Final itinerary - review please
 

O.K. everyone, I have been reading here and researching as much as I can. 4 of us (women) leave for CR on Jan. 15th. Arranged transport to Jaco to stay at Club Del Mar for 3 days using it as a base for some excursions. Will go down to Manuel Antonio. Then transport to Monteverde for one night. Have not booked hotel here yet. Next a.m. do the horse - boat - 4x4 trip to Arenal and stay at Tabacon (reservations) for 2 nights. Last night before departure close to airport (not booked yet). Should we do 2 nights in Monteverde instead of 3 at Jaco? We are not surfers. I'm just trying to get a taste of C.R. Any further advice? Is this the correct order to do this? Thanks

I hope you are going to Manuel Antonio to stay and not Jaco? Manuel Antonio is MUCH prettier. As for the order, that should be fine, although most go to Arenal/Monteverde from San Jose first, but I don't really know why. I'm a beach person myslef, and Manuel Anronio area has SO much more than just beaches so personally, I'd stick to the 3 nights at MA and one at Monteverde.

I'm with Ally on the Jaco part but it sounds like you are committed already. You can at least get down to MA for the day. Check out the Rainmaker tour also.
Regarding Allys comment that she doesn't know why everyone goes to Arenal/Monteverde first. A couple of reasons for me anyway. I usually go down during the winter so the cooler temps, up in Monteverde anyway, do not feel so cool compared to home. I like to get out and do my strenuous hiking etc and then have my "vacation" where I veg out at the beach. By then also I have aclimated to Costa Rica.

I have a connection at Club Del Mar so got "a too good to pass up" rate. How long will it take to get from Jaco to M.A.? Thanks for your help.

Jaco to MA should only take about an hour and a half..is that about right Suzie?