First CR trip - please help!
 

Thanks so much for all the wonderful advice that you all post here - it really is helpful when you're nervous about your first trip anyplace and the voice of experience is truly comforting!!

My husband and I are planning our first CR trip - 14 days in early May. We've been to Mexico and Belize many times, but never to CR. Recently we've been keeping our eyes open for future home possibilities. I know our itinerary is aggressive, but I need to know if it's insane.

Day 1 - San Jose overnight
Days 2-4 - Puerto Viejo
Days 5-6 - drive scenic route to Arenal
Days 7-8 - Manuel Antonio
Day 9 - overnight with friends in Sierpe
Days 10-13 - Osa
Day 14 - San Jose and home

We like to move around when we travel and get a feel for local flavor, not so much taking in tourist activities. But not at a ridiculous pace either where things start to blur. Any advice on our itinerary is so appreciated! Thanks.

It is aggressive!

I assume you are flying from the Osa to San Jose, or have a late flight home if you are driving?

Good to see you have more time in the Osa to slow down.

Have a wonderful journey!

Earthtraveler: We're planning on driving back to San Jose from Osa the day before flying home. We definitely would like to see both the Caribe and Pacific, but agree that this itinerary is too aggressive. Can you offer suggestions for overnighting between Arenal and Osa?

Your itinerary shows Manuel Antonio between Arenal and the Osa. That's a good halfway point.
Costa Verde is one of many nice places in Manuel Antonio.
Book the studio plus for the great views if you can pay the price.

Probably goes without saying, but you need to get a very early start on travel days, so you can at least enjoy the afternoons at the next destination. Otherwise, you're going to be one day at each place, Arenal and Manuel Antonio. . .agressive, yes, but sometimes this is our travel style (maybe a little slower) :) We always have fun! :)