excellent staff.

At Playa Hermosa (roads are a little better in that area than the Flamingo area right now), we enjoyed Villas del Sueno, HOWEVER if I had it to do over, I'd probably choose Hotel El Velero right on the beach. VdS was about a 5 minute walk to the beach, no ocean views, rooms a little dark, food very pricey. El Velero was more laid back, casual. I like that. Didn't see the inside of the rooms there, however.

Definitely pick up a 4 wheel drive. The extra clearance will serve you well. On some of the roads, it will almost be a necessity. I'd even advise renting one of the larger SUV's rather than the very popular small types. Smoother ride--it would be worth it!

My onward air using my frequent flier miles is booked out of SJO to SA Feb 4th, so now we have a guideline for the outbound of Jan 22nd. Ok, Fodorites, give us your vision as to laying out the trip with the amt of time we have.
Our dream destinations still include;
Tortuguero, Arenal, Monteverde, & the Osa peninsula. We are active travelers, we appreciate the beauty of the beach but are not beach people. We enjoy wildlife, natural beauty & prefer to stay away from touristy areas, rather immersing ourselves in the culture. Lodging suggestions would greatly be appreciated. Thank you for all and any suggestions. I will be interested in your replies.

Ateabag,

Just a note that Arenal and Monteverde are two of the MOST touristy areas in Costa Rica. And echoing what the others are saying, try to spend at least three days or so at each location to actually ENJOY the country a bit and maybe even get to meet a Tico or two.

Cheers

Jerry

I have heeded all of your advisements & been getting more educated while working on this. I realize that I need to get things in place. After a heart to heart with hubby, we have decided that although the Amazon was amazing, one jungle experience will suffice.
So have reworked. I would appreciate any comments or advisals before finalizing air.

Day 1; Fly Detroit-Managua, Nicaragua. If we take 6am flight, we Arrive at 12;45pm & can connect to 3pm flight to Corn Islands. Looking at Hotel Los Delfines which will shuttle passengers to their island. Alternative is overniting in Managua & following am flight.
Day 2: R&R on Little corn, if we have flown onward, or onward flight to islands.
Day 3; Shuttle to Big Corn to accomodate 8;15am flight the following am to Managua. Overnite Bayside. Explore big Corn this day.
Day 4; 8;15am flight to Managua. Arrange Piedras Y Olas airport pickup. Collapse & enjoy Ocean view Casita & area.
Day 5; Explore area with driver.
Day 6; Ompetepe tours day exploring Isla de Ometepe.
Day 7; Early am airport transport from hotel to Granada to catch 9;25am flight to San Jose continuing to Arenal. Looking at Alamo & Tricolor to rent 4x4 vehicle-any advisements here? Drive to Montana de fuego [pls see earlier post with plea for help here & ?'s]
Day 8; Waterfall &/or volcano hike?
Day 9; Cano Negro day trip? any advisements on recommended tours?
Day 10: Drive to Monteverde. Stay at Fonda Vela-quiet junior suite.
Day 11; early am hike in reserve with guide-sounds like one needs to make reservations ahead-with whom??
Day 12; Hummingbird & Butterfly viewing-enjoy area
Day 13; Drive to SJ-Vista Del
Valley-Tea House cottage-perhaps La Paz waterfall gardens on way if time.
Day 14; Hubby flies home, I on to Rio to shop & Daughter flying down later to join me in BA & Uruguay. Pls, I trust your advisements & won;t plan a trip without you. Many Thx in advance fodorites!

I think you have a plan. Wow, what a lovely extended trip you are going to have! With 2 daughters, I was especially envious of your South American plans with them. Oh, how I wish. . .!!

Truly, everything sounds good. I have just been looking over the TripAdvisor reviews for Montana de Fuego, and honestly, I find it difficult to believe it could be that bad. That said, I don't remember it being reviewed on Fodor's a lot. Probably have just forgotten!

We've never stayed there, but have stayed multiple times at Arenal Paraiso (next door). If you are worried about MdF, try the AP. We were very pleased with it. I didn't, by the way, check TripAdvisor for AP reviews. I believe the prices are comparable. AP has lovely grounds, a nice spa, and ziplines on the property.

We have had excellent experiences with Tricolor, having used them around 10 times. Never a problem.

Also, by all means, book the Cano Negro tour. It will, no doubt, be a highlight of your travels when all is said and done.

Thank you shillmac! I cannot tell you how much your expert advisements & blessing have meant. Any recommendations as to Cano Negro tour operators & should it be booked ahead?
Also thx for the reaffirmation on Tricolor. I am understanding that Costa Rican law prohibits use of credit card coverage for Insurance?
My horse-y daughter is very excited about joining me. She's been a great traveler from the begining& I have been waiting for her to graduate so she can travel with me. College graduation gift [MBA]. She is riding at a well reviewed estancia out of BA one of the days. Then we are going on to Caiman Ecological Resort in the Brazil Pantanal-a working ranch where she can see the Pantanal by horseback. Highly regarded.
As to Montana de Fuego-I am completely mystified. I searched the reviews on this site & all were favorable but it sounds like you read what I did on tripadvisor. Fodor's favorites for lodging have taken me to some incredible places & the book is new so one would think the info current. I am waiting to hear what everyone says.
Many, many thx. Hope I can return the favor with trip report on my return!