First timer needs guidance to Costa Rica
 

First time to Costa Rica with very limited time to see such a rich natural life country. I need a little help because of a half done travel plan to Costa Rica. We are flying into San Jose and flying out of Liberia. Not counting the day of arrival and departure, we have 6 days and would like to see Arena, Monteverde and Tamarindo. Is this too much? Any better ideas?

Here is one plan we have - Parents with 2 kids - 7 and 11 years old.

Day 1 (Friday): Arrive and check into San Jose hotel
Day 2 (Sat.): Check out and go to Monteverde. Do an afternoon or evening/night forest tour
Day 3 (Sun): Check out of Monteverde and go to Arenal area. Afternoon tour or rest
Day 4 (Mon): Full day in Arenal
Day 5 (Tue): Check out Arenal and go to Tamarindo area.
Day 6 (Wed): Stay in Tamarindo
Day 7 (Thu): Check out and travel to Liberia Int'l airport

Should we skip Monteverde? is it too much to do in 6 days?
thanks in advance for your help, community!

With 6 days, limit yourself to 2 locations. Skip Monteverde.

I agree with Michelle, definitely don't have time to do Monteverde this trip. It's a bit of a hassle to get there; the road is long and bumpy. Not worth going to for one night.

I did a similar type trip, with a lot in a few days, including Monteverde, in 2008. Here is the trip report to give you a fell of the pace and how much you can do. http://www.mightymac.org/costarica/

maybe instead of tamarindo you would consider la carolina lodge. our first trip, with kids same age as yours, and they loved it!

Skip Monteverde. Go with Arenal. Rio Tropicales for rafting.

Tamarindo's pretty commercial, pretty 20-somethings party vibe. How about something else in the area. Sugar Beach?

For your first night, you might take a look at the Toucan Rescue Ranch. We loved it; you get to have breakfast with adorable baby sloths.