Itinerary is 1 night at Orquideas, 2 nights Arenal, 1 night back at Orquideas, 3 nights BDC (not sure what Cabinas--we requested Mariposa for us). A lot of moving around, but my parents have never been and may never go again so I want them to see a lot of the country.

coolbluewater - Just a thought since you mention moving around so much, why not stay 3 nights in Arenal and then head straight to SJO for your flight to Puerto Jimenez? Or are you flying Nature Air? Either way, I think they both have flights out late enough to where you could either drive, or be taking Interbus from Arenal and still make the flight. I think...

Sorry to hear you didn't get to go, I know the passport situation has been pretty bad of late. Well, at least you get to kind of start planning all over again which is fun too.

suzie2, wow...that is what i was looking for. A good reference to birding areas. Thanks alot. I m not sure we can make RN on this trip cause i would probably want to spend at least 2 days or more there. Maybe i could make a stopoff at Bosque del Rio Tigre if its worthwhile?
Yes, we apply for our passports that next week. In fact my wife has received hers already, in less then 2 weeks. which was a real shocker to us since they told us it would take 10-12 weeks to get them.
cool, will have to compare schedules when our is complete to see if we can meet us if you like.
Tully, thanks for the concern. Things are much better now that we are restarting our plans. In fact we are now going for 17 days instead of 14 which is a big plus :)