This has been my biggest concern on our trip planning from the beginning. Do we even go to MA because of the distance from Arenal to MA in driving time. We'll have a 7 and 9 year old in the car with us. We plan on driving ourselves, at least we planned on it up through the Arenal portion anyway.

About a week ago I finally decided to go ahead and book our MA portion, we're staying in the Mot Mot villa at Tulemar. I convinced my husband and kids that the 5 hour drive would be fine, we'd stop for lunch and see crocodiles from a bridge!

But now I'm having 2nd thoughts about the drive. Especially given a couple of recent reports, one with kids I think saying how the drive wasn't worth it to get to MA. It was just too long. I think Nina, you mentioned you'd fly instead. So, was it really that long? I can't imagine keeping my kids occupied for 5 hours in the car. We easily do 2-3 hour trips, we'll be able to bring a portable DVD player I'm sure, but it's a long ride.

However, there doesn't seem to be a direct flight from La Fortuna anyway. We'll also have our rental car, which we planned on getting from Tricolor, which has to be returned in San Jose I believe.

Would it be worth it to drive back to San Jose and catch a 2:00 pm flight to MA on Nature Air? We'd arrive about 2:35 Then on the return fly back to San Jose? How much time are we saving? In thinking about it, if we have to get to Nature Air early for the flight, we have to return the car etc....we might as well just drive to MA.

So, for those having done the drive, is it really 5 hours? Is that with or without stops? And would flying make any sense at all?

Thanks!

We had a private driver from Arenal to MA, and yes it took us 5 hours. We stopped for a few minutes on the Rio Tarcoles to view the crocs, but that's it. It wasn't a bad drive. If you're worried about it, check and see if you can turn your car in in La Fortuna and then fly Arenal to SJO to MA.

First of all, yes, it's really 5 hours. We only stopped for 15 minutes total. I would do it again because I don't mind long car rides (I drive MYSELF and the kids with no help to the OBX in one shot...that's an 11 hour drive, I stop once for 15 minutes, I'm hardcore), however, my husband hates long car rides, that's why I wouldn't do it again.

My kids were fine, they slept some. Also, I thought the scenery was gorgeous. I think it depends how you tolerate long drives. I'm great with them, my husband hates them.

Secondly, I say I would do it without my husband, but, I would not drive myself, I'd get a driver. We had a driver and it was effortless, but there are some tricky turns that aren't well-marked. We could just look out the window and enjoy the scenery or sleep without worrying about getting lost.

One of the smartest choices I made was hiring a driver rather than renting a car, we absolutely didn't need the car at MA or Arenal, taxi's were cheap!

I think paying a driver vs. renting a car for those 2 long trips is the same price anyway.

That being said, I would fly if I were with my husband, flights are pretty cheap and quick, and he'd be a happier camper.

What I would NOT do is drive to San Jose then take a flight. Not worth it, you might as well drive all the way to MA, not to mention you'll double pay!

Oh and Shell, you are going to LOVE Mot-Mot, even my husband was impressed and he's the pickiest person I know!

Nina - maybe your husband and mine should get together! I don't think I'd mind the drive, I'm not sure my kids will mind either! What I'm concerned about is how kids that age start the little bickering, then my husband gets annoyed and frustrated and then the ride seems that much longer! But then I think about when I was their age and my parents drove my brother and I everywhere. All of our vacations were driving all up and down the east coast and we survived!

We drove last time and didn't mind the roads or the finding our way around part - it was all part of the adventure. We liked the flexibilty of having our own car in Arenal especially when it came to going out to eat and deciding when to do various activities. It made for a very relaxed, non-planned out vacation there. So I'm hesitant to give that up, having had a car last visit.

Nina - I'm glad to hear about mot mot! Did you have use of the Buena Vista pools? I've gotten conflicting reports!

I didn't even know there was a buena vista pool...we thought the Tulemar pool was great!

My 2 cents is that by the time you return the car, get to Pavas an hour ahead of your flight, then fly to MA, you won't save much time. And that is all very tiring, dragging the kids in and out of cars and shuttles/taxis, etc. At least while you have your kids in the car, they can snooze and watch DVD's--while you drive like heck! Break it up after 2.5 or so hours with the crocodiles.

I agree Shill, the kids weren't the problem, the husband was!

LOL!