Driving to Arenal after landing at 6PM?
Dec 11th, 2009, 08:35 AM
#1
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Driving to Arenal after landing at 6PM?
What do you think of landing at 6PM in San Jose and then hiring a driver to go directly to Arenal? The thought of spending the night in San Jose then starting out again the next morning sounds unappealing. I will be traveling with a 4 and 6 year old from California so I definitely need to take that into account. Thanks for your help!
Dec 11th, 2009, 09:26 AM
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It is hard to say, because so much depends on what kind of shape your kids are in after getting off a long plane ride. As unappealing as it may sound, I would think it would be really helpful for the kids to get to a hotel in the area where they could run around a little bit. Adults would do okay coming off a long plane ride, then tacking on another 3 hours of transportation, but I don't think kids (generally speaking) would handle that so well.
Dec 11th, 2009, 10:03 AM
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We did it on one trip; our driver brought blankets and pillows in the van so we could sleep on the way up. I think it really depends on how you think your children would react. Our driver let us stop at a soda to get a little pizza to go. It worked out well for us, but we didn't have kids in tow.
Dec 17th, 2009, 04:23 PM
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I just drove from SJO to Arenal and it took about 4 hours to get there. As you know it is dark at 5:30pm in CR. I would stay at the Marriott (Belen) near the airport, let the kids swim in the pool and get going in the morning.
Dec 18th, 2009, 04:49 AM
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You will miss a lot of scenery
going up at night but easy to do
with a good driver like www.tucanlimoservices.com
Usually get a pickup from www.puravidahotel.com
Have a rental delivered go up the next day
when I am fresh and can see a lot more.
Have fun either way.
going up at night but easy to do
with a good driver like www.tucanlimoservices.com
Usually get a pickup from www.puravidahotel.com
Have a rental delivered go up the next day
when I am fresh and can see a lot more.
Have fun either way.
Dec 18th, 2009, 07:29 AM
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Our driver's name is Carlos Bogarin. www.destinos-encantados.com is his web site. His e-mail is [email protected].
Dec 18th, 2009, 09:03 AM
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I would not do that drive at night. As was mentioned, it will be late and dark, and kids will be tired. I would stay at the Orquideas Inn in Alajuela. It's only 10 minutes from the airport, but a beautiful spot.
Excellent restaurant. Pool, and lovely hot-tub. Nice little bar for talking to other travelers. Also, they have a fantastic breakfast buffet included in the price of the rooms. Not just continental breakfast but a FULL breakfast. Have something to eat then hit the road and enjoy the scenery during daylight hours!
Excellent restaurant. Pool, and lovely hot-tub. Nice little bar for talking to other travelers. Also, they have a fantastic breakfast buffet included in the price of the rooms. Not just continental breakfast but a FULL breakfast. Have something to eat then hit the road and enjoy the scenery during daylight hours!
Dec 18th, 2009, 09:11 AM
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If you decide to stick around, Xandari is a nice spot. www.xandari.com.
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